by Diane Rapp
Stunned, Kayla nodded.
“Then let’s go. We can talk in the cab. I want to put miles between me and Vincent before sunset.” Paula marched down the corridor.
Kayla braced herself. If Celeste didn’t want Paula to leave, now would be the perfect time for the ghost to act up. Nothing happened—no odd smells, no cold chills, and no turbulence—as they all plodded down the corridor. A sense of well-being inundated Kayla as they left the ship. Everything is going to be all right!
In the cab, Paula fidgeted with her sunglasses, retied the scarf, crossed and re-crossed her legs, and chewed on her lower lip. “I really didn’t believe Vincent would do it,” she finally said.
“Do what? I thought you said a woman attacked you?”
Paula nodded. “Yes, but I’m sure Vincent was behind it all.”
“How do you know? Did you recognize the woman?” Kayla asked.
“No. She wore a big floppy hat, sunglasses, and a frumpy beach robe. Any actress could play the part.” Paula pulled off her sunglasses and the steely gaze surrounded by puffy, bruised skin, made Kayla flinch. “Vincent arranged the whole thing.”
“You really believe he’d hurt you?”
Paula shoved the glasses back in place with trembling fingers. “I wouldn’t run if I wasn’t sure. You know, he’s done it before.”
“He killed Celeste!” Kayla said it as a statement rather than a question. “How do you know?”
“I helped him cover it up.”
A weighty silence hung between them as Paula stared out her window. Finally, she handed Kayla an envelope. “Give this to Vincent after you sail tonight. I’ll be safely gone by then, so he can’t hurt me again.”
Kayla’s stomach knotted. “Tell me about Celeste. What did you do?”
Paula tightened her bloodless lips into a thin line. “Vincent came to my cabin, and told me Celeste jumped overboard—claimed he needed an alibi, begged me to help him so the authorities couldn’t blame him.
“Once at a birthday party I mimicked Celeste—did a funny high society takeoff of her accent. Vincent asked me to do it again and gave me their room key. Dressed in a green gown and makeup to match Celeste’s, I ordered room service and the steward delivered the food. Vincent went back to play cards with the captain. Later in the bar I pretended to see her jump.”
Kayla sighed. “It all makes sense. You loved Vincent and agreed to marry him. How could you trust him after knowing he killed Celeste?”
A tear trickled down Paula’s cheek. “He pretended to love me. At first I believed his story about Celeste jumping overboard, but now I know he killed her. He married me so I couldn’t testify against him. I must get away before he kills me, too.”
Patting Paula’s hand, Kayla said, “You’ll be safe. I’ll deliver the letter and make Vincent realize I’ll testify against him if anything happens to you.”
“I knew I could trust you.” She pressed a cold cheek against Kayla’s warm face. “Be careful! If Vincent thinks you’re a threat, he might hurt you.”
Remembering Celeste’s recent rampage, Kayla said, “I’ve got friends to back me up. He won’t get a chance to harm me.”
In the airport waiting room, Paula paced. “You don’t have to wait with me. I can get on the plane by myself.”
Kayla shook her head. “I promised to see you off.”
Paula smiled. “Thanks. I keep thinking Vincent or one of his cronies might show up. His people hate me. He poisoned all their minds and they believe everything he tells them.”
“You’ll be safe,” Kayla said. The loudspeaker crackled to life. “That’s the boarding call for your plane.”
Paula squeezed Kayla’s hand and joined the line in front of the X-ray machine. “I’ll be in touch,” she said. Her lips quivered in a vulnerable smile.
Kayla watched the passengers filter through the doors leading to the tarmac, and then she lost sight of Paula. She ran outside, saw the small plane revving its engines, and watched it taxi down the runway. Feeling relieved, Kayla leaned against the chain link fencing and muttered, “Well Celeste, we’ve done it! Vincent can’t murder his second wife onboard the ship. She’s been warned so she’ll stay away from him.”
Steven waited in their cabin, reading a novel, when Kayla arrived. Wrapping her arms around his neck she said, “I took Paula to the airport. She got on a plane and took off—well away from danger.”
“That’s brilliant!” Steven said, planting a kiss on Kayla’s warm lips. “You’re splendid, luv. How’d you manage to convince her to leave?”
“Paula made up her own mind after the attack, asked me to accompany her to the airport.” Kayla waved a sealed envelope. “She wants me to give this to Vincent tonight.”
Plopping onto the bed Kayla said, “Paula told me she helped set up an alibi for Vincent after he killed Celeste. We can’t prove anything, and Paula can’t testify against her husband.”
Steven stroked Kayla’s hair. “Don’t fret. Celeste made sure Vincent won’t commit another murder now that Paula’s off the ship.”
She gazed into his eyes. “I love you.”
“Me, too.”
“Let’s get married here on the ship. Emily says her lawyers will walk the paperwork through the INS to get a travel visa. We just need proof we’ve been married.”
Steven shook his head. “I can’t marry you right now. I’ve got no job and no prospects! We can’t start a marriage that way.”
“But you’ll find a job in the states. It won’t be easy but we can make it work. Lots of married couples struggle.”
“Not me!” He moved away and stared into the mirror. “My first marriage failed because of my career. You can’t imagine how it felt. I’d made a right mess of things and I won’t make the same mistake twice.”
“You think I’d walk out on you like your first wife?” Kayla jumped up from the bed and stood behind him, looking at their reflection. “I love you, Steven, so I will stand by your side no matter what happens with your career.”
“I’m not worried about you, it’s me.” He gripped her shoulders and she felt a tremble in his fingertips. “My mind’s a jumble. Jeremy was my partner and I let him down—left his family without a father and a husband. How can I be happy in a new life until I set things straight? Please understand.”
“Okay. Let me help with your investigation.”
“No. It’s too dangerous! When bullets started flying the other night, I was so worried about you I lost control, failed to chase the shooter straight away. He escaped because I wanted to protect you.”
Kayla folded her arms across her chest. “So! I’m supposed to sit back and do nothing while you put yourself in danger? That’s not going to happen! I can help. Who told you about the garbage angle? Without me you’d still wonder how they smuggle the artifacts.”
Steven nodded. “I’m grateful for your insight but I must do my job properly. If I’m worried about getting you hurt, I’ll fail miserably.”
“Oh wonderful! Go off and do your investigating alone.” She slumped onto the bed. “So, what will be your next excuse to avoid marriage? I know—if crooks know you’re married they’ll go after me to get back at you—any old excuse will do. I don’t believe you really want to marry me. It’s too big a risk.”
Steven’s jaw bulged and his lips tightened. “We’ll talk about this later, when we’re both calm and composed.”
“How British of you!” Kayla said sarcastically, “We’ll sit down over a cup of tea like civilized people. I’m tired of being civilized, tired of waiting until you arrange everything to fit me into a perfect life. Do you really believe things will ever be perfect?”
“You’re overreacting,” Steven grumbled.
“You bet! I’m a hotheaded American, so what did you expect? I react when I worry about you, and I get lonely while you’re off chasing crooks! That’s what drove your first wife away, the loneliness of your perfect life together!”
Steven stiffened. “Indeed. You�
�re right; being married to me might not be the right life for you.” His voice sounded harsh but controlled. “I’ve got work to tend to, so I’d better get to it.”
He shut the door quietly and left their room.
“How very civilized!” Kayla shouted at the door. She pounded her fists on the bed and let hot tears flow. “Why can’t you stop being a cop?” she said but knew the answer. He feels guilty. The man I fell in love with won’t stop until he arrests those smugglers. Why can’t I keep my mouth shut? I can wait to get married. We should celebrate Paula’s departure, not have a ridiculous fight.
She sobbed into her pillow, venting pent-up emotions from the past few days. She drifted into a fitful sleep. Kayla dreamed that she gazed at Celeste, dressed in an emerald gown, her lonely eyes pleaded for help as she silently mouthed Kayla’s name.
Abruptly the image shifted.
Paula’s image shimmered to view—her pale blue eyes looked cruel and her thin lips curled into a self-satisfied grin—and Paula wore the green gown and emerald necklace, Celeste’s necklace!
Waking with a start, Kayla shook the dream from her sleepy brain. The ship’s engines vibrated but Steven was gone. She combed her hair and applied fresh mascara and lip gloss. She tried smiling at her reflection but a cold shiver crept up her spine as she remembered her dream.
There’s something in the logs about Celeste’s emerald necklace, something I should remember. I should read the testimony again but why bother? Paula’s gone, safely out of danger. Why rehash the details of Celeste’s murder? Fingering Paula’s letter in the pocket of her sweater, Kayla caught the scent of lavender and decided to read the logbook.
She entered Emily’s cabin a few minutes later and felt disappointed to find just Emily and Natalia. She sat and described Paula’s departure, how Paula admitted helping Vincent establish an alibi for Celeste’s death. She also described her recent dream.
They sat in silence until Kayla asked, “Which log contains the testimony about Celeste’s death?”
“I’m sure it’s right here.” Natalia sorted through the books. “Why do you need it? We can’t prove Vincent killed Celeste.”
Kayla shrugged. “Something about Celeste’s necklace bothers me.”
Natalia handed the book to Kayla. “Could Paula testify against Vincent?”
“A wife can’t testify against her husband and she didn’t witness the murder. Here it is! The cabin steward was being interviewed about seeing Celeste leave her room.” She read aloud:
Captain: You’re sure it was Mrs. Bollard?
Drake: Aye, sir. I saw her from the back but she was wearing that fancy green dress and shiny green necklace. I knew it were Mrs. Bollard, herself, sir.
Closing the logbook, Kayla grinned. “We could prove Vincent killed Celeste.”
“I don’t understand,” Emily said. “What does this testimony prove?”
Kayla said, “Vincent tore the emerald necklace from Celeste’s throat before she was thrown overboard.”
Natalia absentmindedly touched her neck. “You’re right. After strangling Celeste, the killer ripped the necklace off and flung her body overboard.”
Emily frowned. “But Natalia can’t testify that a ghost showed her the murder. No court would allow it.”
Kayla nodded. “No, but the steward saw Paula wearing the necklace when she pretended to be Celeste. The necklace should have been lost when Celeste supposedly committed suicide. If Vincent still has the emerald necklace, he can be implicated in Celeste’s murder.”
Natalia frowned. “How can we prove Vincent has the necklace?”
Kayla slumped in her chair. “I don’t know.”
Drumming her fingernails on the chair, Natalia said, “I bet Paula knows where he keeps the necklace! He gave Paula the necklace to impersonate Celeste, and now he wants to permanently silence the only person who knows!”
“It’s lucky Paula decided to leave the ship,” Kayla said.
Emily sighed. “What does Steven say about all of this?”
Kayla frowned. “He’s only concerned about solving the smuggling case, so he’s gone off on his own.”
Natalia leaned forward. “What gives? I saw Steven storm out of here and your eyes look puffy from crying. Did you two have a fight?”
Kayla fought back more tears. “I’d rather not talk about it,” she mumbled, picking at her fingernail polish. Heaviness filled her chest.
Emily said, “We want to help.”
Kayla met Emily’s sympathetic gaze and hot tears streamed down her cheeks. “Steven doesn’t want to marry me!” she sobbed. “He’s worried about his job and says I hamper the investigation. I don’t know if we’ll ever get married.” Emily wrapped her arms around Kayla.
“Where’d he go?” asked Natalia.
“I don’t know. I was hoping to find him here after he left the ship to interview staff in the port authority.” Kayla sniffled and Emily handed her a tissue.
“Stay calm, dear.” Emily stroked Kayla’s hair. “Young lovers often quarrel. It’s normal. Making up is ever so much fun. He’ll be back. We’ll ask Jason at dinner and he’ll find out where Steven’s hanging out.”
Natalia stood. “I’m not scheduled to perform, so we’ll all have dinner together. Wash your face, and we’ll go eat a hearty meal. Perhaps Steven will join us after he recovers his composure.”
Using Natalia’s bathroom, Kayla splashed cool water on her face. The fluffy fibers of the towel felt rough on her skin as she rubbed her face dry.
“Pat, don’t rub!” Natalia took the towel and gently patted the remaining beads of moisture from Kayla’s cheek. “Steven loves you, Kayla. I’m absolutely sure of it.”
“I wish I could be sure. While he nursed my gunshot wound, Steven was wonderful, the perfect lover. Later, he got bored and frustrated with the INS. I didn’t blame him for jumping at the chance to go back to work, but I secretly wondered if he wanted to get away from me.”
Natalia shook her head. “He’s nervous about the future. He loves you desperately but he’s afraid for his job, guilty about the death of his partner, and worried that he can’t support a wife.”
“Has he talked to you about it?”
Natalia shook her head. “No, he told Jason.”
Kayla twisted a stray lock of hair around her finger. “You’ve been talking to Jason? Did he tell you what’s going on with the investigation? I was so happy to get Paula on that plane, I didn’t even ask Steven.”
Natalia smiled. “Jason believes the case will be wrapped up in a few days. He’s waiting for information about false identities. They’ll round up the gang soon. Steven needs to help solve the case—as much to vindicate himself as arresting the men responsible for Jeremy’s death.”
“I wish I could help,” Kayla said.
“You’ve been lots of help already. Jason says you’ve got a sharp mind and a smart wife will be an asset to Steven.”
“So Steven should want my help in the investigation.”
“Darling girl, use your brain! Steven’s behaving like a man—you almost died during your first case together—so he’s protecting the woman he loves. It’s a natural instinct made worse because he’s a cop. If you want to help solve the case, listen, think, and occasionally drop jewels of wisdom into his path.”
Kayla sighed. “That may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
“If Steven’s not at our table for dinner, I’ll get Jason to find him.”
As they entered the dining room, the clang of silverware, the babble of conversation, and the smell of hot food enveloped Kayla. Their usual table waited empty and a pang of fear jolted her. Has something happened to Steven? Will our argument be the last memory I’ll have of him?
Jason carried a bottle wrapped in a white napkin past their table. Dressed in a black tuxedo with a tasting cup dangling from a gold chain, Jason assumed the bearing of a sommelier, stiff, regal, and snooty. His wry grin greeted Natalia. As Natalia slipped a note to Jason, Kayla
noticed that he caressed Natalia’s fingertips. It surprised her that Natalia accepted the physical contact without shying away, especially after Natalia’s confidences about “seeing the future.” Is special chemistry developing between them? It would be nice if Natalia could find someone to love.
“May I recommend a fine French pinot noir to accompany tonight’s fish entrée?” Jason said with a flourish of his white-gloved hand. They agreed to share a bottle and Jason executed a bow before moving to the next table.
Kayla leaned close to Natalia. “I thought you don’t touch hands with a potential friend.”
Natalia’s lips curled into a mysterious smile. “When Jason and I met, he grabbed my hand in a hearty handshake and I saw absolutely nothing! It’s marvelous. He’s such an interesting man and I can’t read him at all.”
“He looks interested in you. Steven says Jason’s great, a real straight arrow. I’m sure you’re safe in his company.”
“But how safe is Jason in my company? I’m the descendant of Rasputin, after all.” She gave a dramatic flourish with her hand. “I could mesmerize him with my hypnotic abilities and drag him into my lair.”
“Yeah, he looks real worried about that prospect. I like to see you enjoy a flirtation. Go for it!”
Natalia grinned. “I plan to go for it. I hope he can find Steven for you. Now that Paula’s out of our hair, we really need to get those smugglers rounded up.”
Kayla fingered the envelope in her pocket. She glanced at Vincent Bollard and knew she must deliver Paula’s message. Excusing herself, she twisted through the crowded tables toward her goal. The rich baritone of Vincent’s voice overshadowed the lively conversation until all eyes turned to her.
Uncomfortable silence greeted Kayla. “I’m sorry to interrupt,” she stammered, “but I took Paula to the airport today.”
Vincent’s eyes lit with pleasure. “She’s gone?” he asked. “I’d never believe it could happen.”
“She asked me to deliver this note to you.” Kayla handed him the envelope.
Vincent smiled. “I realize how uncomfortable this situation must have been for you, indeed for all of us. I appreciate your keeping Paula away from the press.” Using a table knife to slit the envelope, he said, “Buster can tell you how good this news is for the film.”
