Rendezvous and Revenge: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel (Millie's Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 22) by Hope Callaghan

Author:Hope Callaghan [Callaghan, Hope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-12-12T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Millie reached the backstage and found it filled with not only her co-workers but also the Stardust Boulevard performers.

Dave Patterson and several of the ship’s officers stood nearby.

She pulled Andy aside. “What’s going on?”

“You’ll find out in a minute. We’re waiting on a couple more people before we get started.”

Danielle, who was one of the last to arrive, joined her. “What’s up with the emergency meeting?”

“I have no idea. Andy’s not talking.”

Patterson clapped his hands. “Thank you, everyone, for getting here on such short notice. I’m sorry to have to do this, but the security team and I need to search each of your lockers.”

A collective gasp went up.

“Again?” Millie was the first to speak. “Haven’t you already done this?”

“We received an anonymous tip that some sort of evidence regarding Reginald Hawkins’ death is hidden backstage. We’ve searched the entire area except for lockers.” Patterson told everyone to make their way to the back. “We’ll start with the guest entertainment staff.”

“This is bull.” Genevieve crossed her arms and leaned against what Millie assumed was her locker.

“Do you have something to hide?” Patterson pinned her with a stare.

“No. I think a little more warning would have been appreciated and, as Millie pointed out, the lockers have already been searched.”

Patterson casually strolled over, his hands in his pockets, and Millie knew him well enough to know Genevieve had gotten under his skin. “You’re next.”

“Next what?”

“The next search.” Patterson tapped the front of the locker. “Open it.”

“And if I refuse?”

“I’ll open it for you.”

“This is against policy,” she said.

“It’s not. As we previously pointed out, you and your employer signed an agreement, giving the ship’s security staff full access to the facilities, including your cabin, if a reasonable reason to access it exists. Mr. Hawkins’ death is a reasonable reason.”

Genevieve made an unhappy sound as she unlocked the door and took a step back.

“Thank you.” Patterson started on the top shelf, systematically working his way down to the very bottom, searching pockets, bags, anything and everything. Finally, he finished. “You’re all set.”

“I’m free to go?” Genevieve slammed the door and snapped the lock shut.

“Yes. Please do so.”

One by one, the Stardust Boulevard cast members left while the Siren of the Seas’ staff remained.

“We’ll start with those of you who need to get back to work. If you’re hosting an event in fifteen minutes or less, please step in front of your locker,” Andy instructed.

Once again, the ship’s security crew searched each of the lockers, moving at a fast clip. As they finished, each one made their way out and the other half, including Millie, took their place.

Patterson pointed to Andy, who was standing near the back. “What about you, Andy?”

“I…don’t have a locker but feel free to search my office.”

“I appreciate that.”

Suharto finished searching the locker adjacent to Millie’s and made his way over. “It’s your turn, Millie. How was your day off?”

“Scary as all get out. My life flashed before my eyes at least half a dozen times,” Millie joked.

“Captain Armati appeared at ease.

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