Murder for Glacier Blue (High Seas Mystery Series Book 3)

by Diane Rapp

  “She didn’t know anything about the names but recognized the phone number of a diamond merchant in London, a place where she worked last year.”

  “What do diamonds have to do with a stolen painting?” she asked.

  Jason held out a small plastic bag with a cut diamond inside. “Cynthia claims Jeffrey gave her this diamond two days before he died. He wanted her to keep it in a safe place.”

  “I still don’t get it. He stole a painting, not diamonds.” Natalia followed Jason back into the Sea Breeze Lounge, where staff had already moved the chairs and set up tables around an open dance floor. A jazz trio played soft music while guests lined up along a buffet filled with delicious-looking food.

  “If diamonds are involved, there’s another avenue for the investigation. No wonder Miller’s buyer is threatening Cynthia.” Jason heaped stuffed crab and salmon cakes onto his plate as Natalia chose shrimp salad, asparagus with hollandaise, and crusty rolls.

  Natalia asked, “Do you think the authorities will place Cynthia in protective custody?”

  Jason nodded and spooned a large portion of Alfredo pasta next to his crab. “Emily got a wire authorizing her transfer to shore. We’ll take Cynthia off the ship on the Park Service boat, and she’ll fly out of Gustavus this afternoon. Agents will pick her up in Anchorage.”

  Natalia frowned and headed toward the tables. “She got protection, so I hope she’ll leave Steven alone.” She sat at a round table covered by white linen with blue and white tea roses in the delicate centerpiece. “I had a vision when I touched her hand, so I knew she’d be gone soon. I didn’t see anything about diamonds, so I must be slipping.”

  Shannon and a man dressed in a park service uniform joined them. “Natalia and Jason, I’d like you to meet Ranger Henry Remington, like the rifle,” Shannon said.

  Jason shook his hand, but Natalia smiled and avoided touching.

  “Call me Henry.” He grinned, displaying attractive dimples and deep green eyes. “I hear we’re escorting a prisoner for you this afternoon.”

  Jason nodded. “She’s actually a witness who needs protection. Still, don’t let her get away since she might be mixed up in the crime.”

  “I’ll pass the word along. Is she part of your art theft and murder?”

  Natalia reached across to grab the salt shaker and brushed Remington’s arm. A shock jolted her and she let out a gasp.

  “Something wrong, Tally?” Jason asked.

  Natalia shook her head but pulled her hand back into her lap. “I’m fine, just got a shock of static electricity from Henry’s jacket.”

  “So sorry. I’ve got an electric personality, always building up a charge when I walk across carpeting.” He touched the metal serving tray and a spark jumped from his fingertip. “See? I’m lethal.”

  Natalia nodded but turned to Jason. “Care to dance, honey? They’re playing our song.”

  Jason’s eyes widened, but he held out his hand and stood. “I’d never turn down the chance to dance with you.” He led her out onto the floor and said, “Since when is Moon River our song?”

  “Since that guy zapped me with his lethal charm. I have a bad feeling. He’s hiding something, and I don’t think it’s safe to send Cynthia alone with him, much as I dislike the woman.”

  “Did you see a vision?”

  “No.” Natalia looked back over her shoulder to see Shannon and Henry dancing. “He makes me feel edgy and his dimples are way too cute.”

  “Cute dimples are a dead giveaway that he’s a dangerous fellow.”

  Natalia punched his arm. “Don’t you dare make fun of my hunches! Every time I feel anxious about someone, I discover that something’s wrong with them. This guy is not who he claims to be, and I have a right to be worried.”

  Jason’s gaze followed Shannon and Henry across the floor. “Okay, I’ll send Jeremy Greene along to keep Cynthia safe.”

  “I’d feel better if you did.” She sighed and leaned into his shoulder. “You know Jeffrey Miller had dimples and he was a crook.”

  “That’s sorted then. Jeremy will fly to Anchorage with the witness and board the ship when we dock. It sounds like a sensible plan.” Jason twirled Natalia and led her back to their table. “I need to visit the gent’s room,” he said with a wink and headed outside.

  Shannon and Henry returned to the table as the song ended. Henry’s gaze drifted toward the door and Natalia said, “The men’s room is outside that door and to the left.”

  Henry nodded and said, “Pardon me, girls. Nature calls.”

  Natalia sipped her champagne and gazed at Shannon. “So, do you like that guy?”

  Shannon shrugged. “I don’t know enough yet, just met him this morning. He’s kind of cute, and I always had a soft spot for men in uniforms.”

  “Take time to get to know him before you decide. You’ve got all summer to meet a handsome man,” Natalia said.

  Shannon’s eyebrows arched and she asked, “Are you taking your mystic act seriously? I thought you paid for the information you used in your show.”

  Natalia deliberately squeezed Shannon’s hand and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she said, “When I touch your hand, I know there’s a man in your future. I can’t see his face, so I’m not sure it’s this guy. Keep a sharp look out.”

  “Okay. I’ll pay attention, but I’m not ready for a relationship. I’m still getting settled in my job and having too much fun.”

  “Love just happens sometimes, look at Kayla. She suffered from a bad break up and didn’t expect to meet her soul mate, but he turned up.” Natalia and Shannon both studied the bride and groom.

  “I always liked Steven,” Shannon said. “If he had looked at me that way, I’d have fallen for him in a minute. I understand what you mean. Are you and Jason a couple?”

  Natalia nodded. “He’s fantastic, but we’re taking it slow. I believe in long courtships since my parents dated for three years.”

  They watched Kayla and Steven dance with their respective parents, and then Steven headed toward their table with his hand outstretched. “May I dance with the maid of honor?” he asked Shannon.

  “Sure.” Shannon waltzed away from the table, chatting with the groom, as Kayla approached Jason. Soon Natalia sat alone watching the busy dance floor.

  “I get the feeling you don’t like me much.” Henry startled her out of her reverie as he sat down.

  Natalia considered her answer. “I’m concerned about my friend.”

  “She’s smart and ambitious. I don’t think you’ve got much to worry about.”

  Natalia sipped her drink slowly. “How long have you worked for the park service?”

  “Two years, transferred up from Yellowstone last month.” He eyed her thoughtfully. “You need to see my I.D.?” He reached inside his pocket and pulled out his park service credentials.

  She let her fingers touch him as she took the wallet. “Thanks. It’s always good to make sure.” She handed the billfold back but sighed with relief when Jason and Shannon returned to the table.

  Steven asked her for the next dance. Natalia eagerly let him lead her onto the dance floor. “You’ve got a terribly serious expression on your pretty face, Tally,” Steven said. “Something wrong?”

  She glanced back at their table and asked, “Could you run a discrete check on Ranger Henry Remington?”

  Steven executed a twirl and got a good look at the man. “Why not ask Jason?” He twirled again and they moved across the floor.

  “I don’t know. I think he’s watching Jason pretty close, keeping track of him. Since you’re the new bride groom, he might not suspect you of being part of our investigation.”

  “Suddenly I feel worried.” The song ended and Steven and Natalia stopped dancing.

  “Me, too. I can’t put my finger on it but he’s a phony with respectable credentials.”

  “Okay. I’ll e-mail Interpol and request a quiet search.”

  He led her back to the table where Natalia quietl
y listened to Shannon explain about her duties as Chief Purser. Jason fidgeted, checking his watch every fifteen minutes, but Henry seemed absorbed in his conversation with Shannon.

  As the ships engines revved, the Captain dismissed himself and headed to the bridge. Slowly the ship turned in place and all the guests watched as the glacier disappeared from their windows. The intercom crackled and the Captain’s voice said, “We will be making our way out of the park but you can still see the glacier from the stern. The naturalist will be available there to answer questions.”

  Kayla and Steven cut the cake and took messy bites to the delight of the photographer and crowd. A few minutes later Steven slipped the blue garter from Kayla’s shapely leg and tossed it to the bachelors. Kayla waited until all the ladies stood ready and tossed her bouquet into the air. It arched high, hit the ceiling, and landed directly in Shannon’s hands. She bounced in a circle waving the flowers and Kayla rushed to her friend.

  “I guess it’s your turn next,” Kayla said. Shannon cast a puzzled glance at Natalia. The mystic nodded as Shannon accepted the bride’s hug.

  “Tally says I should meet someone this summer, so we’ll see.”

  Kayla said, “I noticed that cute ranger at your table. Those dimples make him look just like Mario Lopez.”

  Shannon blushed. “You’re the expert at casting people as famous actors, so I guess you’re right. He’s pretty cute and seems to like me. Trouble is, Natalia doesn’t like him. She’s got that creepy psychic ability, so I’m going to be careful.”

  Kayla nodded and peered at Natalia. “She’s pretty good but not perfect. Trust yourself, Shannon.” They kissed and Kayla got swept away for more pictures.

  As waiters passed out pieces of cake, Natalia noticed that Steven slipped out of the room for a few minutes. Kayla stopped at their table and chatted with Shannon and Henry until Steven returned, and then the couple prepared to leave the party. People lined up on both sides of the room, cheering, and throwing rice as the couple ran the gauntlet.

  Sailing southwest the ship approached Russell Island. Henry glanced up at the monitor and said, “I’m back on duty now. While the ship’s moving through the park, I’m supposed to stay on the bridge.” He picked up Shannon’s hand and bent to kiss her fingers. His silky black hair tickled her fingertips but she repressed another giggle. “I enjoyed our first date. See you next time your ship is scheduled for the Park.”

  “Okay, it’s a date.” Shannon sighed and watched him leave.

  Natalia’s apprehension diminished as soon as the ranger left the room. Jason stroked her fingers and said, “Jeremy’s prepared to go with Cynthia. Let’s go look at that notebook to see if we can flush out more clues.”

  Shannon shooed them away. “I’ve got to wrap up here since the bride and groom are gone. You two have a good evening.”

  *****

  Natalia changed into jeans and sweatshirt before going to Jason’s cabin. When she arrived, she noticed the notebook laying open on the coffee table next to two plates of wedding cake. Natalia eyed the cake, and he handed her a fork. “Shannon sent a steward down with leftovers, says she doesn’t want food to go to waste.”

  “She’s always trying to fatten me up. My metabolism keeps me skinny, not that I object.” Natalia scooped up a large bite of creamy cake and frosting. “Mmm, I enjoy leftovers.”

  Jason leered at her slender figure and stroked her thigh. “I could examine you later to see if you added extra pounds.”

  She slapped his hand away. “We’re going to read Miller’s notebook, so finish your cake and get to work.”

  “I found a reference to crystals on this page. He drew a chart that shows where gems were mounted under the paint.” He pointed at a pencil sketch of the glacier between two mounds of rocks dotted with blue pencil marks. “Evidently the artist experimented with crystals to see if he could make the ice glitter.”

  “You think he graduated to diamonds instead of crystals?”

  Jason shrugged. “I don’t know and Miller doesn’t say. If there are diamonds shimmering under the paint, no wonder people are anxious to get their hands on it.”

  “There are hundreds of blue marks. Wouldn’t we see them poking through the paint?”

  Jason flipped the page and read for a moment. “Pierpont painted over the crystals and carefully scraped away just the top edge to reflect the light. I remember thinking that painting actually glimmered under the display lights. Maybe it worked.”

  Natalia chewed her lip and read about the painter:

  Reginald Pierpont was the heir to a fortune. Although descended from a licensed privateer, the immense wealth of the family was generated from investments in Indian diamond mines. The Hope Diamond was thought to come from the same area.

  She gasped. “You think Pierpont used blue diamonds from his own mines to conduct his art experiment?”

  “It’s possible. It says that Pierpont imbedded various colors of Swarovski crystals in earlier paintings to create specific results.”

  Jason pointed at the next page. “The florescence of specific minerals produces unique colors, and Pierpont wanted his painting to glow blue. Isn’t the Hope Diamond blue?”

  “Yes. It’s considered a fancy diamond, so the color is graded differently than white diamonds.” Natalia fingered the diamond in the plastic bag. “The bottom of this stone is flat, unlike diamonds in jewelry settings. I wonder what color white diamonds glow?”

  He stood and headed toward the door, first stopping to open the room safe. “We need to find a black light and take a look at that diamond. I’d also like to re-examine those fake paintings.”

  “You realize who has a black light to use in his magic show?”

  Jason shrugged and tried to hide his grin. “Sure. Steven won’t mind a quick interruption for this investigation.”

  Natalia blocked his exit through the door. “Not on your life. We can wait until tomorrow to barge in on the newlyweds. I’ve got the diamond and you’ve got the notebook. Let’s read more before we get too excited.”

  “Perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to risk bodily harm just now.” He shut the safe without inserting the notebook, and Natalia grabbed the book.

  “What’s this information about florescent minerals? Was Jeffrey doing research on florescent crystals to insert into his own fake paintings? He’d need to make them look more like the original.”

  Jason peered at the book. “Selenite glows light blue, benitoite glows a mid-range blue, and fluorite glows dark blue. He applied paint splotches to mimic specific shades. Never heard of those minerals, but now I definitely need to look at the fake painting again.”

  “We can do that without disturbing the newlyweds. Come on.” Natalia rose and headed toward the door. Jason stopped to lock the green notebook into the safe and followed her.

  Inside the painting vault for the second time that day, Jason carefully pulled out the copy of Glacier Blue and used a magnifying glass to examine the surface. He inspected sections of the sky and the ice then handed the glass to Natalia. “I see crystals poking through the surface in the same places shown on his drawing. I never realized the paint was so thick in the ice of the glacier. It looks like he used a pallet knife and then carefully removed paint to expose crystal edges.”

  Natalia nodded. “No wonder those paintings sparkled under bright lights. Do you remember the original at the announcement party? It was extraordinary, brighter and more iridescent than the copy. You think diamonds created that illusion?”

  Jason nodded. “Judging by this reproduction, there could be hundreds. Older diamonds didn’t receive the identifying marks diamond brokers use today.”

  Natalia whistled. “Lots of untraceable loot for a savvy diamond broker to market. The gems might be worth double or triple the value of the painting.”

  “Then we have a real problem,” Jason groaned. “We expected the thief to sneak a large painting off the ship, so we’ve watched for a sizable package. If they scraped or burned th
e paint to retrieve the diamonds, it would only require a small parcel.”

  “You think someone would destroy a valuable painting and abscond with the diamonds?”

  “I sincerely hope not, besides every container has gone through X-rays. I’m sure someone would notice lots of diamonds.” Jason replaced the fake painting and locked the door before they left. “We’d better tell Emily about this.”

  Emily frowned as she heard the news and fingered the diamond in the plastic bag. “I’ve got friends in the diamond market. I’ll make a few calls when we get a signal.”

  Jason stroked his chin. “Who knew the artist used diamonds under the paint? I’d expect the auction people would use it as a selling point if they knew, but they said nothing.”

  “Maybe Jeffrey Miller didn’t tell anyone,” Natalia said.

  Emily frowned. “If that insurance appraiser recognized diamonds, he’d have increased the price of our estimate and the premiums. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Is the insurance appraiser still onboard?”

  “Yes. He’s supposed to stay onboard until we reach Anchorage.”

  Jason growled, “Let’s ask him how he missed hundreds of shimmering diamonds during a close inspection. Insurance appraisers are trained to recognize diamonds.”

  “I’ll have a steward bring him here for a conversation,” Emily said.

  *****

  Theodore Noble arrived at the suite dressed in a blue pinstripe suite that didn’t quite fit his squat body. He fingered the one button that was closed until the jacket slipped open, revealing a paunch that bulged over his belt. “Have you found the painting?” he asked, his small round eyes darting around the room.

  “No,” Jason said, gesturing for the man to sit down. “We have a few more questions for you.”

  “Questions? I’m just an appraiser and can’t help you find the thieves,” he stuttered and plopped onto the sofa. Beads of sweat formed on his receding hairline and he reached into his pocket for a linen handkerchief.