Read Online Mystral Murder (Julie O'Hara Mystery Series) by Lee Hanson - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Lee Hanson
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1272, but allowed Julie to enter first.
“Your cabin awaits, mademoiselle. It ain’t Paris, but it ain’t bad.”
Miguel had set the stage for romance. The lights were low and smooth jazz played softly. The glass doors to the balcony were closed, but the drapes were drawn back framing the full moon, its silver path sparkling across the waves. Clean white, ironed sheets were turned back on the queen-size bed, the pillows plumped just so, a chocolate on each.
The ocean view beckoned and Joe slid the doors open to let in the sound of the sea and the warm, fresh salt air. They kissed and undressed each other slowly. When they were naked, Julie headed for the bed. “No, come with me,” Joe said. He grabbed the extra blanket and led her out on the balcony. Pushing the deck chairs aside, he spread the blanket on the floor.
“Lay there, Julie.”
She stretched out on the blanket, the moon and stars overhead.
“Is this like the ‘mile high club’ on planes?” she asked.
“Way better…”
* * * * *
CHAPTER 22
B ob Sanchez, the Ship’s Hotel Manager, was conferring sotto voce with Lana Medeiros, his trusted Head of Housekeeping, who also personally took care of the Captain’s quarters. They were both tired after the rigors of the day, but felt that there were important things to discuss before they went to their respective cabins and turned in for the night.
In light of the recent Man-Overboard investigation, the issue at hand was whether or not they should reveal certain things…and if so, how much …and to whom?
For example, Captain Collier knew nothing about Ms. Paradis-Simpson’s impropriety. As much as the two of them wanted to tell the Captain about it, they had both accepted “a little thank-you gift” from Mr. Byrne for their discretion, something that he would, no doubt, bring up, thus jeopardizing their jobs. Besides, the mere fact of a dalliance meant nothing, really, and it would certainly embarrass Mr. and Mrs. Byrne.
And then there was the issue of Dr. Sinclair, whom Lana had seen leaving the Captain’s quarters in the early hours of the morning when the Paradis woman went missing. Not that that was unusual; Dr. Sinclair always left before dawn. But giving Security that bit of information would surely cost them their jobs. Plus, they really liked Captain Collier and had no desire to embarrass him, either.
It was a sticky wicket, but as crew members, they were used to keeping secrets, especially in their positions.
Mrs. Medeiros, who answered to Mr. Sanchez, was ultimately accountable for the care and cleaning of over eighteen-hundred cabins and suites. Heaven knows how many clandestine afternoon meetings and nighttime cabin switching she’d seen over the years!
And as for Mr. Sanchez? Most people couldn’t possibly imagine the load he carried on his shoulders. Take weekly provisions for the restaurants, just one of his many responsibilities. Who could imagine negotiating for 65,000 pounds of fresh vegetables or 35,000 pounds of fresh fruit? Or 20,000 pounds of beef? Or 4,000 pounds of seafood?
Bob Sanchez did not want to get involved in this woman’s disappearance. After all, she wasn’t here complaining about an issue he could do something about, like a robbery…the woman was gone . Of course her disappearance was troubling, but it was an extra problem he didn’t need. He came to a conclusion.
Adrienne Paradis-Simpson wasn’t one of us, she was a passenger. I’m going to let Security handle it. They’ll figure it out, or hand it off to US law enforcement and the Coast Guard.
“You know, Mrs. Medeiros, it’s none of our business.”
“Oh, I agree, Mr. Sanchez,” Lana said with relief.
They said goodnight and went to their rooms.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 23
M ichelle arrived at Andrew’s cabin at ten sharp that evening. He opened the door looking so tall and handsome that he made her heart sing. As usual, he quickly looked up and down the
“Your cabin awaits, mademoiselle. It ain’t Paris, but it ain’t bad.”
Miguel had set the stage for romance. The lights were low and smooth jazz played softly. The glass doors to the balcony were closed, but the drapes were drawn back framing the full moon, its silver path sparkling across the waves. Clean white, ironed sheets were turned back on the queen-size bed, the pillows plumped just so, a chocolate on each.
The ocean view beckoned and Joe slid the doors open to let in the sound of the sea and the warm, fresh salt air. They kissed and undressed each other slowly. When they were naked, Julie headed for the bed. “No, come with me,” Joe said. He grabbed the extra blanket and led her out on the balcony. Pushing the deck chairs aside, he spread the blanket on the floor.
“Lay there, Julie.”
She stretched out on the blanket, the moon and stars overhead.
“Is this like the ‘mile high club’ on planes?” she asked.
“Way better…”
* * * * *
CHAPTER 22
B ob Sanchez, the Ship’s Hotel Manager, was conferring sotto voce with Lana Medeiros, his trusted Head of Housekeeping, who also personally took care of the Captain’s quarters. They were both tired after the rigors of the day, but felt that there were important things to discuss before they went to their respective cabins and turned in for the night.
In light of the recent Man-Overboard investigation, the issue at hand was whether or not they should reveal certain things…and if so, how much …and to whom?
For example, Captain Collier knew nothing about Ms. Paradis-Simpson’s impropriety. As much as the two of them wanted to tell the Captain about it, they had both accepted “a little thank-you gift” from Mr. Byrne for their discretion, something that he would, no doubt, bring up, thus jeopardizing their jobs. Besides, the mere fact of a dalliance meant nothing, really, and it would certainly embarrass Mr. and Mrs. Byrne.
And then there was the issue of Dr. Sinclair, whom Lana had seen leaving the Captain’s quarters in the early hours of the morning when the Paradis woman went missing. Not that that was unusual; Dr. Sinclair always left before dawn. But giving Security that bit of information would surely cost them their jobs. Plus, they really liked Captain Collier and had no desire to embarrass him, either.
It was a sticky wicket, but as crew members, they were used to keeping secrets, especially in their positions.
Mrs. Medeiros, who answered to Mr. Sanchez, was ultimately accountable for the care and cleaning of over eighteen-hundred cabins and suites. Heaven knows how many clandestine afternoon meetings and nighttime cabin switching she’d seen over the years!
And as for Mr. Sanchez? Most people couldn’t possibly imagine the load he carried on his shoulders. Take weekly provisions for the restaurants, just one of his many responsibilities. Who could imagine negotiating for 65,000 pounds of fresh vegetables or 35,000 pounds of fresh fruit? Or 20,000 pounds of beef? Or 4,000 pounds of seafood?
Bob Sanchez did not want to get involved in this woman’s disappearance. After all, she wasn’t here complaining about an issue he could do something about, like a robbery…the woman was gone . Of course her disappearance was troubling, but it was an extra problem he didn’t need. He came to a conclusion.
Adrienne Paradis-Simpson wasn’t one of us, she was a passenger. I’m going to let Security handle it. They’ll figure it out, or hand it off to US law enforcement and the Coast Guard.
“You know, Mrs. Medeiros, it’s none of our business.”
“Oh, I agree, Mr. Sanchez,” Lana said with relief.
They said goodnight and went to their rooms.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 23
M ichelle arrived at Andrew’s cabin at ten sharp that evening. He opened the door looking so tall and handsome that he made her heart sing. As usual, he quickly looked up and down the
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