Croissants and Cruises: A Cozy Murder Mystery (Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Series Book 10) by Leena Clover

Author:Leena Clover [Clover, Leena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-08T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Jenny and Star parted ways in the atrium. Jenny wanted to go look for Frankie the steward. Star wasn’t too keen on another trip to the lower decks. Jenny was secretly relieved when Star chose to go relax in a deck chair to watch the sunset. She wasn’t in the mood to take any more flak about Billy.

She took the elevator down to Deck 2 and walked down the I-95 to the crew mess. The place was less crowded than usual. Jenny found a couple of Asian men sitting at a table, sipping a brown liquid that looked like rum.

“Have you seen Frankie? Frankie Da Silva?”

“Must be on duty.” One of the men threw his drink back and shrugged. “Everyone is pulling double shifts because of the extra sea day. I just got off myself and I’m going back on duty in four hours.”

“What’s Frankie done now?” the other guy asked. “He’s a troublemaker.”

Jenny thanked them and went up to the atrium, hoping to run into someone familiar. Lars Jensen entered the elevator on Deck 6.

“What’s on Deck 6?” Jenny asked.

“Theatre, skating rink, café …” Lars shrugged. “Just doing my rounds.”

“Is that part of your job description?” Jenny asked curiously. “I thought you have security cameras to watch what is going on.”

“People behave when they see security uniform.” Lars pointed at his chest. “I am an officer. I keep eye on both passengers and crew.”

“You wouldn’t know where I can find the steward called Frankie, would you?”

“The Brazilian? I saw him in the dining room. He’s helping set up the buffet.”

Lars got off two floors later and Jenny took the elevator up to the restaurants. The place was half full. Families with kids crowded around the pizza counter while older couples stood in line for exotic dishes like curry and sushi.

Jenny walked down the length of the buffet a couple of times, hoping to see Frankie standing at a food station. She was planning to ask one of the stewards about him when she spotted him in the back, engrossed in talking on the phone.

She stepped behind the counter quickly and walked over before anyone noticed.

“Hello, Frankie.” She tapped him on his shoulder.

He placed a finger on his lips, warning her to be quiet. He put the receiver down two minutes later and gave her a questioning look.

“I am in charge of room service. I need to fill these orders immediately.”

“Can we talk somewhere? It’s about Kimmie.”

“Whatever she says, I didn’t do it.”

Jenny didn’t mince her words.

“Kimmie’s dead.”

Frankie’s face turned ashen.

“Is this a joke, lady?”

“Where have you been? We found her around noon. Almost everyone at guest relations knows this.”

“I have been here, taking room service orders all day.” Frankie’s voice was hoarse.

“I have to ask you some questions about Kimmie. I suggest you find some time for me now or I’m going to Russell Bailey.”

“Walk with me,” Frankie said.

He appeared to be dragging his footsteps as he led Jenny into a galley. Rows and rows of stainless steel working surfaces filled the space.

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