Death on the Bella Constance (A Jesse Watson Mystery Series Book 6) Read Free Page A

lifejacket drill. We
like to give everyone a little time to settle in, but regulations require us to
have a drill, and the sooner the better.”
    Billy went to tip the young man, but the man refused.
    “Gratuity was included in your package. There will be no need
for you to tip the crew,” he replied. He handed Billy the keycard. “My name is
Justin. If you need anything, just pick up the phone and call.” The porter
closed the door as he exited the room.
    I gave Billy a hug and said, “Alone at last!”
    He kissed me and replied, “We’ll have plenty of time for this
later. We need to hurry up and go to the deck so we can wave at everyone as we
leave.”
    “But we don’t know any of those people.”
    “It doesn’t matter. It’s all about the adventure.”
    “Okay. Let’s hurry up then.”
    I walked over to the bed and started to unpack my suitcase.
As I put my clothes in the drawers and hung up the two evening gowns—a simple
black one, and a peach-colored one brought just for when we were to dress up—I
looked around the room. Even though this was one of the oldest cruise ships at
sea, it had been updated with modern conveniences—that’s what it said on the
net. We even had a keycard for the room. When I looked around at the antique
furniture, I couldn’t help but think of the ship, Titanic . I said so to
Billy.
    “That’s a pleasant thought,” he replied.
    Oh, if only…

Chapter 2
    Billy walked over to the bed, opened a suitcase and started
taking out clothes. “Let me help. The quicker we finish this, the sooner we can
check out the ship.”
    “I want to leave my bracelet in the suitcase and lock it,” I
said. “Not that I don’t trust the crew, but…”
    “I agree. We don’t know these people. Yes, I think it’s a
good idea to keep our valuables under lock and key.”
    “I’m just so glad we’re taking this vacation,” I said. “I
really need a break away from the criminal elements of society. I’m tired of
guns, killers, and low-lifes.”
    “I have news for you, `ge ya. If you think everyone on this
cruise ship is good people, you might be in for a surprise. Just because we’re
on vacation doesn’t mean everyone around us has only pure thoughts in their
hearts.”
    “Oh, you’re being silly, Billy. These people are here to have
a good time, not commit crimes.”
    Billy laughed. “You can be so naive, young lady.” He reached
into his suitcase and pulled out his snub-nosed .38. Then he put the gun back
into the suitcase. “I won’t need this just yet. I don’t think.”
    I was shocked. “I thought you weren’t allowed to bring
weapons on the ship. What’ll happen if we get caught? Will we get arrested?” I
was getting a little frantic at the idea of being locked up in a jail in Bermuda .
    “Remember the envelope I slipped to the captain as we
boarded?”
    “Yes.”
    “Captain O’Riley knows who we are and what we do for a
living. When I made the arrangements for this cruise, I made it a point to talk
with him. He said that as long as I brought proper documentation, I would be
allowed to carry a concealed weapon. I can assure you that I’m not the only one.
We have a retired U.S. Marshall aboard.”
    “Why would they have a U.S. Marshall aboard?”
    “All ships have some sort of crime fighters on call at all
times.” He snickered.
    “Oh, you’re pulling my leg.”
    “Not yet.”
    “I thought we agreed not to tell people what we do for a
living.”
    “I had to tell the captain.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me about the gun? I could’ve brought
mine.”
    “It’s not necessary for you to be armed. I’ll take care of
us. Besides, people are here to have fun, right? Heck, we probably won’t have
to shoot anyone the whole time we’re on vacation.”
    Someone knocked on the door as the ship’s horn blew. “We’re
getting ready to put to sea,” the person said through the closed door.
    I walked over, opened the door, and peeked out. I saw Justin
walking