Killer Cruise

by Dawn Brookes

  Shirley paused again.

  “Is he violent?”

  “He’s never hit me, if that’s what you mean, but he’s poisonous. He’s aggressive without being physical. It started with accusations followed by an apology, but now it’s much worse. I’m terrified of him because he shouts all the time – it’s exhausting. I’ve stopped trying to reassure him because he never believes me.”

  She started to sob.

  “But that’s not right either. Whatever I do, nothing can convince him that I’m not seeing other men. Chance would be a fine thing – I have to account for my every movement.

  “There was a man on the Jade – my dance partner, Miquel – he could see I wasn’t happy. One day I broke down in training, upset because Gordon had called me a whore. Miquel asked me what was wrong and I told him. He put his arms around me and I cried on his shoulder, but Gordon burst into the room and saw. I became terrified when I saw the hatred in his eyes.”

  Sarah had seen that look by the crew pool and could understand her fear.

  “He pushed Miquel away roughly. Miquel threatened him, but I pleaded with him to go. After that things got worse because he believed he had evidence of my infidelity. I withdrew into a shell and toed the line, hardly daring to speak to anyone – he even kept me away from any female friends. I felt more alone than I had ever been in my life.

  “One night, after a blazing row, I told him I couldn’t stand it any longer. That if he didn’t stop, I would see my senior officer and ask for separation. He seemed shocked and calmed down, and then he applied for this cruise director’s job and got it. Now I see he was just plotting to have yet more control. As cruise director, he has a full itinerary of all the activities. Before I could at least get fifteen minutes’ peace, but since we’ve been on board this ship, he’s followed me everywhere. He always knows where I am and turns up unannounced. I don’t understand how he gets away from his job so often, but he seems to be able to delegate.”

  Sarah’s heart burst with compassion for this woman.

  “Was it worse when his brother came on board?”

  “Much worse. I only met Dom once before when he sang at our wedding. Gordon warned me he was a womaniser back then. I wondered if it might help Gordon to have family on board, but he was more jealous of him than anyone. I would go so far as to say he hated him.”

  “Why did he help him to get the job in the first place?” asked Sarah.

  “I really don’t know – maybe he did kill him.”

  “Would he be capable of killing his own brother?”

  “I’ve asked myself that question a thousand times and I’m still not sure. I didn’t even know he could be physically violent until I heard what he did to that poor passenger on the lido deck. He hated Dom enough to kill him, particularly when he became convinced I was having an affair with him.”

  “What made him suspect that?” asked Sarah.

  “Because it would appear that Dom stole every girlfriend Gordon ever had.”

  “Did Gordon tell you that?”

  “No, Dom did when he made a play for me. He had drunk too much and started bragging about it, told me that since he’d been with every girl his brother had had, a wife would be no different. He grabbed me and kissed me in a public corridor of all places. I was shocked and pushed him away, but not before we had been seen by a young man.”

  Sarah remembered Dave’s story and wondered if this had been the incident.

  Shirley’s eyes became fiery as she continued. “I told him if he ever touched me again, I would tell Gordon.”

  “What did he say to that?”

  “He laughed in my face and patted me on the head. I hated him for what he’d done to Gordon, and in turn for what he’d done to me. I realised he had caused Gordon’s behaviour.

  “That night, Gordon accused me of having an affair with his brother. He said someone had told him, and not to deny it. I cried and asked him to go for counselling. I explained we couldn’t go on like this, but that riled him even more. For the first time, he terrified me – I really thought he might hit me, but he stormed out and slammed the door. He didn’t come back that night. The next day, I heard Dom had been killed and I went numb.”

  “Did you think Gordon had done it?”

  “I wondered, but I can’t believe it. I still don’t. Yesterday, though, I did speak to my manager, Ms Doherty, about my situation and explained I was finding it difficult to work with Gordon becoming more and more volatile. She said she would try to get me moved, but I feared that would make him worse so I refused. Later, I heard what he’d done to that young man and that he was under house arrest. A few of the girls have been kind to me, so I bunked down on their floor last night. Today when I met you and your friend, it was the first time I’ve been free in a long time. I realise how unhappy I am and now I just want to get away from him.”

  Sarah hesitated for a moment. “Stay there, I’ll be back in a minute.” She asked Raggie, the medical team steward, to take coffee through to Shirley and explained briefly to Gwen what Shirley had told her. Gwen picked up the telephone.

  “Leave it with me. Tell her that by the end of her show tonight, she will have new living quarters.”

  Sarah told Shirley what Gwen had said. The other woman’s eyes lit up.

  “Really? Is that possible?”

  “Yes, it is. Not only that, but now your husband’s under house arrest, he will not be able to follow you around.”

  Shirley looked at the clock. “I need to get back to work for the second performance. Can we do the implant tomorrow?”

  “Yes, of course. Come to morning surgery and I’ll do it then.”

  “Thank you so much.” Shirley stood and embraced Sarah then bounced out of the door, emancipated. What an awful situation to find oneself in. Sarah shook her head in disbelief.

  “The more time I spend on board this cruise ship, the more I feel like I’m living in some sort of soap opera,” said Brigitte, stuffing goulash into her mouth in the officers’ restaurant. Brigitte and Bernard had waited for Sarah to finish surgery following her delay. “I told you before, men are scum.”

  Bernard put his hand on his heart in feigned pain. “I admit some men are, but some women can be unpleasant too, especially ones from France.” He sat back in his chair, puffing out his chest in mock victory.

  “Stop it, you two, this is serious. That poor woman has been a prisoner in her own marriage.”

  “You’re right. He deserves everything he gets from the sound of it.” Bernard was a sensitive man who loved his family dearly and Sarah knew he was just as horrified as she was by the unfolding events. She patted his hand.

  “So what happens now?” asked Brigitte.

  “As luck would have it, one of the dancers finished her contract this morning and left the ship to stay with her family in Estonia. Gwen spoke with Waverley and Rosa and they have arranged for Shirley to move in with her old roommate, another dancer from the troupe, who is also one of the girls she was out with this morning. Waverley is going to tell the guard outside the room she was sharing with Gordon to bring him to his office for questioning while Shirley goes to pack her things to prevent a scene. He will then be told what has happened. She’ll be safe while he remains under house arrest.”

  “There is one good thing that’s come out of this,” said Bernard with a smirk on his face.

  “That is?” asked Brigitte.

  “Murder solved without the need for Rachel.” He smiled triumphantly.

  “Yes, I suppose he is the most likely candidate, and he certainly had the motive. What a horrible brother, though. No doubt Waverley will be in his element if he can wrap the case up.”

  “As will the rest of us,” said Brigitte. “I really don’t like the idea of murderers roaming around the ship.”

  “Me neither,” said Sarah, quietly. “I just hope we’re not barking up the wrong tree.”

  They looked at each other before Bernard raised a glass. “A toast. To no more
murders.”

  “To no more murders.” They clinked glasses in celebration.

  Chapter 17

  Rachel walked Marjorie back to her suite after dinner, insisting the old lady have an early night to allow full recovery from the migraine that had plagued her on and off all day. Marjorie didn’t argue, which Rachel took to mean she was still suffering.

  “Sleep well, Marjorie. I’ll see you in the morning.” Rachel kissed her on the cheek.

  “Goodnight, Rachel. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Marjorie winked.

  After grabbing a summer cardigan from her own suite, Rachel headed off to the Jazz Bar to meet Sarah. Crowds were building up in the entertainment areas as the second run of the theatre show had finished, so Rachel had to negotiate her way through excited cruisers.

  She heard the familiar sound of smooth jazz emanating from the bar before she entered. The bar was packed with people enjoying an evening out. Rachel squeezed past a group of elderly men who, on noticing her, parted politely to let her through.

  Chivalry isn’t dead after all.

  Sarah, Brigitte, Bernard and Graham were easy to spot in their officer whites, and Rachel was pleased Gwen was with them as this was more of a rarity. Graham rose from his seat and shook her hand.

  “How nice to meet you again, Rachel. I heard you were on board.”

  “Good to see you too, Dr Bentley, and the rest of you.” She smiled. “I take it no emergencies are allowed this evening?”

  They laughed, but Rachel spotted the emergency medical bag next to Sarah.

  “Alex is dealing with a few minor injuries as we speak and Sarah is on call for us nurses,” Gwen explained.

  “What can I get you to drink?” asked Graham. “I’m treating the team tonight as a thank you for all their hard work.”

  “Yes, take advantage, it doesn’t happen very often,” Bernard teased.

  “If you’re sure – I’ll have a martini and lemonade, please.”

  Graham made off towards the bar while Bernard and Sarah shuffled along their bench to allow Rachel to join them in their booth. Gwen and Brigitte sat opposite. Rachel looked admiringly around at the medical team, knowing from previous experience that the passengers and crew couldn’t be in safer hands if the worst were to happen. They were a happy team who had recovered from the trauma of having a difficult and devious colleague joining them on her previous cruise.

  “You’re glowing even more than when we met the other night, Rachel,” said Bernard. “Blooming, I would say. Love must be suiting you.”

  Rachel blushed while grinning at the small man who always had a happy demeanour, even under pressure. He had come through a difficult challenge on the previous cruise unscathed, despite finding himself in a vulnerable situation which, in retrospect, could have been extremely dangerous.

  “I feel well. Sarah and I had a good day out today, Tallinn is a beautiful city.” She chose to ignore his reference to her and Carlos.

  “It is indeed. I have been ashore quite a few times there,” said Gwen. “Where’s Lady Snellthorpe?”

  “I sent her to bed – she had a migraine today and couldn’t join us on shore, so I wanted her to get some rest. If it was left to her, she would have battled on and joined us here.”

  “Good for you, that lady needs to take more care of herself.” Graham had arrived back with a waiter in tow carrying a tray of drinks. “She’s a rare breed these days, a real stalwart.”

  “I forgot you are acquainted with her.” Rachel smiled.

  “I knew her husband too, he was just the same. Pride of Britain, people like those two. Take note, Bernard.”

  “I will, sir.” Bernard laughed. “By the way, Rachel, were you told the murder case has been solved without you?” He lowered his voice. “Chief Waverley is certain that the man in the drink was pushed by his brother.”

  Rachel raised her eyebrows. “Really? Marjorie will be disappointed, she’s enjoying playing murder mystery sleuth.”

  “And you’re not?” asked Sarah sceptically.

  “Not at all, I’m wounded you should think so. I’m only too pleased if the case is solved. I don’t want the reputation of being a bad omen on board this ship. I am well aware how superstitious you sailors are.”

  “Er, hum, I’ve never considered myself a sailor,” answered Graham.

  “Me neither,” said Brigitte. “I am a nurse who happens to work on a cruise ship.”

  “No offence, but you know what I mean.” Rachel enjoyed the banter.

  “I’m afraid it will take more than a solved case to wipe your reputation clean,” Gwen chimed in. “There was still a murder on board, something that only happens when you’re cruising.”

  “Oh dear. In that case, guilty as charged, but hopefully no more. Why has Waverley decided it was Gordon after all? Not that I don’t believe it, but there are still plenty of others with a motive.”

  Brigitte’s radio went off, calling her away. “Catch you all tomorrow, I’m meeting up with some friends.” She dashed off.

  “Goodnight, don’t get drunk,” shouted Graham.

  Sarah lowered her voice and explained what had happened during evening surgery and how Shirley had opened up about her marriage and the longstanding jealousy and control.

  “Poor woman,” said Rachel. “I actually feel quite sorry for Gordon too, though. Not that it excuses his behaviour towards his wife, but how awful to have a brother like that.”

  “It takes all sorts,” muttered Graham. “I’m not happy this sort of behaviour was going on under our noses. I’ve checked through the man’s medical records and he gets a clean bill of health from the doctors on his previous ship, both mentally and physically. Either he’s a good liar, or the assessments weren’t thorough enough – the man’s clearly unhinged. I’m going to be meeting up with the administrators while we’re in Russia and requesting we delve a bit deeper into the mental health of the crew on board our ships. We have to do better.”

  “Great idea,” said Gwen. “Let’s not blame ourselves, though. We learn from these incidents and do our best to improve things. However, some will slip through the net, regardless.”

  “None can be worse than Lauren,” said Bernard, bitterly. “She was right under our noses.”

  “If you lot are going to be doleful, I’m going to bed,” said Sarah, which brought the team back into the present. One thing about medics, Rachel had learned, is that they are quick to take advantage of the good times. Before long they were laughing and joking, with Bernard playing the jester that he was.

  As the laughter subsided, Graham looked at his watch.

  “It’s after midnight, I’m going to turn into a frog if I don’t get to bed soon.” He stood up to leave. “Goodnight, team, we must do this more often.”

  “Only if he’s paying,” Bernard joked after the doctor had left.

  “Behave yourself, Bernard,” scolded Gwen before she turned to Rachel. “Are you coming to the wedding on Sunday?”

  “What wedding?” Rachel looked at Sarah, shocked.

  “Not me, silly. I haven’t given her the invitation yet, Gwen,” Sarah replied, leaning down towards her handbag and taking out two envelopes which she handed to Rachel. One was addressed to Lady Snellthorpe and the other was to Rachel herself. Puzzled, she tore open the envelope to find a Coral Queen headed wedding invitation:

  PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE WEDDING OF

  Eva Sipka & Darren Higgs

  SUNDAY AT 2PM

  THE CORAL CHAPEL

  CORAL QUEEN

  DINNER AFTERWARDS IN THE CREW CAFÉ FOLLOWED BY DANCING BY THE CREW POOL

  “Now I’m even more confused. I know who Eva is, but who’s Darren Higgs?”

  Sarah lowered her voice. “Jefgeny Popov that was – he changed his name just to be on the safe side.”

  Rachel beamed. “Oh that’s amazing – they’re getting married, that’s wonderful. How are they? Has Eva had the baby?” Her words tumbled out in her excitement. The couple had been
on the previous cruise where Rachel had helped solve a crime.

  “Slow down, Rachel. I’ve been so busy telling you about Jason and me, I forgot to fill you in on all that’s happened to them. Eva had the baby last month, a boy named Erik after Jefgeny’s – or rather, Darren’s friend, who you will remember. Eva is now taking a further six month break to care for the baby and has returned to Slovenia. Darren is still working on board and sending money to support Eva. They have special permission to marry on board this weekend and Captain Jenson will conduct the service. They insisted on waiting until you were taking a cruise before they married because they desperately wanted you to be here for the occasion. As soon as they discovered you were travelling with someone else, they added an invitation for her. They are really looking forward to seeing you.”

  Rachel grinned from ear to ear. “And I them. I’m so happy. I can’t wait to tell Marjorie, she’ll be thrilled because I told her all about our adventures last summer.”

  Rachel bounced back to her stateroom at the end of the evening, but not before putting the invitation under Marjorie’s door. She would explain in the morning. What a wonderful evening – no more worries regarding the murder, and a wedding to go to.

  Chapter 18

  Rachel awoke early. It was dark. She looked at her watch: 5am. Refreshed in spite of having only had a few hours’ sleep, she got up and pulled on jogging trousers and sweatshirt, deciding to take advantage of the quiet and go for an early morning run.

  A mist hung in the air, hovering over the ship and giving it an eerie feel. The sea looked black beneath the greyness; the sun should have been rising, but Rachel couldn’t see it through the grey, despite the ship travelling due east.

  After performing some routine stretches by the side rails, she took off at a steady pace along the outside of the deck. Normally she ran on the running track on deck sixteen, but today she wanted a change of scenery so she chose deck fourteen. The deck was silent except for muffled shouting in the distance. She plugged earphones into her ears and switched to music on her phone as she started to jog.