Murder All Aboard: An Unputdownable Cozy Whodunit Mystery by Hazel Smith

Author:Hazel Smith [Smith, Hazel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-17T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

As Gemma and Viv returned to their rooms, their footsteps echoed softly against the ship’s dark hardwood floor. Viv's face was flushed with anger, her usual exuberance replaced by a simmering rage.

“That Ruby has some nerve,” Viv muttered, her hands clenching into fists. “To accuse me of killing Tony! Without a shred of evidence. The gall of that girl!”

Gemma nodded, her mind occupied with Grimshaw’s relentless pursuit. “I agree. But Grimshaw's insistence on keeping you as the prime suspect worries me more.”

Reaching their adjacent rooms, Gemma noticed an envelope tucked into her doorframe. She bent down, her cane leaning against the door, and retrieved it.

“Ooh, a secret admirer, perhaps?” Viv teased, her eyebrows waggling mischievously despite her obvious stress.

Gemma rolled her eyes. “Hardly. Buddy's affection is all the love I need, thank you very much.”

Viv laughed, but the sound was hollow. “Come on, open it. Might be something important.”

A bit miffed by the intrusion into what could be private, Gemma hesitated. But she relented under Viv's eager gaze and carefully opened the envelope. Inside was a letter, neatly typed and formal.

“It's from Judy Stewart, the head of housekeeping,” Gemma announced, scanning the contents. “She’s inviting me to her office tomorrow morning to discuss my concerns. Head housekeeper to former head housekeeper.”

Viv's eyebrows shot up. “What's this all about, hon? I thought we were just dealing with murder mysteries, not housekeeping battles.”

A blush crept over Gemma's cheeks. “It's just... I couldn't help noticing all the things that need improvement on this ship. The thread count of the sheets, the lack of proper turndown service... It’s a bother.”

Viv chuckled, a bit of her usual humor returning. “Of course. Well, you should definitely go. Maybe they need someone like you to whip them into shape. You want company for the confrontation?”

Gemma shook her head, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination. “No, this is my battle. I’ll face it alone.”

Viv patted her shoulder. “Alright, sugar. But if you need backup, you know where to find me and Fernando.”

They exchanged a quick hug before parting ways. Gemma entered her cabin, Buddy wagging his tail in greeting. She closed the door behind her, her mind whirling with thoughts and feelings. Grimshaw was certainly a piece of work. The man had an uncanny ability to make even the simplest interaction feel like a trial. The prospect of facing Judy Stewart next filled her with a different kind of anxiety. Would she be just like Grimshaw, rigid and unyielding, or perhaps even worse?

Distracted, Gemma reached down to greet Buddy. His wagging tail and eager eyes momentarily eased the tension coiling within her. She bent down, her hand trembling slightly, and scratched behind his ears. “Hello, my dear boy,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She made her way to the small kettle in the corner of the room and prepared a cup of tea using her new tea ball. The aroma of jasmine soon filled the cabin, mingling with the familiar scent of the sea. She took a sip, letting the warmth seep through her, but the calming effect was short-lived.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.