Murder on the SS Rosa by Lee Strauss

Author:Lee Strauss [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-05-02T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Ginger and Haley eased out of the main door from the captain’s room and into the corridor.

Keeping her voice low Haley asked, “Was that an admission of guilt by Babineaux?”

“It certainly could be interpreted as such,” Ginger said. “However, he didn’t actually say he did it.”

“Your suspicions about Babineaux and Mrs. Walsh were spot on,” Haley said. “His affection for her could be considered motive.”

Ginger nodded. “I agree.”

“So what now?”

“I’m not sure. I think I’ll take Boss for a little walk and think on it.”

“I’ll meet you back in the room later.” Haley turned in the direction of the port side and Ginger continued on.

On deck, many of the passengers took advantage of the sunshine. Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild waved when they saw Ginger. She waved in return but picked up her pace, pointing to the dog to indicate she was in a hurry to take him below—a ruse to prevent a lengthy social entanglement.

After more than one frown and a mutter of disapproval at Boss’s presence, Ginger lifted him into her arms, allowing the crêpe-de-chine of her bell sleeves to conceal him. An upswing of wind caught hold of the rim of her hat and if it weren’t for her excellent reflexes she might have lost it. She pressed it firmly in place with one hand.

She was debating her next move when fate intervened. Patty Applebalm hurried by, a white-gloved hand also trapping her hat on her head.

Ginger turned on her heel and followed.

“Miss Applebalm!”

The woman shot a startled look over her shoulder.

“Hello!” Ginger said with a friendly smile. “I don’t think we’ve been officially introduced. I’m Mrs. Gold.”

Patty Applebalm hesitated before answering. “How do you do?”

“Just fine, thank you. You?”

“Very well.”

Ginger stepped into stride beside the woman who wore a day dress in a shade of peach that did not flatter her skin colour. Ginger was surprised that Miss Guilford hadn’t pointed it out. Or maybe she had, and Miss Applebalm ignored her advice. Though the assistant had a mousy, non-assuming air about her, one couldn’t work for someone like Nancy Guilford if one didn’t have at least a little spunk.

“Have you worked for Miss Guilford long?” Ginger asked. “It must be such an exciting job, assisting a famous film star.”

Patty Applebalm considered Ginger as if she wasn’t quite sure about the level of intelligence she was dealing with. “I’ve known Miss Guilford all her life.”

Ginger noted that Patty didn’t actually answer either question.

“Are you her aunt?”

Patty glanced at her sharply. “Why do you ask that?”

“Well, you said you’ve known her all her life, and I do see a slight resemblance.” It was a very slight resemblance, as in hardly at all, but Ginger hoped her exaggeration would draw the woman out. She was rewarded.

“It’s not widely known, but Nancy is my twin sister’s child. Sadly my sister is no longer with us.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. It’s fortunate that Miss Guilford still has you at her side.”

“I love her as my own. It’s very gracious for Nancy to employ me.

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