Mischief and Mutiny: A Cruise Ship Mystery (Millie's Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 19) by Hope Callaghan

Author:Hope Callaghan [Callaghan, Hope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-27T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Millie struggled to keep up with her husband as he strode down the corridor toward the security office, where they found Donovan and Patterson. Cat, Nikki and Carlah, who worked in the specialty coffee shop, stood on the opposite side.

“Security sent me down here,” Nic said. “What is going on?”

“I’m sorry to bother you during your time off,” Patterson apologized. “We have a slight issue that needs your attention.”

“Involving these crewmembers?”

“Correct.” Patterson handed him a zip-lock bag. “One of these items was found in an employee’s guest services desk drawer and the other in the gift shop.”

Nic inspected the bag’s contents. A handheld credit card machine and a dark blue all-access keycard were inside.

“We found the keycard while searching Nikki’s guest services drawer. The handheld credit card machine was found in the back of Cat’s cash register.”

“I don’t know how Donovan’s credit card machine ended up inside my drawer.” Cat looked as if she was going to burst into tears.

“And the all-access keycard?” Nic turned his attention to Nikki, who met his gaze defiantly.

“I didn’t steal it from Donovan’s office. This is a setup.”

“You’re saying that neither of you has any idea how those items got in with your stuff?”

“Correct,” Cat said. “All I can say is Donovan better watch his back.”

“Are you threatening me?” Donovan folded his arms.

“No. I’m telling you; someone is trying to distract you. Something big is about to happen. You need to take this seriously.”

“Which is exactly what we’re doing and how we found these items,” Patterson said.

“You’re on the wrong track,” Nikki insisted.

Patterson ran a hand through his hair and let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Nikki, Cat, Carlah, but I’ll need your work keys and keycards. Donovan will issue each of you a temporary employee card, giving you access to the ship’s common areas and your cabins.”

“You’re kidding,” Cat said as she stared at him in disbelief.

Millie finally spoke. “I know this is none of my business, but how is Carlah involved?”

“Because Carlah’s name was on the petition, we searched her cabin and found a notepad. She’s tracking Donovan’s schedule.”

“No one is pinning me with what’s going on,” Carlah snapped. “Cat is right. Someone is setting up three innocent people who, for the record, have been loyal employees since day one.”

“I understand and empathize with you, ladies. I don’t blame you for being upset. But Patterson is investigating Donovan’s office break-in, which is a very serious matter.” Nic placed the bag on the desk.

“Yes, but...”

Nic held up a hand to cut Nikki off. “Cooler heads will prevail. We don’t want to say or do anything we might regret, am I right?”

When Nic was in captain mode, he was a force to be reckoned with, and Millie was glad she wasn’t on the receiving end of his reprimand.

Nikki shrank back. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Nic turned to Donovan. “These three lovely ladies will wait here for you to send down their temporary employee cards. Patterson will safely store the ship-issued identifications until the investigation has been completed.

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