Acknowledgements: To Alice and Mel for the beta reading as always thank you. Also to Ro, it couldn’t have happened without you.

Special Note: This story is based on an idea produced by Laddercat. Securing the most votes in the story challenge I posed on the JM Dragon Community last summer. Not only was it a challenge for the readers it became one for me too, hopefully I brought to life the idea envisioned when she sent the storyline to me.

Author's Comment: This story was written two years ago for someone who had become a wonderful friend here on the net. Last year November, Ro, "Ladercat" passed away. Hopefully in some small way her life and memory can continue on through this story that she inspired.

Alice Langley bellowed loudly enough for the whole ship to hear, fortunately most of the passengers were elsewhere probably settling themselves in their cabins having just come aboard the small luxury liner.

Rebecca Smyth smiled wanly at her aunt, having spent the best part of ten years looking after her invalid mother who had passed away three months ago; she was now firmly entrenched in another long-term caring situation with her maiden aunt. Looking up she was surprised to see not only the woman her aunt had mentioned gazing in their direction but a pretty blonde with expressive green eyes, who gave her a wide friendly smile.

“Aunt it isn’t polite to say such things.”

“Humph in my day young woman I would have been the toast of the town having that amount of to spend. Typical American doesn’t know how to enjoy life when it’s dropped into her lap.”

Rebecca blushed for her aunt, who was determined to be as rude as possible. Not that she knew why, it was just her way.

Fea Lyon’s had never been overly enamoured by the British, they seemed to be stuffed shirts to her and full of their own self-importance. Turning away to go back down the deck she was startled when green eyes caught her blue ones in a warm quizzical gaze. Oh no! Not another one who has seen the papers splashed with my face when I won that damn lottery. Not to mention altercation with the photographer who invaded my personal space. Somehow I have become a notorious character in the space of a day. I wonder what this one is thinking?

The blonde woman who had heard the rather rude remarks from the ‘proper’ English woman, had been intrigued as to who she was talking about. As she looked towards the person in question she was fascinated as she caught blue, calculating and cool eyes with hers. Holly Maeder shivered at the gaze, she certainly wouldn’t want to cross this woman, and her body language was definitely not friendly. Smiling slightly she broke the trance like gaze and ambled on towards the sundeck, she loved the sun and Barcelona at this time of the year was at its peak.

Holly had passed her boards to become a medical practitioner two months before. Her parents insisted she take a break and what better way than a paid for luxury three week tour of the Mediterranean. Her parents hoped the trip would give her time to change her mind about joining a down and out local medical practice and join them in the family pharmaceutical business. Words were exchanged between them although Holly never really had a chance to make her point, as her parents always seemed to be gone.

“Adam! Adam how many times have I told you that you can’t do that?” A female voice screeched at a young man who came into view.

“Claudia I can do what I want! Maybe it’s time I told Dad about some of the things you shouldn’t do.” The man laughed at the retreating back of the young woman who was muttering something Holly couldn’t catch. Perhaps it is his sister.

The ship held only ten cabins for the passengers, which upon speculation Holly supposed it would be a rather intimate cruise. So far she had observed several different passengers and wondered if the rest less excitable.

She watched the young man as he made his way to the bar area. It’s a little early but some people do drink at strange times of the day. Starring over the railing the port reminded her of any port, cement blocks, cranes and all rather boring. Barcelona had been a treat though, with its Spanish haciendas mixed with crumbling modern apartments. She wished she could have enjoyed at least another day to see a little more of the remarkable city although the luxurious surroundings on the ship made up for that. Beside in the next three weeks the ship would pass various notable cities for her to investigate.

For the first week the ship would sail gently along far off shore for the guests to enjoy the tranquillity of the sea. This aspect pleased her since she was in need of a rest before she embarked on her own adventure called life!

Six months earlier a close friend had shown her the brochure but she hadn’t wanted to indulge in the luxury. The continual spats with her parents and the boards had drained more than she thought possible therefore she welcomed their offer to pay for the trip. Initially she booked the passage for two hoping her roommate Clarice could go with her. The two had been close friends from first day they met at medical school. Initially they had been attracted to each other but soon realised that friendship for them was far better than a love affair. Unfortunately for Holly, Clarice fell desperately in love with one of the tutors, Shannon and decided not to go. Realizing she didn’t have any other friends she really cared to invite on such an intimate journey she was alone, nothing new in that at all.

Moving away from the railing she accidentally bumped into someone astounded when her heart beat erratically as familiar blue eyes searched hers. What she hadn’t expected was the totally cold disinterested look in them, rather clinical really and she’d know about the clinical expression in her profession.

“Sorry.”

“Yeah.” Fea Lyons wondered if anyone looked where they were going on this cruise, weren’t they supposed to be cosseted? Here she was nursing bruised toes from people who appeared not to take care where they trod.

“I hope you don’t think I’m being nosy, but are you Fea Lyons?”

Warm green eyes starred into cold blue ones and if Fea hadn’t spent most of her life excluding feelings from her repertoire, then she might have smiled. However, she had, and she didn’t smile merely nodding her head. Some people were way too nosy, bottom line.

Now wishing like hell she’d just gone back to work instead of taking this vacation her partner or maybe ex-partner now, had insisted she do. He’d look after their private investigator agency and figured when she came back she might want a change of scenery for good. Investigating was in her blood and if it hadn’t been for an altercation or two when she was in her teens with the police, she would have been on the force. Although she was doing pretty well with Stan her partner they had never failed a case yet, albeit they were minor cases, but who knew when the big one would present itself.

“I’d suggest you look where you are going in future. Next time you might trip over the side.”

Holly watched the taller woman walk away after imparting the rude comment. As she wondered how it was that lottery winners always went to the most sullen son of bitches, and the deserving had to continue to suffer. “I will!”

Miffed at the comment and the woman’s attitude, Holly decided to take a nap before lunch. Surely there had to be some nice people on this ship!  Grimacing as she considered the passengers she’d come across already, have they all gone into hiding when I boarded?

* * * * *

~ Ligurian Sea ~

Two Days Later

 
Captain Adrian Robinson pulled his goatee and considered the first officer’s comments for a few moments.

“You say Randall is being too familiar with the guests again Reeves?”

“Yes Captain. I told him this would be his final voyage if he caused trouble like the last passage.”

“He obviously doesn’t take you seriously, which I find hard to believe.” Captain Robinson eyed his broad shouldered first officer who looked fitted more for a boxing bout than a luxury passenger liner. Still looks were deceptive and he had a reputation of being a very charming man, especially with the older women aboard.

“He knows I’m serious but he doesn’t care. Maybe he has a better offer ashore, trying to have his cake and eat it.” Reeves had been first officer under this captain for over ten years and Randall had been a smart member of the crew up until eighteen months ago. Now he appeared to have his own agenda that didn’t match the liner owners.

Once more pulling at the short beard that was greyer than the fiery red it used to be in his heyday, he considered pulling Randall from his post as head bartender. That would only cause a problem since he was very good at his job and they had limited options for replacement. The listening ear they called bar staff and Randall sure could listen except these days how discreet he would be was dubious.

“Keep an eye on him for the time being.” First Officer Reeves turned to leave and stopped as Captain Robinson added, “is it one particular passenger he’s targeting?”

“Appears so, passenger manifest indicates the man’s name is Zito Aurillia. Good looking in a swarthy South American way, not sure of his exact occupation other than a businessman. Not publicly on the wealthy list but you never know.”

“Randall is keeping true to form anyway he certainly likes the handsome ones. Have Lewis work closely with him on the shift pattern. I don’t want another incident like the last! The owners are still in discussion with the local papers after that predicament.”

Reeves nodded and left the room. Yep Randall had almost, almost got them into a public row by having a rather blatant affair with the eldest married son of the mayor of the Italian town where they went to run minor repairs. Fortunately Captain Robinson intervened and other than the newspapers being a real pain, Randall had left the man a sailor widow so to speak. Italians didn’t like their private lives made public and certainly not a prominent local one. There was also suspicion, which was unfounded, of a criminal act but the details were scant.

* * * * *

Holly wondered if God was actually a joker and got his kicks from trying her rather easygoing nature in a big way. Here she was on a beautiful ship, wonderfully calm seas and nothing, to the initial glance, anything to worry about. However if you looked again, the cruise had been inundated with people who scowled continuously, were as slimy as a snake, antagonistic, unsociable, rude, nosey and flirtatious in a brash kind of way, shy and timid. All in all the passengers around the dinner table seemed to be a mixture of all of those, if not worse. In retrospect she guessed people might think she was quiet and probably condescending.

As she glanced around the circular table she contemplated the motley dinner partners she would share the next three weeks with. Starting from her left, a South American businessman called Zito, he was she suspected around forty, handsome and he knew it and totally crass. She’d already dealt him a kick under the table when he’d tried to play footsy with her. He certainly thought he was charming, yeah like a slime ball. However his charm was working on some, remarkably she thought, they obviously didn’t have much by way of taste or were desperate. A little harsh she supposed but he wasn’t what you call a nice man, and she was damn well sure he wasn’t brought up a gentleman.

Rebecca, she recalled from the first moment on board ship as a timid creature quite out of depth with not only the flirting Zito but with the arrogant young man next to her and her cranky aunt. Holly was certain Rebecca’s aunt had to be out of an Agatha Christie murder novel giving her every reason to be timid and shy. Poor kid!  Probably she wasn’t a kid at all and older than Holly’s twenty-six.

The young man to Rebecca’s left, Adam Parrish was the sullen type, maybe brooding was the better term but he was as egotistical as any young man fresh out of school. His attitude towards his parents had her cringing. She had her ups and downs with her own family but not with attitude, as he had shown. The only saving grace for the guy, if you could call it that was his gentle way with Rebecca; maybe he had a crush on her.

Claudia Parrish was certainly not the young man’s mother for she was far too young. An educated guess would be early twenties, maybe mid, certainly no more. She was one of those women who had obviously used her womanly charms and chocolate box looks, to hook a wealthy older husband.

Leyton Parrish certainly was older than his wife and looked it too. No gentle slide into old age for this guy, he probably had always had those craggy aged looks even when he was a teenager. When he hit…ninety he might start to look his age. Parrish senior was a noted archaeologist and independently wealthy, his family having vast holdings in a South African diamonds mine. Holly hadn’t missed the huge rock on Mrs. Parrish’s left hand, indicating the family claim to fame. A very upstanding and stuffed shirt kind of guy but at least he conversed and was quite interesting, he had a multitude of knowledge about almost everything under the sun.

The matriarch of the dinner entourage was Alice Langley, spinster woman in her seventies and the epitome of the classic English cartoon character, everyone including the British take a poke at in harmless fun. Having been a fan of murder mysteries since she was a child, she really did remind her of one of the characters out of a book she’d enjoyed by Agatha Christie. Unfortunately Alice wasn’t the quiet shy retiring type, she was full of her own self-importance. And what she would have different in the world if she were thirty years younger and had all the opportunities women have today you could write a book on.

Colbert Tourtelot was a polite man who appeared to speak little English and preferred to speak French to anyone who asked him questions. A French-Canadian by birth he spent much of his time in Paris according to the snippets Holly could understand with her smattering of French.

However, it was clear that not everyone was conversant, which definitely described the final player at the table, Fea Lyons.  She’d reluctantly spoken her name and not much else during the last two evening meals. The woman was downright austere and she really wasn’t cut out for a cruise and socialising. Maybe she should have taken lessons in talking to people rather than the real thing.

As Holly’s main course was placed in front of her she broke out of her contemplation to hear Zito’s rather cruel remark to Leyton Parrish.

“They obviously do not breed men who have stamina in South Africa, Parrish.”

Having only picked up part of the conversation Holly watched as the older man grew a deep red on his cheeks, pulling off his horn rimmed glasses before replying.

“Stamina in what context Mr. Aurillia? I can assure you…”

“You can assure me of nothing Parrish! Take your wife for instance, she loves stamina.” The words were a definite dig and Claudia hung her head fractionally but not before she gave Zito a telling glance.

“Leave my wife out of this Aurillia, you know nothing about me or my wife!”

“Leave it Dad the slime isn’t worth fighting over.” Adam Parrish retorted but his eyes caught Claudia’s rather than Zito’s the jibe meant for her.

“Stay out of this Adam, this is between men not boys!” That in itself got a response from the son who gave a snort of derision, as he pushed back his chair attempting to leave, but was stopped as Rebecca placed a small hand on his arm.

“Don’t Adam, have dinner please.”

“Silence! I think you all should shut up I do not appreciate a bout of indigestion at dinner! It is not a proper time to have this type of conversation, save it for later and the bar you men are so fond of.” Alice Langley dictated from her part of the table and miraculously the silence she requested.

Holly let out a breath she hadn’t noticed she was holding, and picked up her wine glass and drank from it thirstily. Wow! This is only the early days I wonder how they built up that animosity so quickly? These people sure are fast workers.

Her attention was then given to the person on her right side who was clearing her throat nosily.

“Have you a problem?”

Fea Lyons had to admit the last few minutes had been rather interesting and perked her up to no end. It reminded her of the bickering between couples on the divorce cases she’d been involved with, in a professional way.

“You’ve taken my wine.”

Holly flashed her green eyes indignantly as she replied. “I have not…have I?”

“Yes.”

Glancing down at the glass in her hand and then back to the woman at her side, who really was quite interesting to look at and might actually be beautiful in a stern kind of way if she smiled occasionally.

“I’m sorry. Look I’ll call a waiter and they will bring you another glass.”

Before Fea could reply the waiter was at the table and Holly indicated her error, the glass duly replaced and filled.

“There you go. No harm done.”

Fea gave her a searching look and then rolled her eyes fractionally. Refusing to say more as she went back to eating her meal.

Holly wanted to say more, maybe ask if the woman had ever heard of polite conversation but thought better of it, why bother.

* * * * *

Fea paced the deck after her long and rather tedious dinner. Except for the entertainment of the spat between a few of the other diners early in the meal, it had been rather boring.

Not that she was much of a conversationalist, it didn’t come under her many skills bracket. Frankly she didn’t think she needed it either in her line of work, that part she left to Stan. He could talk a hind leg off a donkey and for some reason people responded to his boyish charm. He did look the everyday kind of guy, the boy next-door syndrome she assumed. She on the other hand was the dark brooding type someone you wanted at your side in a fight as a menacing weapon but not to take home to mother for tea.

Stan had indicated though that he wanted to settle down with Jan and the kids to a nice nine to five job, with minimal risk except the regular kind. He could do it too she’d offered to fund whatever scheme he and Jan decided they wanted to partake. That was one thing about money it helped friends too.

Stopping to stare over the rail at the horizon that was gradually darkening, with several changes of colour from bright pinks to pale greys and now a beautiful orange; the sea providing a great foil for the night skies. A meeting of tranquillity with raging colour schemes. Tomorrow they had the opportunity of six hours in Monaco and the glittering district of Monte-Carlo, which could test anyone’s fortune it was said.  They would anchor in the bay of Monaco and either try their hand at lady luck in the famous casino or take a look at the ancient relics or perhaps the modern plaza that housed the famous shops and sports precinct. She wanted to visit the Palace of the Prince to see the changing of the guard and there was supposed to be a place called The Court of Honour, which was paved with three million white and coloured stones forming immense geometrical figures. According to the pursuer onboard they could even see the great apartments in the Palace.

As she mulled over her proposed schedule of tomorrow she heard voices, one cajoling the other desperate.

“Come my chicken, who will know?”

“I can’t, I can’t it wouldn’t be right!”

“You are frightened of a little kiss? It is not the dark ages chicken.”

“Please it isn’t right.”

“I am not your family chicken and I only want a kiss. Have you not an expression called kissing cousins?”

“Well, yes but we are not cousins.”

“Precisely my point chicken we are not that close, I’d like to be, come a little kiss…”

Fea decided that moving away was prudent after all she wasn’t working on any case at the moment, and although she had a good idea of the identity of the couple she wasn’t about to interrupt, it really had nothing to do with her.

Walking speedily away she saw the woman who was to be her close dinner companion for the duration of the trip and wondered if she could avoid her. There was something vaguely annoying about her, not in a nasty way but a friendly one. Friends she had never cultivated, except Stan and that was more a business friendship rather than on a major personal level. Except for jumping ship she wasn’t going to avoid her, so she might as well get it over and done with and head for the bar and a decent shot of scotch before retiring.

“Good evening again.” The perky blonde smiled at the taller dark woman hoping the permanent scowl would melt just for a moment.

“Evening.” Fea reluctantly allowed as she moved quickly towards her goal the inner bar.

“It’s a beautiful night, don’t you think?” she didn’t know why she was bothering to strike up a conversation with Ms. Melancholy but what the hell there was no one else about at the moment. Except for the courting couple further down the deck necking…oh boy were they! It made her smile to know at least someone was having a good time.

Unable to be downright rude Fea answered. “Yes.” The monosyllable answer made Holly regret trying once more to strike up a conversation with this woman. That was it, not again! She would have to speak first next time.

“Goodnight.” Holly strode off in the direction of the courting couple she had more chance of having a conversation with them than that woman!

Fea hadn’t expected the angry retort, albeit she was polite but the word was emitted with such passion something had clearly stuck in the woman’s throat.  Not to worry maybe she wouldn’t bother her again, hopefully even at dinner.

* * * * *

Ten Days Later

Holly felt remarkably relaxed and refreshed after ten days aboard the ship, it had been just what the doctor ordered and she would recommend Clarice’s prescription to anyone she knew.

Having spent time in Monte Carlo she’d simply loved the Oceanographic Museum it had housed over 4000 fish and around 350 different species. However it was the public terrace showing the Italian Riviera and the Massif of the Esterel that had quite taken her breath away with the magnificent panoramic views. There, Holly would have gladly sat forever and let the world glide by without the slightest worry. They had then leisurely sailed towards Rome, having to disembark at a small fishing village with a coach waiting to take them to the city.

Rome was history!  No one could have imagined there would be a place in the world, which typified centuries long gone, but it had, for her at least. Having ventured to the Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, she entered the Forum from the plaza. Leading directly from there, columns rose from hillocks of grass where the imagination is allowed to work overtime as hers had.  She hadn’t been alone in her awe either Fea Lyons although hidden behind dark lenses had dropped her jaw a few times over the excursion.  From there they climbed the Palatino where the wealthy had built palaces and temples. It was imply enchanting and from their vantage point one could reach out and become part of history itself, or so she thought anyway.

There were still several interesting scenarios opening up with the passengers she had to ‘enjoy’ her evening meals with. Astonishingly no one had yet called anyone out for pistols drawn at dawn.

Grinning to herself she admitted that Leyton Parrish might well succumb to that category, however Zito certainly wouldn’t, more likely he would find someone to go in his place. He had a habit of being in everyone’s life for some reason or other, even Alice Langley! The old matriarch herself was often seen in his company in an afternoon. Although she suspected it was the niece Rebecca that drew the man, nothing like an innocent to challenge a rake, which Zito appeared to be! Claudia Parrish would know all about that she suspected, it was all assumptions but some things were like a boil on the end of the nose, hard to miss unless you were blind.

“Doctor Maeder, would you care for another drink?” Christo the sundeck steward asked quietly.

He was young and very friendly, fortunately not too romantically friendly, which suited her. Having spent every possible sun hour she could here except for the trips to the various places they stopped at. They had got to know each other fairly well, however he wouldn’t stop using her official title.

“Christo I thought I’d said no doctor on this trip, I’m just plain Holly Maeder, please?”

The young man grinned at her, he liked the young doctor she wasn’t his type not the right gender, but she was friendly and good company. He felt that it was a shame she was on her own, then again with some of the people on this trip she would do better without them.

Just then he saw the tall dark woman who had won all that money in the lottery. She was a strange one; rather sullen but polite when she did speak. He’d noticed that everyday she came here to sit in the sun, but wasn’t exactly a sun worshipper. Normally she was clothed in linen slacks, a pristine white cotton shirt, dark sunglasses that never moved and a baseball cap with the American flag emblazoned on the front. She would stay around in the same area as Doctor Maeder until the blonde left and then she would too. If he didn’t know better, he would say that the woman was interested in the friendly doctor except she never spoke to her or even approached her. Nothing as strange as folk his Gran would often say.

“Okay Holly, want a fresh drink?” His eyes travelling to the woman who was settling herself in the same lounger that she used everyday, god help anyone who accidentally sat in that one before her.

“Serve Ms. Grumpy over there first and then I’ll have a ‘between the sheets’ I think.” Giggling as she ordered the cocktail and was given a wink back by the steward.

“Okay Holly, be back in a moment.” The steward quickly moved towards the other woman on his part of the sundeck. Jonesy provided the service on the North deck and he had the South this trip, worked out usually very well. The North usually held the passengers who wanted to have the warmth and fresh air but a little breeze too. The South was for the more committed sun worshippers, which once again made him think that Ms. Lyons had an ulterior motive for being here.

“Hi Ms. Lyons your usual?”

Fea glanced up from reading her paperback and gave the young steward a brief twist of her lips as she nodded; it wasn’t quite a smile but close to one. Anyway she liked the guy he never asked questions, was proficient at his job and clearly enjoyed his job. Although, that seemed to be true of all the crew she had met so far. Randall, the bartender she saw in the evening, maybe enjoyed it too much, she’d always thought the barman image was the agony aunt type on board a ship, Randall fit that exactly and more she suspected.

“Christo?” the man turned shocked at the mention of his name.

“Yes, Ms. Lyons anything else I can do for you?”

“What’s the resident Doc like onboard?”

Surprised at the question, was she ill? “Doctor Fritzroyd is a very able man Ms. Lyons.”

“Good.” She went back to her reading indicating that was all she wanted to know.

“If it’s a general enquiry Ms. Lyons maybe Doctor Maeder would be glad to help.” Christo realised as soon as he’d mentioned the doctor that he shouldn’t, but woman’s stuff was often handled better with another woman he thought anyway, not that he would know of course.

Fea turned her head fractionally and for the first time since she’d been coming to the sundeck she removed her glasses, her bright blue eyes searing him with a sharp glance.

“No thanks.” Doctor Maeder? Interesting.

“I’ll be back with your drink shortly Ms. Lyons.”

“Yeah okay.” Settling the glasses back in their usual place she went back to her reading, she loved thirties style murder mysteries. Having enjoyed several of the on shore places they had visited her relaxation on the deck with a good book was a great foil to the colourful and varied scenes she had been experiencing in the past ten days.

Her mind travelled over the places and she smiled inwardly as she recounted them briefly starting with Monte Carlo and the changing of the Palace guard. Then along came Rome and the Vatican not that she was particularly religious but the place was awesome along with everything about the city and its ancient history. She had also engaged in small talk for the first time since she started the cruise with Holly Maeder who was a doctor. Funny she hadn’t found out about that earlier, the woman seemed quite the talkative type and she did know about her profession.  Then again she could have asked couldn’t she but as usual she hadn’t wanted to invade anyone else’s personal space, it was one of her cardinal rules. Her thoughts had run riot for a few moments when she uncharacteristically threw coins into a fountain; otherwise she was her normal self.

After Rome they travelled the rocky coastline and berthed for a half day to take in the picture postcard village of Sorrento, which hugged the cliff side like a miniature village. A part of her wondered what it would be like to give up the rat race and settle in such an idyllic spot, with little to do but take a boat out to fish and return home to watch the sun go down over this tranquil part of the world.

They had taken a couple of slow sailing days to reach the next destination, Malta and the city of the Knights of the Order of St John otherwise known as Valletta. A splendidly preserved sixteenth century walled city and so easy to walk around with its cool breezes coming in from the harbour to temper the heat of the Mediterranean sun. She’d loved touring the Fort St Elmo with the guides all dressed as knights and the re-staging of historic battles. It had fascinated her and she felt like she could have easily dropped into that kind of era and been a knight, until she realised that men were the knights and the ladies stayed home. As she recalled that point her eyes travelled discreetly to Holly Maeder who was taking in the sun, yeah she would have made a great lady, waiting home for her knight in shining armour to come back from the crusades.  The thought made her chuckle and she quickly coughed to disguise the bubble that had burst, the sun must be getting to her with those fanciful ideas.

Tomorrow they would set off for the port of Piraeus and the trip to Athens.

* * * * *

~ Ionian Sea ~

Early Morning

 
“Are you certain?”

“Yes Captain, the passenger is dead, Randall made the discovery early this morning.”

“Has Doctor Fritzroyd given his opinion of the cause of death yet?”

Damn only six more days of the voyage left and some wonderful passenger decides it’s time to take a side trip, one that they wouldn’t be coming back from. Could only happen on my watch!

“Not yet sir he’s in the cabin now.”

“Take the bridge Reeves and I’ll go and take a look myself. Remember no leaking to the other passengers yet we want to clarify the cause of death first then decide what to do next.”

The Captain strode off towards the deck, which held the dead person.

* * * * *

“I had nothing to do with this I swear!” Randall shifted around the room muttering as the doctor examined the body.

“Randall I’m trying to work here will you please shut up!”

Doctor Fritzroyd had experiences with the odd body in the cabin before now usually there was a straightforward explanation like a heart attack and the victim had died peacefully in their sleep. Looked that way in this case, except that the panic on Randall’s face implied that there could be more to it than a simple case of natural causes. Well, he wasn’t an investigator and he had chosen to practice on a cruise liner to get away from the melodrama of a busy active medical practice. Leave that to the younger fellows, he was happy to have this luxury life and a decent pay to go with it. Best of both worlds in his case and who knew when his particular boat might come in with the opportunity to meet all these wealthy people, especially the wealthy widows.

“Yes Randall, please keep quiet.” Captain Robinson reiterated as he walked into the cabin.

“Yes Captain.”

Randall stood completely still as the ship’s captain came over to examine the body with his own eyes, sure enough that was one dead body.

“What do you know Doctor?”

“Not conclusive but I’d say a heart attack most likely, an autopsy will confirm, once you get him ashore.”

Pulling at his beard his mind ran the protocol in this situation and the guidelines were clear. He would contact the nearest authorities and ask for instructions. Usually if the circumstances were relatively straightforward they could proceed to their next destination and continue the formalities once the ship docked. If the Doctor was correct with his diagnosis that would be the option taken.

“Are you ruling out foul play?” The captain’s eyes strayed to Randall who looked decidedly uncomfortable, he was frowning heavily and the sweat became evident over his top lip. Perhaps it wasn’t straightforward.

“Initial thoughts yes.” Robinson’s eyes never left Randall who closed them briefly at the doctor’s verdict.

“Humph I guess that will have to do, I want your report on my desk in thirty minutes. Randall I’ll see you in thirty-five minutes after I receive the report, lock the door and advise Lewis of the situation. I assume you want the body to be taken to the freezer hold?”

“Yes, I’ll arrange it.” Dr. Fritzroyd said quickly, wanting the matter over and done with. He knew that Captain Robinson was a very intelligent man and if there were any suspicious circumstances then he would want the people responsible brought to justice. He hated any of his journeys to be under suspicion he was a meticulous man.

Captain Robinson left the room and went back towards the communications room; things had been going too well on this cruise obviously. Strange how Randall looked rather guilty, now I wonder why?

* * * * *

“They put him in the brig? I didn’t realise that cruise liners had a jail, what is it first class accommodation facilities too?” Holly grinned, although the reason for the man being withheld his freedom was rather sad.

“Yes Holly but he didn’t do anything I swear.”

“Okay Christo, Randall might not have done anything, from the gossip I heard it was a heart attack, unfortunately that happens. Nothing particularly sinister there.”

“The doctor wasn’t sure and the captain decided that as Randall was the last one on the scene it was prudent to await the official outcome when we get to port tomorrow afternoon. Except the authorities at the port might not be very amenable to Randall.”

Holly pondered that one and was about to ask when Fea Lyons right on time arrived in their vicinity of the deck. An idea popped into her head as she watched the dark headed woman take her usual place on the deck.

“Christo you should ask Ms. Lyons her opinion, I’m sure she’s familiar with cases like this.” The blonde and the steward both turned their gazes to the woman in question and were suddenly caught starring as the dark lenses flashed at them.

Unable to gauge the temperament behind the lenses they were caught off guard when Fea Lyons responded without prompting.

“You two got a problem?”

“Why no Ms. Lyons Doctor Maeder here was wondering if….” He didn’t finish as the glasses were removed and cold blue’s tracked to Holly quizzically.

“Doctor…you were wondering?” Holly had to admit that Fea Lyons had a sexy voice pity she didn’t speak much.

“Not wondering that’s the wrong expression, merely interested in your opinion of the death of one of the passengers Mr. Aurillia.”

Well, it was the truth just couched in a different way.

“I don’t speculate I prefer fact.”

“I see, in that case.” Fea had expected the smaller woman to end the conversation at that point, she was surprised and in a strange way pleased when Holly continued. “Fact the passenger is dead. Fact Randall the bartender is now under ship arrest. Fact…well it’s not a fact really merely a professional opinion, the passenger had a heart attack.”

Then something totally unexpected happened, Fea Lyons smiled, yes a wide enchanting smile. Exhibiting perfectly proportioned white teeth. It was awesome and changed the whole countenance of the woman…she was stunning!

“Your facts, as you call them, imply that the passenger may have died in suspicious circumstances, or it is merely a precaution by the Captain to appease the authorities. I’d like my scotch now.”

Turning over the pages of her paperback she ignored the dropped jaws of the two people next to her and continued her novel, it was just getting interesting.

“Right with you Ms. Lyons.” Christo shrugged his shoulders and left Holly still gapping at the woman who now seemed oblivious to her.

“Don’t you usually sit over there?” A slim finger pointed to where Holly had her towel on the lounger.

“Yeah, yeah I do but…wow.” As she walked away, she wasn’t positive mind you, but she could have sworn Fea Lyons chuckled.

* * * * *

Dinner that evening was a rather strained affair, no one asked where several members of the table were, after all the deceased had appeared to have an influence on most of them around the table.

Holly was disappointed when Fea Lyons place was also vacant, she’d really hoped that the woman was thawing and that smile…WOW!

So here she was with Adam Parrish, Alice Langley and Colbert Tourtelot. A small select crowd Alice would no doubt remark but she didn’t, allowing Holly to speculate why Rebecca hadn’t turned up.

“You’ve got a wonderful tan my dear but then with the flawless skin young people have it’s not surprising. In my day we didn’t have the help of all those cosmetic creams you young things like to pander to, we relied on good old fashioned mother nature.”

Holly smiled at Alice, she might be in her seventies but she didn’t look a day over fifty, her skin was superb. Fortunately she had pretty good skin also, might have had acne as a kid but not now.

“I can see that Alice, you have a great complexion. My dad would be grimacing if he could hear what you just said, he produced the formula for quite a successful anti-ageing cream in the States, lots of women swear by it my mother included.”

“That would be dear?” the older woman sipped her red wine as her beady brown eyes looked directly at Holly.

“Everlasting.” Those beady eyes now opened as wide as they could obviously the name meant something.

“Your father is a chemist for the company that made Everlasting? It is a high profile brand, I have heard of it naturally.”

Smiling slightly she hadn’t missed the concentrated looks she received from the men at the table. Here it was the heiress to a fortune pitch, not that she would take notice of a pitch she wasn’t interested in anyone at the table.

“I guess you could call him that, he’s a research doctor by profession. The formula came along by accident when he was looking for something else, lucky break.”

Adam Parrish’s grey eyes held a desultory look about them as he joined the conversation. “You joined daddies footsteps, didn’t you say you were a doctor?”

The smile she gave the younger man was forced, his sarcasm wasn’t veiled in anyway, and he obviously had problems with that concept. Then perhaps not, knowing whom his father was, it wasn’t easy following a successful parent. In her case two, her mother, a publicity genius and had been on the cover of Newsweek several times over the past ten years, she was more of a celebrity than her father. “Nope, research isn’t my field I’m more hands on, general practice, at least I will be when this vacation ends.”

“Forgive me mademoiselle but you do not need to work.”

The little man could talk English after all. “True Mr. Tourtelot, however medicine is a vocation you know like becoming a nun.”

“No doctors I ever came across would put their profession in the same category as a religious order, then again times change.” Fea Lyons remarked dryly as she sat down at her normal seat the waiter quickly asking her if she wanted the first course. Refusing the first two courses she would be quite happy to have her main course with the rest of the table.

Holly grinned she couldn’t help it and she was certain if she looked into those blue eyes they would be filled with laughter too, but she didn’t want to find out if it wasn’t true, so looked away.

“Times and people, surprising you unexpectedly.” Wanting to say just like you but decided against it.

“I’m sure they do.” Fea picked up her glass of wine and sipped it, relishing the bouquet and the fruity taste on her tongue.

With her heart pounding Holly glanced across at the averted profile of the woman at her side. Not only did she have beautiful features when she relaxed she had great skin too; it was tinted with that Mediterranean strain, naturally lovely.

Opps here she was fantasising and over this taciturn woman, time she got back into the relationship real world and went out on a date or two, at this rate she could be considered desperate.

“You’ve heard the…news Ms. Lyons?” Adam Parrish asked interested in her reaction, strangely enough he hadn’t been sarcastic or otherwise obnoxious to this woman. He had the idea that she would feed him to the dogs if he stepped out of line; he therefore chose to tease the easy game instead.

“News?” There it was again the one word answer to any question, surely she could do better than that, especially as she did know what was going on.

“Yes, Zito appears to have declined our invitation to dine the rest of the cruise and taken a trip to hell in all likelihood.” The young man spat out his obvious dislike, leaving everyone who heard him in no doubt that he hoped the man ill, even in death.

“Maybe the food tastes better in hell.”

Holly placed a hand over her mouth as she attempted to stop the snicker at the woman’s attempt at a joke, however poor taste it might be.

Adam Parrish grinned and gave Fea thumbs up, what he hadn’t bargained for was the scraping back of a chair and Alice Langley muttering something they couldn’t make out and fled the room.

“Was it something I said?” Fea remarked as her meal was placed in front of her picking up her fork.

“The comment was rather tasteless Mademoiselle Lyons, the man is dead after all.” Colbert stated as he picked up his red wine and drank heavily from the glass.

“Sorry Tourtelot, my sense of humour isn’t to everyone’s taste obviously.”

Holly looked down at her meal and stifled a grin, was this, the same woman who had spent the previous part of the cruise aloof and unapproachable? She had spoken more in the last ten minutes than she had the whole of the trip so far.

“It was a heart attack according to the doctor onboard. Although foul play can’t be ruled out.”

All eyes turned to Fea as she tucked into her steak with relish.

“Care to elaborate that?”

“Elaborate the heart attack? Straightforward I would have said, to you especially doctor.”

Turning in her chair green eyes sparkled with interest as they locked with blue. “No! The foul play, is it a professional opinion or have you inside information?”

Fea felt herself warming to the blonde at her side for a moment, allowing her to smile for a brief second then the shutters came down. “Now that would be telling.”

“I’m sure it would, we are waiting aren’t we gentlemen?” Holly flashed a quick smile to the two men at the table that looked decidedly uncomfortable at the turn in the conversation.

“When I’ve seen the Captain I might just do that doc.”

Knowing she wasn’t going to get much more from the woman Holly began to eat her meal, as a silence descended on the table, until Colbert and Adam excused themselves after the main course and left.

Pitching in another comment as coffee was served, Holly with a wide smile asked. “You were teasing with that comment about the Captain?”

Fea’s face never changed as she sipped her coffee and selected a mint to accompany the beverage. As she tore off the wrapper she turned to Holly and mesmerised the woman with a startling smile.

“How very astute of you doctor, perhaps you should have been a detective. Have a good rest of the evening.”

Holly was left alone with the parting remark and had to shake her head at the rather strange woman Fea Lyons was turning out to be. Holly watched Fea several times on their trips to the various cities and places of interest. Once in Rome they had even been seated together when they had lunch on the oldest Café in Rome, Caffe Greco. Not that she minded, however the woman had been so uncommunicative, no one else invaded her space. Sad really for any person to be that alone and apparently enjoy it.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

Dark lenses reflected back at her as she was held in a critical gaze for brief moments. “Sure, the seat is free.”

“I’m sure it…thanks.” Holly quickly stopped herself replying that she was sure it would be who in their right mind wanted lunch spoiled with such morose company.

What shocked Holly the most was that Fea actually struck up a conversation about some of the sights they had seen over the last few days and found she was remarkably knowledgeable.

“Have you taken a degree in European history?”

Once again she was scrutinised but this time the lenses had been removed and blue eyes captured hers for a moment, trying to work out if the question was filled with mockery.  Deciding the blonde was being friendly she replied.

“I have a photographic memory for some things, not everything but if it interests me I retain it for possible use later.”

Smiling widely Holly was astounded that Fea had given that much away about herself. Wonder if she was interested enough in her to remember anything about her, “that must be a bonus in your line of work.”

“Yes, and a curse in certain circumstances.”

Holly never did find out what those circumstances were, as they were rounded up to visit the next historic place of interest. Quickly, they both demolished what was left of the coffee and cookies. Both were startled when each ordered the same thing. Then Fea quickly collected her dark lenses and strode off to take her seat at the back of the small bus.

* * * * *

Fea had taken her usual stroll around the deck and headed for the bar, pity Randall wasn’t going to be on this evening he really made the best cocktails this side of Manhattan. Her mind then ran a few interesting scenarios concerning the death of Zito.

He could have died in his sleep as the doctor suggests. He could have suffered a massive fatal heart attack caused by a multitude of things; the man appeared to go in for excesses. He could have been murdered he certainly wasn’t the most well liked person onboard. Strangely enough he had influence on many of the people who shared the dinner table, making him a prime target for foul play.

Laughing softly she entered the bar and walked to her usual spot if anything she was a creature of habit, Stan had said one day it could lead to her death in their line of work. He was such a worrywart; she had often wondered why he’d decided to become a private detective. Her face became more sombre than normal when she recalled his reasons, very noble but didn’t always bring in a paycheck, until they had teamed up together.

Fortunately Lewis was on duty and he immediately made her favourite drink and settled it on the bar as she climbed onto the barstool and glanced around the room.

What she saw was rather interesting to her ordered mind anyway. Most of the dinner table crowd was seated together at a large table, Alice Langley, her niece, The Parrish’s and Colbert. She and the doctor were the notable missing links, made one wonder why.

Turning away Fea felt disappointment at not seeing the doctor, unable to find a viable reason why, she picked up her drink and downed it in one. Indicating to Lewis that another was needed.

Several drinks later Fea felt bed was the best place for her. She enjoyed the odd drink, however for some reason this evening the drinks had gone to her head and now she wasn’t sure if she was capable of making it to her cabin without humiliating herself.

No way was she going to embarrass herself with that crowd watching her. Turning she was surprised to find that the crowd had dispersed and not one of them was in the room.

Shaking her head to try and clear the fog in her brain she slipped off her chair and signalled a goodnight to the barman. Who smiled politely and then had to stop himself from laughing as she stumbled and fell against the bar stool, which fortunately prevented her falling flat on her face.

Moving forward quickly or she thought anyway anyone watching, and there were a few, noticed that the woman took one step forward and two back. Making her way slowly out of the bar onto the walkway to the cabins, rather than taking the elevator. Fresh air she felt would do her the world of good.

As she stumbled against the handrail feeling her vision blur slightly, she pushed her hair out of her eyes and puffed out a deep breath. This was quite a task getting to your destination when the world was dipping around, must be a heavy squall this evening.

As her mind sorted answers to her predicament she moved towards the cabin area stairwell and pushed open the door. As she stood at the top of the stairs she thought she heard a noise and turned around suddenly.

Nothing there!

Muttering something incoherent she began her decent making the second step with a determination that pleased her. Then the world she thought had now righted suddenly dipped and she was crashing down the heavily carpeted stairs unable to stop her fall, hitting her head on the hard surface.

Groggily looking up for a split second she saw a figure at the top of the stairs, she was sure it was a familiar figure too, and then it disappeared.

Had someone pushed her?

As she tried to stand it was the last straw for her battered body, stars and multi-colours finally drawing to a close as a curtain of darkness fell and she knew no more.

* * * * *

~ Unexpected Developments ~

 
“Hi, can you hear me?”

Fea heard a voice calling her. It was so far away though that she wasn’t sure at first. Then it became louder and louder.

“Come on sleepy head it’s time to wake up now.”

Groggily she focused on the voice, which sounded gentle but firm, nice and melodic.

“Fea you don’t want to stay here all night do you? Please wake up.”

This time Fea felt her senses returning as she tried to open her eyes, they protested at first but eventually the left then the right grudgingly cracked open. The light flashed at her and the pain she felt at her temples made her squeeze them shut.

“Whoa who put those flashlights in my eyes, turn the damn things off!”

A tinkle of laughter and arms pulling her up by the shoulders was her answer and a whispered voice into her left ear spoke gently.

“No flashlights. Now if you open your eyes slowly one at a time it will be fine.”

Not quite believing the voice but trying it anyway Fea did as she was asked and found the brocade decoration on the side of the wall in the cabin corridor.

“Thanks.” Her blue eyes tracked to the person who was beside her and familiar green eyes shone out towards her in a concerned friendly manner.

“Not sure what happened here but you were out cold for a time.”

Fea was astonished at the words she really had thought she was in bed and it was the steward, though Rafael certainly didn’t look like this.

“Doctor Maeder? Hey sorry I must have slipped or something…”

“Or something Ms. Lyons? My you are becoming an object of curiosity.”

“I don’t know what you mean?” Fea was puzzled and somewhat disorientated . How the hell did I fall?

Holly grinned, “Don’t you really? Well perhaps one day I’ll tell you. Right now you need to go to bed and I’d better get the doctor you might have a concussion.”

“As a …doctor, have I a concussion?”

Pursing her lips and pulling on the bottom one Holly gave the question some thought. “You want my professional opinion?”

“Yes what else?”

“What else indeed. In my professional opinion I would say possibly, you need to be under observation for the next twenty-four hours as a precaution.”

“Possibly? My god that sounds like a doctor never can get a straight answer from them. I’ll be fine.” Fea was annoyed she certainly wasn’t going to be stuck looking at some stranger all night even if he was the ships doctor. She would go to her cabin have another shower and sleep for a few hours when she woke up she’d be her normal self.

Struggling out of the blonde’s tight hold on her, Fea managed to stand but had to grip the rail as she felt herself pitch forward. The feeling of nausea she had been holding back couldn’t be helped any longer, as she felt herself spill whatever she had for dinner on the carpeting in front of her.

Holly smiled wryly, typical reaction to the head trauma she definitely needed observation for the next few hours. Snaking an arm around the taller woman’s waist she held her until the retching stopped.

“You know my parents call me stubborn but boy do you beat me hands down.”

Unable to respond, all Fea wanted to do was hide away under the covers in her bed… at home! She really didn’t want to be on the cruise. Stan was in for some ribbing when she finally arrived home.

“Let’s get you to your cabin, we’ll go from there, okay?” Fea could do little more than nod her head as the blonde steered her to the cabin corridor. “Which is your suite?”

“Twelve.”

“Great I’m in ten, we’re neighbours.” As she struggled to help the woman she wondered how this had happened, there was a smell of alcohol yeah but this woman was so sure of herself and uptight too she wasn’t going to indulge to the extent that she would embarrass herself and fall down drunk. Then again she could be wrong it would be interesting to know how she had fallen.

Half pushing and pulling Fea along they eventually stopped at her suite. “Where’s your key?”

Fea fumbled in her pocket and tried to find it but couldn’t.

“Maybe its not there I’ll go find Rafael the steward.”

“No! It is, you find it.”

Holly blinked a few times, the woman was wearing trousers and the pockets were accessible, something told her that she would enjoy the situation rather more than she should.

“I’ll get the steward.”

“I’m dead on my feet, just check my pockets, please!” It was the please that was her undoing. Holly put her growing attraction into the recesses of her mind and fished around in Fea’s pockets eventually finding the object.

Fifteen minutes later the woman was showered and settled into the king-sized bed, sleeping like a baby.

As Holly watched the even breathing she had to admit that Fea was probably going to be okay. However she would never forgive herself if something did happen and she could have prevented it. One tragedy onboard a ship was quite enough in her mind.

Pulling over the leather armchair she found a large patchwork blanket and placed it around herself as she kicked off her shoes and settled down into it’s depths, idly picking up a book on the bed side table.

Glancing at the volume she smiled as she recognised the reading matter as one of her firm favourites. ‘The Mystery of the Nun’s disappearance’

Well, this was unexpected as she settled to her vigil for the rest of the night.

* * * * *

“I don’t know why you support the bitch she’s nothing but a gold digger!”

“Don’t speak like that Adam you know I don’t like it.”

“Don’t like it? Don’t like it! I hate the woman and you chose her to replace my mother? How could you even think she comes anywhere near my mother’s image?”

Leyton Parrish mopped his forehead; he had to contend with a wife that was crying over the death of a man he disliked. Now, he was on the brunt of his son’s anger for having her as a wife. He sometimes wondered why Jane had left him to this fate, he’d loved her but the constant care he’d lavished on her for over ten years had made him want to sample life again when she’d died. Perhaps his choice hadn’t been the most appropriate according to his son; Claudia was half his age after all. He had an obsession for his young wife that he had never understood, which caused him to disregard everything but her.

“She will never replace your mother Adam, how could she? I love her though, she’s young and made a mistake.”

Adam Parrish stood trading angry eyes with his gentle father and wondered how it was that some men were so vulnerable. He never would be he would make certain of that! No man or woman would get the better of him, he knew how to solve that, hadn’t he already done so?

“A mistake! God give me strength father she’s a whore and that’s all there is to it.”

Leyton had never punished his son, the boy had been sent abroad to the best schools as he and Jane had wandered South Africa and immersed themselves in the various tribes and their traditions. A child was not suited for that life, perhaps they had been wrong.

“Go! I will not have you speaking like that about Claudia. When you can be civil I will talk with you again.”

“Dad that will be when hell freezes over!” Adam shouted angrily as he left the room.

Watching his son leave the room Leyton knew the boy was only trying to tell him what he already knew. Yet it didn’t matter, they say love is blind and he certainly was that when it came to Claudia.

He would do anything, anything to keep her!

* * * * *

Rebecca Smyth stood at the rail side and looked at the moon shedding a mirror image on the sea below her, it was a tranquil sight quite at odds with her emotions.

Zito was dead!

She was jubilant for all the wrong reasons or they would seem the wrong reasons to most people. He had tried to manipulate her and in so doing she had betrayed the people she loved. There was no way it could be anything else and she had wished him dead. Now it was fact and she had never been so happy about a thing in her life.

How her aunt must be feeling, if she knew what she had been thinking it would make her burden even heavier, especially after the happy reunion she had stumbled across

“Yes. Please sit.”

Zito looked at the elderly woman he could walk out and let her stew or he could stay and let her fawn all over him.

“Okay, your message said it was urgent and you wanted to inform me of something?”

Alice Langley had made one mistake in life that she regretted this was it. However, history couldn’t be changed and here she was with her mistake and one she wanted desperately to make amends for.

“Yes I did. When I received your letter I was of course flabbergasted. I never suspected that you would want or even care to contact me.”

“Hey why not. It’s a family affair after all.” The man laughed as he saw the woman cringe, he knew that she knew he was trifling, as she would call it with her niece. He also knew that she wasn’t happy about it, but the niece needed the education in his opinion and he was willing.

“Precisely a family affair and we British love our families.”

“Ah please! May I correct that you love to keep your family secrets and the skeletons kept buried deep in those closets.”

Alice cleared her throat and looked at the man who reminded her of someone long, long ago.

“That is as it may be Zito, tell me do you have any morals at all? Or do you take after your father?”

Grinning evilly Zito replied. “ My father was a great role model, at least he stayed around not like my mother.”

Looking up her aged grey eyes misted for a moment, “Perhaps your mother should have stayed around and shown you what morals are.”

The man turned to give her a long searching look, “I never knew a mother’s love, maybe in the future that could be rectified?”

“Perhaps, we shall see.”

“Shall we start this conversation again?”

“By all means, by all means.”

“How are you mother?”

It had been such a shock to Rebecca her maiden aunt the mother of …well a mother. Having left at that moment it was hard to know what to do next. She had confronted Zito and he had said they weren’t that close a relation. She hadn’t wanted to hurt anyone trying to dissolve the growing intimacy with the man but he hadn’t let her and she didn’t know how to stop it. Here on this ship for the first time in her life she was genuinely interested in someone and he was interested in her for the right reasons. What a mess!

Now she wasn’t sure what to think, Adam was so capable of doing something stupid and according to Adam, Fea Lyons the private investigator had mentioned foul play!

Too many people she loved were involved, she fervently hoped it was a heart attack; someone somewhere must be looking out for her she hoped anyway.

* * * * *

“Are you telling me we might not recover the funds?”

“Not exactly.”

A silence invaded the ship to shore call.

“Exactly what are you telling me?”

“He’s being difficult to back into a corner to extract the answers.”

“Back the bastard into a corner and use whatever force necessary to get my money into my name not his. I’ve paid you good money to do this do it well or you won’t work again, trust me”

“He probably doesn’t have all the money, this trip isn’t cheap and the way he drools over women and men I suspect he’s generous.”

“I know about his drooling stupid I’m a victim remember! Get me my two million dollars or what’s left and make sure the bastard never does it to anyone else. Whatever it takes!”

“Whatever it takes, you got it.”

Colbert contemplated the conversation with his current employer and the comment by Mademoiselle Lyons, better the dog was left to sleep, he had his information now.

 ~Winds of Change ~

Stifling a yawn Holly watched the woman sleep. When you looked at her she was younger than first thought. The harsh profile she showed the world dropped away leaving the natural beauty of her features in view. Wonder what it would be like to…

“Mmm water, I need a glass of water.” The words were mumbled but brought Holly back to her senses.

“Right with you.” Jumping out of the chair she retrieved a glass of water and brought it to the bed, surprised to see Fea sitting up a wide-eyed expression on her face.

“What are you doing here?”

Before she answered Holly gave the woman a thorough examination with her green eyes. Yep no problem here she was back!

“I’m serving on you at the moment.”

“No! What are you doing in my cabin?”

“Can’t remember huh, natural in the circumstances.”

“What circumstances?”

“You mean the great private investigator Fea Lyons can’t remember?”

Fea shifted in the bed she had a hell of a headache and her mouth felt as if it had been stuffed with cotton wool. The taste was pretty horrible too.

“What can’t I remember?”

As she spoke, vivid memories of puking in the corridor came to mind and moving she felt sore in every part of her body.

“Nothing important. On a professional level, how do you feel?”

“Fine!”

“Really, well I’m pleased to hear that, I’ll go now and see you later. I suggest a couple of pain killers for the headache, if you need anything else go see the resident doctor.”

This time Holly departed quickly not giving Fea a chance to answer her. Anyway she was far too tired to spar with her, now she wanted her bed and a nice long sleep.

As the blonde left, Fea indulged her memories of the previous evening and tried to dredge up what happened. What she eventually recalled produced embarrassment and something more sinister….

* * * * *

Holly had to wonder why she was interested in Fea Lyons, sure the woman was attractive but only if she smiled and that she rarely did. It certainly wasn’t her newfound wealth because she had her own income being an only child of very wealthy parents. Her small talk was non-existent and her manners bordered on rude at times. All in all she came over has a very cold, lonely and loveless character.

However, it didn’t detract from the need to make contact with her and each time she did she felt that she was gaining ground, as to what ground that was, would be another interesting mystery.

The puzzle she felt now was how had Fea lost control to such an extent she would end up at the bottom of the stairwell in need of help? The woman herself didn’t have a clue, which was quite normal after the tumble and knock to the head she’d experienced. A day or so should bring back any memories of the situation. Strange really that Zito was dead and he appeared to have a cruise load of enemies, in itself was rather odd after such a short time together. Coupled with that Fea had mentioned foul play and a few hours later she was lying injured in a stairwell.

Chuckling softly she realised she was being overly suspicious and more like a private investigator than a doctor, although doctors had to deduce unlikely things as well!

Come on Maeder give the brains cells a rest that’s why you’re here on this cruise let the authorities figure the situation out that’s what they get paid for. Athens was next on the agenda and she so looked forward to visiting the Acropolis and in particular the Parthenon, which had been the home of the giant statue to Athena. Having been fascinated from an early age about the Greek Gods, now she had a chance to see the home of one of her favourites.

Strolling along the deck she looked up and saw someone quickly dive out of view. A shudder ran down her back as she realised that perhaps more was going on than anyone had envisaged. Maybe now was a good time to visit the ships doctor.

* * * * *

~ Unexpected Defender ~

Captain Robinson was an old sea dog in many ways, and although he found the luxury cruise business lucrative he still after fifteen years found dealing directly with passengers a chore, never more so when they were inquisitive too! Maggie, his wife of thirty years had laughed off his doubts and sent him on his way, it was safer and more reliable a life after spending most of his sailing career in the Navy. He could spend time with his family and they would know when he was due home, no waiting around or changed plans, and a regular job in a way, which made them both happy. He only had another season to do and then he would retire to the Cornish coast with his small fishing boat and the cottage by the sea. As long as Maggie had her vehicle to get around she was happy and the cottage had been purchased several years before.

Now to deal with a passenger situation!

“Ms. Lyons how may I be of assistance?”

Fea had asked to see the Captain after careful dissection of the facts as she recalled them. Now she needed to explain it to the man in charge and not look ridiculous.

“Thank you for your time Captain I know you’re a busy man.”

The captain pulled on his short beard and smiled, he knew about all his passengers, his first officer had said this woman was the coldest person he’d come across in years, frosty the snowman was a damn site warmer than she was.

“Yes, so I’d appreciate the coming straight to the point Ms. Lyons.”

Straight to the point she liked that.

“Last night I had an accident,” she pulled back her hair to reveal a dark angry bruise on her right temple.

Robinson immediately took notice of the discussion, he could do without a passenger claiming the ship unsafe, and he had enough problems with one death on board.

“Are you okay Ms. Lyons? Did you see Doctor Fritzroyd? When did it happen, where?”

The questions shot at her like a pistol and she reeled slightly. Especially as she had a shocker of a headache to accompany her bruised body.

“I’m fine thanks, a little shaken and bruised, guess you’d say my pride took a fall.”

Fea smiled briefly as she saw the relief on the Captain’s knurled features, yep he didn’t want any more trouble she was sure.

“And the other questions?”

“I didn’t see the doctor, well I did see a doctor but not the ships. Fortunately Doctor Maeder, another passenger, came to my aid and seems pretty confident that I’m going to live.”

“I’m pleased to hear that, go on Ms. Lyons.”

“I fell down the stairs to the cabin deck, at the time I put it down to a mixture of lost footing and alcohol, now I’m not so sure I wasn’t pushed.”

“Pushed you say? How much had you to drink?” the Captain maintained eye contact with the blue eyes that never shifted guiltily, as she acknowledging his question.

“I had several cocktails and admit to being somewhat unsteady on my feet when I left the bar I know Lewis the bartender will no doubt agree with that. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have given the situation a second thought but I recall after I fell a figure at the top of the stairs who could have come to my aid and didn’t. They left without even asking if I was okay. I lost consciousness then and the next thing I knew the doctor was trying to wake me up.”

Robinson frowned he wondered why this woman had even brought the story to his attention. By all accounts and that was her own, she was under the influence of alcohol and none the best for it. Perhaps she had tripped and the figure was nothing more than the doctor who had come to her rescue. The mind could play tricks on you given the right circumstances, a simple disagreement with the stairs in his opinion.

“Would you object if I requested you saw our doctor? He’s a good man and for the company safety point of view I need to record the accident.”

Fea had seen the expression before, yes she was telling the truth but the situation didn’t warrant an investigation it had too many loopholes. She herself would be highly sceptical if the roles had been reversed.

“Is there any point?”

“How about I call the doctor and as he examines you I’ll mull over what you said and we shall see shall we?”

Defeated in this first round Fea accepted his answer and turned, “I’d better go see the doctor hadn’t I, the sooner the preliminaries are over the better for you.”

“Let me call the doctor to visit you in your suite Ms. Lyons. I suspect with that amount of bruising you are suffering a headache as well.”

“Thanks I’ll…” Fea stopped speaking, as there was a loud rapping on the door of the Captain’s office. The man’s rugged face grimaced at the interruption.

“Give me a moment Ms. Lyons.”

Opening the door he was surprised to be confronted by Doctor Fritzroyd and a small blonde, who grinned engagingly at him. Very pretty, very pretty indeed he thought as he returned the smile unconsciously.

“Doctor Fritzroyd this is indeed timing I was about to call you.”

“You were Captain? Are you sick?” the man asked as he looked up into the much broader and taller man.

“No I’m not sick man! I haven’t had a day’s sickness in my life, as you well know. No, a passenger had a slight accident and needs some attention. Ms. Lyons the good doctor must have heard us calling his name.” The Captain turned and smiled at the dark woman in his office and was surprised to see her gazing at the blonde in the doorway in fascination.

“Ms. Lyons? Well, that’s a co-incidence as I was going to go along and see you? Doctor Maeder here explained your predicament last night. Tells me that she thinks you must have a hard head not to have suffered worse injuries than you appear you have.” The doctor chuckled as he came into the Captain’s office and spoke directly to Fea.

“I’m sure she did.” Fea answered dryly, as she glanced at the blonde who looked rather sheepish at the other doctor’s comment.

“Ah so this is your medical angel Ms. Lyons. A pleasure to meet you and thank you for taking care of one of our passengers doctor, no rest for the wicked hey?”

Holly smiled warmly he was an old charmer this one, even if he looked austere most of the time. It must be her month for seeing the best in people others had written off as stern and un-approachable.

“Why thank you Captain I’ve seen you of course from a distance and you remind me of a true high seas captain and you’re right, no rest for the wicked.”

“Now, now Doctor please that makes me feel like a pirate and I’ve never been one to my knowledge.” The man chuckled and stroked his beard this young woman just by her eyes brimming with laughter made you feel at ease. He bet she had a wonderful bedside manner.

“Now why did you want to see me, I take it you both had a reason?”

“Why yes we did. Has Ms. Lyons suffered a setback that she needs to see Doctor Fritzroyd?” Holly had been taking sneak peeks at Fea Lyons as she’d ventured further into the Captain’s office. She looked pale and strained but wasn’t sure if that was a natural expression or not. Certainly the bruise on her temple was coming out and she looked like she’d hit a wall, which indeed she had. Probably has a hell of a headache to go with it too.

“No, she was merely relating the events of last evening and her fall. We need the account for our accident log.”

Holly was suspicious; okay they might need that, but for the Captain to be involved? Highly irregular, as she doubted Fea wanted any public awareness of her little trip.

“I guess you do. Actually the doctor and I would like a word about Mr. Aurillia as soon as possible.”

“You knew the deceased?” this was intriguing, certainly many had known the man but few wanted anything to do with him now he was dead. According to First Officer Reeves he had to be one of the most unpopular passengers ever to set foot on the ship, although they had all interacted in some way with him.

“Not exactly, merely acquainted with him as he was one of the passengers at dinner. As I am with Ms. Lyons.” Seemed appropriate to lay claim to that fact early in the discussion especially when she told him the next part.

“I see. Go on please, while Fritzroyd is looking over Ms. Lyons, and if you are happy for her to hear this conversation then go ahead and let me know what you have found out?”

Holly glanced at Fea and saw her pull a face as the doctor probed her temple yep she had a headache. “Certainly Ms. Lyons can hear this she needs to in my opinion, because I think she’s involved.”

“Then by all means carry on doctor.”

“I think Mr. Zito Aurillia was murdered!”

* * * * *

~ Murder You Say ~

“I think Mr. Zito Aurillia was murdered!”

Fea spluttered some unrepeatable oath and pushed the older doctor away as she stood up to her full five feet ten inches and gapped at the smaller blonde.

“Murdered you say? Now that’s a mighty big accusation and you think Ms. Lyons is involved?”

“Yeah what did you mean by that crack?” Fea bit back angrily.

“Sorry. I am making this sound awful and that isn’t the case at all is it Doctor Fritzroyd?” Her eyes pleading with the Doctor as she saw the angry expression in the woman’s eyes boring into hers. The pain she felt went through her body.

Fritzroyd held up a hand and coughed to get everyone’s attention.

“Captain, Holly’s enthusiasm took over as she was trying to explain, rather badly I’m afraid, what she and I think occurred.” Grinning at the blonde who gave him grateful smile of thanks.

“Get on with it Fritzroyd!”

“I as you know the initial verdict was Mr. Aurillia died of a heart attack and I’m still of that opinion. However, Holly came to me earlier in the day about something else and asked if it was okay to view the body on a professional basis. Now, I know it was irregular and I should have consulted you first but I figured you could do without the paper work if it was a false alarm.”

Robinson’s eyes never left the doctor and it was hard to gauge his reaction to the breach of protocol. Continuing as no one made a comment.

“I let her examine the man thoroughly for any outward signs of foul play. She then asked if I had taken any blood samples when I examine the body initially. Of course I had and she asked if she could take a look at them as well. Holly has a first class background in research so I was anxious to know her opinion.”

“Oh cut the bull doc what’s the verdict?” Fea hated people who didn’t get to the point.

“The point my dear is that my colleague here found traces of a drug that once administrated in the body would have been untraceable within forty eight hours if the temperature fell below a certain level. Fortunately I kept it at an ambient temperature allowing the drug to remain stable in the sample.”

Robinson frowned this was becoming more complicated than he would have liked. He did have a duty to the dead man and the other passengers, not to mention his crew. Had there been a murderer onboard?

“Are you saying that he was taking drugs or did someone administer the deadly drug to him?”

“Holly quickly researched the drug using her contacts with her family pharmaceutical company, it is not a very well known drug at all.”

“What drug is it?”

Holly turned to Fea who had asked the question, “it’s called Rillium, a stimulant and rarely used in the Western world and never marketed commercially because it’s so difficult to stabilize for mass production.”

“Where does it originate?”

“Africa, Asia and South America.”

The Captain spoke then. “So Mr. Aurillia could have brought it onboard himself?”

“Theoretically yes he could but I doubt it.”

“Why?” Fea’s mind was turning over dramatically and now more than ever was she convinced she had been pushed last night.

“It’s so rare! It would have cost a fortune or you had to have known a supplier. Other drugs for stimulation would have been much cheaper and easier to get hold of.”

“Yeah, except this particular beauty dissolves in the body without a trace.”

Holly grinned at Fea, “Precisely my point about murder! The man in all probability was murdered, the culprit knew the drug would have dissolved before the post-mortem and it would look to all intents and purposes like a heart attack. I’m having my families company find out who could have access, it will take about twenty-four hours though.”

Moving closer to the blonde Fea asked, “How did I come into it?”

Holly rarely blushed but she did so now. “Actually it was your accident, I hate to say this but you’re not the type to fall down a set of stairs no matter how much you’ve drunk. I think you were pushed or perhaps someone helped you along the way. I’m hoping you’ll take a blood test for me…us.”

“You think someone has drugged me with the intent to harm me in some way?”

“A warning perhaps, less than subtle but enough to rattle the cage and stop you from snooping.”

“I wasn’t snooping!”

“Well it didn’t look good last evening at dinner you were as cocky as hell.”

“I was not!”

“Ladies please!”

All eyes moved to the Captain as he drew a deep breath.

“Whatever the issues I’ll report this to the authorities when we pull into the next port, which will be in eighteen hours times. I think in the circumstances we keep this in these four walls and allow the authorities to look into your accusations, and by then perhaps your company, Doctor, will have some answers too.”

“That’s not good enough!”

“It isn’t? Why Doctor?”

“Because Fea could be a target and you might have more than one corpse on your hands."

“Thanks!” Fea replied smartly and rolled her eyes she could do with a drink.

“My pleasure.”

“Let me contact the authorities and get their professional opinion. In the mean time I suggest one of my officers accompanies you wherever you go Ms. Lyons, for your own safety of course.”

“No way in hell! I can look after myself.” What did this guy think she was a weak woman who needed a man at her side? The doctor may be but not her, no way!

“I think it is for the best or you may like to stay in your cabin until we dock and can provide you adequate protection.”

“I’m not a prisoner, and who says I’m a target other than the doctor?”

Captain Robinson laughed it was a deep one that rumbled in the room, “well actually you did in a round about way Ms. Lyons. Now I’ve reviewed the facts I do believe you might well have been pushed.”

“Shit!”

Holly had seen the exchange and wondered if she might not have a better suggestion.

“How would it be if Fea and I stuck together like glue until we dock and the authorities can take over.”

All eyes this time went to the blonde, who smiled warmly.

“Sounds like a good idea to me Captain.” Dr. Fritzroyd remarked calmly.

“Ms. Lyons?”

Fea was astounded with the suggestion that she should be chaperoned, but at least the woman wouldn’t be any bother, certain that slipping away from the blonde would be easy if she chose to do so.

“Okay, reluctantly.”

“Reluctantly it is then Ms. Lyons. Doctor Maeder please make sure that if at any time you feel threatened call my first officer, myself or the good doctor here and we will be there as quick as a flash.”

Holly smiled at the Captain he was really nice.

“Got you, and don’t worry I won’t let anyone push her down any more stairs.”

As they left the office together Fea stopped Holly in the corridor.

“You know that this is just a front right? I don’t need a keeper.”

“Who said I wanted to be a keeper? We both enjoy the sundeck, we have dinner together and I think this evening you might find your accident yesterday makes you want to sleep a good deal of the evening away.”

Fea had to hand it to the woman she was tenacious if nothing else.

“Have you thought that spending time with me might make you a target?”

Holly refrained from mentioning her feeling of being watched earlier in the day as she answered nonchalantly. “Hadn’t given it a thought, hopefully it won’t come to that.”

“Yeah right! Don’t count on it.” Fea quickly moved towards the exit and the need for either aspirin or a drink, whichever she found first.

* * * * *

“Why did you need to involve that woman?”

“She indicated foul play might be involved I couldn’t take the chance of her finding out about the drug.”

“Ridiculous! She’s not a doctor, now if you had said the other woman that would make more sense.”

“You are not thinking of involving the doctor too?”

“No, well not unless I have to. Anyway it’s too late the drug will be gone in his body now and it will be a straightforward heart attack.”

“You are so cold about this?”

“Yes I am, he wasn’t fit to be on this earth. I decided to be the executioner, very fitting.”

“Yes I suppose under the circumstances it really couldn’t be anyone else.”

“I will deal with the private investigator and the doctor if it becomes necessary, your involvement is now ended.”

“If they know about the drug what would you do?”

“Do? Do? Why administer a fitting end to meddlers just as we did with Zito.”

“Surely you can’t be serious, after all they haven’t committed any crime?”

“True but they might get in the way of a crime that has already been committed, now please go I want to have my morning refreshments on the north sundeck.”

* * * * *

“You know, considering what has happened, perhaps a glass of water and a pain killer might be more beneficial than alcohol?” A look cross Fea’s face that clearly said, ‘mind your own business’.

“I know what will be beneficial for me doctor not you!”

“Okay, okay only trying to help. As you don’t want my professional help how about we drop the doctor part and you call me Holly?”

Fea watched the blonde with a hooded expression as she settled back into her sun lounger, having dragged it to within a foot of her usual spot. She really was taking this ‘keeper’ thing seriously. It was absurd of course, how could she protect her she was just a slip of a woman, no appreciable strength about her at all. Still looks could be deceptive, as she’d found in the past.

Christo chose that moment to join them, he was smiling as usual but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Hi Christo how you doing today?”

“I’m doing well Doctor…Holly.” He added as he saw her frown at the use of her appellation.

Holly noticed his withdrawal as she asked the question, something was wrong and she was concerned enough to ask, even if it might be termed nosy to her new ‘friend’.

“Anything I can help you with Christo?” Holly turned and saw the raised eyebrows of Fea as she shrugged slightly in return.

“No, hardly think so. I heard on the grapevine that Mr. Aurillia was murdered and it seems Randall is the prime suspect.”

Fea took notice this time and grimaced at the news. Damn didn’t anything stay private on this ship?

“Who told you that Christo?” Fea asked surprising the man who looked at her apprehensively.

“Oh no one in particular, just Doc Fritzroyd was asking very strange questions of Randall and he figured the Doc was pointing the finger in his direction.”

“So… it’s not common knowledge?”

“I wouldn’t think so, who’s going to see Randall other than his friends and between you and me he doesn’t have many of those, actually none at all.”

“Except you of course.” Holly smiled at the young man in compassion, wondering what the connection between the two men were.

“Yeah except me.”

“I’ll have a glass of water and the Doc here will have orange juice, when you’re ready.” Fea spoke quietly but the man knew he was being dismissed and Holly didn’t know what to make if it, this was a shift from her stance of only a few minutes ago.

As the waiter left them alone Holly caught the blue gaze of Fea her green eyes full of questions.

“Okay, okay I’ll explain. If Randall has said that to the boy then there’s no knowing who else might know or have overheard the conversation. We need our wits about us and I have a feeling that maybe a little investigation on our own might not be a bad idea.”

Fea was already going over strategies that she might follow. Maybe if she solved the puzzle before they got into port in sixteen hours time this could be her lucky big break.

“You want me to help?” Holly was staggered but pleased that Fea was involving her.

“Did I say that?” Looking at the crestfallen face at her words she realized that maybe two heads might be better than one, anyway she doubted she could sidestep the woman as she had originally thought.

“I guess I did,” Fea saw that quirky grin appear that was rather cute and a part of her warmed to the woman, strange how a smile could do that.

“Great, what do we do first?” Holly was excited as she leaned closer to Fea conspiratorially.

“We have lunch, see who’s there and maybe we might get lucky and hear something that will help us.”

“Lunch isn’t for another two hours.”

Fea smiled as she saw the blonde’s expression change once more to one of disappointment. “Didn’t anyone tell you that investigation work entailed hours of waiting around for the right moment?”

Holly looked up and saw that smile again, which went straight through her like an electric charge it was awesome.

“Maybe, I never believed them. What do we do in the mean time?”

“I’m going to ask Christo to get us in to see Randall and find out exactly what he knows. He could be the key to all this and doesn’t even know it and if he is then he’s going to be a target too once the news gets out.”

“Do you think it will? The news that is?”

Fea whipped a hand across her jaw considering the question. “I would rather be prepared for the worse in these circumstances, after all someone probably did push me down the stairs, maybe spiked my drink as well.”

“Ah talking about that, want me to take a blood sample so we will know one way or the other?”

“Do you think it’s necessary?” Fea wasn’t keen on needles but it might prove her original thinking.

“How about we call it an experiment and you humor me. Come on, Doctor Fritzroyd will let me take a sample with his equipment and while you see Randall I’ll check your blood.”

Realizing that the woman was as stubborn as she was when she had the bit between her teeth, Fea grudgingly agreed as they waited for the drink and the waiter’s help to see his friend.

* * * * *

Suspicions and Portents

Doctor Fritzroyd was concerned now that Holly brought another possibility to the table. One death was quite enough on any cruise and he had fervently hoped that it was normal heart attack without any nasty repercussions. The more he heard the more he realized that it probably wasn’t going to be that straightforward mores the pity.

“Do you think that Ms. Lyons was drugged in any way?”

Holly glanced up from the microscope she was carefully adjusting to see the results of Fea’s blood test. “Hopefully Andrew it will prove that Fea was only under the influence of alcohol …in reality I doubt the woman ever lets go to that extent therefore….”

“I get the picture Holly, want some coffee while you work? No use me asking if there’s anything I can do at the moment.”

Grinning Holly readily accepted the offer of coffee. “Thanks I’d love a cup.”

Moving back to inspect the sample Holly felt like she was on a wonderful adventure, expecting to wake up at any moment on the sundeck having dreamt the past twenty-four hours.

“Here you go Holly, you know you really look like you’re enjoying this and it’s your vacation too.”

“Yep I am, please don’t tell my parents or they really would think I was going to join the family business.” Chuckling imagining the expression on her parents faces if they could see her now.

“Anything so far?”

“There’s something here I’m trying to track down the structure, and then I’ll make another call to the lab back home.”

“Which means of course that you will be at this for another hour maybe more, want lunch brought in?”

“No!”

Andrew Fritzroyd got the message loud and clear as the blonde virtually bit his head off with her negative response. “Okay, I was only trying to be helpful and you’re still a paying passenger we can’t starve you it’s against policy.”

“I’m sorry Andrew but I have to go to lunch it’s important, Fea will need me.”

“Ah yes the ever stoic Ms. Lyons now how on earth does she make a living out of being a private investigator, surely they require people skills in their line of work?”

Holly laughed heartily, “Yes, I’ve wondered that myself but I suspect she has a secret weapon that she uses when she needs to.”

“Yeah? Care to let me into the secret?” The way Holly described Fea Lyons it was with such warmth and caring that he wondered if they had been friends for quite a while.

“How about you see if you can work it out, and if you can’t by the time the cruise is over I’ll let you in on her secret.” Head bowed she continued her analysis, with a nagging probability she hoped wouldn’t happen Fea had indeed been drugged.

* * * * *

“Will you please tell him that I’m not the police?” Fea was exasperated. Although Christo had Randall agree to her visit he was now being less than co-operative.

“Lenny she’s not the cops and I think she might be able to help you.”

Randall gave his friend a look of resignation to his fate. “No one can help me once we get to port, of all the places we have to land it’s the one port I never wanted to land at again.”

“Maybe if you tell her what happened that night, she might help clear you, and then you don’t even have to see the authorities.” Christo gave Fea a hopeful glance, which she refused to acknowledge either way. No use telling the kid an out and out lie, Randall w