Ruby Dove Mysteries Box Set by Rose Donovan

Author:Rose Donovan [Donovan, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Moon Snail Press

20

“Good Lord,” exclaimed Ruby after Emeline had scuttled away. “That woman’s behaviour is horrid. I’m glad you took the lead on that interview,” she said as she let out a long stream of air.

“It took all my strength – as I know it did yours – not to slap her again into consciousness,” Fina said. She hesitated. “You don’t think there’s anything in her accusation, do you?”

“I don’t think we can eliminate anyone from the suspect list, but I cannot fathom any motive for Neville. Besides, Emeline didn’t offer any evidence, so I’m sure we can chalk it up to her, ah, beliefs. I cannot call them principles because they are inherently unprincipled.”

Feeling ashamed that she had even entertained the idea – especially? – about Neville, Fina changed the subject by knocking on Sadie’s cabin door.

Creak.

Sadie’s head popped out through a tiny crack of the doorway. Fina couldn’t understand how Sadie’s head could fit through such a small opening. Her eyes were red and glazed with the telltale film of already-cried tears.

“Oh, it’s you. You’d better come in. Please do join us, Miss Dove,” Sadie said, opening the door a tad further – as if she were afraid some interloper might pop in behind them.

As they entered, Sadie shifted magazines, clothes and other various and sundry items from two chairs. “I’m sorry about the mess. I could blame it on Victor,” she said, ruffling the child’s hair as he kept his nose in his book. “But that wouldn’t be fair. I’m torn up about this murder,” she said, nearly falling into the soft covers of the bed. Her arms flopped by her side like a rag doll’s, giving the impression she had been dropped from a great height.

Seizing the opportunity, Ruby said, “Lady Winchcombe-Twisleton—”

“Please, call me Sadie.”

“Yes. Sadie. We’ve all been upset by this murder. Fina and I have been informally speaking to other passengers to see if we can find out what occurred.”

Sadie’s chin shot up abruptly. “Shouldn’t we leave that to the police?”

“The captain has informed us that we’ve veered off course – due to the storm. It will take just as much time for us to sail to Port of Spain as it would to any other island. He’ll involve the authorities after we’ve arrived. But that’s still two days away,” said Ruby.

“So you’re—”

“We’re just doing the best we can to find out what happened. Did you know Balraj well?”

“Why do you think I knew Balraj?”

“I did see you have that exchange with him on the first night,” interjected Fina.

Sadie’s eyes narrowed. She licked her lips. “I see you two have been talking.”

Feeling defensive, Fina scrambled to reply, but was lost for words. Balraj had been so over-familiar and patronising, even in his brief interaction with Sadie, that it was impossible to question her about it without repeating the insult. Luckily, Ruby intervened, and Fina felt her muscles relax.

“We were just discussing who knew Balraj before the voyage – so we could find out more about his character,” said Ruby.

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