Chapter 1

On a dreary, snowy day in February, just after Vivian learned that she and her husband, Dr. Jim, would be going on yet another cruise as an enrichment lecture team, she started planning his demise. It’s not that she despised her egg head husband of 42 years all that much. It’s just that she was an older plant ready to bloom again. She wanted to know men on a level beyond just friends again. She wanted out from under the shadow of her condescending, super intellectual, mate. She was tired of being the “lovely assistant” on the team. She wanted to stand on her own. She wanted freedom. She wanted out of a very boring relationship. She wanted him dead.

When the thought of killing her husband first crept into her conscious, Vivian was repulsed by it. But each time since, it became less and less repulsive. By the time she realized she was actually going to murder her husband, she, at the same time, realized that it had to be on one of their cruises. That’s the best, and most painless way, for both parties, she concluded. After all the enrichment lecture cruising is what Dr. Jim now enjoys, so it would be a fitting way for him to go. He would appreciate it. Thus, the plan began to evolve. She was sure Dr. Jim would also appreciate that inkling of irony, as it was he that lectured, ad infinitum, about evolution.

                                        * * *

“Vivian, is that you,” Dr. Jim called from his favorite place, the combination office, study, and library in their remote mountain home near Golden, Colorado.

“Who do you think.”

“It could be a grizzly.” Vivian made her way through the rest of the kitchen, across the foyer, and into the double door entrance to Dr. Jim’s office, “But it’s not. It’s me.”

“Oh, the lovely assistant,” Jim said. “Did you have fun with your girlfriends.”

“That wasn’t for today. I went shopping today. I’m having lunch with the girls tomorrow.”

“Oh, where are you lovely ladies having lunch tomorrow.”

“We’re going to meet at the Buffalo Rose at around 1030 for an early drink or two, and then walk over to the Bridgewater for lunch, if it’s too noisy in the Rose.”

“Why do you care if it’s a little noisy in the Buffalo Rose. After a couple of drinks, you girls can hold your own in any contest of decibel levels.”

“We can, but we also want to be able to hear each other. That’s why we will most probably saunter over to the Bridgewater for lunch. It’s still a lively place, but, for some reason, it’s easier to hear conversations there. I think the acoustics are better.”

“Well, you better get reservations.”

“Already taken care of.”

“Of course, my lovely assistant.”

“And quit calling me, the lovely assistant. That only works when where on the ship. It’s all right when we’re cruising, otherwise I get tired of hearing it.”

“I fail to understand. It is a term of endearment.”

“It may be to you, but it’s a little condescending to me.”

“How is it demeaning.”

The lovely part is fine, but the assistant part is demeaning.”

“But you are my assistant.”

“Yes, when where doing the lecture series on the cruise ships, but not otherwise. I’m more than an assistant.”

“Well, what should I call you then.”

“How about, Vivian! That’s my name.”

“Okay then, lovely Vivian.”

“That’s better, but you even say lovely in a slightly condescending way.”

“I do? Well, I do not intend to.”

“Okay, okay. Let’s just drop it. You can call me lovely Vivian if you want, but just Vivian is fine. Anyway, this reminds me that it’s time for us to go on another cruise.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t know if you read yesterday’s email yet, but Princess Cruise lines sent us three different cruise itineraries where we could do the Dr. Jim lecture series, and, of course, sail for free. The first one coming up departs in April and goes from Houston, Texas to London, England. It’s a 21-day repositioning cruise with stops in Fort Lauderdale, Bermuda, Liverpool, somewhere in Wales, Holly Head I think, Hamburg, Normandy for Paris, and then London. We’ve done a lot of cruises, but we’ve never done the trans-Atlantic crossing.”

“True.”

“The other two offerings are later in the year. One is San Francisco to Sydney in September, and the other is Los Angeles to Rio, both of which we’ve done. Not only that, but Princess is offering their ‘sip and sail’ drink package; that is, unlimited drinks, as a promotion for the Houston to London cruise. Apparently, they’re having a little problem filling this up. Probably because it’s a repositioning cruise with not many stops.”

“It sounds great. I mean, we have both wanted to do the Atlantic crossing, and London is a fantastic city. Lots to do. And we have not been there for a while. But as far as the unlimited drinks promotion, that is only for the paying passengers.”

“Maybe, but I feel I might be able to work my magic this time, and get them to toss the ‘sip and sail’ in for us.”

“Well, I’m for it. Go ahead and tell Princess we will do the Houston to London cruise, and see if you can schmooze them into throwing in the drink package. The way we go through wine, that would prove very favorable to our pocket.”

Okay professor, I’ll reply to Princess tomorrow. Are leftovers okay for dinner?”

“I suppose. I do not remember what we had last night anyway.”

“Then leftovers will be fine. And I’m ready for that cruise. I’m getting tired of cooking.”

Chapter 2

The next day

Vivian stepped into Dr. Jim’s office. “I’m leaving now. I may be a while. We girls haven’t lunched for a couple of weeks, so we’ll have a lot to talk about.”

“I am sure,” replied Jim.

“I emailed Princess back. Told them we will work the Houston to London cruise, and would really appreciate it if they threw in the ‘sip and sail’ package for us. I mentioned that we have worked for them for five years now, and we have never asked for a perk. So, we’ll see what happens.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be back late this afternoon. I’ll call you if it’s going to be any later.”

“Okay.”

With that, Vivian walked out the door and stepped up into her lipstick red Jeep Grand Cherokee with Colorado vanity plate, “LOVASST.” She drove down the block long gravel driveway from the residence onto twisty Lookout Mountain Road, past the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum and Gravesite, and on down the mountain. Lookout Mountain Road becomes Lariat Loop national scenic by way, just past the museum, then again becomes Lookout Mountain Road. It’s certainly a picturesque drive, but for Vivian, who has traversed the route hundreds of times, since she and Jim moved to their mountain hideaway shortly after his retirement, it has become more of an obstacle course, what with all the bikers and hikers who also share the asphalt.

Twenty minutes after leaving the house, Lookout Mountain Road, suddenly became, straight as an arrow, 19th St. in the historic town of Golden, home of Coors beer. After going three quarters of a mile on 19th, Vivian took a left turn onto Washington Avenue. Seven blocks later she turned into the parking lot of one of her favorite haunts, the Buffalo Rose bar and restaurant. It’s the default gathering place for Vivian and her girlfriends.

“Well, fancy meeting you here,” Yvonne called to Vivian as Vivian exited her Grand Cherokee. “I saw you pull in. I thought I’d wait so we could walk in together.”

“How thoughtful. Maybe that’s why I claim you as my best of the best friends. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that we’ve known each other for a zillion years.”

“There you go again, inadvertently reminding me of how old I am.”

“And we are. Sorry I said it that way, but if my recollection is correct, we first met in the late 60’s at a faculty dinner at the University of Colorado.”

“Yes. You and Jim had just recently married. And my first husband, Rob, and I had also been recently married.”

“That’s right. We hit it off right from the start.” “And now, here we are, years later. You’re still married to your professor, and I’ve gone through three husbands and am single once again.”

“Well, I wanted to talk to you about my professor a little, after the other girls leave, if you have time.”

“Of course, sweetie, but speaking of the rest of the girls, let’s get inside and toast a drink to our long, long friendship, before the other girls start arriving.”

Once inside, Yvonne spotted an empty table for six, near a corner of the restaurant. “I think this table is going to be just fine for the official every other week or so girls club luncheon.”

“Just in time, as it looks like the lunch crowd may be starting to trickle in.”

“And, very promptly, here comes our waitress.”

“Hello, my name is Cindy. I’ll be your waitress this afternoon. May I interest you in a drink from the bar before lunch.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Yvonne said. “And there should be three other ladies —.”

“You mean three other old broads, don’t you,” Vivian said.

“Yes, they’ll be three other — women joining us shortly, but we don’t want to wait. We would like to order drinks now.”

“And what would you two ladies like.”

While Yvonne was perusing the white wine portion of the drink menu, Vivian spoke up, “I’ll have a glass of your house Chardonnay.”

“And you ma’am.”

“I’ll have a glass of your Kindle Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay. And cancel my friend’s house wine order. Bring her a glass of the imported Kindle Jackson Chardonnay also.”

“I’ll be right back with your order.”

“Well, imported. Where from.”

“California.”

A few minutes later, Cindy returned. “Here’s your imported wine ladies. Enjoy.”

Vivian and Yvonne immediately raised their glasses to each other. “A toast,” Vivian said.

“A toast. To our long, long friendship.”

As Vivian and Yvonne clinked their glasses, Vivian spotted Charlotte entering the Rose. Vivian took a sip of her wine, then motioned Charlotte over to the table. “I see you two couldn’t wait. You lushes already have your drinks.”

“We just got them, and we’ve only had a sip,” responded Vivian.

“I’m just kidding. You know not to take me seriously. But I do need — I mean — I would like a drink, tout suite. Who’s your waiter.”

“It’s waitress, and her name is Cindy,” Yvonne said.

“Oh. A nice hunk of a guy waiter would’ve been better,” responded Charlotte.

“There’s Cindy,” Vivian said. “I think I caught her eye, so she should be coming over soon.”

“And, here comes Madge and Liz,” Yvonne said. “Looks like we all made it. And we have a roundtable this time, so no one has to sit in the corner.”

“Good timing everyone,” Vivian said. “We’re all here now. The five felines of Golden, a.k.a. the Golden girls of Golden, Colorado. Charlotte, Madge, Liz, this is Cindy, our waitress.”

“I assume the rest of you ladies also want drinks before lunch.”

“Yes, several — just kidding, just kidding,” Charlotte said.

The Golden girls had a wonderful chit chatty time at the Buffalo Rose, with drinks before, during, and after lunch. After saying their goodbyes in the parking lot, Charlotte, Madge, and Elizabeth drove off. Yvonne lingered, and noticed that Vivian was still sitting in her Jeep and hadn’t started the engine yet. Yvonne walked over to the red Cherokee and approached the driver side door from the front of the vehicle. Vivian had her hands on the wheel and was staring straight ahead. Yvonne’s approach interrupted Vivian’s trancelike stare. Vivian opened the door.

“Did you still want to talk,” Yvonne asked.

Vivian paused for a moment, “Yes, I do. Do you have the time.”

“Of course I do Sugar, anything for my BFF. Why don’t we leave our cars here and walk over to the Bridgewater, just for a change of scenery.”

“Good idea. It’s not too chilly, so we can sit outside and gaze at Clear Creek.”

“Yeah, the Rocky Mountain spring water that the nearby Coors plant uses.”

“We know that’s somewhat controversial, but we know for a fact that people used to mine for gold out of Clear Creek.”

“Look, virtually nobody is sitting outside. We’ve got our sweaters. Let’s sit outside and have a hot toddy.”

“I’m all for that.”

As Vivian and Yvonne raised their spiked coffee drinks, and again toasted their years of friendship, Yvonne looked straight at Vivian. “What’s troubling you, Sweetie. Spill it out. If you can’t tell me, who can you tell.”

After a long pause, “I want Jim out of the picture.”

“What! I’m sorry for raising my voice, but, did I hear you right. What are you saying. You want to divorce Jim?”

“No. Not divorce. I want Jim totally out of the picture. I want him dead.”

“Sweetie, I mean, did you have too many glasses of wine. Am I hearing you right. Are you serious. Do you know what you’re saying.”

Vivian spoke slowly and deliberately, “Yes, I know what I’m saying. I am sick and tired of bowing down to the all mighty professor. I am tired of his condescending ways. I am tired of catering to his eccentric whims. I am tired of being the lovely assistant on our cruises. I am just tired of the whole thing. I want a change. I want a life of my own.”

“Wow. I didn’t pick up on that. I didn’t see that coming at all.”

“And that’s not the only issue. Jim just doesn’t want to do anything anymore. He’s content to stay at home, read his books, right his blog, email and chit chat back and forth with his evolutionary biology colleagues, and so forth. The only time we really have fun anymore is when we are doing the dog and pony show on the cruise ships. But even then, after dinner, he just wants to read and go to bed. Me, I like to party. I still have some life left in me.”

“Boy, you caught me off guard on this one Viv. I had sensed that you weren’t quite your old self of late, but I just attributed it to getting old. Heck, I’ve been a little moody of late myself. But, I really thought you and Jim were doing just fine.”

“Well, I guess it’s just been bothering me more lately. And I realize now that Jim is not going to change. He’s actually getting worse. He’s retreating into his shell. Atrophy has set in. I want to break out. I want my remaining years to be fun and exciting. I have lots of things I want to do yet. I still have a lot of life left in me.”

“I hear you Sweetie. Heck, I’ve had three tries with marriage and I still didn’t get it right. But murder your husband? That’s a little drastic. Just get a divorce, if he’s outlived his usefulness. I mean, if that’s the way you see it.”

“I can’t divorce him. I need the money from his $2 million life insurance policy.”

Vivian’s statement lingered in the late afternoon mountain air, like an icicle on a gutter heavy enough to drop it any time. Yvonne broke the silence. “I see. If you merely divorced Jim, I’m sure you’d get a decent amount of alimony. And you have your small pension from the few years that you taught grade school. But that’s not enough to support the lifestyle you are accustomed to. I can see where you would need the life insurance money.”

“Yes, and if I can pull it off, I’ll have a free and clear house, half of Jim’s pension, and two million dollars in the bank.”

Another long pause ensued. Yvonne pulled her cell phone out. “Look at the time. I should really get going. Ted is coming over for dinner. Do you want to walk back to the cars with me.”

“No thanks. I think I need to sit here for a few minutes and ponder.”

“Promise me, Sugar, that you will ponder without another drink. You’ve got a mountain road to navigate, and there’s not much daylight left.”

“Oh, I’m fine. But I promise.”

Chapter 3

A few days later

“Good news Jim,” Vivian exclaimed as she came bounding into Jim’s office from her combination computer/TV/sewing room.

Looking up from the draft of chapter 3 of his first ever book, Jim asked, “What is the good news. I like good news. Tell me.”

“I was checking my emails, and Princess finally responded to my request about the complementary drink package. We got it!”

“Great. Excellent. That will certainly enhance our cruise budget.”

“And not only that, but something I didn’t tell you; I had also requested a balcony cabin on one of the passenger decks, and we got that too.”

“Complementary, or do we have to pay extra for that.”

“No, it’s free gratis. They don’t think the ship is going to be totally full, so they honored my second request. Besides, we’re going to be celebrating your birthday on board, so I wanted a nice room with an ocean view for the occasion. I mean, I know we don’t mind the normal interior cabin we normally get on the crew deck, but I just wanted this cruise to be a little more special. After all, it will be your 75th birthday.”

“Fantastic. The lovely assistant outdid herself.”

“You could just say, ‘Vivian,’ or, ‘the love of my life;’ something other than, ‘the lovely assistant.’”

“I know, but I want to get geared up for the cruise, and you are, ‘the lovely assistant’ on the cruise.”

“We’re not cruising yet, and I wanted this last — I mean, this cruise to be special, with your 75th birthday day and all.”

“Well, I appreciate that, Vivian. See, I do know your name.”

“Just try to remember it more often.”

“Okay. You have it, Vivian.”

“Thank you. By the way, tell me again exactly what your first ever book is about. I mean, I know it’s got to be about evolution, but exactly what.”

“Well, it is more of an answer to evolution skeptics. I think I told you that about a month ago I was surfing the Internet and came across a recent Gallup poll that said only 39% of Americans say they believe in the theory of evolution. After more than 150 years since Darwin’s, ‘Origin of Species,’ I would think more people would have caught on by now.”

“Caught on?”

“Caught on to the fact of evolution. The scientific evidence for evolution is insurmountable. It is virtually undeniable.”

“So, why are so many people denying it.”

“It is a conundrum. It has been taught in almost every science class in almost every public school since the 1950s. It is often alluded to in the media and in advertisements. Museums and other halls of science are replete with examples of evolution. Evolution is the overarching theme of all of biology. It is the glue that holds biology together. It is an easy concept to understand, and is obvious. Living things improve over time.”

“I don’t think I’m improving over time.”

“That is certainly true.”

“Watch it.”

“I mean in general, not specifically. We are getting older, and certain functions and processes are deteriorating, of course. But overall — overall the human population is living longer, healthier lives.”

“In the Bible, people used to live a lot longer than humans do now.”

“The Bible — the Bible. You cannot believe much of what is in the Bible. It is not scientific, so you cannot rely on any of its claims to be true. There is absolutely no proof that people did live longer than they do now. And there is no way to prove people in the Bible did live any longer.”

“But if archaeologists dig up supposedly human bones that they claim to be hundreds of thousands of years old, and examine them, and can tell all kinds of things about them, why can’t they dig up bones of some of these people in the Bible, who apparently, lived hundreds of years, sometimes over a thousand years, before they died. Why can’t archaeologists examine the remains of Biblical people.”

“I do not know Vivian. I am not in archaeologist. Maybe it is because they do not exist.”

“So, you don’t think the Bible has any validity at all?”

“No, I am not saying that. I know you grew up in a Catholic family and probably believe the Bible, at least in part, but I cannot give it any credence whatsoever.”

“Wow.”

“Listen, I need to get back to my project.”

Of course you do.” And with that, Vivian retreated to her ‘everything’ room.

Chapter 4

Two days before the trip

“Jim, don’t forget to pack your swimming trunks. Aren’t you just a little excited about boarding the Caribbean princes tomorrow in Houston, and sailing across the Atlantic to Europe. I mean cruise ships have become our second home over the last few years, and I’m anxious for a visit to our second home again.”

“Yes, I am, I have to admit. I still hate to break right in the middle of my book project, but that is the beauty of a writing project; you can write just about anywhere. Research is a little tough without any library, and the ships extremely slow Internet, but I can put up with it for 21 days, I suppose.”

“You won’t have all that much time for your project, as we have to give the ‘Dr. Jim enrichment lectures’ almost every day that we’re at sea and not in port.”

“The lectures do not take that much time. With PowerPoint and five years of these lectures under my belt, there is very little preparation time.”

“We have to talk to people and socialize.”

“Yes, I know, but you are good at that, so all I have to do is follow your lead.”

“Don’t forget, were celebrating your 75th birthday on board.”

“I suppose we have to.”

“We have to have fun — lots of fun.”

“Fine. I am on board with everything you mentioned.”

“Good.”

“By the way, did you catch my little double entendre.”

“What double entendre.”

“I am on board with everything you mentioned, on board the ship.”

“Okay, I get it.”

“See, I can be witty. I can be fun.”

“You used to be.”

“Now, that was below the belt, lovely assistant.”

“Remember, I’m not the, ‘lovely assistant’ yet. Not for a couple of days.”

“Just practicing. Make sure you pack your, ‘lovely assistant’ white smock. That way I can officially call you, ‘the lovely assistant,’ as the title is embroidered in large red letters on the coat.”

“It’s already packed, Professor.”

“Excellent. And which one of your girlfriends is picking us up to take us to the airport.”

“Yvonne. You know Yvonne.”

“I know Yvonne. She doesn’t fly much. I take it she knows how to get to Denver International.

“She knows.”

“And, what is my walk out the door and into the car time for the airport on Monday.”

“5:45 AM.”

“A little early.”

“That’s the best I could do. Believe me. Southwest was about the only airline that had a direct flight to Houston, that arrived early enough for us to make our boarding time for the ship. Most of the other options were to fly out the day before, as those flights did not get into Houston until the evening. Then we’d have to claim our luggage, get a hotel, unpack, repack, lug our luggage back to the airport, and go through the lines again.”

“Well, you did good. And, I liked your little quip.”

“Quip. What quip.”

“Lug our luggage.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“But you were correct in your statement about lugging the luggage. The word originated in the 15 to 1600s, and denoted luggage that had to be lugged about.”

“Really.”

“Really. I looked it up once.”

“Of course you did.”

“Again, you did good in arranging all of this. But you know, I like backup plans. What if our plane is delayed and we do not get to Houston in time to board the ship.”

“Then we have two days to fly to Fort Lauderdale and board the ship there. And our lecture series doesn’t even start until the day after leaving Florida. So, no harm done.”

“My, my. All the planning and details are taken care of. That is why you are, ‘the lovely assistant.’”

Chapter 5

Monday, April 18

The ships loudspeakers suddenly crackled, followed by, “Good afternoon. This is Captain Nicolao Galileo. I want to welcome you all aboard the majestic Caribbean Princess. It is our pleasure to have you aboard for our passage through the Gulf of Mexico, into the open waters of the Atlantic, and on to our European ports of call. En route to Europe we will be stopping at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and West End in Bermuda. Again, on behalf of Princess Cruises, I welcome you aboard. Bon voyage.”

Crackle, “Thank you Captain for your welcome aboard. This is your cruise director, Lee Childs, and my question for you is: are you ready to party? Well, I hope so as our sail away party is about to get underway. Come join me and the entertainment staff up on deck 15 by Neptune’s reef and pool. See you there. Party! Party! Party!”

“Come on Jim,” Vivian said. “Let’s have some fun. Let’s go up to Deck 15 and party.”

“I understand complementary rum punches are being served at the party,” Jim said.

“No matter. We have our unlimited beverage package, which I am just dying to try out.”

“Oh yes. And by the way, lovely assistant, you did an exceptional job in getting this room. I have always been pleased with our interior and occasional exterior crew deck rooms, but this is so much better. We have been on passenger decks before, but have never had a balcony, let alone a mini suite. And at no extra charge, I believe you said.”

“No charge. It was on the condition that they didn’t sellout of the mini-suites, which, obviously, they did not. It’s still would have cost us extra, but I talked them into a no charge, as sort of a gift, in recognition of our five-year anniversary of giving enrichment lectures with Princess. Plus, the fact that we would be celebrating your 75th birthday. I mean, I used everything I could think of to persuade them.”

“So, you persuaded Princess to give us this mini-suite and the unlimited beverage package for no extra charge.”

“More specifically, I persuaded my friend, and contact at Princess, Karen.”

“You certainly have outdone yourself.”

“I’ll take that as a well-deserved complement.”

“It is.”

“Let’s go party!”

“I hate to leave this magnificent cabin.

“Let’s go professor. I must dance.”

“Coming.”

Chapter 6

Wednesday, April 20

“Crackle, crackle,” the ships loudspeakers system came alive. “Good morning. Welcome to Fort Lauderdale. The time is now 0800 hrs., or 8:00 AM. We have been cleared to go ashore. Be back on board by 4:30 PM. Ship departure is at 5:00 PM. The weather today for Fort Lauderdale shows partly cloudy with a high of 24°C or 75°F, and a low of 19°C or 66°F. Disembarkation is midship, deck five. Enjoy your day.”

                                 * * *

“Yvonne, Vivian here. We just arrived in Fort Lauderdale a little bit ago and I wanted to call and chat before Jim and I go ashore.”

“Well, yes sweetie. You sound chipper. How are things going.”

“Oh, I’m having a great time. As you know, I finagled a mini-suite along with the unlimited drink package.”

“Yes, yes.”

“I mean, what a sweet deal. To be able to order virtually any drink you want, anywhere, anytime — at no charge. And, of course, the mini-suite is just divine. It has a very comfy queen bed, a separate seating area with a couch, two chairs, and a round glass coffee table in between. And it has a much larger bathroom than what we’re used to, with a tub and shower. Oh, Yvonne, this is really living.”

“That sounds so wonderful. I’m so happy for you. You and Jim then are getting along pretty good I take it.”

“Oh, where getting along.”

“I’m so happy to hear that. What have you two got planned for today in Fort Lauderdale?”

“Oh yes, let me see what time it is. I’ll have to let you go here in a minute and get back to the cabin. Jim and I are going to take a little mini tour of the Everglades in one of those airboats, you know, with a big fan in the back and all.”

“That sounds like a blast. So, I take it you’re not going through with the plan about Jim that we discussed at the Bridgewater a few weeks ago.”

“Oh yes. I’m going through with it. I have to.”

“But —.”

“Hey listen, I’ll keep in touch as best I can. Gotta go. Love you. Bye.”

Chapter 7

Wednesday evening, April 20

“Another great dinner,” Doctor Jim said. “I particularly enjoyed the orange roughy tonight. And topped off with one of my all-time favorite desserts, creme Brule. It doesn’t get much better than this.”

“I’m glad you’re having a good time Jim. You sure were not enthusiastic initially about this cruise.”

“I know. But you were right. This break is good for me.”

“Good. It’s 8:10. We better start heading for the Princess theater if we want to see the comedy show.”

“I’m ready.”

                                        * * *

“He was pretty funny,” Vivian said.

“Yes, he was,” Jim responded. “Played piano and told jokes. Sort of a Victor Borg type act. You remember Victor Borg do you not, Viv?”

“I remember. He used to be on the Ed Sullivan show every once in a while. My, that’s going back a little ways. Okay, you up for dancing professor?”

“What’s my second option.”

“We can see if there are a couple of seats in the Crooners lounge, and listen to Austin Ray, our favorite piano man.”

“I vote for that. I feel like just sitting and relaxing with some music, and then going to bed relatively early. I have to start the enrichment lecture series tomorrow.”

“We’re not on till 1:00 PM.”

“I know, but I want to get a good night sleep, plus I have just a little prep work beforehand.”

“Okay spoilsport, the Crooners it is.”

Chapter 8

Thursday, early evening, April 21

Hunter Kingsley, one of the passengers who had attended Dr. Jim Swenson’s enrichment lecture earlier that day, saw Dr. Jim and Vivian near the entrance to the Island dining room. Hunter walked up to Dr. Jim, looked him square in the face, and said, “You’re wrong, you know.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Wrong about what, may I ask.”

“The whole evolution thing. It’s a bunch of crap.”

“Don’t respond to him,” Vivian said. “He seems to have left his civility at home.”

“That is okay,” Dr. Jim said. “I can overlook his obtrusive manner.”

“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll go on ahead to dinner and order our wine. I know how you like to defend your favorite topic.”

“You go right ahead. I’ll join you in a minute.”

Dr. Jim then turned his head back to Hunter Kingsley. “I take it that you attended my enrichment lecture this morning, titled, ‘How It All Began.’”

“I was there.”

“Excellent. Now what is it about evolution that you do not understand.”

“Oh, I understand the theory all right, it’s just that it’s not true. It’s a lie. It’s a fairy tale for adults.”

“Sir, you are sorely mistaken. Evolution is widely accepted as fact. It is backed by overwhelming scientific evidence, is taught in grade school through college doctorate programs, and, in fact, is the one unifying theme in all of biology.”

“It’s still a lie.”

“Listen, I do not know where you got such a preposterous idea. I am sure you are an intelligent enough person. Please continue to attend my lectures. Today was just the first of my series of lectures on evolution and related topics. I am scheduled to give a presentation every day we are not in port — every sea day. So, two more lectures before Bermuda, then seven in a row between Bermuda and Liverpool, with the final two before we disembark in Southampton. I think you will have a much better understanding of evolution and how it works after attending a few more of my presentations. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I had better join my wife now, before she drinks all the wine.” Doctor Jim turned to leave.

“There’s no scientific evidence for evolution.”

The professor turned back to counter Hunter. “Quite the contrary. There is an abundance of scientific evidence that supports evolution — an abundance. I have devoted my whole life to it. Evolution is a well-founded and widely accepted fact. About the only people who dismiss evolution as an explanation for origins are Bible thumping Christians who take the Bible as fact. Maybe you are one of those. If you are, I did not mean to disparage your belief, but evolution is a fact. Like it or not, life began in some sort of primordial soup, so to speak, and after billions of years, due to the engines of evolution; that is, mutation and natural selection, we have all this diversity in the animal and plant kingdom. And, we have mankind, the crowning glory and epitome of the mechanism of evolution. As evolution is ongoing and continues, who knows what we humans will eventually evolve into. Now, excuse me while I have dinner with my wife.”

“There’s no transitional forms.”

“There are transitional forms in the fossil record. Not near as many as Darwin predicted there would be, but, nonetheless, there are a few. Besides that, even if —.”

“Name one.”

“What did you say.”

“Name one.”

“You cannot be serious. Why, there are several well-known transitional forms, and they are discussed at length in seventh grade biology. I am sure you made it through the seventh grade, did you not.”

“Yeah, I went to school. In fact, I even graduated from college. Got a degree in Earth Science. So, I was taught all that evolution stuff. I believed it at first, then I started thinking. After thinking on it for a while, I concluded that, for the most part, this evolution stuff is a bunch of crap. Yeah, it’s science all right. It’s crap science. Or to use a more erudite word, it’s junk science. When you really think about this whole theory of evolution, it just doesn’t make any sense. On the surface it seems plausible; logical; but when you think about it in more detail, you realize it’s just wishful thinking for people who don’t want to accept the fact that there is a Creator God. Even renowned atheistic evolutionary scientists acknowledge that the universe and everything in it cries out ‘creation.’ They tell us that even though everything looks like it was created, things, in fact, were not created. All the order we see throughout the universe came about from random, purposeless forces. What a bunch of hogwash. So, name one. Name one transitional form.”

“Seriously? Well — probably the best-known example is Archaeopteryx, which is a transitional form between non-avian, or non-flying dinosaurs and birds.”

“So, this Archaeopteryx is a dinosaur that can fly?”

“Jim,” Vivian called as she returned to retrieve the professor, “Our table mates are waiting for you and are ready to order. If you want to debate this presumptuous young man, please do so at another time.”

“You heard the boss. I really must go. But come to my presentation tomorrow. Maybe afterward we will have a few minutes to continue our discussion.”

“Maybe.”

Chapter 9

Friday, April 22, 1:00 PM

The Princess theater

“Welcome all of you,” Doctor Jim said, “To the second of my series of enrichment presentations on subjects relating to biological evolution. Now yesterday, just to recap, we touched on the basics of evolution and how it all works. Evolution has been taught in all the taxpayer funded schools in United States for years, so it should —.”

“Sounds like brainwashing to me.”

“I’m sorry, whoever said that, if we can —.”

“I think it was your friend from last night, replied the lovely assistant.”

“Oh yes, well, if we can just hold our questions and comments until after the presentation, we should have time for questions then. I will send my wife, that is, the lovely assistant, around with the microphone, so everyone can then hear the questions. Now, where was I. Oh yes. I should add that even though evolution is still referred to officially as a theory, it is safe to say evolution is now a well-established fact, and has been for some time. Now, let us delve into today’s topic, ‘Sudden Dinosaur Death.’”

Forty-two minutes later. “Lovely assistant,” Dr. Jim asked, “Do we have time for any questions? She is signaling 12 minutes. Good. Raise your hand if you have a question or comment. I see a hand, about halfway up on the left — stage left. Ahh, good. The lovely assistant has spotted you.”

“This is how I get my exercise,” the lovely assistant said, as she handed the microphone to a middle-aged gentleman.

“Dr. Jim; it seems like I heard somewhere that some dinosaurs actually became birds. Is there any truth to this.”

“Yes, as it turns out, there is. Archaeopteryx is a bird like dinosaur that lived around 150 million years ago, and is similar in size to the Eurasian magpie. To date, there have been 11 Archaeopteryx fossils found. The majority of the 11 specimens have impressions of feathers. Archaeopteryx have characteristics of nonflying feathered dinosaurs and modern birds and is probably the most famous or well-known transitional fossil. That is, a link between one species and another, thus strong evidence for evolution. And, I know it is undoubtedly hard to see from the back rows, but I am wearing one of my favorite T-shirts, which is imprinted with the image of a fossilized Archaeopteryx. If anyone is interested, see me afterward and I can give you the website from which you can order one of these T-shirts. They come in different colors, and a portion of the cost of the shirt goes to the, ‘Find the 12th Archaeopteryx Fund.’”

“In case you’re wondering,” the lovely assistant said, “That was my husband’s attempt at humor.”

“Thank you, lovely assistant.”

“Another question for Dr. Jim from a lady in the back,” reported the lovely assistant, as she handed the lady the microphone.

“Okay, go ahead with your question ma’am,” Doctor Jim said.

“I have two questions. First, of all the theories you mentioned for the extinction of the dinosaurs, which theory or theories do you think have the most credence. Second, since it is apparent now that your lovely assistant is, in fact, your wife, does your wife have a name?”

After the chuckles and laughter from the audience subsided, the lovely assistant commented. “I would answer that myself, but I want to see if the good professor remembers my actual name. It’s all yours professor.”

With a chuckle, Dr. Jim answered. “I will address the first question first. That may give me time to fumble around up here to see if I have the lovely assistant’s name written down somewhere. Of the many viable theories regarding the extinction of the dinosaurs, the prevailing one, at least at the moment, is the meteorite impact theory. As I at least hinted at earlier, it was most likely several different events, somewhat working in concert, that caused the demise of the dinosaurs. But, an interesting point is that, as we learned from the previous question, in effect, dinosaurs never really died out, as certain of them evolved into our modern-day birds.”

“Now, the answer to the second question is — drumroll please — Vivian.”

“Well done professor. I’m impressed,” replied Vivian.

“Do we have time for any more questions, lovely assistant.”

“We have time for one more short question, exalted one. And I see a hand right down here, close by.”

Vivian handed the microphone to a portly man in the front section of seats. “At these lectures, Dr. Jim, you can pick the cruise, but you can’t pick the audience. How do you deal with someone who, despite the scientific evidence, refuses to believe in evolution?”

Doctor Jim paused, shuffled his feet, then started to speak. “Well —.”

“Here comes Doctor Jim’s famous sidestep,” commented the lovely assistant.

“Well, first of all, those kinds of people tend not to come to my lectures. So that is really helpful. Also, the interactions I have had with people who adhere to creation science, have mostly been online, and that is also really helpful.”

“Good sidestep professor,” Vivian said. “We’re out of time. Doctor Jim and I thank you for coming. Hopefully, we will see you all tomorrow. If anyone has further questions, we will be out in the foyer for the next 10 to 15 minutes, and you can ask them there. We have to vacate the theater so they can get ready for the next event.”

Chapter 10

The Princess theater foyer or lobby is essentially a wide thoroughfare with alcoves on each side containing long built in seating areas. At Vivian’s invitation, a number of people gathered around Dr. Jim to ask questions. Vivian, stationed at the opposite end of the alcoves from Dr. Jim, had her own following of friends, mostly women, who were chatting with her. She also had business cards with her husband’s website and email address available to pass out.

Dr. Jim recognized Hunter Kingsley in the group of people, and addressed him. “Ah, my antagonist from last night. I take it that you did attend the lecture I just finished.”

“I was present.”

“Listen, if you have a quick question, I can answer it now, but if you want to continue our discussion from last night, I would be willing to —.”

“It was just more crap.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“I can’t believe the cruise line actually pays you to stand up on stage and lie to us.”

One of the men waiting with a question for Dr. Jim addressed Hunter. “Sir, your manners are most deplorable. I’m surprised Dr. Jim would even give you the time of day, let alone, try to reason with you.”

A woman commented to Dr. Jim, “What a rude young man. He needs to attend a lecture on decency and manners. I am shocked —.”

Dr. Jim jumped in as Hunter turned to leave, “If you would like to continue our discussion, I would be happy to meet with you sometime.”

Hunter continued to walk away and did not respond.

A third person near Dr. Jim shook her head and commented, “He must be one of those Bible thumpers who refuse to believe scientific facts.”

“There are still a few,” commented Dr. Jim, “But I would still meet with him if he were willing.”

Another gentleman commented, “What a hothead. He should be run off the ship.”

Chapter 11

Saturday, April 23

Bermuda

Crackle, crackle, “Good morning and welcome to Bermuda. The local time is 0832 or 8:32 AM. The ship is now tied up at the Kings Wharf Berth and the gangway is ready for passengers. The weather today will be partly cloudy with a high of 22°C or 72°F, with a low of 18°C or 64°F. This embarkation is deck five, midship. Back on-board time is 1700 hrs. or 5:00 PM for a ship departure time of 1730 hrs. or 5:30 PM. Enjoy your day in Bermuda.”

Cabin C242, Deck 10. “Sue, are you ready,” asked Hunter Kingsley. We have five minutes before we are supposed to congregate in the Princess theater for our catamaran sail and snorkel adventure.”

“I’m ready Hunter,” Susan Kingsley replied, “But let me make sure I’ve got everything.”

“Just make sure you have your goggles and your snorkel. I’ve got mine and the sunblock, and two towels, one for each of us.”

“Okay, I’m ready to walk out the door.”

A few minutes later, Hunter and Sue arrived at the Princess theater. As they took their seats, Sue overheard a lady in the row behind, talking to her husband. “Look Ralph, isn’t that the man that was so rude and nasty to Dr. Jim yesterday, after the lecture.”

“Looks like him.”

“Well, he ought to be taught some manners. There was no reason for him to be so hostile to Dr. Jim.”

“Yep, you’re right.”

“Hunter, are they talking about you,” asked Sue.

“Who, what?”

“There’s a couple behind us that was talking about someone being rude and hostile to Dr. Jim yesterday.”

“I doubt if they’re talking about me.”

“But isn’t Dr. Jim the gentleman that gives the lectures you’ve been going to. The ones on evolution.”

“I’ve gone to his lectures so far, but I haven’t been rude to him.”

“Well, I hope not. I don’t even know why you’re going to those lectures. You don’t believe in evolution.”

“No, but I just like to hear what the enemy has to say.”

“He’s not the enemy. He just doesn’t believe the way you and I do.”

“That’s for sure.”

“Well, just don’t make a scene, or get in any trouble. I know how you can be, especially with people who don’t think the way you do.”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t call the brainwashed professor any names, and I wasn’t nasty to him.”

Chapter 12

“Yvonne, this is Vivian calling.”

“Well, hello there. I guess you must be in Bermuda. How is the lovely assistant.”

“Yvonne, please don’t go there.”

“Okay, sorry. So where are you, exactly.”

“Well, believe it or not, I’m at a pub. It’s called the Frog and Onion Pub. Weird name, but it’s really a chick place. It’s just a short walk from where the ship is docked. It’s in an area called the Royal Navy dockyard.”

“Is the good professor with you.”

“Oh no, I left him in our cabin suite, reading one of the periodicals he brought.”

“Well, that’s no fun.”

“He’s no fun.”

“Get him out of your cabin. You two should do something fun in Bermuda.”

“Oh, we are. Right after lunch we’re booked on a tour of the island.”

“What time is it there anyway.”

“It’s only 9:30-ish, and I’m only drinking coffee. Oh, Yvonne I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize. It must be really early back in Golden.”

“5:30-ish.”

“Sorry.”

 “No problem, I had to get up anyway to answer the phone. So, what are you doing before your tour.”

“There are some neat looking little shops near the pub here, and down the street, so, of course, I must go shopping.”

“You must. By the way Viv, I know once you leave Bermuda today, you’ll be at sea for seven straight days, so I know I won’t hear from you, at least by phone, during that time. And, if you go through with what you were planning, you’ll do it sometime during those seven days, I’m sure. You know I hope you don’t. I wish you were a lot happier with Jim. But, anyway, I’ve done some research. If your husband happens to fall overboard, and is not recovered, he is classed as missing. That is, if there is no evidence that he died, then you can’t collect on the insurance for at least seven years. And even then, it’s not automatic. You have to go to court and convince a judge that the missing person is actually dead.”

“What!”

“And not only that, during the seven year waiting period, you have to keep paying the insurance premiums on behalf of the missing person.”

“I couldn’t afford that.”

“I didn’t think so. Now, has Jim had the policy more than two years?”

“Yes. He’s had it a long time. Coming up on 30 years. He took it out when he was at the University years ago, and somehow, over the years, increase the payout to the $2 million it is now.”

“Well, since he’s had it more than two years, the insurance company won’t hold out in the case of a suicide. But that doesn’t help you. Your problem is, if there is no body, or at least witnesses to his death, he would undoubtedly be declared a missing person, and the seven year waiting period applies.”

“I didn’t realize all of this. This is a setback.”

“Maybe you just better tough it out with the professor. He’s not that bad of a guy.”

“No, no. I just can’t do that. In my mind, Jim has been dead since I first started thinking about this. And even though, with his death, I still get half of his pension for the rest of my life, I could not afford to keep the house and continue to live comfortably. In my mind, I have already spent a good portion of the insurance payout. I must go through with this. I cannot stand even another month with him, let alone another 10 or 15 years. A divorce wouldn’t work because I would not get part of his pension, and I would never get the $2 million insurance payout. I really have no choice but to go through with it. However, I must now come up with another plan besides helping Jim over the side and into the frigid Atlantic Ocean. I need to think about this some more, and come up with a new plan. Will you help me Yvonne. Will you also think about it — think about a new plan. I need your help.”

“Well, okay. I’ll think about it.”

“Good. I know I can count on you. I’ll call you back in a little while.”

“Fine, and Viv, we must be careful and watch what we say. I hope no one overheard you mention Jim and dead in the same breath.”

“No, I left the pub several minutes ago and walked over here to the park. No one is around. So, I’ll call you back in a little while.”

“Okay Sweetie.”

Chapter 13

“Darn it, darn it, darn it,” Vivian said to herself, sitting on the park bench after talking with Yvonne. Her thoughts were jumping around a mile a minute. She muttered under her breath. “I am so mad at myself. I had this all planned out. I get Jim to drink a little too much during the birthday celebration I was planning to give him. We go back to the room, walk out to the balcony railing. I glance around to make sure no one else is looking down on us from their balcony, and, oops, the good professor goes over the side, never to be heard from again. That’s why I chose the cabin on the mini-suite deck, the mini-suite balcony railings are flush with the side of the ship. The other balcony cabins are set in a few feet from the side of the ship. This would have been so perfect. Now he’s here; now he’s not.”

Vivian continued muttering to herself, in disbelief that her perfect murder plan was apparently not so perfect. “There would have been no blood, no fuss, and Jim would have instantly become an extremely small part of a very big ocean. And he wouldn’t have even suffered, especially in his inebriated state. Almost as soon as he hit the frigid water he would be numb. A few seconds later he would have drowned. He can’t swim.”

“Even if someone did happen to see him go over the side, in the dark, nothing could have been done to help. The ship would take way too long to reverse or turn around. And I would have just said that Jim had too much to drink, was leaning over the side to throw up, and he leaned a little too far out. Of course, I would say I tried to grab him, but it was too late.”

“Hey, maybe that would still work. I, of course, would be a witness to him going over the side and into the dark abyss. It would be helpful if at least one other person witnessed his demise. But, there is a problem with other witnesses. They might be close enough to see, even in the dark, that I actually was pushing him over the rail, rather than grabbing him to try to pull him back.”

“I sure wish I had done my homework a little better regarding the insurance policy. I think I thought through everything else well enough. I mean, I even brought along some poison just in case —. Wait a minute. Maybe I can use the poison. Yeah, why not just poison him. What kind of poison was it anyhow. I was smart enough not to carry it in its original container, so I certainly can’t read the label. Well, it doesn’t really matter anyway. The name of it is not important. I know it will induce a heart attack. I was smart enough to research it without using the Internet and my computer — just in case I became a suspect and my computer inquiries were investigated. Watching crime stories on T.V. really helps when planning a murder.”

Vivian continued thinking out loud in a low, muttered voice. “Another possibility. I get him drunk, as already planned, at his birthday celebration. In his drunken stupor, he accidentally falls down the stairs. The longer run of stairs from deck eight to deck seven would be the best. But, what if he doesn’t die from the fall. What if he becomes a quadriplegic. I would have to care for him. That would be even worse. Way worse. No, forget that.”

“I wonder if Yvonne has come up with anything yet.”

Chapter 14

“Hello, this is Yvonne.”

“Viv here. I’m still sitting on the bench in the park, and no one is within earshot. I have a couple of plan B type ideas. One thing is, I’ve brought some poison, and I could use that.”

“What’s the poison?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I knew, but I put it in a plain little bottle, and now I can’t remember its name.”

“Well Viv, I remember you telling me once that Jim has a heart problem, and I think you said he takes a digitalis medication.”

“He takes Lanoxin, which is a particular brand of digitalis.”

“And what are the precautions for people who take digitalis type medications.”

“Well, I know that Jim is supposed to take his digitalis pretty close to the same time each day. And he must be very careful not to under dose or overdose. He also takes a potassium supplement, because if his potassium gets too low, it has a similar effect to overdosing on the digitalis.”

“And what happens if your husband does overdose on his digitalis.”

“I know the doctor cautioned Jim on this. Dr. Prichard said the margin for error for any digitalis medication is very narrow. He said the amount of Lanoxin that he prescribed is very close to the amount that can cause problems from overdose. He said, an overdose could cause a number of problems, including deadly irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure.”

“Okay. And what about alcohol and digitalis. Alcohol has an adverse effect when consumed while taking any number of drugs.”

Dr. Prichard told Jim it’s best not to drink alcohol at all while taking this medication, but knowing that Jim and I both love our wine, he said moderation is the key. He said for Jim, one 4-ounce glass of wine a day is probably okay, maybe even two, but no more.”

“I know you don’t apply the 8 ounce or less rule to yourself Vivian.”

“You know I don’t — Oh, Yvonne, you are absolutely a genius. You devil you. You just outlined the perfect solution. Boy, how dense am I. I should’ve figured this out myself. You are a sweetie.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I just want to make sure that you and Jim don’t whoop it up too much. That Jim doesn’t overdose on his digitalis, or drink too much wine.”

“And I appreciate the reminder.”

“So, do you still have time to shop before you and Jim go on your tour?”

Vivian glanced at her watch. “I’ve got about 45 minutes before I rendezvous with the professor. I should have no problem finding something to buy in that amount of time.”

“Okay. I’ll let you go. It’s time for me to get dressed and greet the morning.”

“Again, I’m sorry about my very early call; and, I thank you so much Yvonne. You are a true friend.”

“As are you.”

Chapter 15

“I enjoyed our little tour of Bermuda,” Dr. Jim said.

“Interesting, but I sure wouldn’t want to live here,” Vivian said.

“Not enough shops,” inquired Dr. Jim

“Not only that, but I feel claustrophobic. The place is too small; too confining.”

“I agree. I would have island fever myself.” Dr. Jim looked at his watch. “In a little more than an hour, we will be leaving Bermuda.”

“And it will be seven days without land. Seven days in the middle of the North Atlantic. I wonder if I’ll feel claustrophobic, being confined to the ship for seven whole days.”

“I think we will both survive it just fine.”

“You don’t have to worry about it anyway — I mean — you have your book you’re working on, and the periodicals you brought along to read. And required socialization. In three days the big social event of the trip takes place. Right in the middle of this seven day ocean stretch. Your birthday celebration will be right in the middle of the North Atlantic, just three days from now, on Tuesday, April 26.”

“Well, yes. Another year older.”

“It’s a big deal. It’s the big 75. Three quarters of a century old.”

“You make me feel like an old man.”

“Well, it’s a milestone. Worth celebrating. If you don’t make it any further, you’ve at least made it to 75. That’s quite an accomplishment.”

“I am not there yet.”

“In three days, you will be.”

“In three days.”

“And the good thing about it Jim, is that it’s formal night that night, so you have to dress up anyway.”

“If it were not, I know you would make me dress up nonetheless. I guess this way I am going to kill two birds with one stone.”

“Maybe three or four birds.”

“What would the third and fourth ones be?”

Oh, I’m sure we could think of something. We’ll kill a bottle of champagne for sure. And speaking of drinking, let’s go have a glass of wine and eat dinner.”

“Okay. You know, with our drink package, we could have champagne every night.”

“I know, but then champagne wouldn’t be quite as special.”

“Good point.”

“By the way, did you take your digitalis yet?”

“Remember, I try to take it at seven every evening with dinner.”

“I know,” Vivian said. “Just checking.”

Chapter 16

Sunday, April 24

Balcony cabin C242

“Sue, we’d better hurry if we want to grab breakfast at the Horizon buffet before the interdenominational church service at 9 o’clock.”

“I’ll be ready in about three or four minutes, I’m putting my face on.”

Hunter started singing. “I’ve grown accustomed to your face; even though it’s out of place —.”

“Are we coming back to the cabin after church?”

“No time. Immediately after church are two enrichment presentations in the Princess theater. The first is Highways and Byways with Mike Hennessey. The ship’s newspaper, the Princess Patter, said Mike will tell us how the US went from dirt cow paths to superhighways. That starts at 10 o’clock. Then, at 11:15 is, none other than the famous Dr. Jim, also in the Princess theater. The Patter said Dr. Jim will take you on a trip to the Galapagos Islands with Darwin.”

“Well, the highway thing sounds interesting, but I won’t stay for Dr. Jim. I want to go to the Thomas Kincaid art seminar. I think that starts at 12 noon.”

“Yep. 12 noon.”

“Okay. My face is on. I’m ready.”

“My face is always on. Let’s face the day.”

Chapter 17

After Dr. Jim’s Darwin and the Galapagos Islands talk, as usual, he, and the lovely assistant stationed themselves in the Princess theater lobby area for a further question and answer session. Immediately, two Princess security personnel approached Dr. Jim and Vivian. The taller of the two men, with a name tag of “Prichard” spoke. “Mr. and Mrs. Swenson, I am Richard Prichard, and this is Dan Farnsworth. We are with Princess on board security. It has come to our attention, from more than one source, that there has been, how shall I put it, a troublemaker of sorts at some of your question and answer sessions. We, unfortunately, don’t have a name for the chap, but if you’ll be so kind as to point him out, if he’s here, we would like to have a word with him.”

“You bet I will,” replied Vivian. “If he’s here, I’ll be happy to point him out.”

“We appreciate that ma’am,” Prichard said. “We’ve been told he’s been somewhat loud and belligerent. Maybe belligerent is too strong a word. Extremely disrespectful is probably a better way to put it. We do have a general description, but that fits a lot of people.”

“I do not believe he is of much concern,” Dr. Jim said, “But we appreciate the fact that you are looking out for us.”

“Jolly good, sir. Farnsworth and I will just step across the way. Give us the high sign if you spot him.”

Fifteen minutes later Dr. Jim and Vivian wrapped up their informal question and answer session for the people who like to linger, or who don’t want to miss any of Dr. Jim’s teachings. Jim and Vivian then walked over to Prichard and Farnsworth. “Well, I guess our heckler is a no-show,” Dr. Jim said. He may have been in the audience at the lecture, but I do not recall seeing him.”

“I didn’t see him either,”, Vivian said, “but I wasn’t looking for him.”

“Quite alright Dr. and Mrs. Swenson,” Prichard said. “If we’re available, we will be back tomorrow, right after your lecture. As I said, we just want to have a chat with him; let him know that there is a certain decorum that we like to maintain on the ship, that’s all.”

“If we had his name,” Farnsworth said, “We would just contact him and ask him to report to our office on deck five, which would be a lot better. You know, if he received a call or a notice to report to the security office, that alone should put a damper on his unappreciated behavior.”

“I’ll find out his name,” responded Vivian. “I’ll hunt him down and get his name.”

“The lovely assistant to the rescue,” chimed Dr. Jim. “But try to do it without your usual exuberance. After all, I think the only problem with that gentleman is that he is just a little overzealous regarding his disregard for the fact of evolution. In fact, I think the two of you are a bit alike, Vivian. You both tend to overzealousness.”

Vivian shot back, “Oh, don’t even suggest that crass and rude man and I are even remotely alike. I am an enthusiastic person, full of life. That man is just downright crud and brutish.”

“My, my,” Dr. Jim said, “that is a big word for the lovely assistant.”

“Oh, just shut up Jim.”

Prichard shuffled his feet, and said, “Well, anyway, Dr. and Mrs. Swenson, the name would be most helpful, but don’t go out of your way to obtain it. If you do have anything for us, just call security on the ship’s phone, or drop by our office on deck five, midship. Here’s our card. Good day.”

“Good day,” responded Dr. Jim.

Chapter 18

Monday afternoon, April 25

Deck seven at the photo gallery

“There is my antagonist,” Dr. Jim said.

Hunter looked up from perusing the rows of photos taken during the stopover in Bermuda. “Oh, Dr. Jim. Hey, I’m still attending your lectures, but I sit way up in the back. Kind of low keying it.”

“Well, good. Good on both counts. That you are still attending my lectures, and that you are low keying it, as you say. On that note, I must warn you that the ships security people want to talk to you.”

“Really?”

“I am certain it is in regard to the confrontations you and I have had while discussing my favorite topic. Now, I certainly did not complain to anyone about our little exchanges, but I surmise that one or two of the passengers complained about you, and had concerns that you were somewhat hot under the collar, and maybe a little overly animated.”

“It’s not you, Dr. Jim, that I’m upset with. It’s the whole evolution thing. It’s a total fabrication.”

“I know you are not upset with me personally. I have encountered people like you before. I mean, people who do not believe evolution is how it all happened, and they are passionate about their nonbelief. I must admire their passion, as misguided as it is. Well, anyway since I saw you here I thought I should let you know about the two gentlemen from security, who, I assume, would still like to talk with you. Prichard and Farnsworth are their names. They said they would contact you directly, but they didn’t know your name.”

“My name is Hunter Kingsley. I have nothing to hide. I don’t mind talking with them.”

“I am sure you do not — have anything to hide, or mind talking with them. And, by the way,” Dr. Jim extended his hand, “Glad to formally meet you Hunter.” The two men shook hands.

“By the way Hunter, if you do not have anything pressing right now, I would like to buy you a drink.”

“Well, a truce it is. I’ll accept.”

“The Wheelhouse bar is close by. How does that suit you.”

“That suits me just fine. I like the wheelhouse bar. It looks like a bar on a ship should look.”

“I am with you on that. If you do not mind, let us go all the way in and around the corner to the right. I will explain in a second.”

“Fine with me,” Hunter said.

“Here we go. How is this table. It is tucked back here out of the way. People walking by the entrance to the bar cannot see anyone back here.”

“It’s fine. But why is being tucked away important. You going to try to sell me drugs or something.”

“No — nothing like that. I am trying to avoid my wife, for your sake, really.”

“My sake. How’s that?”

“When the two gentlemen from security, Prichard and Farnsworth, talked to my wife and me about you yesterday, they said it would be helpful if they knew your name. My wife immediately volunteered to, using her words, hunt you down and get your name. She can be a little over-the-top at times. It would be better if she did not spot either of us, especially you.”

“Interesting.”

“That it is. When my wife gets a bee in her bonnet like this, avoidance is the best course of action.”

“Yep, wives. You gotta love ‘em.”

The waitress approached. “Good afternoon. My name is Joyce. May I get you gentlemen anything from the bar.”

“Yes, responded Jim, I would like a glass of the Chilean Cabernet. I forgot the name. It’s the more expensive one on the drink menu.”

“Very well. And you sir; what could I get for you.”

“I’ll take a glass of the Napa Valley Cabernet.”

“And put his drink on my tab,” Jim said, as he handed Joyce his cruise card.

“I’ll be right back with your order gentlemen.”

After a minute or so of silence, Jim spoke. “So, Hunter, I take it that you are not going to break down and admit to being the end product of billions of years of evolution, even though the evidence is there, my friend.”

“And here comes Joyce with our drinks. That was quick.”

Jim signed for the two Cabernet’s. “Thank you, Joyce.”

“My pleasure.”

Hunter raised his glass to Jim. “To you sir. Thank you for the wine.”

Likewise, Jim raised his glass to Hunter. “And to you.”

They both tasted their wine followed by a satisfying smile. Hunter took another sip, sat his glass down, then started. “Evidence? Sure, you can find some examples of things that seem to support evolution. But your premise is wrong — totally wrong. Your premise is that evolution is true. Life just happened. It started out in pond scum — actually before pond scum — life from nonlife. Proteins into one celled plants and animals and things all by themselves developed or evolved into better and more complex plants and animals — and millions — billions — zillions of years later, we have all this diversity, with the ultimate — so far — being man.”

Hunter continued, “But it didn’t happen that way. The few examples you say prove evolution, do not, as they all have other possible explanations, which you and your evolutionary colleagues ignore. If evolution were true, it should be obvious. But it’s not obvious, because it’s not true. Creation by a Creator is obvious. Even the staunchest atheistic scientists admit it. They cry out in frustration, ‘We know everything in the universe and the animal and plant kingdoms have the appearance of order and purpose — but it’s not true,’ they say. The few examples you have that you say supports or proves evolution are really just adaptation — like Darwin’s finch beaks, and the peppered moths, and so forth.”

Jim thought for a moment, then said, “We should just agree to disagree.”

“Why don’t we just agree to seek the truth, no matter where it leads, and no matter what the consequence.”

Jim scratched his head, looked at Hunter square in the eyes, looked away, picked up his wine, took a sip, savored it, put the glass back on the table, then looked back at Hunter. “I must say, I am impressed with your self-assuredness. I think it’s misplaced — in a God that I don’t think exists. But, I can see that you do — wholeheartedly, and, seemingly, without waiver. I myself, of course, believe evolution as the way we humans got here, and that evolution is the unifying principle of all, excuse the word, creation. Yet, I don’t feel the confidence and self-assuredness that you seem to have.”

“When you know the truth, the truth sets you free. I know the truth, not only intellectually, but in my heart, deep down inside me, in my whole being. That’s the source of my confidence and there’s nothing I know of that can shake it. I think that deep down, in the core of your being, you know that evolution is a lie, a sham, or at least you seriously question it. The confidence you have in evolution is superficial. That’s why you won’t read the book, ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist,’ I offered to give you, or any other of quite a number of books that expose the lie of evolution. That’s why you won’t set foot in a church other than for funerals or weddings. That’s why you won’t even open the best-selling book of all time, the Bible. You’re afraid. Deep down you’re afraid that if you honestly look into the issue of God and Jesus, and creation, and heaven and hell, you would find out the truth. And you would discover your living a lie. And you’ve been living a lie your whole life. Scary stuff. If I were in your shoes, I’d be scared too.”

“Are you trying to convert me?”

“Of course. Not by force or coercion, but by encouraging you to open your mind and your heart up to the possibility that you are wrong.”

“Listen, I like you. You are direct. You have spunk. Did you inherit that from either of your parents.

“No, like I said, my confidence comes from God and knowing the truth.”

“Okay, okay. I hear you. Let me ask you this. Why cannot you believe in God, and that he created the universe, and also believe in evolution. He could have used evolution as part of his mechanism of creation.”

“He could have, but didn’t. Like I’ve been saying, evolution that says one species mutates and creates another species is devoid of any evidence and is a lie. And evolution that causes changes within a species, which some people call micro evolution, does take place, and there’s plenty of evidence for that. However, it’s really just adaptation. Calling it evolution is a misnomer. Plants adapt, animals adapt, humans adapt. Adaptation happens all the time. A lot of scientist and others like to infer from micro evolution or adaptation, that macro evolution is true. However, it’s not.”

“Well, we are not going to agree on that point, that is for sure.”

Not wanting to interrupt the exuberant discussion, Joyce attempted to pick up the empty wine glasses without notice. When Hunter and Jim looked up at her, she spoke. “Sorry if I interrupted. Would you gentlemen like another glass of wine.”

“I’m game if you are, Jim.”

“Fine by me. Joyce, let me have the same Chilean Cabernet.”

“And you sir.”

“I’ll stick with the Napa Valley Cabernet.”

“I’ll return shortly with your drinks, gentlemen.”

“Okay,” Hunter said. “Thank you, Joyce, for being so attentive yet polite.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Are you married Hunter, “Jim asked.

“I am.”

“I have not seen your wife with you, but I presume she is with you on the cruise.”

“She is. She is not particularly interested in academic lectures. That’s why I come to your presentations by myself.”

“I try to make them interesting enough for everyone to enjoy.”

“I’m sure you do. My wife would rather hang out by the pool with a good murder mystery.”

“Since we left Bermuda and headed north east, it’s becoming a little too chilly for the pool.”

“We both still use the Jacuzzi, but not the pool. Susan likes sitting around the pool in the lounge chairs with a good book.”

Joyce returned. “Your drinks gentlemen.” Joyce handed Hunter’s cruise card back with a charge slip to sign. She handed Jim’s cruise card back but without a charge slip to sign.

“Thank you, Joyce,” Jim said.

Hunter asked, “How come you don’t have to sign for your drink, Jim?”

“My wife and I have the unlimited beverage package. I think Princess calls it the sip and sail package. It is somewhat expensive, but my wife finagled Princess into giving it to us complementary.”

“What a sweet deal. You don’t have to cringe every time you order a drink and you see how much it costs.”

“Right. The downside, however, is that Vivian and I are drinking a lot more than we normally do. Well, I had just better speak for myself. Vivian is normally a robust consumer of alcohol no matter what.”

“Well, here’s to you,” Hunter said as he raised his glass.

“Likewise,” replied Jim with raised glass.

“So, tell me about yourself. What is your history. What do you do besides harass lowly retired professors.”

Chapter 19

Hunter Kingsley and Dr. Jim Swenson continued their conversation over wine in the wheelhouse bar. “I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana,” Hunter said.

“A Hoosier.”

“Yep. Went to Indiana University, main campus, in Bloomington. I changed majors a couple of times and wound up getting a bachelor of science degree in Earth science. My real major though was Air Force ROTC, so to speak. Soon as I graduated, I went into the Air Force.”

“What did you do in the Air Force.” “After a year of pilot training in Lubbock, Texas, I went to Vietnam. Flew F-100’s there for a year, then rotated back to the States. I wound up in the SR-71 program at Beale Air Force Base in California, just north of Sacramento.”

“Was that the sleek looking spy plane that flew very fast and very high.”

“That it was. Mach 3 plus, and 80,000 feet plus.”

“That must have been exciting.”

“It was a kick. Then the war was over, and the Air Force started downsizing and closing bases, so I got out and tried for the airlines. I knew my chances weren’t great — so many post-Vietnam pilots on the market trying to get airline jobs, but, I gave it a shot. I was making progress, then suddenly the fuel crisis of 1973 started. All the airlines furloughed pilots, except Delta.”

“I remember the 1973 fuel crisis. Long lines at the gas pumps. Odd and even days to get gas.”

“Yep. So, I gave up on that idea and eventually got into law enforcement. Spent one year in the Border Patrol, and then 10 years in the Secret Service. While in the Secret Service, I started reading books and going to seminars on how to become financially independent in real estate. Robert Allen, Hal Morris, and William Nickerson were some of the real estate gurus I followed back then. So, halfway to retirement, I quit the Secret Service and got into real estate rehabilitation and development in Long Beach, California. Did well at first, then got caught in a financial downturn with too many properties.”

“Three of our properties went upside down, where the mortgage is greater than the value of the property. My wife and I worked with the bank on these, and wound up doing short sales. After that, and the negative cash flows with the rentals we had, Susan and I throttled back on real estate. We still have a couple of rentals, but no mortgages and no negative cash flow.”

“Yes, real estate can be a fickle thing. Vivian and I had a house that went upside down for a while, but we rode it out. So, are you still working. It sounds like you did achieve some sort of financial independence.”

“We are financially doing fine now, but there were more lean times before we got to our present financially independent status. And it’s not because we have any great income. We have just learned to live within our means.”

“After getting out of real estate development, I had a few other real estate related jobs: home inspector, appraiser, and so forth. I even worked a couple of years for the general contractor that I used a hire to do my framing. But, at some point, during this time, I believe God was calling me into ministry. Long story short, I wound up going to Fuller seminary in Pasadena, California, and getting my master of divinity degree. I thought the call was to be a pastor, but toward the end of my schooling, I felt a heart tug to hospital chaplaincy.”

“That’s what got Susan and me out of the Los Angeles area, and back up to Sacramento. I got an internship as a hospital chaplain at Sutter Hospital. I loved it, but I needed a good steady job with retirement benefits, and I soon realized that it is not easy to get a long-term paid hospital chaplain job with retirement benefits. A lot of hospital chaplains are volunteers and don’t get paid.”

“So, I tried teaching sixth grade for two years in a very challenging school district. Didn’t like that, so got back into law enforcement with the Yolo County Probation Department. After eight years with Yolo County, I retired. That was five years ago. And here I am, having a glass of wine with a retired biology professor in the Wheelhouse bar on the Caribbean Princess, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.”

“Amazing. So, Hunter Kingsley almost became a preacher. Maybe you do not get paid for it, but you do preach.”

“I try not to be preachy. I see myself as a logical person. I try to use a logical, systematic approach to things. Most things are black and white to me. I don’t see a lot of wishy washy gray area. God either is, or he isn’t. Macro evolution is either true, or it isn’t. You’re either married, or you’re not.”

“Here comes Joyce. I think she spied our empty glasses.”

“Gentlemen. I see your glasses are empty. Would either of you care for another drink.”

“I really am supposed to watch my alcohol consumption,” Jim responded. “Oh, what the heck, I would like another glass of the same Cabernet.”

“Me too. The same. That is, the same cab that I’ve been drinking. No, on second thought, let me try the cab the good professor here has been drinking, the Argentinian Cabernet. And, put both of them on my tab.”

“But I have the unlimited beverage card for me. No sense in paying —.”

Hunter raised his hand in protest. “That’s all right. I want to do it anyway.”

Jim responded, “All right, I accept.”

Joyce placed Hunter’s and Jim’s empty wine glasses on her tray, and said, “I’ll be right back with two premium Argentinian Cabernets.”

“Thanks Joyce,” both Hunter and Jim said.

“So, Jim, I told you quite a bit about myself, way more than I usually get into. What’s the low down on you. How did you get to be a retired professor.”

“My story is pretty mundane compared to yours. I grew up in Denver, Colorado. In sixth grade I had to write a science paper. I went to one of the main libraries in Denver, started thumbing through Scientific American magazines, stumbled on articles about Lewis and Mary Leakey, and all their fossil finds of early humans in the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, Africa. It was all so interesting to me; fossil hunting and discovering earlier forms of humans. So, I wrote my paper on human evolution. That sparked my interest in evolution and biology in general.”

“After high school, I attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and majored in evolutionary biology. Took a year off and worked odd jobs, then went back to the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned my Masters and PhD in the same discipline. Married Vivian somewhere in there. She was one of my students. Got a professorship, and was eventually head of the department. Retired five years ago, and here I am.”                                          “Pretty stable career, and all in one place.”

“I have a good retirement, and we have a decent house in the mountains, close to Boulder, and even closer to Golden, Colorado. Now I keep in touch with my colleagues, keep up on my scientific reading, and am attempting to write a book. And, of course, I do these enrichment lectures with Princess Cruise lines two or three times a year.”

“All right,” Hunter said. “There’s certainly nothing wrong with stability.”

“I like it. I am not sure Vivian is totally content with our lifestyle, however. She likes it all right when we’re on these cruises, but at home she gets a little antsy.”

“And here’s Joyce with our drinks,” Hunter said. “And here’s my signature for the wine. Thank you, Joyce.”

“My pleasure, gentlemen. Holler if you need anything else.”

“I think this will do it for us, don’t you, Jim.”

“Definitely. I quite enjoy my wine, but I don’t dare overdo it too much because of the medicine I take.”

“Well, cheers again,” Hunter said, as he and Jim lifted their glasses in a salute to each other. “So, Jim, what kind of medication do you take, if you don’t mind my asking.”

“I take several heart medications. I have the beginning stages of a congestive heart, along with atrial fibrillation. I take a diuretic, or water pill, a cholesterol-lowering drug, and a potassium supplement. But the very important heart drug I take is digitalis. I take the other drugs just before I go to bed at night. If I forget to take them it is generally inconsequential. But the digitalis I have to be a little careful with.”

“Yeah?”

“I take the digitalis with dinner, and try to take it around 7:00 PM every night. I do not dare forget to take it, but also, I do not dare take an overdose. An overdose could be just one extra pill, and could possibly cause heart failure. It is an interesting situation. The prescribed amount of digitalis keeps me going just fine. But the same thing that keeps me going just fine, could be my undoing, if I accidentally took a double dose. On the other hand, if I forget to take the digitalis, that could also cause my demise. That digitalis is a very important little pill.”

“I’ll say.”

“To make sure I do not forget my digitalis, I have a small plastic container that I place one of the digitalis pills in, before going to dinner. My watch goes off at 7:00 PM every evening, so, no matter what I am doing, I stop and take the digitalis, unless dinner is almost ready. If I am not engaged with dinner, then I try to arrange to eat shortly after that. Taking the pill with dinner is not the important thing. Taking one, and only one digitalis about the same time every day is the important thing.”

“Wow. Well, you seem to be a disciplined type person. It must be fairly easy for you to have a routine like that.”

“It has not failed me yet. And, I have a backup. My wife watches out for me too. She is my backup for the 7:00 PM digitalis routine.”

“It’s good to have a backup.”

“Always.”

“So, the lovely assistant. You two seem to make a good team, although she seems to like to try to steal the show, so to speak, whenever she can.”

“Good observation. She is feisty and ambitious, and somewhat controlling, but a good teammate. We love each other, and, I think, complement each other.”

“Good.”

“What about your wife.”

“Susan. She’s great. We, of course, love each other. We are at odds sometimes, but I think we also complement each other.”

“Yes, wives are good to have around. I have my work, which I do thoroughly enjoy, but, if I did not have Vivian, I think I would be a very lonely person.”

“Ditto for me. Here’s to our wives, where ever they are right now.” Hunter and Jim raised their glasses.

“To our wives,” responded Jim. “Well, speaking of our wives, I had better go hunt my down.”

“Me too. I’d better see what mine is up to, and besides, my wine is gone,” Hunter said, as he swirled his glass, then drank the last swig.”

“I am going to leave my last sip in the glass. That way I can honestly report that I did not have three glasses of wine. Only two, and part of the third.”

The two men stood up and shook hands. “Well, it was nice chatting with you Jim. Think about seeking the truth.”

“An enjoyable chat it was, my friend. And, if I were you, I would go to the security office and talk to them, so they do not continue to look for you. I would not want you to get in any hot water over our little repartee.”

“Good advice. I think I will. What did you say their names were.”

Jim pulled the Princess security business card out of his pocket. “Their names are Richard Prichard, and Dan Farnsworth.”

“Richard Prichard, huh. I guess his parents liked rhyming names.”

“Apparently.”

“Thanks Jim.”

“Take care Hunter.”

Chapter 20

Security Office, Deck five

Hunter Kingsley knocked on the security office door, and waited. Thirty seconds later the door opened. “Good day sir. How may I be of assistance.”

“I’m looking for Richard Prichard, or Dan Farnsworth.”

“I’m officer Prichard, how may I help you.”

“I was told by Dr. Jim Swenson, the gentleman who lectures on evolution in the Princess theater, that you wanted to see me.”

“And your name, sir.”

“Hunter Kingsley.”

“What is your cabin number, sir.”

“C-242.”

“Yes. Come on in Mr. Kingsley, and have a seat.”

“I don’t know what this is about, but —.”

“I think I can clear this up for you right quick. Do you attend Dr. Swenson’s lectures?”

“I have been, so far.”

“Have you and he had any verbal exchanges at any time — say, right after his lecture.”

“Once or twice.”                                                                         “Would you say they were heated exchanges. What I mean is, where either of your voices raised — or was there any name-calling — that sort of thing.”

“Not really. Well, maybe a little bit, on my part, but what he lectures on is such a controversial topic. A lot of what he says is just not true.”

“Well, sir, be that as it may, we have had complaints from more than one of your fellow passengers. You have been accused of being ingenuous and downright rude to Dr. Swenson.”

“Well, if I came off that way, I didn’t mean to. It’s just that I hate to see someone given a platform to stand before an audience and outright lie. I can’t believe Princess cruises would have someone lecture on such a controversial topic.”

“I don’t imagine that whoever at princes arranged for Dr. Swenson as a guest lecturer, thought his lectures would be offensive to anyone. Nevertheless, I apologize on behalf of Princess for any grief our selection of enrichment lecturers has caused you. My suggestion would be that you just not attend any more of Dr. Swenson’s lectures. The ship offers plenty of other activities throughout the day for you to enjoy.”

“Oh, I know.”

“My job is to maintain a congenial atmosphere here on the ship, and to curtail any threats to the well-being and enjoyment of the passengers. If you will promise to conduct yourself in a gentlemanly manner, and not raise your voice, or be in any way rude to our guest lecturers, I, in turn, will be inclined to drop the whole matter.”

“I will do my best.”

“Thank you, Mr. Kingsley. I will record this as merely an incident, and close the matter.”

The two men shook hands, and Hunter left.

Chapter 21

Tuesday, April 26, the day before

Cabin D335

“Jim, guess who’s on this cruise,” Vivian asked.

“People who want to go to England.”

“Funny man. No, it’s two couples that were on our last cruise. It’s Norma and Harry Billingsworth, and Lynn and Ted Stallmaster.”

“I don’t remember them.”

“I didn’t either, but Norma and Lynn were in the jewelry store when I was there, just a little bit ago. We got to talking, and discovered that we had all been on the Princess cruise from San Francisco to Shanghai last year.”

“What were you doing in the jewelry store.” “I was looking. Don’t worry, I didn’t buy anything. But anyway, we agreed to meet after dinner in the Crooners lounge around 9 o’clock. Whoever gets there first will try to save seats for the rest of us.”

“Is Austin Ray going to be playing the piano.”

“Yes, I checked the Princess patter daily guide, and he starts at 9:15. So, if we get there by nine, or even a little before, we should be able to get six seats together.”

“Okay. Fine with me. You know I love listening to Austin.”

Chapter 22

Crooners lounge, 9:00 PM

“There they are, Jim, the Billingworths and the Stallmasters.” Jim and Vivian walked over to the two couples. “Hello everyone,” Vivian said. “Thank you for saving us seats. You got here even before we did.”

“We wanted to make sure we had a good chance of getting six seats together,” replied Lynn Stallmaster. “And let me start the introductions. I am Lynn Stallmaster, and this is my husband, Ted.”

A blonde woman with short cropped hair said, “I am Norma Billingsworth, and this is my husband Harry.”

“And I am Vivian Swenson, and this is my husband Jim, or as he prefers, Dr. Jim.”

“Now, now,” Jim said, “That is not a requirement, but I must admit, I do like the title.

“Yes Jim,” Ted said, “Lynn and I attended some of your lectures last year on the cruise from San Francisco to Shanghai. When we saw you were on the program again for this trip, we attended your second lecture. You had a question and answer session afterward, in the theater lobby. We were going to say hello, and let you know we were on the Shanghai trip with you, but there was some sort of disturbance. There was a man that was giving you a hard time, so we just left.”

“Oh yes,” responded Jim, “He meant no harm, he just doesn’t agree with the obvious fact of evolution.”

“Nor do I,” responded Ted.

“Oh,” inquired Dr. Jim, “Vivian told me that you and Lynn attended some of my lectures last year on the trip to Shanghai.”

“I did. I went to most of them, and Lynn went to about half of them.”

“But if you do not believe the science regarding evolution, why would you attend my lectures?”

“I filtered out the evolution part and listened to the other interesting things you had to say. And to be honest with you, sometimes Lynn and I went just so we could get a good seat for the event that immediately followed your lecture in the Princess theater.”

“Well, that is brutally honest,” said Jim.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it as a putdown. Like I said, after I filtered out the evolution part of your lectures, you had some very interesting and informative things to say.”

“Well, thanks,” responded Jim. “I’m almost afraid to ask you, Norma and Harry, what you think of evolution and my lectures.”

“We’re fine with it,” responded Harry. “We figure the schools wouldn’t teach it if it weren’t true.”

“Yeah,” replied Norma, “I don’t think the schools would be allowed to teach something that wasn’t true.”

“Of course,” Dr. Jim said, “You are absolutely correct.”

After an awkward silence, Lynn inquired. “So, Vivian and Jim, I mean Dr. Jim, do you two cruise very often, giving the enrichment lectures?”

Jim responded. “Vivian and I have been lecture cruising for a good five years now, doing about three cruises a year with Princess.”

“Is Princess the only cruise line you lecture with,” asked Norma.

“So far,” answered Vivian. “Princess has been very good to us, so we haven’t even tried to get on with other cruise lines.”

“I don’t think every cruise line even has enrichment lectures,” stated Harry.

“No, they don’t,” added Ted. “And even Princess only has enrichment lectures on the longer cruises that have a lot of sea days. It makes sense when you think about it. When you have several sea days in a row, you’ve got to offer a variety of activities for the passengers to keep them from getting bored.”

“True,” added Harry. “Princess, and probably most cruise lines, do a pretty good job of offering multiple activities on board.”

“As for me,” Lynn injected, “Give me a smooth sea day, a glass of wine, and a good book, and I’m a happy camper. Or, should I say, happy cruiser.”

“Speaking of wine,” Vivian said, I think it’s time to order some cocktails.”

Drinks were ordered and served by cocktail waitress Sasha as the conversation continued.

“So,” Vivian asked, “Are the four of you longtime friends from the same place, I mean, it seems like you already knew each other before coming on this cruise.”

“Not long-term friends, yet,” stated Norma. “The four of us actually met on the Shanghai cruise last year, and just started palling around together. After the cruise, we kept in touch, and when this cruise was offered with the unlimited drink package incentive, we booked it together.”

“Yeah,” Lynn said, “We don’t live near each other. Norma and Harry live in Dayton, Ohio, and Ted and I live in Springfield, Illinois. All four of us had retired last year, before the Shanghai cruise. We’re empty-nesters, and love to travel. So here we are, on our second cruise after retirement or C.A.R.”

“And here comes our witty and enjoyable piano man, Austin Ray, right on time,” announced Norma.

Harry looked at his watch, “Yeah, right on time, 9:45.”

Austin Ray, with a bit of a flourish, took his seat at the ivory baby grand piano, while Gina, the other cocktail waitress at the Crooners bar and lounge, brought Austin his customary rum punch, with two maraschino cherries perched on top. She placed the drink on the small round glass table to the right of the piano.

Austin spoke into the microphone attached to the baby grand. “Well, good evening fellow passengers, I hope you’re ready for an evening of music and frivolity, because that’s all I know: music and frivolity. As most of you know, requests are welcome. Just write your request on a napkin, or whatever, and place it on the piano; or come up between songs and say hi and just tell me what you’d like to hear. Before we get started though, let me just gaze around the room and see if there is anyone I recognize.”

“Ah, yes, it’s Dr. Jim and Vivian. They seem to be here almost every night. Thank you for your loyalty. And they are with four other familiar faces. Don’t tell me, let’s see if I can remember. It’s Ted and Lynn, and Harry and Norma. Did I get that right.”

“Yes,” Norma said.

“Let’s see, who else. Oh, I see Bob and Betty toward the back — B and B. Sounds like a drink, doesn’t it. ‘Yes, I’ll have a B and B, on the rocks, if you don’t mind.’ And there they are, the ‘girls,’ as I call them, Janice, Thelma, and Roxie, from Orlando. Hey, any unattached gentlemen out there, these ladies know how to have fun.”

“And on the other side of the piano, I see Ralph and Bernice. Hi guys. And toward the back, Don and Peggy. Okay, enough of that. I’m going to start out with a song that was a little before my time, but I know Harry over here is going to request it, so I’ll beat him to the punch tonight. Here we go, my rendition of, ‘I’m Just Wild About Harry.’”

As Austin started into the song, a good chuckle emanated from the table of six that included Harry Billingsworth. The fun and laughter continued for 2 ½ hours in which Austin continued without a break. Vivian, Lynn, and Norma, however, did take a break. Vivian used the opportunity to invite Lynn and Norma and their husbands to Jim’s, somewhat of a surprise, birthday party tomorrow night at the specialty restaurant, the Crown Grill. Lynn and Norma accepted the invite, and promised to tell their husbands not to ruin the surprise for Jim. After three glasses of wine at dinner, followed by two more listening to Austin Ray, the big faux pas on Vivian’s part was that she initially invited Lynn and Norma and their husbands to Jim’s farewell party.

Chapter 23

Wednesday, April 27, 8:30 AM

Cabin D335

Dr. Jim stepped out of the shower, dried off, and donned a pair of gray slacks, maroon socks, gray canvas tie shoes, and yet another evolution themed T-shirt. The T-shirt had a picture of two men with guns drawn. The saying underneath the picture read, “Go ahead, say evolution is just a theory one more time.” Jim then walked over to the living room area of their mini-suite, and Vivian said, “Oh Jim, I know you like that shirt, but I don’t think you should wear that in public.”

“Just to breakfast. I will not wear it to my lecture at 11 AM.” Vivian scowled. “Okay. I will change shirts.”

“It’s a cute shirt, it’s just the gun thing, Jim.”

“Hey, what is this propped up on the coffee table. An envelope with my name on it. Oh, it is a birthday card. A homemade birthday card.” Jim pulled the card from the envelope and read it out loud: “Happy 75th birthday James. That’s quite a milestone. Love, Vivian.” Jim then spotted the six and three-quarter inch long model of the ship they were on, with the words ‘Caribbean Princess’ printed in blue letters on the base of the model. The model had been underneath the birthday card and is what stood the card up. Jim picked up the model ship and said, “What a unique little gift. A souvenir of our Atlantic crossing.”

“That’s just an appetizer. You will get your main gift tonight at dinner. And speaking of dinner tonight, we have reservations at one of the specialty restaurants. I won’t tell you which one, I want it to be somewhat of a surprise, but we need to be there at 7 o’clock. Your walk out the cabin door time is 6:50 PM. And, remember, it’s formal night, so —.”

“So, I guess I should wear my best evolution T-shirt.” “You can wear it underneath your white dress shirt and tie that you are wearing with your black suit.”

“Okay. Not to worry. I will be standing at attention at 6:50 PM in my black suit and favorite evolution tie, ready to embark toward an unknown destination.”

Chapter 24

Dr. Jim’s 11 o’clock enrichment lecture was titled “Ice is Nice.” Dr. Jim discussed how different glacial periods have impacted evolution. The lovely assistant was particularly exuberant and feisty during the question and answer period which followed. Afterward, Jim and Vivian had lunch together at the horizon buffet. Jim then went back to their cabin to work on his book. Vivian was out and about making final preparations for the birthday dinner that evening. By 5:30 PM Vivian had returned to the cabin, and she and Jim then started getting ready for the evening’s events.

“It’s 6:45, and you’re ready to go Jim,” Vivian said. “I’m impressed. And, by the way, you look very handsome, all dressed up.”

“Why, thank you. I — I think you just gave me a compliment. Did you mean to do that.”

“Of course I did. You rarely get this dressed up. Like I said, you look nice, and look like you are ready for a party.”

“Thank you again, lovely lady.”

“And, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should.”

Vivian walked over to the nightstand on Jim’s side of the bed, opened the drawer, and took a digitalis pill out of the prescription bottle. She handed it to Jim with a glass of water. “Here Jim, it’s about time to take your digitalis.”

“But I have a digitalis in my pill container in my pants pocket.”

“Just to be on the safe side, before we get to partying and celebrating your birthday, I think you better take your digitalis now.”

“Okay. You have a point. Let me have it.” Jim put the pill in his mouth and washed it down with a swig of water. “That is taken care of.”

“Then let us go professor, to your somewhat of a surprise birthday dinner location.”

Jim and Vivian walked out of their cabin and down the hallway, arm in arm, toward the elevators. “Let me see, Jim mused. You said it was a specialty restaurant. So, it is either Sabatini’s, the Italian restaurant on deck seven, or the Crown Grill on deck six. It could be the international Café on deck five. No, nix that. The international Café is not really a restaurant.”

“Mum’s the word.”

“When we get in the elevator, the floor you pick will spill the beans.” Jim and Vivian entered one of the panoramic lefts, and Vivian pushed the button for deck seven. “So, Sabatini’s it is.” The elevator doors opened at deck seven, and Jim started to lead Vivian toward Sabatini’s.

“Not so fast professor. We need to head the other way and take the atrium stairs down.”

“To deck six, or deck five? And why did we not take the elevator to the proper floor.”

“I’m prolonging the mystery, even if it’s just for a few more seconds.”

When they had descended the stairs to deck six, Dr. Jim stopped and looked at Vivian. “Should we take the other flight of stairs to deck five, or is our destination on deck six?”

“We’re on the proper deck.”

“Then, it is the Crown Grill. How appropriate. It is an English restaurant and our final destination is England.”

“And you like the Crown Grill.”

“I do. I like the dark wood in the crystal glass cabinets, and the fireplace. It has a classy English pub look and feel to it. And I like the food.”

“You like all the ships food.”

“Pretty much. I must thank you Viv. I am going to definitely enjoy this.”

“Good.”

Jim and Vivian entered the Crown Grill and approached the maître d’. “Well, good evening Dr. and Mrs. Swenson. I bid you a very enjoyable and happy 75th birthday, professor.”

Jim had a look of surprise. Vivian responded with, “Thank you for all your help, Sir Wilford.”

“My pleasure madam. Wait here and I will have Hadley show you to your table.”

“Sir Wilford?” Jim inquired of Vivian.

“Well, I understand he is not really a ‘Sir,’ officially, but everyone seems to affectionately award him that title.”

Hadley led the couple toward a corner of the restaurant on the port side, where there are three, four-person booths with windows to the outside, and two round six-person tables alongside the booths. It was obviously arranged for a group of patrons to be somewhat separate from the rest of the dining area. As Hadley and the Swenson’s approached, the guests, in this cozy set aside area, stood up and started singing, with raised champagne glasses, happy birthday to Dr. Jim.

Hadley placed Jim and Vivian in front of the two empty chairs at the first table of six, facing the rest of the birthday party guest. When the birthday song was over, the guests started clinging their glasses and called out, “Speech, speech.”

Vivian and the birthday guest took their seats. Hadley poured champagne for Jim and Vivian. Jim, still standing, was very obviously surprised. He lifted his glass of champagne in a salute to everyone, and said, “This is unbelievable. I was certainly not expecting this.” Jim looked down at Vivian and patted her on the back. “My wife sure pulled off a good one.” Jim looked back at the gathering, and said, “I am now starting to recognize that most of you attend my lectures. I remember seeing some of you earlier today for my, ‘Ice is Nice’ lecture.”

Ed Oft, sitting next to his wife, Camillo, in the far booth, chimed out, “Yeah, Jim. Just how old are you. And tell us how the last ice age affected your evolution.”

After a few chuckles from the gathering, Jim jokingly responded, as he stroked his bushy hair with his left hand, and his beard with his right, “The last ice age caused me to grow a lot more hair.”

Jean Sauer, seated next to his wife Barbara, at the other table for six, exclaimed, “But Jim, we’re supposedly in this era of global warming now. Isn’t evolution going to cause you to shed some of that unnecessary and detrimental hairiness now.”

Jim started to respond, “Well, as it turns out —.”

Rhonda, one of four ladies sitting at the middle booth; more Vivian’s friends than Dr. Jim’s; blurted out, “Dr. Jim, you already gave your lecture for today. It’s party time now!” Rhonda and her three cohorts had already polished off one bottle of champagne while waiting for Vivian and Dr. Jim to make their appearance. Gloria, another of the four, added, “We love you Dr. Jim, but party time is upon us.” Dirk Stallings, sitting with his wife Lucille, in the same booth as Ed and Camillo, called out, “The ladies are right. It is party time. But before you sit down Dr. Jim, answer the other part of Ed’s question. Just how old are you. I mean, we know, but we just want to hear you admit it. So how old are you Jim? We want to know in which geologic era you were born.”

“Oh yes,” Dr. Jim said, “Ed and his famous two-part questions. Well, as it turns out, I am 75 as of today. As old as that seems, it still places my birth in the current geologic era.”

Dirk and Ed stood up and raised their glasses to Dr. Jim. “A toast.” The rest of the gathering stood and raised their glasses also. Dirk continued, “A toast to Dr. Jim Swenson and 75 years of a meaningful and productive life on this old earth.”

After everyone had a chance to sip their drinks, Eve Collins, from the middle booth, raised her glass and said, “And a toast to Vivian, who arranged this fine gathering.” Eve’s husband, Ray, seconded the toast. “Here, here. To the lovely assistant.”

“Thank you very much,” responded Vivian. “I enjoyed doing this — all for my wonderful husband — doctor and professor Jim Swenson. If you’re all have a seat, I’ll see if I can get Hadley over here to take our dinner orders. I thank you all for coming to help celebrate Jim’s birthday. Three quarters of a century is certainly worthy of celebration.” Vivian turned her head and caught Hadley’s attention, who had been standing by at a distance. Hadley gave Kimberly, the cocktail waitress, along with a second waiter, the nod. The three of them walked over to the group of 24.

Jim and Vivian were seated with their friends from the Crooners lounge, Ted and Lynn Stallmaster, and Harry and Norma Billingsworth. Hadley started taking dinner orders. He first went to Vivian, then to Norma, then to Lynn. Kimberly started with Dr. Jim for drink orders. “Can I get you anything from the bar, Dr. Jim.”

“Yes, I believe another bottle of champagne, for the table, would be in order.” (Vivian had not only paid the specialty dining cover charge of $25 per person for each of the guests, but she had also paid for the initial bottle of champagne for each of the five tables.)

“Make that two table champagnes,” Harry said.

“You might as well make that three bottles for the table,” added Ted. “We have to celebrate the good professor’s birthday in style.”

“Okay gentlemen,” responded Kimberly. “How about if I bring one bottle at a time. Don’t worry, I’ll keep a close watch. I won’t let you run dry.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Harry said. “Okay with you professor?”

“Absolutely.”

After Hadley had finished taking the orders of the three ladies, he started around the table again with Jim. “And for you Dr. Jim.”

“I shall have the shrimp cocktail appetizer, the Caesar salad, and for the main course, the lobster and Châteaubriand combination.”

“Excellent choice or. How would you like Châteaubriand prepared.”

“Medium.”

“Thank you, sir.” Hadley next walked over to Harry to take his order.

Dr. Jim looked at his watch and saw that it was 7:23 PM. He quietly slid his pill container from his right front pants pocket, unceremoniously took out the digitalis pill, placed it in his mouth, and washed it down with his remaining swig of champagne. Vivian watched this out of the corner of her eye. If anyone had been paying attention to this, they would have detected an oh so slight smile creep onto Vivian’s face. Vivian thought to herself, “Absent mindedness has its consequences professor. Routines can sometimes backfire.”

Chapter 25

The birthday celebration continued. Dr. Jim followed his lobster and Châteaubriand main course with his usual, and all-time favorite dessert, cram Brulé. The table of six also, over the course of the evening, had no problem finishing off the three bottles of champagne that had been ordered, thus making it four bottles of champagne consumed for the six table mates. Dr. Jim had at least his fair share of the bubbly, thanks, in part, to his wife who made sure his glass was never empty.

It was a fine party, but by 9:45, it became obvious to the more observant in the group, that the party of 24 were the only patrons left in the restaurant. The waiters politely stood by, and waited for the group to excuse themselves. Lynn stall master, one of the more observant restaurateurs, suggested that the six of them adjourn to the Crooners lounge, and hope for an empty table. As the group stood up, Vivian thanked everyone again for coming and announced that they were going to continue the celebration in the Crooners lounge. She invited anyone who wanted to join them.

“Look,” Norma Billingsworth said, “There’s hardly anyone in the Crooners.”

“Good,” said Ted Stallmaster.

“How about this table near the baby grand,” asked Harry Billingsworth.

“Looks good to me,” Ted said.

“Perfect,” replied Vivian.

As soon as the six had taken their seats, Sasha, the cocktail waitress came over. “Sasha, where are all the people,” Harry inquired. “Usually it’s hard to find seats in this place in the evening. What’s going on that we don’t know about.”

“Austin on break. People leave. Many people go to Princess theater.”

“Oh, that’s right,” injected Lynn. “The production show. There are three performances tonight instead of the normal two.” Lynn looked at her watch. “And the last one is starting right now, at 10:15. I bet we can find seats together if you all want to go. When they do a third show like this, it usually doesn’t fill up like the first two. Anyone game?”

After a long pause, Jim spoke up. “I would rather just stay here, myself.”

“That’s fine with me,” stated Ted.

“The birthday boy said stay. Where staying,” responded Harry.

“Sorry for that interlude, Sasha. I think we’re ready to order drinks now,” Norma said.

“You got to start with the birthday boy,” Harry said. “Lead the charge, Jim. What are you having?”

“Oh, my stomach feels a little queasy. Maybe just a decaf coffee.”

“You got to put something in it, Jim,” Harry injected. “Give him an Irish coffee Sasha, or a Kahlúa and coffee. What do you say, Jim.”

“Okay, an Irish coffee.”

“There you go Jim,” Harry said. “That’ll straighten your stomach out.”

As Sasha started taking the rest of the drink orders, Jim and Eve Collins showed up. “Well, Jim and Eve, welcome,” Vivian said.

Harry got up and helped Jim move a second table over. “If we move these chairs around a bit, I think we will all be able to see Austin when he returns,” Harry said.

“Sorry Sasha,” Norma said. “I hope the chair rearrangement is not going to mess you up. Plus, you have two more customers.”

“No problem. It okay.” Sasha finished with the drink order and turned it into Alex, the bartender.

“So, did the two of you go to the Princess theater for the show, then decide not to stay,” asked Vivian.

“No, no,” responded Eve, “we went to our cabin first, before coming here. Jim wanted to get rid of his coat and tie.”

“Yeah, I can’t handle a buttoned up shirt and a tie for very long.”

Eve added, “I think everyone else at the party did go to the 10:15 show at the Princess. We were going, but when you invited everyone to the Crooners, to hear Austin Ray, that appealed to us more.”

“Well, I’m glad you decided to join us,” Vivian said.

“We really like Austin,” continued Eve. “He’s very entertaining. He seems to be able to play just about anything.”

“Yes,” added Lynn, “We like him as well. He is personable, and the setting here at the Crooners is intimate and, well, cozy.”

“And here comes Sasha with our drinks,” stated Harry.

“And here comes Austin,” added Lynn.

Austin walked over to the baby grand, turned on the microphone attached to the piano, and, with a bit of a fanfare, tossed his tuxedo tales to the rear, and sat down on the shiny white piano bench. He then looked out at the sparse audience and commented, “I get up to take a break, and everybody leaves. But I know where they are. They’re all in the Princess theater for the late show. I could tell, because the deck floor is slanting forward from all the weight in the theater.”

Austin put the palm of his hand up to his four head to shield his eyes from the slight glare of the overhead lights. “Let’s see who’s here.” Austin turned to his right. “I see a couple in the shadows, in the far corner. They seem to be preoccupied, however. I don’t think they care whether I’m here you not. I don’t even think they know that I am here.”

“Who else. There are the girls, my faithful girls, Janice, Thelma, and Roxie, from Orlando.”

Austin turned to his left. “Another couple halfway back. I don’t recognize you. Have you been to any of my sessions before?” They shook their heads. “No. Well, welcome. I try to play a little music and have a little fun. I hope you enjoy.”

“And, of course, almost right next to me here are some people I’ve seen drop in almost every night. Let me see if I remember the names.” Austin pointed. “There’s Dr. Jim and Vivian. Don’t you have a birthday coming up real soon Dr. Jim?”

“Today,” responded Jim.

“Today. Wow. Well, congratulations Dr. Jim.” Austin immediately launched into his version of the happy birthday song. Most of the people in the lounge joined in, and at the end, everyone gave a hearty applause. With that, Jim seemed to perk up a little.

Austin continued pointing and calling names. “Norma and Harry, Lynn and Ted, and, now don’t tell me, Jim and Eve.” Jim and Eve nodded in agreement.

Austin continued. “Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret. The way I remember Jim and Eve’s name is, I think of Eve in the garden; you know, Adam and Eve, I mean, you know the story. And Jim; I think of jungle Jim. So, Jim in the jungle, and Eve in the garden. Garden, jungle, similar, right? So, Jim and Eve go together. And Jim looks a little rugged, like a Tarzan type guy.”

This small audience had started to chuckle, with some breaking into outright laughter. Austin responded, “Hey, I know it’s a little convoluted, but, whatever works, right? That’s how I remember names. Well, anyway, enough of that. I better start playing some music before my audience shrinks even more.”

Let me turn to Mr. Happy Birthday. Your choice, Dr. Jim. What song would you like for me to play?”

Jim suddenly looked white as a sheet. He muttered, “I feel bad.”

Austin turned to the center of the room and responded, “I’m not sure I know that one. If you hum a few bars, maybe I’ll remember it.”

Jim did not respond.

Austin turned back to Jim, and now realized he didn’t look well. Austin didn’t know what to say.

Vivian started to get up, looked at Austin, and then at her friends at the two tables, and said, “I think Jim has just partied a little too heartily. I’ll take him to the cabin and let him lie down. I think he just needs some rest. I’ll come back if I can.”

Chapter 26

Vivian said to Jim, “Come on darling, I’ll take you to our cabin, so you can lie down.”

Jim apologized to their friends, and to Austin, “I am sorry everyone. I guess I just had too good of a time celebrating my birthday.”

As Jim and Vivian started walking out of the Crooners lounge and toward the elevators, their friends called back, “Take care Jim. Get some rest birthday boy.”

Austin spoke into the microphone, “I hope you feel better very soon my friend.” Then he started playing and singing, “Put on a happy face.”

As soon as Jim and Vivian were around the corner and at the elevator bank, out of sight of their friends in the Crooners lounge, Jim partially collapsed onto Vivian. He had his left arm wrapped around her shoulder, which helped him transfer part of his weight to her.

As the couple waited for the elevator to arrive, Hunter and Sue Kingsley walked by on their way to the Explorers lounge. As soon as they saw Jim and Vivian, and the condition Jim seemed to be in, they abruptly stopped and stared. “Isn’t that the evolution lecture guy and his wife,” asked Sue.

“Yes, it is,” replied Hunter. Hunter asked Jim and Vivian, “Do you need some help — does Dr. Jim need any help?”

Vivian recognized Hunter and responded with, “No. We don’t need help. Certainly not from you.”

“Do you want us to call for some help. Do you need medical assistance,” asked Sue.

“No, we’re fine. My husband has had a little too much to drink, that’s all,” Vivian replied.

“Ding.” The elevator doors opened, and Vivian helped Jim into the elevator. Vivian was thankful no one else was in the elevator.

Hunter and Sue watched the elevator doors close, then turned and looked at each other. “What was that all about,” asked Sue.

“Yeah, I don’t know,” responded Hunter. “Very strange. Dr. Jim could have been drunk, but it looks like more than that. He just didn’t look at all well. Plus, if he had too much to drink, why was she not in a similar inebriated state? She drinks at least as much as he does.”

“How do you know that.”

“I’ll tell you later.”

“Well, maybe she was just as inebriated as her husband, but just didn’t show it as much.”

“Possible.”

“And another thing,” Sue continued, “Why did she respond so curtly when you ask her if they needed help. What did she mean when she said, ‘Certainly not from you.’ Did she mean, certainly not from you in the plural — meaning from us; or did she mean, certainly not from you in the singular — meaning not from you, Hunter.”

“Yeah, good question. I don’t know.”

“Did you do something to upset her; to make her lash out at you after your offer of help. You’ve been attending her husband’s lectures. Did you —.”

“No, no. I don’t know any reason for her to be upset with me. She was probably just embarrassed for her husband’s sake — that we saw him in a stupor.”

“Maybe. I guess it would be a little embarrassing for Dr. Jim and his wife for him to be intoxicated in public.”

“Yep. Well, it’s not our worry. On to the Explorers lounge.”

After a short amble down the port side deck nine corridor, with Vivian helping to support him on the one side, and the hand railing helping Dr. Jim on his other side, he and Vivian stumbled into their cabin. As soon as Jim and Vivian were able to amble over to their queen-size bed, Jim released his grip on Vivian and collapsed in a heap.

“I feel really bad,” muttered Jim.”

“Tell me. Be more specific. In what way do you feel bad.”

“I feel sick to my stomach. Sometimes I feel like I want to throw up. I have a bad headache. Sometimes I feel like my heart is racing, but other times I feel like it has slowed way down. I just feel bad all over.”

“I think you ate too much rich food, and you had too much to drink. I think, mainly, you way over did it on the champagne. You’re not used to champagne.”

“Yeah.”

“You probably just need to sleep it off.”

“Yeah — sleep it off.”

“Let me give you a couple of aspirin. That should at least help your headache.”

“Yeah, aspirin.”

“Do you want some lemon-lime soda to wash down the aspirin. The soda might also help settle your stomach.”

“Soda.”

“Okay.” Vivian saw that Jim’s eyes were closed. She then opened Jim’s nightstand drawer, opened his bottle of digitalis, and took out two pills. She placed them on the nightstand. She then went to the small refrigerator, pulled out a can of soda, and poured some in a glass. She had to use all her strength to prop Jim up enough to give him the two pills with sips of the soda. Jim felt like a dead weight. Vivian laid him back down on the bed. She loosened his tie, unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, and pulled his shoes off.

“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go back to the Crooners and see how our friends are doing. I’ll let them know that you’re resting and will be just fine in a while.”

Jim muttered something in response that sounded to Vivian like, “You go ahead dear. I’ll just rest a while, then I’ll be fine. Maybe I’ll join you later.” At least, that would be part of her story. What Vivian actually heard him say, as best he could, was, “Help me, Viv — I think — I think I may be dying.”

Chapter 27

Vivian returned to the Crooners lounge and to her friends. “So, how’s the birthday boy doing,” asked Harry. “He didn’t look all well when he left.”

“It’s the champagne. He’s not use to it, and he drank more of it than he should have. I gave him a couple of aspirin with some soda, and that seemed to help. I offered to stay with him but he told me no. He said, ‘You go back to our friends and enjoy the rest of the evening. Tell them I’ll be fine after a little rest.’ He said he might even join us later.”

“Well, good,” replied Ray.

“Yes, that’s good news,” added Eve.

“Vivian, are you sure it’s just that Jim had too much to drink,” Norma asked. It may be the nurse in me, but it appeared Jim had more going on than intoxication. He appeared to have something else bothering him besides too much alcohol.”

“Norma’s got a point,” added Lynn. “The rest of us have been drinking just about as much as Jim. I don’t think any of us are legal to drive, but none of us look as bad as Jim did when you two left.”

Vivian responded, “His face probably reflected the pain he was in from the splitting headache he had developed. That’s why I gave him the two aspirin. Also, he said his stomach was unsettled, so I gave him the lemon lime soda. I think it all stems from the rich meal and the champagne that he’s not use to. He’s not use to headaches either. He rarely gets them. He’s a wuss, like most men. He has trouble handling the slightest suffering and pain.”

“Hey, I resemble that remark,” Harry said. “I’m a man and I laugh at pain.”

“You weren’t laughing very much when you had your kidney stone,” remarked Norma.

“No. You’re right there. That was terrible. That’s the most pain, by far, I have ever experienced. I couldn’t even walk upright. I’ve heard it’s even worse than the pain of childbirth.”

“I’ve heard that maybe it’s equivalent to the pain of childbirth, but not worse,” Eve injected. “What’s your take on that, nurse Norma.”

“I think the best way to put it is, the pain associated with having a kidney stone is the closest men will ever get to experiencing the pain of childbirth.”

Harry responded, “Well, I’m glad I’m a man. If childbirth causes more pain than my kidney stone, I would never want to experience childbirth.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that Harry,” Ted Stallmaster said.

As Austin Ray finished up his medley of Cole Porter tunes, cocktail waitress Sasha checked in with Vivian and her friends. “How are we doing here. Ready for another round?”

“I think we’re going to call it a night,” Ray Collins said, as he and his wife stood up.

“It was sure a nice birthday party, Vivian,” Eve said. “Thanks for inviting us. I hope Jim is better by now.”

“He’ll be fine. I’ll check on him in a bit.”

“See you all later,” Eve said, as she and Ray walked away.

“My wife and I will have two more of the same,” Harry said to Sasha.

“Same here,” replied Ted as he pointed to his and his wife’s empty martini glasses.

“And Vivian, may Harry and I buy you a drink,” asked Norma.

“Well, thank you,” responded Vivian, “But no need, I have my drink card. I will have another drink, Sasha, but I’m going to switch to something else. What is the drink of the day.”

“It’s called, ‘The Illusion.’ It contains sky vodka, melon liqueur, con —.”

“Never mind,” Vivian said. “I don’t like the name. What was the drink of the day yesterday.”

“It was called, ‘The Isaac,’ named after the bartender Isaac on the old, Love Boat TV series. It has Bacardi rum, pomegranate —.”

“I’ll take one. You can still make it, right?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

“Good.”

“I’ll be back shortly with everyone’s drink order.”

Vivian continued, “I really liked the old Love Boat series.”

“Yeah,” added Lynn, romance on the high seas.”

“I don’t know how high the seas were,” chimed in Harry. “The ship only went from Los Angeles, down the coast, to a few stops in Mexico. It never got more than a few miles from land”

“Well, nevertheless,” added Norma, “It was just a fun, romantic, humorous show. I enjoyed it.”

“Oh, I enjoyed it all right,” Harry said, “I’m just saying —.”

“The Love Boat —.” Austin Ray had obviously picked up on the nearby Love Boat conversation, and seamlessly went from the middle of the song he had been playing, to the Love Boat theme song. As he sang the words and played, most everyone in the Crooners lounge joined in. In the midst of this singing along, Sasha delivered the drinks to Vivian and friends. Austin, feeding off the energy from the audience, kept the Love Boat theme song going for several minutes. At the end, the audience clapped and cheered and laughed.

As the applause and chuckles subsided, Ted said, “Boy, that Austin is quite the ad lib. showman.”

“He’s good,” Harry said.

Ted continued, “But I think I know what you were trying to say about the Love Boat shows. They were feel-good shows to watch, but sometimes you just wished something startling would happen, say, like a murder.”

At the word, ‘murder,’ Vivian choked on and spit out the large gulp of her “Isaac” drink she had just sucked through her straw. She then started coughing and patting her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Lynn, who was closest to her, started patting her on the back. “Are you all right, Vivian,” Lynn asked.

After a few seconds, Vivian was able to stop coughing and began to breathe normally again. “Yes, I’m alright. I think my drink went down the wrong pipe. I’m so sorry everyone. I hope I didn’t spit my drink on anyone.”

“Everything’s fine,” Norma said. “Where just glad you’re okay.”

“I guess Isaac can still get around,” injected Harry.

“It’s a good drink,” Vivian said, “I just need to take smaller sips, I think.”

Austin Ray played and sang for another 20 minutes, until 12 midnight. “That’s all for tonight. I enjoyed it, and I hope you did too. I’ll be here again tomorrow evening and I hope to see you then. Good night, and God bless.”

Ted and Lynn stood up, and Lynn said, “Good night you guys. Ted and I are going to head for the cabin.”

“The Explores lounge is still going, I think. And, if not, there’s the Skywalker’s lounge, which is definitely still going,” Harry injected.

“Nah, I think we’ve had it. We’re going to bed,” Ted said, as he and Lyn left.

“Same with us,” Harry said. “I just threw out the suggestions in case there was any life left in any of us.”

“What about you Vivian,” asked Norma.

“I’m going to the cabin and check on Jim, then I’ll decide from there.”

“What time are you on tomorrow,” Norma asked.

“On?”

“You know, you and Jim, for your enrichment lecture.”

“Oh, I’m not sure. I’ll have to check the ships newsletter, the Princess Patter, to see what time they scheduled us.”

“Well, good night Vivian,” Norma said.

Chapter 28

Thursday, April 28, 12:10 AM

Not knowing quite what to expect, Vivian sheepishly inserted the key card, and slowly opened the cabin door. The nightstand light she had left on was still shining. She crept down the short hallway to the bed. Jim was still lying on his back, fully clothed, on top of the covers, just as she had left him. She stepped over to his side of the bed and stared down at him for the longest time. She could not detect any breathing. She reached down and touched his hand. It still had some warmth to it.

“I should keep him warm,” she thought. She wasn’t sure why, but it occurred to be a good idea. There were no extra blankets, so she retrieved the two extra-large blue and white striped pool towels from the top shelf of the closet, and placed them over Jim, from the top of his head down. She then placed Jim’s fleece lined London fog raincoat on top of the towels. She turned up the heat in the room, checked her watch, and left the cabin. It was 12:35 in the morning. She needed to be alone. She needed to think. She needed a drink. Most of the lounges and bars were closed by now, but she knew the Skywalker’s nightclub, way up on deck 19, at the very back of the ship, often stayed open until 2:00 AM. That’s where she headed.

She and Jim had not been there on this cruise, but had been to the Skywalker’s nightclub on other Princess cruise ships. It was not the most straightforward place to get to. She remembered you had to go to an upper deck and to the aft most set of elevators, then find one of the only two elevators that went all the way up to the Skywalker’s landing.

Five minutes after leaving the cabin, she was at the landing to the Skywalker’s nightclub. It was eerie, walking around the ship in the wee hours of the morning with very few people out about. What added to the spookiness was the heavy fog. It was particularly eerie walking up the ramp in the clear plastic tube that led to the nightclub entrance. She could just barely see the ships running lights through the thick fog outside.

The Skywalker’s nightclub is featured on only four of the Princess Cruise line fleet of ships. It looks somewhat like a giant aerodynamic spoiler perched on two massive supports. One support starboard, and the other support portside.

Vivian paused at the top of the tube at the entrance to the nightclub. The DJ was playing a slow dance, and there were two couples on the dance floor. As she looked around the lounge, she could see it was virtually empty. She went over to the starboard side of the club, stepped down into one of the semi-private alcoves, and took a seat at the most aft of the small cocktail tables. Almost immediately, cocktail waitress Cindy appeared.

“What can I get you, ma’am,” Cindy said.

“I need — I’d like a strong drink.”

“I can get you that. Do you know which strong drink you’d like.”

“How about a Manhattan.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back with your drink.”

“And, do you have any bar snacks. I think I should have a little something in my stomach.”

“I’ll bring that to.”

A few minutes later Cindy returned. “I told the bartender that you wanted a strong Manhattan, so he used 110 proof whiskey rather than the normal 80 proof.”

Vivian took a sip. “Oh my. Tell your bartender he did a good job. It is strong and tastes great.”

“I will.”

Vivian took another sip and thought to herself. “I need to think this through. When do I suspect that Jim is dead. How do I react. Who do I call. When do I call. How do I grieve. This is where all of the murder mysteries I ever read, and all of the investigation discovery type TV shows I’ve ever watched, pay off. Thinking of payoff, I can almost taste the $2 million from the life insurance policy. Careful Viv. That has to appear to be the furthest thing from your mind. I must sit here and think all of this through. What would Jim say? He’d tell me to be systematic. Go step-by-step. Make sure it all fits. Okay Jim, don’t you worry. I’m going to do just that.”

Chapter 29

Cindy walked over to Vivian. “This is last call ma’am. I see you have just a little left in your glass. Would you like another.”

“Oh. Is it that late already.”

“It’s quarter till two. We close at two. Would you like one last drink.”

“I think not. I’ll just finish this one. Did you tell your bartender what a good job he did on this drink.”

“I did. And he thanks you. Well, good night ma’am.”

“Good night, and thanks.”

Vivian pondered a little more, finished the last two sips of her Manhattan, and walked out. She walked down the Skywalker’s ramp enclosed by the plexiglass tube to the landing, and over to the starboard elevator. She reached out to push the button, and stopped. She turned and walked out the nearby door to the outside deck. The fog was cold and moist. She walked over to the railing, folded her arms across her chest for warmth, and stared out into the fog. A shiver went down her spine. Suddenly she felt all alone.

Vivian quickly turned around, walked back inside, took the elevator to deck nine, and walked the long corridor or to her cabin. Everything was just as she had left it over an hour ago. Jim was in the exact same position with the pool towels and London fog coat covering him. She undressed, put on her nightgown, set the alarm for 7:00 AM, and laid down on the couch.

Vivian woke just before seven, turned off the alarm, turned the thermostat back down, and opened the sliding glass door to the balcony to quickly cool the cabin. The North Atlantic was still foggy and cold. She then went to the bathroom, washed her face, and brushed her teeth. She then walked over to the slider, and closed and locked it.

Vivian continued exactly as she had rehearsed it in her mind, in the wee hours of the morning, in the Skywalker’s lounge, over a Manhattan. She walked over to the bed, took Jim’s London fog coat off of him, and hung it back up on the hanger it had come from. She peeled each of the two pool towels off of Jim, neatly folded them, and placed them back on the shelf. She walked over to the couch and sat down. She longed for a cup of coffee, but knew that was out of the question. She figured she had taken enough risk by brushing her teeth. She just didn’t want to get close to anyone with morning breath. She figured no one would question why she didn’t have morning breath, but might very well question why she had morning coffee breath, while her husband lay in bed dead.

Vivian sat on the couch and again went over her next several moves and what she would say. Based on all the true-life crime and mystery shows she had seen, she knew she dare not under react, nor over react to her husband’s death. Although people react and grieve in many different ways, to overreact would raise a red flag. Likewise, to show little or no emotion would also cause people to be suspicious. She sat on the couch for another minute, got up, and walked over to Jim lying on the bed. She whispered to herself out loud, “All right Viv, it’s showtime.” She then leaned over Jim and started shaking him while she yelled, “Jim, wake up. Jim, honey, are you all right. Jim, talk to me. Speak to me. Jim, Jim, wake up.” Her pleading got even louder. “Jim, honey, it’s time to wake up. Wake up honey. Oh Jim, what’s wrong. Please wake up — please — please.” Then she started sobbing. Vivian was sure she had been loud enough for people in neighboring cabins to overhear.

Vivian then quickly, and with heavy footsteps, ran over to the phone and called 911. The time was 7:20 AM.

“911. Emergency. How can we help?”

“Oh please, come quickly. My husband. He won’t wake up. I can’t get him to wake up. Please help”

“Calm down ma’am. Help is on the way. But please stay on the line until someone gets there.”

“Okay, but you’ve got to hurry.”

“Just verifying, are you Vivian Swenson in cabin D354.”

“Yes, yes. Please hurry.”

“I have just dispatched our medical response team. They should be there in less than a minute.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Vivian, as soon as you hear a knock on the door, don’t hang up. Just put the phone down and answer the door.”

“Okay.” A few more seconds passed. “Oh, they’re knocking.” Vivian put the receiver down on the desk, and ran to the cabin door and opened it.

“Ma’am, you called about your husband?”

“Yes. Yes. He’s lying on the bed over there. I can’t wake him.”

The two-person medical response team was made up of Dr. Brian Hasbrouck and registered nurse Emily Choi. The team immediately went over to the bed and Dr. Jim. No breathing. No pulse. The team went through CPR protocol, including the use of the portable electronic defibrillator, to no avail. All attempts at revival failed, and at 7:42 AM, Dr. Hasbrouck pronounced Dr. James T. Swenson dead. Nurse Choi recorded this in her notebook. Dr. Hasbrouck then turned to Vivian, who had been watching from the opposite side of the bed. “I’m sorry Mrs. Swenson. We did all we could.”

Vivian walked over to the couch, sat down, and slowly started to sob. Dr. Hasbrouck checked a few more things with Jim, as the nurse took notes. The two then walked over to Vivian. Dr. Hasbrouck stood and nurse Choi instinctively and sympathetically sat down next to Vivian and gently rubbed her on the back in an effort to connect and comfort her. “We’re so sorry.” With those words, Vivian started sobbing even more.

When Vivian’s sobs began to subside, Dr. Hasbrouck said, “Again, I am truly sorry we could not do anything for your husband. It appears your husband may have passed away several hours ago, so our efforts were in vain. Did your husband —.”

Vivian spoke up, “Jim — Dr. Jim. His name is Jim.”

“Did Dr. Jim have any heart problems.”

Yes, he was in the early stages of congestive heart failure. And, he had a heart arrhythmia. He was taking digitalis for that.”

“Did you know what particular brand of digitalis medication he was taking, and in what dosage.”

“The medications are in Jim’s nightstand on his side of the bed, in the top drawer.”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll check them, and take some notes.”

“Go ahead. Check them out. Take them if you need to. He certainly doesn’t need them now.” With that, Vivian started crying again. After a few seconds, her tears subsided, and she asked, “What happens now.”

Dr. Hasbrouck responded, “I’ll call for a gurney, and we’ll take Dr. Jim down to our medical facility where we have a morgue. That’s where he’ll stay for now. Also, our security people will have to file a report. Strictly routine. If you feel up to it, I’ll call them also. The sooner the better, of course.”

“Okay. I guess it’s okay.”

“Good. I’m sure it’s just a few questions. They have to make a report on just about anything that happens on the ship. I’ll give them a call, and then call for the gurney.

Two minutes later, Richard Prichard, chief of Princess security, along with security officer Dan Farnsworth, knocked on the cabin door. Dr. Hasbrouck let them in. As soon as Prichard and Farnsworth entered the bedroom area, they both gasped. “It’s Dr. Jim,” Farnsworth exclaimed. They both stared at Dr. Jim lying on the bed, bare chested, with his pants on but belt undone. His suit coat, white dress shirt, T-shirt, and tie, were crumpled up in a pile lying on the bed next to him. Prichard and Farnsworth looked up at Dr. Hasbrouck.

Hasbrouck explained. “Nurse Choi and I responded to a 911 call initiated by the deceased’s wife, Vivian Swenson, that her husband wasn’t breathing. You’ll get the medical report, but we did everything we could to try to revive him. I pronounced him dead at 7:42 AM, or 0742 hours for you guys.”

A minute later, there was another knock on the door. Prichard opened it. It was two medical personnel with a gurney. Farnsworth gave the two a hand signal to wait for a second. Farnsworth then took out a small camera from his pocket and took several pictures of Dr. Jim and of the surrounding area. He then signaled the gurney boys to go ahead.

The gurney boys then moved Dr. Jim’s waded up clothes from the side of the bed. They placed a stiff slab of fiberglass with handholds on the bed right next to Dr. Jim, and slid him onto the slab. With a heave ho, they placed the fiberglass slab on to the top of the wheeled gurney cart, and covered Dr. Jim with a sheet. Prichard held the cabin door open while Farnsworth made sure the hallway was clear of people. Farnsworth gave the all clear signal and the two gurney boys quickly wheeled Dr. Jim a short way down the hall to a crew elevator. Dr. Jim was then taken to the crew entrance of the medical facility and on into the morgue.

It was now 0800 hours. Farnsworth stepped back into the cabin, and he and Prichard walked over to the couch area. Dr. Hasbrouck excused himself and left. Nurse Choi told Vivian she would stay with her a little longer, if that was all right. Vivian said it was.

Chapter 30

Prichard sat down in the chair next to the couch Vivian and nurse Choi were sitting on. Farnsworth pulled the desk chair from under the desk, placed it across from Prichard, and opposite the other end of the couch. Vivian, of course knew Prichard and Farnsworth from the other day when they were looking for Dr. Jim’s harasser, Hunter Kingsley.

Prichard began. “I’m sorry we have to see you under these circumstances. I wish it were regarding something much less dire, like Mr. Kingsley, who was harassing your husband.”

“Oh, you found him.”

“Your husband didn’t tell you?”

“No.”

“Well, apparently your husband and Mr. Kingsley ran into each other, and Dr. Jim told Mr. Kingsley that we wanted to talk to him. Mr. Kingsley voluntarily came to our office. We talked, and I told him he had upset a number of people. He said he didn’t mean to, and he would try to hold his tongue from now on. Anyway, that’s water under the bridge. What we need to talk about is, obviously, your husband’s unfortunate death.”

“I know,” replied Vivian, as a tear rolled down her cheek. Nurse Choi patted her on the back.

Prichard continued, “I know this is very upsetting, and now is not the best time, from your perspective, to talk to us, but, for us, the sooner the better, while it’s fresh in your mind. We have to, of course, make a report on anything out of the ordinary that happens on the ship, and a death certainly fits into that category. So, if you’re up to it, can you tell us how this all came about.”

Vivian began. “Well, I —.”

Just then, nurse Choi received a radio call to report back to the medical unit. “I’m sorry, but as you heard, they need me back at medical. Are you doing all right Mrs. Swenson. Will you be okay if I leave.”

“I think so.”

“Good. Here’s my card. If you need anything later that I can help with, be sure to call.”

“Okay.”

Prichard started a second time. “Again, Mrs. Swenson, tell us how this all came about. That your husband was lying on top of the bed, dead, fully clothed in a coat and tie, this morning.”

“Yesterday was Jim’s 75th birthday. I wanted to give him a nice surprise party, so I had arranged for several of our shipboard friends to be at a section of the Crown grill that I had reserved. Jim and I arrived at 7 o’clock, as I had planned, and we all sang happy birthday and toasted him with champagne.”

Farnsworth looked up from his notetaking. “That’s 7 o’clock in the evening, right ma’am?”

“Well, of course,” replied Vivian.

“Right. Just wanted to clarify.”

“Well, the champagne flowed freely, and I’m afraid that Jim had more than his fair share. I should have said something to him, but I didn’t want to spoil his fun. He was having such a good time. The birthday celebration lasted until about 9:45. We suddenly realized that we were the only ones in there, and the staff was waiting for us to leave. The people at our table then decided we would go to the Crooners lounge to continue the celebration.”

“Who was that,” asked Prichard.

“Who was what.”

“Who was sitting at your table. What were their names.”

“Oh. It was Lynn and Ted Stallmaster, and Norma and Harry Billingsworth, and, of course, Jim and I.”

“So, the six of you went to the Crooners lounge after dinner.”

“Yes.”

“Directly?”

“Yes, well, I think one or two of us stopped at the restroom in route.”

“Did you,” inquired Prichard.

Vivian gave a questioning look.

“Did you stop at the restroom in route?”

“No. Anyway, the six of us found good seats near the piano. There was hardly anyone there. Austin was on a break, but the main reason, we figured out later, was a lot of people were at the third show in the Princess theater. A short time later, another couple from the party, Jim and Eve Collins, joined us.”

“Did you have drinks.”

“Yes, almost as soon as we got there the waitress, I think her name was Sasha, came over and took our drink order.”

“Did your husband order a drink.”

“He did, but I remember looking at him when he ordered and he didn’t look quite right.”

“How so.”

“Well, he looked like he was in some discomfort. I remember he tried to order just a plain coffee. He said his stomach felt a little queasy, but someone, I think Harry, talked him into ordering an Irish coffee. A few minutes later, Sasha came back with our drinks, and then Austin Ray returned from his break.”

“Okay.”

“Then Austin did his thing where he looks around the lounge and tries to recognize people and call out their names. When he got around to our table, he asked Jim for a song request, since it was his birthday. Jim didn’t give him a song request, he just said that he felt bad. I looked at Jim and he looked as pale as a ghost. We then excused ourselves and I took Jim back to the cabin.”

“When we got to the cabin, Jim told me he just wanted to lie down and rest. He laid down on his back on top of the bed, and I loosened his tie, unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, and took off his shoes. I asked him where he felt bad. He said he had a headache and an upset stomach. I gave him two aspirin for his headache, and lemon lime soda for his stomach. I offered to stay with him but he said no. He told me to go back out to our friends and that he might join us later.”

“So, I did. I went back to the Crooners lounge. We all stayed there until Austin quit playing; at about midnight. I kept thinking Jim was going to rejoin us at any time, but he didn’t. We all said goodbye and I came back to the cabin to check on Jim.”

“How was he,” asked Prichard.

“He seemed fine. He was snoring, so I gently shook him to ask him how he was. He said he felt a little better, but he just needed to rest. I asked him if he wanted to undress and put his pajamas on. He said no. Almost immediately he started snoring again.”

“Okay, then what did you do,” asked Prichard.

“I didn’t feel like going to bed yet, being dressed up and all, so I went up to the Skywalker’s lounge for a night cap. I don’t want you to think I’m an alcoholic —.”

“Of course not.”

“I just didn’t want the evening to end.”

“Okay, then what.”

 “Then I left, came back here, and went to bed.”

“What about Jim.”

 “Jim was fine. He was still snoring of and on. I was going to try to wake him, to see if he wanted to now get dressed for bed, but decided not to. He seemed to be sleeping so well, I decided it was best to let him continue to sleep it off.”

“So, what did you do.”

“I put on my nightgown, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and went to bed.”

“You went to bed, under the covers?”

“Well, actually, I went to sleep on the couch.”

“Weren’t you a little chilly.”

“I think I covered up with my robe.”

“What happened next.”

“I woke up a little after 7:00 AM. I went to go to the bathroom, and I noticed that Jim was in the same position he was when I went to sleep earlier. He wasn’t snoring. As I looked at him, I couldn’t see that he was breathing. I panicked. I started shaking him and yelling at him to wake up. I couldn’t get him to respond, so I called 911 right away.” Vivian’s eyes started to water.

“Did you perform CPR,” asked Farnsworth.

“No. I couldn’t. I mean, I really am not sure of it. I went to the training once, but —.” And besides, the 911 lady told me to stay on the phone.”

“Very well,” said Prichard. “Again, where sorry we had to put you through this.”

“I understand.”

“One final question,” stated Prichard. “What do you think caused your husband’s death.”

“He had a heart condition. I think it must’ve been the rich food and the free-flowing champagne that overtaxed his heart.”

“Was he on any kind of medication for his heart.”

“Yes. His meds are in the nightstand on his side of the bed in the top drawer. Digitalis is; was his primary medication.”

“May I open the nightstand drawer and take notes on your husband’s medications, Mrs. Swenson,” Farnsworth asked.

“Yes, of course.”

While Farnsworth was taking medication notes, Prichard stood up and got ready to leave. “Can you think of anything else that we should know,” Prichard asked.

“No, I can’t,” Vivian said.

“Here’s my card,” Prichard said as he handed his business card to Vivian. “If you do think of anything else that would be helpful for us to know, please give us a call. You can talk to either Farnsworth or myself. As soon as Farnsworth is done, we will take our leave.”

“I’m ready,” Farnsworth said.

“Thank you again, Mrs. Swenson,” Prichard said. “Thank you for accommodating Farnsworth and me. Again, we are sorry for your loss. Good day, Mrs. Swenson.”

“Goodbye.”

Chapter 31

Thursday, April 28, 8:28 AM

Vivian sat there, on the couch, in her cabin. It felt strange to her. She thought to herself, “It’s her cabin. Not their cabin. Her cabin alone. And it’s not their house in the mountains near Golden, Colorado. It’s her house. It’s not Jim’s office with the oversized teak inlaid wooden desk, surrounded by bookcases, with a picture window looking out at the Colorado mountains. It’s her office. It’s her kitchen; her living room; her family room with the stone fireplace. It’s all hers. Everything that was theirs, is now hers. Everything! There is no ‘theirs’ anymore. There is only ‘hers.’”

Vivian suddenly said out loud, “Oh.” Oh, she thought, “It’s also my enrichment lecture now. Someone else will have to be the lovely assistant. Where’s the ships newsletter. Here it is. What time. There it is, ‘11:30 AM, enrichment presentation with Dr. Jim; Evolution is Our Friend.’ Oh yes. That’s a good one. I always liked that one. Here’s the laptop with the power point presentation. Now, I’ve got things to do. I need to be at the Princess theater by 11 o’clock to set up.”

Vivian showered, put on her makeup, and dressed. She was just about ready to leave for breakfast when there was a knock on her door. She opened the door and a middle aged, neatly dressed couple, stood before her.

“Hello. Vivian Swenson?”

“Yes.”

“My name is Timothy Harmon, and this is my wife, Jenny. I hope we’re not intruding, but, well, Jenny and I attend the Bible class that meets every sea day morning up in the chapel. Our leader, Booth Washington was contacted by the cruise director —.”

“Lee Childs.”

“Yes, Lee Childs. Well, Booth contacted us, I guess since I’m a part-time hospital chaplain back home, and thought that we may be of some help.”

“Help?”

“Yes. Your husband. We were told that he passed away early this morning.”

“Yes. Yes, he did. I’m still in a state of shock, so I’m kind of running on routine. I’d invite you in, but I’m on my way to breakfast, then I’ve got some other things I need to do.”

“Well, if you’d like,” Jenny added, “We could accompany you to breakfast.”

“Oh, that’s so kind. But, right now, I’d prefer to be alone.”

“We understand,” responded Tim. “With your permission, we’d like to check back to see how you’re doing, and to see if there is anything we can get or do for you.”

“That would be okay.”

“Again, we are truly sorry for your loss. Our entire Bible class will be praying for you. Of course, you are welcome to attend our little gathering. We usually meet at 8:30 AM in the chapel, on Deck 16, for about 45 minutes every sea day.”

“Okay, I’ll think about it. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

As Tim and Jenny walked away, Jenny commented, “I don’t think she’s a believer.”

“Very doubtful,” answered Tim. We must pray for her salvation, along with comfort in her grief.”

Chapter 32

Thursday, April 28, 10:50 AM

After having breakfast at an out of the way table at the Horizon buffet, Vivian headed back to her cabin. En route, a special announcement was made over the public address system. “May I have your attention everyone. The captain has an important announcement.”

“This is Captain Galileo. It is very sad for me to announce that one of our passengers died early this morning. He passed away in his sleep. Many of you know him, as he was one of our enrichment lecturers, Dr. Jim Swenson. Many also know his wife, Vivian. I am sure everyone will extend the utmost courtesy to Mrs. Swenson in her time of grief. Now, our cruise director, Lee Childress.”

“Thank you, Captain Galileo. Our hearts and prayers go out to Dr. Jim’s wife, Vivian, and to the family. We will certainly miss him. Dr. Jim was scheduled to give another one of his lectures today. Obviously, that has been canceled. Out of respect for Dr. Jim, nothing else will be scheduled in Dr. Jim’s timeslot of 1130 for today.”

Vivian couldn’t believe it. She thought to herself, “They didn’t have to cancel the lecture. I can do it. I’ve got the laptop with the PowerPoint presentation. I know the routine. I even know most of the questions people come up with, and I know the answers.”

Vivian thought about going to the front desk and having Lee Childress paged. Then she thought better of it. She reasoned that it’s best not to be too public. She reminded herself that she is supposed to be a grieving widow. Vivian returned to her cabin and telephoned from her room to have Lee Childress call her. Ten minutes later Lee called Vivian’s cabin.

“Hello. Mrs. Swenson, this is Lee Childress, returning your call. I am so sorry about Jim. Whatever I can do to help you, if it’s in my power, I’ll do it.”

“Yes, Lee, I can do the lecture.”

“It’s too late. It’s already been canceled.”

“But you can announce that it’s back on, and I’ll be doing it. I’m all set with the presentation. I can be there and set up right away.”

“No. We appreciate what you’re trying to do. You don’t need to worry about fulfilling the contract. I know Princess, under the circumstances, is not going to hold you liable in any way to fulfill your contract.”

“I’m not so much worried about that, I just want to carry on. I think it would be a fitting tribute to Jim that I carry on.”

“Well, that may be. But it would be just too much for you. You’re probably running on adrenaline now. Trying to make everything right. Trying to fill the void left by your husband. You certainly are a trooper. You take this time and relax and decompress. I’ve got to go. I hear my name being called with an urgent tone. Take care of yourself and I or someone from the staff will be checking on you. Goodbye, and may the Lord be with you in your time of grief.”

“Goodbye.”

“What a letdown,” thought Vivian. “I can do the lecture series. I can get up on stage and press the PowerPoint for the slides and the video clips. I can read the lecture notes. It isn’t fair. Maybe I can go over Lee’s head. He surely doesn’t have the final word.”

Chapter 33

Thursday, April 28, 9:25 AM, cabin C-242

“Hunter, there is a knock on our door,” stated Susan Kingsley.

“Probably Timothy and Jenny Harmon.”

“So soon.”

Hunter opened the door. “Come in Tim and Jenny.”

“Did you get a chance to talk with Dr. Jim’s wife,” asked Susan.

“Yes, we did,” Tim said, “But not for very long.”

“She was cordial and polite, but didn’t seem very receptive to our offer to help, and to praying for her,” Jenny said.

“Well, you never know, but I’m not surprised,” Hunter said. “Like I said in Bible class this morning, my guess is that she’s not a religious person. I know her husband wasn’t, because he told me so.”

“She seemed to be in a hurry to get going, like she had things to do,” Tim said. “But the door is still open. We asked her if we could check back to see how she was doing, and if we could get her anything, and she said it would be okay.”

“Excellent,” responded Hunter. “Thank you two for going. As I said in class this morning, Susan and I would love to have gone, since I had gotten to know her husband a little, but, for some reason, she has not been very friendly to me. Well Timothy, fellow chaplain to fellow chaplain, thank you again. We’ll see you tomorrow in Bible class, if not before.”

“Goodbye Tim and Jenny,” Susan said. “See you tomorrow.”

Hunter held the cabin door open for them as they left.

“They are a nice couple,” commented Susan.

“Yes, they are.”

“So,” Susan began, “You seemed to imply that you knew Dr. Jim more than just from attending his lectures. Which, by the way, I still don’t really understand why you would go to lectures on something you don’t believe.”

“The main reason I went to his lectures was for a possible better insight as to why someone would actually believe such nonsense. I still don’t know why someone, especially a learned person like Dr. Jim, would fall for such a lie. He and I had a couple of brief discussions regarding different —.”

“I can imagine. I bet they were more than friendly little discussions, knowing you.”

“They were somewhat friendly. The last time I got to talk with him, was the other day outside the Wheel House bar. We slipped in there, and had a nice discussion over a couple of drinks.”

“You never told me that.”

“I probably did and you just forgot.”

“Not likely.”

“Well, anyway, we did have a good discussion; not so much about creation versus evolution, but more personal things. We got to know each other as fellow human beings, and I think, formed a friendship.”

“I must say, I’m surprised. Good for you Hunter.”

“Yes, and now he’s dead.”

“That’s so sad. I really feel bad for his wife. Two people enjoying a cruise together, then, suddenly, one passes away.”

“I’m not so sure Dr. Jim just passed away.”

“Really. What makes you say that.”

“Well, for one, what we saw last night.”

“Dr. Jim in a stupor?”

“We both agreed that it looked like more than just being inebriated.”

“True. What else.”

“It’s some things he said during our conversation at the Wheel House bar the other day. In so many words, he indicated that his wife wasn’t very happy with him. Also, during his lectures, I’ve noticed what was some real tension between the two of them. Some might pass it off as just husband and wife banter, but I sensed there was something much more sinister going on with her. I remember thinking at times that she just didn’t like him.”

“Wow.”

“Yes, and another thing is that Dr. Jim had a heart condition. That could be an explanation for him dying in his sleep, as we were told, but I think there’s more to it. Dr. Jim told me he took several different drugs for his heart. One of them, digitalis, keeps him alive, as long as he takes it once a day at about the same time. However, he said if he forgets to take it, or if he takes too much. It could cause his heart to go berserk, and he could easily die.”

“Sounds pretty precarious.”

“Really. That’s the impression I got too. He said that the very thing that is keeping him alive, the digitalis, if under dosed or overdosed, could be the very thing that does him in.”

“Do you think he may have forgotten to take his pill, or, took too many.”

“With the system of remembering to take his digitalis that he related to me, I don’t think he forgot to take the pill. I think he took too many, and I think his wife, known as the lovely assistant, may have assisted Dr. Jim to his death.”

“Boy. I guess that’s possible. But why. What would be her motive.”

“Other than she had grown tired of him, I’m not sure. She is obviously younger than he is, or was. Maybe she is seeing someone else back home. Maybe there is monetary gain for her with his death. Who knows.”

“Who knows. The simplest explanation is probably the best. He just died of natural causes from a bad heart.”

“Maybe. I just think there’s more to it. I think I’m going to talk to my friends in ship security.”

“You have friends in the ship’s security department? How did that come about.”

“I get around.”

Chapter 34

Thursday, April 28

After lunch, Hunter strolled down to the ship’s security office and knocked on the door. The door opened and chief Prichard said, “Yes?”

“Hunter Kingsley here, do you have a minute.”

“I suppose. You know, you’re really not supposed to be here. You’re in a crew only area.”

“Yes, but your office is just barely inside the crew only area.”

“What can I do for you Mr. Kingsley.”

“It’s about Dr. Jim Swenson. Have you talked with his wife yet.”

“That’s really none of your business.”

“I suppose not, but if you have talked to her, I just wonder if you think she had anything to do with her husband’s death.”

“Listen, Mr. Kingsley, you are really overstepping your bounds here. I can’t divulge information to you about our inquiries of other passengers.”

“I have good reason to believe that Vivian Swenson had something to do with her husband’s death.”

“Well, step inside for a moment and tell me what information you have. Have a seat.”

“I think Vivian Swenson murdered her husband by either giving him an overdose of his digitalis heart medication, or somehow enticeing him to overdose.”

“And your proof of this.”

“All circumstantial at this point. I didn’t get to check out the crime scene, or interview Mrs. Swenson. So, solely based on what I know of Jim Swenson from talking with him, and on my observations of the dynamics of Jim and Vivian’s relationship, I think there is a strong possibility that she murdered him.”

“Really. Fill me in, but make it fairly quick, as I don’t have a lot of time.”

“My observations of the couple during the lectures, and a few times in other settings on the ship, cause me to believe that theirs’s was not a happy relationship. At least on her part. I think Jim was content in the relationship, but not her. There was obvious overt tension in their relationship. To him it seemed to be a minor annoyance. From her standpoint, the tension seemed to contain some out right hatred. In their bantering, which took place often, Dr. Jim seemed to enjoy it. He smiled and even chuckled when he bantered. However, when she came out with her quips and jabs, she never smiled. Her bantering seemed to be more of one- upmanship and had a scolding demeanor. So that’s one thing.”

“Lots of couples banter, and seemingly don’t get along all that well.”

“I know, but I’m just constructing a few building blocks for a possible incentive to murder.”

“I think you’re reaching, but go ahead, what else.”

“Even though Dr. Jim and I initially had some unfriendly counters —.”

“Instigated by you.”

“Well, okay. But three or four days ago he and I ran into each other. We wound up having a three hour conversation over two or three glasses of wine in the Wheelhouse bar.”

“So.”

“We got to know each other as human beings, and among other things, we talked about his medical condition.”

“Yes.”

“He has a heart condition and takes three or four pills for it, one of which is digitalis. He said that the digitalis pill basically keeps him alive. It keeps his heart rhythms in line. But, he said, the precarious thing about the little digitalis pill is that he has to take it about the same time every evening. It’s time-released. And if he forgets to take it, his heart could go berserk and he could die. Conversely, if he screws up and takes just one more of the little pills, he could also easily die.”

“A pretty important pill.”

“Yes. And I think Vivian got him distracted, or something, and enticed him to overdose on his digitalis. I think an overdose is much more likely than an under dose. Plus, Doctor Jim, Professor Jim, is a little bit on the absent-minded side regarding the more mundane things of life. So, I think it would be easy for his wife to sidetrack him into taking an extra digitalis.”

“Okay. It might be easy enough for Mrs. Swenson to entice her husband into an overdose of his meds, but why would she do that. What’s her motive. Just because a couple batters around a little bit is not cause for one spouse to murder the other.”

“No. Not by itself. But the good professor also told me that he was content and satisfied in the marriage, but he said he didn’t think his wife was. He enjoys just staying home and reading, studying, keeping in contact with his colleagues, and so forth. Plus, he is, or was, in the middle of writing a book. So, he’s been a real homebody working on that project.. But Mrs. Swenson is always going out — shopping, meeting with her girlfriends, and so forth. He said he didn’t particularly suspect her of seeing other men, but, on the other hand, he wouldn’t be surprised if she were. He said the dissatisfaction he sensed his wife had with their marriage seem to start shortly after he retired. All the social activities and faculty parties associated with  being the head of the Biology Department, and with the University, suddenly came to an end.”

“Well, still, all just speculation.”

“It is. But I think it’s valid speculation, and I hope you consider the possibility in your investigation of the death of Dr. Jim.”

Chief Prichard abruptly stood up from his desk and said, “Good day Mr. Kingsley.” Hunter took the hint, stood up, and walked out of Prichard’s office. He stepped out of the crew area and into the deck five foyer of elevator banks and the entrance to the medical clinic.

Chapter 35

Hunter opened the door to the ships Medical Center and walked up to the counter. A dark haired lady with almond eyes turned from the folders she was filing and stepped up to her side of the counter. Her name tag read, “Medical Assistant Emily Wei.”

“May I help you,” Emily Wei asked.

“Yes. I’d like to speak to the doctor in charge of Dr. Jim Swenson’s body. I have some important information regarding the passenger that died, Doctor James Swenson.”

“Oh, well, what is your name?”

“Hunter Kingsley.”

“Are you a relative of the deceased.”

“No, but I’m a good friend.”

“Just a moment, I’ll see if Dr. Hasbrouck is available.”

Emily Wei left the counter and disappeared in the back part of the facility. Two minutes later, she reappeared and said, “Come around the corner of the counter and follow me. I’ll take you to see Dr. Hasbrouck.”

Hunter followed Emily down a short hall, followed by a left turn into another short hall, to a door with a nameplate which read, “Dr. Brian Hasbrouck.” Wei knocked on the door. Dr. Hasbrouck opened the door and invited Hunter inside the office. The two men introduced themselves and shook hands.

“I’m sorry about your friend, Dr. Swenson. Were you and the professor close friends.”

“Not close, but good recent friends.” “Well, again, I’m sorry. Now, I understand you might have some information regarding Dr. Swenson.”

“Yes. But first, let me ask you what you think caused his death.”

“I’m not a corner and we don’t do autopsies here. But, from what we can tell, his heart just gave out. This is consistent with what his wife related to us. That he had heart problems. Based on the very minor inquiry we are equipped to make into the cause of death, it appears that Dr. Swenson’s heart just gave out. We put him on ice, that is, in the morgue. When we get to our first port, which is Southampton, his body will be turned over to the authorities. That’s all I can tell you. Now what do you have for me.”

“I think Dr. Swenson was murdered. I think his wife gave him an overdose of digitalis, and that caused his heart to give out.”

“Well, I couldn’t speculate on that. From our standpoint — from a medical standpoint, we preserve the body and turn it over to the authorities at our next port. If there is any question of foul play, our security department should look into that. I doubt, however, that they would share any information with you.”

“Thank you, Dr. Hasbrouck, for your time. One quick question.”

“Go ahead.”

“What can you tell me about digitalis.”

“I can tell you that a person on any form of digitalis needs to be careful — careful not to under dose, and particularly careful not to overdose.”

“Or else.”

“Or else, the drug that is keeping that person alive can be the same drug that causes his death.”

“Thanks again doctor.”

“No problem. Can you find your way out.”

“I can. Oh, will the authorities perform an autopsy on Dr. Swenson when we get to Southampton?”

“If foul play is suspected, most definitely. If it is believed the death was by natural causes, probably not.”

“If there was an overdose of digitalis, would an autopsy detect it?”

“If they are looking for it, it should show up.”

Chapter 36

Hunter left the medical clinic and headed for his cabin to look for his wife. There was a note on the bed saying she was at the pool. He first checked the covered pool, and she was not there. He went next door to the outdoor pool with the giant TV screen. He found her curled up on one of the lounge chairs reading a Lee Child novel. The sun had broken through the earlier fog and clouds, and the weather was actually quite pleasant.

“Hi Hon,” Hunter said.

“Hello stranger. Did you do any good at security?”

“I talked with Prichard, chief of security. I told him I thought Dr. Jim died at the hands of his wife and not from natural causes. He noted it and politely thanked me, but I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere.”

“Well, that’s too bad. But, at least you tried.”

“I tried. I also went to the medical clinic and talked to the doctor who is in charge of Dr. Jim’s body. He wasn’t very interested in my belief that Dr. Jim was murdered either. His job is just to keep the body cold, and then turn it over to the morgue when we get to England.”

“There’s not much else you can do.”

“I know, I think I’ll go to the Internet café, and look up a few things.”

“Okay, but watch the time. I made a dinner date for us for 6:30 PM with Jenny and Tim, and Marcy and Bob, from our Bible class.”

“Good. I’ll see you back at the cabin before then.”

“Love you.”

“See you. Love you.”

Chapter 37

Cabin C242

Hunter rushed back to the cabin from the Internet café.

“There you are. Find out anything on the Internet,” Susan inquired.

“Yes, I did. But let me tell you at dinner, that way I can squeeze in a shower.”

“Okay. I’ll abate my curiosity.”

Chapter 38

Thursday evening, April 28

At dinner with timothy and Jenny Harmon, and Bob and Marcy Wingate, Hunter and Sue Kingsley got into a discussion about Dr. Jim and Vivian Swenson and Dr. Jim’s death.

“So, Tim and Jenny, did you get a chance to talk with Vivian Swenson again,” Sue asked.

“No,” Jenny answered, “We tried. Two different times this afternoon we knocked on her cabin door, but there was no answer.”

“I’m pretty sure I saw her sitting at the Crooners bar this afternoon,” Marcy said. I know what she looks like, because she and her husband where one of the couples at our dinner table the other night. It was a little before 1:30 PM, and Bob and I were on our way to our line dance class in the Club Fusion.”

“Yeah, it was her,” Bob added. “There was a gentleman sitting next to her at the bar. Don’t know if they were together or he just happened to be sitting next to her.”

“Some people grieve with alcohol,” Tim said.

“Hunter thinks that Dr. Jim may not have died of natural causes,” Sue said.

“What you mean,” Jenny asked.

“I think Dr. Jim’s wife gave him an overdose of his digitalis heart medication, which can be fatal,” answered Hunter. “I think Vivian Swenson murdered her husband.”

Silence. No one said a word. Hunter’s last statement landed like a tray of dishes falling to the floor with a crash.

Tim Harmon broke the silence. “I know you have a good bit of law enforcement experience. What has led you to suspect —.” Tim looked around and then lowered his voice. “What has led you to suspect that this lady murdered her husband.”

The group of six table mates leaned in to each other and continued the conversation in lowered voices.

Hunter answered. “I had a pretty good conversation with Dr. Jim the other day. I was also attending his lectures every day. Based on my conversation with the professor, and my observation of how he and his wife interacted, I think his wife was very dissatisfied with how their marriage had turned out. You know the saying, ‘happy wife, happy life.’ I think Vivian Swenson was very unhappy in the marriage. It doesn’t come out so much on the cruise, because she is in her element here. Eating, drinking, socializing, being catered to, and so forth. But at home —.”

“But how do you know what their home life is, or was like,” asked Jenny Harmon.

“I’m speculating, for sure, but my law enforcement and chaplaincy backgrounds have trained need to be able to read people pretty well. Vivian Swenson is 15 years younger than Dr. Jim. When they got married, Jim was at the University of Colorado in Boulder, working his way up to full professorship, and eventually head of the biology department. This was all pretty exciting to Vivian; the University atmosphere, all the social gatherings, faculty dinners and parties, helping sponsor social events, and so forth. I understand that the University of Colorado was pretty socially oriented, just like Indiana University, where I got my undergraduate. But five years ago, when the good professor retired, the socializing and partying greatly diminished. Dr. Jim, who is somewhat of an introvert, was now content to stay close to home, read his biology journals, keep in touch with his old biology colleagues, and reminisce about, in his eyes, a life well spent.”

“What you’re describing here is not an unusual husband and wife situation,” Bob Wingate added.

“No, it’s not,” Marcy Wingate said. “We know of a few couples where similar scenarios have occurred.”

“Oh, I think we all know this sort of thing can happen,” said Jenny Harmon.

Hunter continued. “Before wife Vivian became too disenchanted however, Dr. Jim got involved with Princess Cruise lines as an enrichment lecturer. That suited Vivian just fine. Now she was back to socializing, partying, and drinking. And, as Dr. Jim’s assistant, she was also getting some notoriety herself. But then Dr. Jim decided to write a book. That takes a lot of time. Especially a nonfiction book having to do with biology. A lot of research involved. Dr. Jim wanted to cut way back on the cruises in order to devote more time to his book project.”

“I’m sure this didn’t sit well with Vivian,” Bob Wingate added.

“No,” Hunter said. “Suddenly, we’re back to an unhappy wife. And here’s where I’m mostly speculating. Unhappy wife said to herself, ‘I’m not ready to vegetate. I’ve still got things I want to do in life. Jim is dragging me down and standing in the way of my happiness. Jim has to go, and the sooner the better.’”

“So, she helped him to a fatal dose of heart medication,” Tim Harmon said. “And poor professor Jim’s heart gave out. No one is the wiser, because he was up in years with a serious heart condition.”

“Boy,” Jenny Harmon said. “If she really did do that to her husband, that is one cold hearted lady.”

“I think she is capable of being that coldhearted,” commented Hunter. “I also believe there may be a sizable life insurance policy involved. With all those years of professorship at the University of Colorado, and Dr. Jim being the responsible person he was, I just have to believe he had a significant insurance policy on himself, with his wife as beneficiary. Maybe even a million dollar policy.”

“If that’s true,” Bob Wingate said, “It would certainly add to the motive to murder her husband.”

Hunter replied, “Yep, it’s all there: motive, opportunity, and means — MOM.”

“What did you learn on the Internet, sweetie,” Sue Kingsley asked. “Remember, you were going to tell me at dinner.”

Chapter 39

“Yes, as Sue already knows, I talked with the medical officer in charge of keeping Dr. Jim on ice. He was also the responding doctor to Vivian Swenson’s 911 call this morning. He wasn’t too interested in my theory that Vivian murdered her husband with an overdose of digitalis.”

“Interesting,” responded Tim.

Hunter continued. “I understand his disinterest as, I’m sure, Dr. Jim’s death had to appear as death by natural causes. And since an autopsy is not done on the ship — well, like I say, his job is to keep the good professor on ice and deliver him to the authorities — probably a corner, when we get to our first port, Southampton.”

“I also talked to the chief of security about the possibility of murder. He listened, and took some notes, but I’m pretty sure he’s not going to really look into the murder possibility. His report is going to conclude death by natural causes. Then it’s a done deal. One of the things I read the Internet, which makes perfect sense, is that the cruise ship personnel’s job is to keep the passengers happy, and to downplay anything that might disrupt that. Plus, ship security personnel are not really equipped to conduct murder investigations.”

“Make sense,” Bob commented.

“Another thing I learned on the Internet today is that, even though the Caribbean princes is registered in Bermuda, and Jim’s death and possible murder took place in international waters, way out in the middle of the ocean, the United States Federal Bureau of investigation is obliged to investigate.”

“How so,” asked Tim.

“The United States has jurisdiction over crimes committed on a ship if the victim or perpetrator is a US national, and, the crime took place during a voyage that departed from, or will arrive at a US port. Our ship departed from Houston, and both the victim, Dr. Jim Swenson, and the possible perpetrator, Vivian Swenson, are both US citizens. So, the possible murder of Dr. Jim fits the criteria for the FBI to get involved. The trouble is, the ships medical staff and security, I’m afraid, are going to stick with the conclusion of death by natural causes. If that’s the case, then they are not going to report it to the FBI.”

“True,” Bob said. “If they concluded there was no crime, there’s nothing to report to the FBI. However, it is possible that, in light of what you told them, that they have reconsidered their position on the matter. They may now include your theory of murder by digitalis overdose in their report. By raising the question of the possibility of murder, I would think they are now obligated contact the FBI.”

“I need to go to the security office,” Hunter said, “and find out whether they reported it to the FBI or not. If they didn’t, I’m going to urge them to do so. I, as a concerned citizen, have reason to believe that a crime was committed. They must take that seriously.”

“Tomorrow,” Sue said.

“What,” asked Hunter.

“Tomorrow. Go to the security office tomorrow. We’re all going to the show in the Princess theater tonight.”

“That’s right,” Hunter said. “I almost forgot.”

“It looks like we still have time for dessert,” Marcy said.

“Good,” replied Jenny. “Let’s have our dessert and coffee or tea, and then go to the Princess theater and grab some good seats.”

“I second that,” added Bob.

“Motion passed,” Tim said. “Let’s snag our waiter and carry on with our dastardly plan.”

Chapter 40

Friday morning, April 29

Hunter and Susan Kingsley woke up a little earlier than usual. They showered, dressed, and had a leisurely breakfast before Bible study at 9:00 AM. After Bible study, Sue headed for the fruit and vegetable carving demonstration put on by the galley staff artists in the atrium on deck five. As Sue left the elevator, she looked back at Hunter and said, “See you in the Princess theater for the 11:00 o’clock destination lecture regarding Liverpool.”

“Okay.” Hunter rode the elevator down one more deck, and headed for the security office. He knocked on the door.

The door was opened by security officer Dan Farnsworth. “Come in Mr. Kingsley and have a seat. Chief Prichard and I were just going to contact you. The Chief will be back in a minute or two.”

A minute later the door opened. “Ah, Mr. Kingsley, you’re here. Excellent. We were just getting ready to hunt you down.”

“Why is that.”

“Well,” continued Chief Prichard, “It seems the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States would like to talk with you.”

“It must be relating to the death of Dr. Jim Swenson, right?”

“Quite so,” Prichard said. “Although we feel certain Dr. Swenson’s death was by natural causes — his heart just gave out, we, nonetheless, noted your concerns in our report, and contacted your FBI. The Bureau did not seem impressed with your reasoning, and lack of evidence for suspecting the professor’s wife of murder, yet, they want to talk with you. So, Mr. Kingsley, the ball is in your court. You and your theory of murder is the only reason the FBI is now involved, and the main reason that this ship has changed course, and is now heading for the port of Southampton, instead of Liverpool.”

“What! I didn’t tell the captain to change course. How could I have anything to do with the ship changing course.”

Prichard continued. “Indirectly, you do, at least partly. You see, there are several things at play here. First of all, you are, as I said, the sole reason the FBI is now involved. The FBI has a legal attaché office — commonly known as a legat — in London, with several senior agents attached to it. Southampton is, of course, the port city for London. The FBI could easily send a couple of their London agents to meet the ship at Liverpool, and interview you, and Dr. Swenson’s wife, and possibly others on the ship. However, it is easier if we go to them. Easier for them, that is, not for us. And they did request it.”

“Wow,” Hunter said. “This is becoming a big deal. And it should be. Murder is a big deal.”

“Quite so, if it is, indeed murder.”

“I think it’s quite possible.”

“Secondly,” Prichard said, “There is definitely going to be an autopsy now, and the sooner the better. It could certainly be done in Liverpool, but again, the FBI legat is in London. The FBI’s part in the case will be operating out of London. Scotland Yard is —.”

“Scotland Yard! What does Scotland Yard have to do with it.”

“It’s a little complicated, but let me try to explain.”

“I’m listening.”

“The Caribbean Princess, in fact, all Princess ships, are registered in Bermuda. This means, among other things, the maritime laws of Bermuda apply to all Princess ships.”

“Go on.”

“Bermuda is a British overseas territory, but enjoys full self-government in all matters except foreign-policy, military, judiciary, and policing. This all boils down to the fact that, if a crime is committed on a Bermudian registered ship, Bermuda and Britain both have an interest in at least making an inquiry. And, since we were much closer to Great Britain when the alleged crime occurred, and our next scheduled port of call is in Britain, the British government via one of its police agencies, is obligated to look into the matter. And, since Scotland Yard has the greater expertise with crimes at sea, and Scotland Yard is in London, to London we go.”

“Well, I sure didn’t intend to cause all this inconvenience of the ship changing course, and rearranging the ports of call, and so forth.”

“It’s not that unusual. Cruise ships do change ports of call and itineraries for various reasons. However, I wouldn’t broadcast the fact that you are the main reason for the port of call switch. I’m sure a number of passengers who booked tours on their own at Liverpool are going to be upset, and may be out some money. That’s why Princess always encourages passengers to book their tours through Princess, even though it may cost a little more. Princess makes refunds on all their canceled tours.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to tell very many people that I had anything to do with the ship changing course.”

“A third reason,” Prichard said, “We changed course for London has to do with Vivian Swenson. I’m letting you in on a little inside information here, but, you obviously are on the inside now. Mrs. Swenson, in talking with nurse Emily Choi, has asked that her husband’s body be cremated when reaching port. Nurse Choi has become sort of a combination comforter and liaison for Mrs. Swenson, helping her make arrangements for her husband’s trip back to the United States, among other things. Nurse Choi said Mrs. Swenson wants her husband cremated right away, so it won’t cost her any money to transport him back home. She figures she can pack his remains, in some sort of urn, of course, in her checked baggage on the airline.”

“Will the airlines allow that.”

“I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter to us, because now there is going to be a full autopsy performed in London at the request of the FBI and Scotland Yard. After that, she can do what she wants with the body.”

“Yeah,” Hunter said. “The autopsy is very important. It should be able to show if there is an overdose of digitalis in his body.”

“Nurse Choi brought up the idea to Mrs. Swenson of having an autopsy done on her husband, so she could know exactly what caused his heart to fail. Mrs. Swenson said absolutely not. She said she knew it was his heart that gave out, and that was all she needed to know.”

“Well, another little piece of circumstantial evidence,” replied Hunter.

“That is all you’re probably going to get, is circumstantial evidence.”

“I’m sure you’re right. But enough circumstantial evidence can convict.”

“True. Now, let me give you another little piece of inside information.”

“Fire away.”

“Vivian Swenson is not the only suspect.”

“Who else,” Hunter asked.

“You.”

Chapter 41

“Me? Why me.”

“Think about it,” Prichard said. “The first time we had conversation, what were the circumstances?”

“Well,” Hunter said, “You and Farnsworth said that some passengers complained that I was a little too outspoken with Dr. Jim after a couple of his lectures.”

“A little more than that. They thought you were, at the least, rude to Dr. Jim. Two of the complainers thought you were on the verge of turning your rant into a physical altercation.”

“Really.”

“Yes. I know you said you were not upset with Dr. Swenson personally, just the content of his lectures.”

“Exactly.”

“After our little talk, you calmed down, and, as far as I know, didn’t confront Dr. Swenson again.”

“He and I talked after that, but I kept my voice down a few decibels. In fact, we wound up, later, getting to know each other over a couple of glasses of wine.”

“So you say. And I believe you. But I still had to tell the FBI about your earlier run-ins with Dr. Swenson.”

“Of course.”

“So, ironically, you are kind of on the inside, that is, part of the investigative team, but, at the same time, on the outside as a suspect.”

“Kind of a unique position.”

“Yes, a little unusual. I’m sure, however, your role as a suspect in Dr. Swenson’s demise, will be cleared up forth right.”

“I would think so,” Hunter said.

“Now, another thing, and I’m talking unofficially now.”

“Got you.”

“If you happen to observe Mrs. Swenson doing things, or in activities that don’t quite fit with the behavior one would expect of a grieving widow — well, that might be another little piece of circumstantial evidence. Just like her not wanting an autopsy. Possibly she’s afraid of what the autopsy might reveal. I’m partly telling you this because I know you’ve had law enforcement experience, and should know how to ‘observe’ people without being obvious.”

“How did you know that. How did you know I have law enforcement experience.”

“We checked you out.”

“Of course you did. And I sense you, Richard Prichard, have had experience beyond security at some time.”

“Exactly. I’ve had some time with the London Metropolitan police service, a.k.a. Scotland Yard, but just uniformed. Never a detective.”

“Good for you. So, if I do happen to observe anything interesting regarding Vivian Swenson, should I report it to you?”

“Not necessary. Our case, so to speak, has been closed and turned over to your FBI. If you discover something pressing, get in touch with me and I will call the gentleman I spoke with at the FBI laget in London. Otherwise, just wait until we dock in Southampton, Sunday morning, May 1. My understanding is, as soon as we tie up at the dock, and the gangplank is in place, two or three agents from the FBI, and probably one Scotland Yard detective, in more or less a liaison capacity, will come on board and start investigating and interviewing. I’m sure you will be the first to be interviewed.”

“That’s logical.”

“Anyway, Mr. Kingsley —.”

“Hunter.”

“It’s been a pleasure meeting and chatting with you, Hunter. Take care.”

“Always. And it’s been my pleasure meeting and talking with you, Chief Prichard.”

“Richard.”

“May justice prevail, Richard.”

“Always. Good day Hunter.”

“Good day Richard.”

Chapter 42

As Hunter left the security office, he glanced at his watch. 10:55 AM. Just enough time to make the destination lecture in the Princess theater, if he hurred.

“Hi Sue. Thanks for saving me a seat.”

“Hi sweetie. You just made it in the nick of time.”

“The nick of time is still on time.”

“Just barely.”

“Just barely is still on time.”

“Thanks for being on time.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Oh look, the slide heading just changed from ‘Liverpool,’ to ‘Southampton for London.’”

“I’m not surprised.”

“Why are you not surprised.”

“I told the captain that I preferred to go to Southampton first.”

“Stop it, Hunter. You did not.”

A lady walked up to the stage left podium. “Hello everyone. As most of you know, I am Scoie Lemon, your destination lecturer and shore excursion host. We are standing by for an announcement from the bridge over the ship’s public address system. It will be piped in here as well. Some of you may have —. Oh, here we go.”

“Crackle, crackle. Good morning ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Due to operational considerations, we are going to call on the port of Southampton first. We should arrive at Southampton by 7:00 AM, and be cleared to go ashore by 8:30 AM, on Sunday, May 1. We will then call on the port of Liverpool the next day, Monday, May 2. We will have to skip going to Holly Head, in Wales, and head directly for Hamburg, Germany. We will arrive in Hamburg on Wednesday, May 4. At this point, we will be back on schedule with our planned itinerary. Also, regarding Holly Head, there was a good chance we would not have been able to call on that port anyway. Holly Head is a tender operation, and the winds are predicted to have gusts up to 55 mph. It would be too risky to launch our tenders in such weather conditions. That is all. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Well, there you have it,” announced Scoie Limon to a packed Princess theater. “This may turn out better for many of you. If you are one of those who has to fly back home on May 8, when the ship arrives back in Southampton, you now have a full day to explore Southampton and, or, London. There are a number of things to do in Southampton, and, of course, many, many interesting things to do and see in and around London. What are they? Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about now. Tomorrow, I will give the destination presentation for Liverpool.”

At the end of the presentation, as Hunter and Sue were filing out of the Princess theater, Sue asked Hunter, “Did you really know we were going to Southampton instead of Liverpool, or were you just joking.”

“I did know, but let’s not discuss that here. What we really need to do is find our Bible thumping friends, Tim and Jenny Harmon, and Bob and Marcy Wingate.”

“I saw Tim and Jenny at the lecture. They were sitting on the other side. Maybe we can cut over and catch them filing out of the theater.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Thirty seconds later. “There they are,” Sue said.

Hunter called out, “Hey Tim, Jenny. Hold up a minute.”

“Hunter, Sue. What’s up,” asked Tim.

“I’ll tell you,” Hunter replied, “But since it’s lunchtime, let me tell you over lunch.”

“Great,” Tim said.

“We were supposed to meet Marcy and Bob over by the restrooms here, after the lecture,” Jenny said. “Is it okay if we all go to lunch together.”

“Yes, absolutely,” responded Sue.

“Hey, there’s Marcy and Bob,” Jenny said. Jenny waved, “Over here Marcy, Bob.”

Bob and Marcy slithered through the people still filing out of the Princess theater, and joined the other four. “How’s it going guys,” Bob said. “What do you all think of our change in itinerary.”

“Well, speaking of that,” Hunter said, “I’ve got something to tell you guys in that regard. We can do it over lunch.”

“Do tell,” Bob said.

“Is it all right with everyone if we go to the Coral dining room for lunch. It will be a lot quieter, and less hectic, then the buffet.”

Everyone agreed, and a few minutes later, the six of them were seated, at their request, at a table out of earshot from all the other diners. After the six had placed their order, Bob inquired, “So what’s the big, apparently hush-hush thing, you want to tell us Hunter.”

“The reason we’re going to London now, instead of Liverpool, is pretty much because of me.”

“Are you kidding. You mean —.”

“Bob, keep your voice down,” Marcy said.

“Oh, sorry. But Hunter, I have trouble believing that you somehow convinced the captain to change the itinerary around so that you could go to London first. And why would you even do that.”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that. Remember last night at dinner, I mentioned my theory that Dr. Jim Swenson’s wife murdered him, most likely with an overdose of his heart medication, where a little extra dose can be fatal.”

“We remember,” Jenny said.

“And also, I mentioned that I had been checking the Internet earlier that day, and learned that the FBI is almost obligated to investigate a murder, or suspected murder, on a cruise ship that either leaves from, or will terminate at a US port, and the suspect and/or victim are US citizens.”

“And you were going to talk to ship security the next day, which is today,” Marcy Wingate said, “And prompt them to contact the FBI.”

“Exactly,” continued Hunter. “So, after our Bible study this morning, I went to the security office. When I got there, Officer Farnsworth told me that Chief Security Officer Prichard wanted to talk to me. A couple of minutes later the Chief showed up, and then Farnsworth had to respond to something and left.”

“Did you tell the Chief that he really should contact the FBI,” Sue asked.

“Didn’t have to. Not only had he already contacted the FBI, but the FBI is now conducting an investigation into the death of Dr. Jim Swenson, in conjunction with Scotland Yard. And, of course, they want to interview me, and others no doubt, and there’s now going to be a full-blown autopsy. And because of all this, the ship is heading for Southampton instead of Liverpool. It’s all because of me in my belief that Dr. Jim’s wife probably murdered him.”

“Boy oh boy Hunter,” Sue responded, “What have you gotten yourself into; us into; the whole ship into.”

“An investigation to find out the truth. I know I could be wrong about it being murder, but we believe in justice, right. Crime should be punished. Of course, as Christians, we know there can be forgiveness, but, there’s always consequences for wrongdoing. Look at King David and his encounter with Bathsheba, and the murder of Uriah. David repented and God forgave him, but David still suffered dire consequences for his crimes.”

“Not to worry, we’re with you on this,” Tim said. “Were all with you Hunter, right everyone? Hunter did the right thing.”

Everyone agreed. Sue added, “You know I’m with you Hunter, all the way. Wherever it leads. Always.”

“I know. Thank you,” Hunter said. “Chief Prichard made it very clear that this whole thing is because of me. Had I not gone to them as adamantly as I did with my suspicions, the FBI never would have been contacted. Chief Prichard still believes Dr. Jim died of natural causes, as does Dr. Hasbrouck, who responded to the 911 call and pronounced Dr. Jim dead. So, as Chief Prichard said, ‘The ball is in my court.’”

“So, how can we help,” asked Jenny.

“Yeah, is there something we can do,” asked Bob.

“There is,” responded Hunter. “You can help me get more evidence. It’s probably going to be all circumstantial, but the more the better. Now we don’t want to follow Vivian Swenson around, or actually put a surveillance on her, but, if one of us happens to observe her acting in a way that just doesn’t fit how most grieving widows would act, then that’s a piece of circumstantial evidence. Or, if one of us would happen to overhear her tell someone that she’s glad her husband is dead, or that she can’t wait to get home and collect the insurance money — things like that — well, more circumstantial evidence.”

“I think we get it. Right everyone,” asked Bob.

“Now,” Jenny Harmon injected, “Tim and I get it all right, but I think we should think through this just a little more. Making false accusations is Biblically a definite no-no.”

“True,” Hunter said, “But I haven’t publicly made any accusations. I have just raised a question within the law enforcement community, and with a few friends, you guys, that maybe Dr. Jim didn’t die of natural causes, as the ship’s doctor, and the ships security believe. Maybe his wife caused him to die. And the only reason I raised the question is because I have circumstantial evidence the ship’s doctor and security are not

privy to.”

“And you have a pretty active imagination,” Hunter’s wife added.

“No doubt true,” Hunter said. “But let me try to clarify something a little better. I have observed, and been presented evidence to indicate that Vivian Swenson may have murdered her husband. I feel obligated to try to resolve the question and turn over my findings to the authorities. And, as I mentioned earlier, we should be truth seekers and gather evidence that leads either way. If we uncover something that indicates Vivian murdered her husband, we report that. If we uncover evidence that indicates that she did not murder her husband, we report that also. We do not have a position to support. We are trying to ascertain the truth, and report our findings.”

“Were in,” Bob and Marcy said.

“Us to,” Tim and Jenny said.

“Me too,” Sue said.

“Okay, good,” Hunter responded. “Now, let’s set up our non-surveillance surveillance.”

Chapter 43

Tim and Jenny Harmon knocked on Vivian’s cabin door in one final sincere attempt to see if she was receptive to the offer of spiritual and or emotional support. She did not answer. Tim and Jenny then took the stairs two decks down and reported back to Hunter, Sue, Bob, and Marcy, waiting in the far end of the Crooners lounge.

“She wasn’t there,” Jenny said. “At least she didn’t answer the door, and we knocked pretty hard.”

“You don’t suppose she changed cabins,” Marcy asked. “Sometimes, in a situation like this, where one spouse passes, the staff will offer a different cabin to the remaining spouse. It may be too upsetting for a person to remain in the room where his or her spouse just died.”

“You’re right,” Sue said.

“If you guys will wait, I’ll go down to passenger services and check.”

“Good idea. We’ll wait,” Hunter said.

A few minutes later, Marcy returned. “I didn’t want to ask directly if Vivian Swenson had changed cabins. I told the lady at the desk that the Bible class had a sympathy card to put in her cabin mail box, but we didn’t know if she had moved to a different cabin. The lady said that, no, Mrs. Swenson is still in her original cabin. And she added, that Mrs. Swenson was offered a different cabin, but declined it.”

“Good work,” Hunter said.

“Now we need to get a sympathy card, or make one, and have everyone in the Bible class sign it.”

“Absolutely,” Jenny said. “I don’t know why we didn’t think of that in the first place.”

“I’ll make one,” Marcy said. “I don’t think the ship’s stores have any such cards. Then in Bible class tomorrow, I’ll pass the card around for people to sign.”

“Good,” Jenny said. “Tim and I can deliver it to her mail box. We will also knock on her door, and make one last attempt to see if she is amiable to any grievance discussion.”

“I’d be surprised,” remarked Sue. “While you were at passenger services Marcy, Vivian Swenson walked by all of us, with a gentleman by her side, and they are now seated at the other end of the lounge, at the Crooners bar. They weren’t holding hands, or anything like that, when they walked by, but it didn’t look like any grief counseling was taking place.”

“It looks like the two of them were in the ‘getting to know each other’ stage,” Jenny said.

“The guy could be just a friend,” Hunter said. “She and her husband have a number of friends on the ship. Most of them are probably friendships made on this cruise. Maybe Vivian and the gentleman with her already knew each other.”

“But Hunter,” Sue said, “Didn’t that look like a budding friendship at work when they walked by.”

“It could be. But I think it’s hard to tell from that brief looksee. I think we need to be a little careful and not jump to conclusions. That’s all.”

“Of course, you’re right.”

Hunter continued. “Plus, if we keep her insight for a while, I think we’ll be able to resolve what kind of relationship is going on there.”

“Maybe we should get closer,” Bob suggested. “Close enough even to hear their conversation.”

“Trouble is,” Hunter said, “You get that close, they’ll take note of you. You and Marcy could certainly go up to the bar and sit right next to them, and it’s no big deal. They don’t know you. You’re just a couple who wants a drink. But if they continue to keep seeing you to pop up today and tomorrow, no matter where they go, then they start to wonder. Yeah, I think for now, we need to keep our distance, and see what they do. If she moves, or they move together, we follow. One person or one couple following at a safe distance, but keeping them in sight, and the rest of us even further back, keeping our point person or point couple insight.”

“Is that how you guys did it in the Secret Service,” Tim asked.

“Something like that. When we had a moving vehicle surveillance on a suspect, one guy was point and had the ‘eyeball.’ He stayed close enough to keep the suspect in sight. If the suspect made a sudden turn, or did some other abrupt maneuver, then the point man would not follow, but would continue on and make a radio call for the agent behind him to take up the point. So, I think we should conduct our moving surveillance in a similar manner, except we don’t have radios, so will have to use gestures and hand signals to communicate from a distance.”

“I think it will be fun,” Marcy said.

“Something a little different. An adventure.” Sue said.

“One thing though,” Hunter added, “I can’t let her see me up close. She knows who I am and she’s not fond of me. At the beginning of the cruise, I gave her husband a bit of a hard time.”

“That’s right,” Sue said. “So, if I’ve got the point, it will be without Hunter. Hunter will have to stay back.”

“Bob,” Jenny asked, “Yesterday you said you saw Vivian sitting at the Crooners bar with another man. Was it the same man she is with now?”

“No, I don’t think so. Now that I think back on it, there was a man on one side of Vivian, and a woman on the other side. They were both slightly turned toward Vivian, and both seemed to be engaged in conversation with her. It could have been one of the couples Vivian and her husband knew, trying to console her.”

“Well, just a thought,” Jenny said.

“Yeah,” Bob said. “The guy with her now is a different guy. He looks different and he acts different. The guy yesterday probably was about 5’10” or so, medium build. This guy is on the beefy side and has got to be about 6’2” or 6’3”. He looks like a cowboy type. Like he’s rustled the few steers in his day.”

“Uh oh,” Sue said. It looks like one or both of them is getting ready to get up.”

“Standby,” Marcy said. “Maybe one of them is just going to the rest room.”

“Nope, they’re both getting up,” Sue said.

“And — there staying together and heading aft,” Hunter said. “Who would like to be the point person, or couple?”

Chapter 44

“Jenny and I will take it,” Tim said.

“Remember,” Hunter said, “You can stay pretty loose. Even if we temporarily lose them, we can find them again. We’re on a ship, so there’s only so many places they can go.”

“Got it,” Tim said.

As soon as Tim and Jenny turned the corner near the Crooners bar, they saw Vivian and her friend in a short line in front of a table just outside the Explorers lounge. A placard on an easel between the table and the entrance to the lounge read, “Champagne Art Auction, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.” Tim and Jenny stopped on the far side of the corridor, near one of the ships stores, and observed.

“Jenny, are you in the mood for an art auction today,” Tim asked.

“You know I am.”

“We’ll wait and see if they sign up. If they sign up and go in, we’ll do the same.”

“Yeah. If they get bid cards, will get bid cards also.”

“We can do that, but remember, a bid card doesn’t obligate you to bid.”

“But you can.”

“But we won’t.”

“You’re no fun.”

“We can buy a painting, or start saving for another cruise.”

“Another cruise. Really.”

“Okay,” Tim said. “It looks like he got a bid card, but she didn’t.”

“They went in. Let’s sign up and go in.”

Tim glanced back at Bob and Marcy and pointed at the art auction to indicate that they were going in. Bob gave him the okay sign. At the sign-up table, Jenny signed her name in the next blank line on the roster and printed her cabin number in the appropriate column. As she did so, she looked up the roster a few lines and saw Vivian Swenson’s name and cabin number, cabin D354. Underneath Vivian’s name was the name, Duke Rawlings, cabin D236.

“Here’s your bid card, number 294,” the lady behind the table said.

Tim signed his name and room number and then looked up at Jenny, “Honey, one bid card for the two of us is fine. I don’t want us to try to outbid each other.”

As Tim and Jenny entered the Explorers lounge, they saw Vivian and her friend at the far end of a row of paintings. Some of the paintings were on easels, and some where on the ground leaning against the legs of the easels. Tim and Jenny hung back.

“I saw Vivian’s name a few lines above ours, and underneath her name was the name Duke Rawlings, cabin D236. But, I’m not sure that’s her friend. I didn’t look at the line above her. Maybe he signed first, then she signed.”

“No. Her friend has to be Duke Rawlings, because on the line above Vivian, was a couple, Mr. and Mrs. so-and-so. We did good. Let’s write our clandestinely acquired information on a piece of paper before we forget it.”

“I don’t have a piece of paper, or a pen. I didn’t bring my purse.”

“I’ve got it, I think. Yeah, I have a pen, and a napkin. Now, Duke Rawlings, D236, is recorded in our official surveillance log.” “Looks like our subjects are heading for the seating area.”

“Subjects. I like that. Yeah, we’ll let the suspects find their seats, and we will sit some ways back and to the side, if we can.”

“Suspects, a. I like that even better.”

Chapter 45

It was 5:00 PM, and the art auction was over. Tim and Jenny came out before Vivian and Duke, and saw Bob and Marcy sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from the Explorers lounge.

“They’ll be coming out soon,” Tim said. “Do you guys want to take them, or take her, if they split.”

“Will take her,” answered Bob.

“Her friend’s name is Duke Rawlings, and he’s in cabin D-236,” Jenny said.

“Really,” replied Marcy. “Good work guys.”

“Were you two sitting here the whole time we were in the Explorers lounge,” Jenny asked.

“Oh no. We took turns with Hunter and Sue. Hunter, of course, was ready to scurry off if Vivian popped out,” Marcy replied.

“Where are Hunter and Sue now,” asked Tim.

“They went to their cabin to change clothes, in case Vivian goes for an early dinner,” replied Bob.

“Will go check in with them, change clothes ourselves, and then rendezvous back at Hunter and Sue’s cabin,” Tim said.

“Okay,” replied Bob. “See you guys when we see you.”

Five minutes later, Vivian and Duke emerged from the Explorers lounge, turned left, and headed in the direction of the atrium, with Bob and Marcy following at a distance. When they reached the lifts, Duke pushed the up button. Bob and Marcy observed which elevator they got in, then bounded up the stairs next to the lifts. Bob told Marcy to wait on deck eight to see if Vivian’s elevator stopped there. Bob ran up another flight to deck nine to see if the couple got off there. Bob and Marcy had agreed that Vivian and Duke were probably both going to their cabins, which were both on deck nine, to get ready for dinner. And, in fact, that was the case. Duke escorted Vivian to the door of her cabin, then walked a good distance down the corridor to his cabin. Bob kept his eye on Vivian’s cabin while Marcy went to Hunter and Sue’s cabin to let them know where Vivian was.

“Hunter, there’s a knock on our door,” Sue said.

“I got it. Oh, hi Marcy. What’s up.”

“Vivian just went to her cabin, maybe to get ready for dinner. But if she suddenly leaves, it might be good to have a third person with Bob and me.”

“Okay, I’ll be the third person,” Sue said. “I’m ready.”

Sue and Marcy took the stairs back down to deck nine and checked in with Bob, who was at the midship lifts and stair area, just inside Vivian’s cabin corridor. He had his eyes glued to her door.

“Hello ladies,” Bob said.

“Sue and I were thinking that if she comes out and heads for the elevators here, we will duck into the opposite corridor —.”

Bob interrupted. “The starboard corridor.”

“The starboard corridor, and as soon as she pushes the elevator button, we will walk out and wait for the same elevator. We will get on the elevator she gets on, and get off on the same floor she does.”

“We will stand in the back of the elevator and exit after her, then follow at a distance,” Sue added.

“Sounds like a plan,” Bob said. “If she doesn’t come out pretty soon, I think we can assume she is getting ready for dinner, and that will be her next destination.”

“It will be interesting to see if Duke comes out to get her for dinner,” Marcy said.

“Yeah, I — hold on. Her door just opened. She’s in the corridor and heading this way. Show time for you two ladies. I’m going to duck out of sight.”

“Okay, let’s get in position,” Sue said.

“Should we act like we know each other,” Marcy asked.

“Let’s not talk to each other. That way, if she even takes note of us, she won’t know if we know each other or not.”

Vivian entered the elevator foyer from the port corridor, and pushed the down elevator button. Marcy entered the foyer, walked to the near center, took note that the down elevator button was lit, and stood. A few seconds later, Sue emerged from the star board corridor, took note that the down elevator was lit, and also stood. The middle left elevator chimed. Sue and Marcy delayed as Vivian walked over toward the elevator that had chimed.

The doors opened. Three couples and one lady were already in the elevator. The sixth and seventh floor buttons were lit. Vivian entered and pushed the fourth floor button, which was the lowest floor available to passengers. Marcy entered, noted the buttons that were lit, and stepped to the rear. Sue entered, turned and noted the lit buttons, pushed the fifth floor button, then stepped back from where Vivian was standing. The doors closed.

The doors opened again at deck seven. Deck seven is where many of the entertainment areas are: Club Fusion, the Wheelhouse bar, the Explorers lounge, the Crooners lounge, the Grand Casino, and the upper entrance to the Princess theater. Two couples and the lady got out here. The doors closed and opened a few seconds later at deck six. On deck six are two of the big dining rooms, the Crown Grill, passenger services, the Churchill lounge, and the lower entrance to the Princess theater. The remaining couple got off. The doors closed and opened on deck five. On deck five is the Island dining room, the Library and Internet café, the Lobby bar, the Vines bar and shop, the International Café, the art gallery, and a few passenger rooms. With her left hand, opposite of where Vivian was standing, Sue grabbed Marcy’s right hand and gave it a slight jerk forward to indicate that they were getting off here. Sue and Marcy got off and the elevator doors closed.

Marcy turned and looked at Sue. “Obviously, I missed something here. I’m not sure why we didn’t follow Vivian to deck four.”

“The only thing on deck four for passengers is the medical center. When you get off the elevator deck for you step out into a small foyer across from the door to the medical center. And that’s it. There’s nothing else there for passengers.”

“Wow. Good job Sue. That would have blown our cover, if we had gone down to deck four, unless we acted like we were sick and needed to see the doctor.”

“I doubt if that would have worked. It’s after hours for the medical clinic. When we got on the elevator I saw that buttons seven, six, and four were lit. I didn’t know who had pushed button four, but I did know that it was a dead end; that only the medical clinic was there. That’s why I pushed button five. That way we could see everybody that got off before four, and no matter who it was going to four, we didn’t want to go there.”

“That’s some quick thinking Sue. Good going. But why would Vivian go to the medical clinic if it’s after hours. Maybe she didn’t know it was after hours, but she doesn’t seem to be sick anyway.”

“During the elevator ride, I figured it probably was Vivian that had pushed the deck four button. And since the clinic closes at 5:30 PM, and it’s now 5:40 PM, the only reason I could come up with for her to go there was that she was called by the doctor to discuss something about her husband. Maybe what’s going to happen with her husband’s body, when we get to London. Something along those lines.”

“Makes sense. Again, good going Sue. You sure saved the day.”

“Most likely she’s going to go back to her cabin after seeing the doctor. Let’s go back and get everybody set up to go to dinner with Vivian.”

Chapter 46

The surveillance team, who now referred to themselves as, “Hunter’s Marauders,” were set up with the “eyeball” looking down the port corridor of deck nine, watching for Vivian and/or Duke to emerge from their cabins. Hunter and Tim were in the corridor leaning against the wall, acting as if they were engrossed in conversation. Tim was looking forward with the cabins in question insight. Hunter was looking aft, with his back to Vivian’s and Duke’s cabin doors. At 6:20 PM, Duke emerged from his cabin.

“I’m pretty sure Duke just came out of his cabin, Tim said. “The man is way down there, about were Dukes cabin is located, and he’s about Dukes size.”

“Okay,” Hunter said. “Which way is he going.”

“Stand by one — he’s coming this way, toward Vivian’s cabin.”

“I’ll slip around you and alert the rest of the team.” Ten seconds later, Hunter returned to his position facing Tim. “The team has been alerted, and they are taking up their positions.”

“He’s still coming — still coming. He stopped in front of Vivian’s cabin, and is knocking.”

“I’m going to slip around the corner into the elevator corridor, but keep talking.”

“Vivian’s cabin door must have opened, because he’s talking to someone inside. Now he just went inside.”

“I guess, either she’s not quite ready, or they’re having and in the room cocktail before dinner, or, who knows.”

“My guess is she’s not quite ready. I think her trip to the medical center put her behind. Let’s time them.”

“I already started,” Hunter said.

Three minutes passed. “Duke just came out,” Tim said.

“And Vivian?”

“Just Duke, and he’s walking back toward his cabin.”

“Strange. I wonder what’s going on.”

“He is somewhat dressed up, like they were going to dinner.”

“Maybe he said something that ticked her off, and she canceled their dinner date.”

“Maybe he forgot his wallet.”

“Ah, the beauty of cruising, you don’t need a wallet to go out to dinner.”

“Yeah, you gotta love it. Okay. Vivian just came out of her cabin.”

“Coming this way?”

“She is — she is going the opposite way — toward Dukes cabin.”

“Interesting.” Hunter went back around the corner and into the corridor. “I’m right behind you Tim.”

“Ten four.”

“You an ex policeman?”

“No, but I watch TV. She stopped about where Dukes cabin is. She’s knocking. She went in. She’s in Dukes cabin.”

“You know what. Dukes cabin is closer to the forward lifts, than to the midship lifts we are near. We better get a couple of people down there. Maintain the eyeball. I’ll be right back.” A minute later, Hunter returned. “Okay, I sent your wife and Bob down there to set up and maintain the eyeball from the forward elevator area. I hope you don’t mind; Jenny working with Bob.”

“No. Not at all. I think it’s good to mix us around as much is possible.”

“Yeah. I didn’t really want to send Sue or Marcy down, at least together, as Vivian has seen both of them up close, and the forward lifts are not very far from Dukes cabin.”

“Is it lifts, or elevators?”

“Depends on whether you want to sound American or British. They are listed as lifts on the little fold up schematic of the ship that was handed out the first day.”

“Ah. Quite right old chap. Somehow I feel kind of British on this ship.”

“That’s understandable, as I believe Princess Cruise Line is an outgrowth of the British P and O Cruise Line. Okay. There’s the high sign from Jenny and Bob. They’re in place, and have the eyeball. Sue is also down there, and Marcy is still up here with us. Now we’re in position to take them, or Vivian by herself, up or down either set of elevators or stairs.”

Forty minutes later, a room service waiter emerged from a crew door on the port side corridor. He was pushing a cart with two fancy -looking dinners, and two bottles of wine. The waiter pushed the cart into Dukes room, lingered, then departed. Hunter then motioned for the three team members in the forward lift area to return.

The team of six Hunter’s Marauders gathered in the mid-ship lift area foyer. “It’s obvious they are going to be in there for a while,” Hunter said. “I think we call it an evening and go eat. What do you guys think.”

“I agree,” Bob said. “But shouldn’t we come back in a couple of hours and see if they go anywhere later.”

“Or, if they don’t go anywhere later,” Marcy added.

Tim jumped in, “Yeah. I don’t know. It might be nice to know if they go anywhere later, or if they don’t. If they spend the night together, or if they don’t. I think we’ve seen enough already to prove Vivian is not at all a grieving widow.”

“I agree with my hubby,” Jenny said. “Just from what we’ve seen today; the day after her husband died, drinking and yukking it up with another man, shows Vivian as a cold-hearted woman. Even if you don’t love your husband anymore, and he dies, most women would still grieve.”

“What say you Susan,” Hunter asked.

“Let’s go eat.”

Chapter 47

At a table for six, earshot away from any other tables, Hunter’s Marauders sat down for dinner in the Island dining room. There waiter came over almost immediately and took their order.

“So, Hunter, ex surveillance guru, how did the team do,” asked Jenny.

“Amazing. None of you have any law enforcement experience, right.”

“No, but we all probably watch crime and police and murder mystery shows on TV,” answered Jenny.

“Yeah. Murder has become very popular,” added Marcy.

“Cain slew Able,” Tim said. “If only Cain knew what he had started.”

“If he had known what he had started was going to become so popular, he probably would have asked for royalties,” added Bob.

“Well,” Sue said, “it just points out the depraved human condition.”

“That’s why we need a Savior,” Hunter said.

“And we have one,” chimed Jenny.

“Amen to that,” everyone said as they raised their wine, or iced tea, or water glasses in the air.

“So, how did you guys come up with Hunter’s Marauders as a name for our little surveillance group,” Hunter asked.

“I don’t know if one particular person came up with it,” Jenny said, “but it was only after we rejected another name, on grounds that it was a little too gross.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t ask,” Hunter said, “but what was the first name?”

“It’s okay,” Jenny responded, “it’s not really that bad. It was, ‘Hunter’s Leeches.’”

“And the motto was,” Bob continued, “we stick to you, and suck the blood out.”

“I kind of like it,” Hunter said.

“I did too,” Tim said. “So, what should the team do tomorrow, head Leach?”

“Well, what do you guys think. Tomorrow is our last sea day. We dock in Southampton early the next morning. Dr. Jim’s body is going to be picked up by the corner and taken to London for an autopsy, under the watchful eye of the FBI and Scotland Yard. Even though the cruise line may allow Vivian to continue on the cruise, if she wants, I think the FBI is going to require her to disembark. She may even be put in custody, at least temporarily, pending the results of the autopsy, and her interview, and other points of investigation. So, again, tomorrow is our last day to gather any possible additional information on Vivian that may be helpful to the investigation. Thoughts everyone.”

Bob started. “Since we broke off the surveillance tonight, when we start tomorrow, we will, of course, have to ascertain where Vivian is. I suggest we have someone call Vivian’s cabin as a wrong number. If she answers, we know to pick her up there. If no answer, we know she is either in Dukes cabin, or out and about somewhere on the ship.”

“Or,” Marcy added, “she is in her cabin, but just didn’t answer the phone for some reason.”

“True,” Sue said. “Maybe she couldn’t hear the phone because she was in the shower. But also, if we do call her room, we don’t want to do it from one of our rooms. The room number of the caller will show up on her telephone screen. We would have to call from one of the house phones.”

“Do we need to keep an eye on her all day tomorrow,” Jenny asked.

“Good question,” Marcy said.

“You know,” Hunter said, before we figure out what to do tomorrow, let’s put our heads together and try to figure out what happened tonight.”

“Good idea,” Tim said. “We first saw her this afternoon walking past us with a guy, and both of them seemed pretty interested each other, in a man/woman sort of way. They set down at the Crooners bar next to each other, ordered drinks, and continued looking at each other and conversing. Then they got up and went around the corner to the champagne art auction for 2 ½ hours. After the auction he walked her to her cabin, then went down the hall to his Cabin. We figured they were probably going to get ready for a nice dinner date.”

“The next thing we expected to see was the guy, who we now know is Duke Rawlings, come out of his cabin dressed in his best dressy casual clothes. We expected to see him come back down the hall, knock on Vivian Swenson’s door, and the two of them trot off to dinner. But that didn’t happen. Instead, Vivian came out of her cabin after only three or four minutes. She had a sort of perplexed look on her face, and took the elevator down to the medical center, even though it was slightly past closing hours.”

“That was a little strange. We didn’t expect that,” Marcy injected.

Tim continued. “So, we set up and watched their cabins. Then a really strange thing happened. Duke came out of his cabin, as we expected. Dressed up, as we expected. And he knocked on Vivian’s door.”

“As we expected,” Jenny added.

“Exactly.” Tim went on. “But here’s where it became weird. Duke went into her cabin, and 2 to 3 minutes later came out and went back to his cabin. Then, not too long after that, Vivian came out of her cabin all dressed up, walked down to his cabin, and went in. Later, dinner for two, with two bottles of wine was delivered to the room. We broke off surveillance then. They were obviously going to be in there for a while, getting to know each other a little better.”

“So, Vivian’s trip to the medical clinic changed things,” Bob said.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Marcy said. “We just assumed they were going to go out to eat. Maybe they planned to have dinner in one of their cabins all along.”

“I don’t think so,” Sue said. “We know they originally planned to dine at one of the ships restaurants. We know this for two reasons. One, they dressed up a little too much for dining in. And two, and this is the clincher, if they had planned to dine in all along, Duke would not have walked down to Vivian’s cabin just to tell her to come down to his cabin when she was ready. He would have merely called her on the telephone. Or, maybe he didn’t have to call her. Maybe she just knew to come to his cabin when she was ready.”

“She got spooked,” Tim said. She got spooked at the medical center by the doctor. He told her something that made her realize that she can’t carry on in public like a schoolgirl on her first date. Her husband just died and she’s not acting appropriately.”

“I think the doctor told her that there is going to be an autopsy on her husband when the ship docks at Southampton,” Hunter said. “She probably told him that she didn’t think an autopsy was necessary in a death by natural causes. He most likely then told her that he didn’t order the autopsy, the FBI did. That really spooked her.”

“She’s probably now torn between acting like a grieving widow, and enjoying a possible budding relationship,” Sue said.

“You’re right,” Jenny said, “if she did murder her husband, and she just learned that the FBI is now going to look into his death, she’s got to be concerned. But if she felt that her husband repressed and stifled her, and with his death she is finally free, she may also be anxious to explore her newly gained freedom. And getting immediately involved with another man may be a bold and demonstrative statement of that newfound freedom.”

“If there’s any truth to what you guys are saying,” Bob said, “then not just outright canceling her dinner date with Mr. Duke Rawlings, but changing it to be out of the public eye makes some sense. So, she realized more than before that she has to grieve in public and play in private.”

“We watched Vivian and Duke together today,” Hunter said, “and we saw it as a budding romance. But it could easily be explained as something else, like one person consoling another. They didn’t hold hands or put their arms around each other, or do anything that would clearly indicate it was a romantic relationship in the making.”

“We may have messed up a little here,” Tim said, “by not maintaining surveillance on Duke’s cabin. It really would be good to know if Vivian spent the night with Duke, or not.”

“No,” Hunter said, “I think we’re good. The public doesn’t know what we know. Vivian doesn’t think anyone knows that she is having an intimate, romantic dinner with wine in the room of the man she apparently just met today. But we know. However, you’re right Tim. If our surveillance had revealed that she spent the night, then that would be just another log on the fire. We’ve already got the fire, but if we know that the flames got even higher, that’s one more mark against a grieving widow scenario.”

“Should we skip dessert and reestablish surveillance on their cabins,” Tim asked.

“How about this,” Hunter said, “we can be pretty certain they are going to be in Duke’s cabin for a while. We are on vacation. Having dessert and getting a good night’s sleep are part of that vacation. After dessert, a couple of us can walk down their deck nine corridor and place a piece of tape at the very bottom of each of their cabin doors. The tape needs to be about 2 inches or so long. It needs to go on the door jamb with the other part on the door. Whichever one of us gets up the earliest tomorrow morning can walk by their rooms and discreetly check the tapes. If the tapes are still intact, then Vivian spent the night in Duke’s cabin. If both tapes are broken or pulled off, then we really don’t know when Vivian left Duke’s cabin and went back to hers. Which is okay. If Dukes tape is broken or pulled off and Vivian’s is not, then who knows. Either one of them went sleepwalking, or they went somewhere together.”

“I like the tape plan,” Tim said.

Everyone else agreed with the plan.

“I’ll check the tapes at 6:00 AM when I go to work out,” Tim said.

Chapter 48

Saturday morning, April 30

At 6:05 AM, Tim Harmon, in a deserted deck nine Portside corridor, kneeled down in front of cabin D354. The tape was intact. Tim walked forward and knelt down in front of cabin D236. That tape on the door and door jamb was also intact. It had obviously not been disturbed. Tim stood up and, in the still of the early morning, listened for any sounds coming from inside the room. He heard none.

At 7:02 AM, Jenny Harmon checked the tapes at both cabins. Both tapes remained unbroken. At 7:36 AM, Hunter and Susan Kingsley check the tapes on their way to breakfast. Both were still unbroken. At 8:20 AM, on their way to the 8:30 self-directed Bible study class, Bob and Marcy Wingate checked the tapes. Unbroken. They could also hear a male voice and a female giggling inside cabin D236, the mini suite of Duke Rawlings.

At the start of the 8:30 Bible class in the wedding chapel on deck 16 forward, Marcy Wingate made an announcement. “We’re all aware of the death two days ago of the ships main enrichment lecturer, Dr. Jim Swenson. I have a homemade sympathy card for his widow, Vivian. I’ll pass it around so everyone can sign it, and, if you like, write a little something. I don’t think she knows the Lord, so quoting Scripture may not be as meaningful to her as a few words or thoughts from your heart. On second thought, maybe a Bible verse would be more meaningful. Maybe her heart would be receptive. You decide.”

“Thank you, Marcy,” Dan Rush, the voted-on moderator of the self-directed Bible class said. “Our lesson this morning will be taught by Bob Wingate. The lesson will be from John chapter 8, verses 1 through 11. Let’s all go to the Lord in prayer, before Bob begins.”

At the end of the Bible class, Marcy collected the sympathy card, and Hunter’s Marauders had a quick meeting just outside the chapel. Hunter spoke. “Good lesson Bob, especially in light of what we’re apparently witnessing. You changed it, didn’t you. Weren’t you originally going to give a lesson on Galatians 5 verse 22, the fruits of the spirit?”

“I was. I was actually going to touch on the whole chapter 5 in Galatians, but I changed it to John, chapter 8. Like you said, it seemed appropriate to explore that in light of what we may be witnessing regarding Vivian Swenson.”

“Well,” Hunter continued, “I take it that no one in our little group of six has said anything to anyone else, including the other Bible class members, about what we’re doing, or what we think we’re discovering.”

“No, no,” the other five all said.

Jenny spoke. “I think we all know that sharing in any way what we think we’re learning about Vivian, or Duke, for that matter, would be very inappropriate.”

“Yes, saying anything to other people would be like gossiping,” Marcy said.

“Good,” Hunter said. “Just wanted to make sure we stay on track with what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. We are not trying to throw stones at anyone. We are seeking the truth about Dr. Jim’s death. So, Tim and Jenny, do you want to deliver the sympathy card to Vivian, and then meet the rest of us in the Crooners lounge.”

“Yes,” Jenny said. “And if she’s in her cabin, we will see if she would like to talk.”

“And we’ll check the tapes while we’re at it,” Tim said.

“Good,” Hunter said.

Hunter’s Marauders all climbed in one of the forward elevators near the chapel. Tim and Jenny got off at deck nine. The other four got off at deck seven and headed for the Crooners. The four found a table at the opposite end of the lounge from the bar, and arranged six chairs around it. The lounge had very few people in it. Most of the people that were there were reading.

“This is exactly where we were sitting yesterday when Hunter’s Marauders was born,” Marcy said.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Hunter said. “I’m going to go down to the medical clinic and see if I can find out anything about Vivian’s meeting there late yesterday afternoon.”

“Okay,” Sue said.

The waiting area of the medical facility was devoid of any customers, and Hunter was able to see Dr. Hasbrouck with only a 10 minute wait. “Yes Mr. Kingsley, I did call Mrs. Vivian Swenson to my office yesterday. It was a few minutes after closing hours that I got a hold of her. I had called her cabin three different times earlier in the day, but got no answer. I told her what you already know. That there’s going to be an autopsy on her husband in London. She became quite upset and wanted to speak to my supervisor. I told her that I am the supervisor, and I had nothing to do with ordering the autopsy. She wanted to know who ordered the autopsy, and wanted to speak to that person. I told her that it was the FBI at the US Embassy in London, and that she would undoubtedly get to speak with them.”

“What did she say to that.”

“She just stared at me for a few seconds. She looked like she was going to explode. But then she turned around and walked out in a huff.”

“Interesting. Well, thank you doctor, I appreciate you talking with me.”

“No problem. Have a good last sea day before landfall.”

“You too, Dr. Hasbrouck. Goodbye.”

Hunter returned to the Crooners lounge and found that Tim and Jenny had also just returned from their mission.

“Good,” Sue said, “the teams all here. So, what happened when you two went to deliver the sympathy card to Vivian.”

Tim started, “We took the elevator to deck nine and walked forward to Dukes cabin first, to check the tape. The tape was broken. We peeled the broken tape off the door and the jamb and noted the time of 9:32 AM. We then walked down the corridor to Vivian’s cabin. That tape was also broken. We carefully peeled off that tape also. The time was 9:33 AM. Then, with sympathy card in hand, we knocked on the cabin door.”

Jenny continued, “Vivian opened the door. She seemed startled at first. Like, maybe she was expecting someone else.”

“Duke,” Marcy said.

“No doubt,” Jenny said. “But a second later she recognized us as the Bible couple who had called on her two days before. I handed her the card and told her that everyone in the Bible class and signed it, and we were all thinking of her and praying for her. I told her again that we would like to help in any way that we could, and if she needed someone to talk with, Tim and I were available any time. She told us how thoughtful our concern for her was, but she had friends that were helping her and giving her comfort.”

“Yeah, we know,” Bob said.

“Well,” Jenny said, “I think she was referring to other than Duke. But, at any rate, she opened the card and thanked us for it as she glanced inside. She said she would invite us in but she needed to finish getting ready to meet with some of her friends for coffee at the international Café. We wished her well and left.”

“Well done,” Hunter said. “It’s kind of weird, isn’t it. We’re offering her genuine sympathy and help at the loss of her husband, and at the same time, were trying to gather evidence on her as a murder suspect.”

“A little creepy,” Bob said.

“But it does make sense,” Sue said. “We do feel compassion for her. She lost her husband of, we don’t know how many years. And that’s tragic. Yet, if she did help do him in, she should receive a consequence. And if we find out for sure that she did murder her husband, I’m sure our compassion for her would diminish.”

“I think,” Jenny said, “what Hunter and Sue are trying to express, is the Biblical principle of not falsely accusing. Not making false accusations against your neighbor; against a fellow human being.”

“Yes,” Marcy said, “in our zeal to seek the truth, we are trying very hard to withhold judgment until it is proven that Vivian is a murderer.”

“Right,” Tim said, “many people are so quick to condemn. We’re trying not to do that. Not to be quick condemn.”

“We rejoice if the evidence indicates she did not murder her husband,” Bob said.

“Of course,” Marcy added.

“And,” Bob continued, “we rejoice if the evidence says she did murder her husband.”

“Why would we rejoice if she is found to be a murderer,” Marcy asked.

“Because the truth was revealed,” Bob said, “and justice will hopefully be served.”

“Bravo,” Tim said.

“Okay Hunter,” Sue said, “did you find out anything from the doctor.”

“Yes. Dr. Hasbrouck seemed to be quite candid with me. I was surprised. But, maybe security talked to him and told him that I’m sort of in the loop regarding any investigation of Vivian Swenson. Anyway, he confirmed our conjecture as to why Vivian probably changed plans last night, to dine in rather than out in public with Duke.”

“That did catch us off guard,” Bob said.

“From what the doctor said, Vivian’s and Duke’s actions make sense. Dr. Hasbrouck said he called Vivian to his office yesterday and told her that there was going to be an autopsy done on her husband in London. He said she went ballistic and said he had no right to order an autopsy and wanted to speak to his supervisor. He said he told her that he didn’t order the autopsy; the FBI did. With that, Dr. Hasbrouck said, Vivian stood up and stared at him for a few seconds; looked like she was going to explode; then turned around and stormed out of his office.”

“Okay,” Jenny added. So, she stormed out of the doctor’s office, all upset. Then she got in the elevator, went back to her cabin, and started to calm down. Maybe she had a drink to help her with that, and then decided that she’s not going to let this turn of events jeopardize what may be a budding romance with the Duke.”

“And,” Jim continued, “she came up with the idea that the budding romance can continue; it just can’t take place so much in the public eye. So, she called Duke on the phone and suggested that they dine in.”

“Dine in his cabin,” Sue injected, “because of the stigma of having her husband die in her cabin.”

“Especially,” Marcy said, “if she is open at all to any later extracurricular activity on the bed. It would take a coldhearted woman to make love on the same bed her husband was murdered in two nights before.”

“And she just may be that coldhearted, and not care,” Bob added, “but there are also practical reasons for her not to invite the Duke for dinner in her room. One that I can think of is that the staff, room stewards and so forth, are aware that there was a death in Vivian’s cabin. Having a party in that room would get people raising eyebrows and talking. But not so with Dukes Cabin.”

“Well,” Hunter said, “there you have it. Where do we go from here. Do we want to continue surveillance on Vivian. Is that likely to yield significant additional information. Or, do we want to revert back to tourists and enjoy our last sea day before landfall early tomorrow morning.”

“I say,” Bob offered, “that we enjoy the rest of the day and evening. Marcy and I would like to have the British style pub lunch at the Crown Grill. It’s complementary today. And, also, it looks like there’s going to be a pretty good variety show in the Princess theater tonight with three different showings: 7:00 PM, 8:15 PM, and 10:15 PM.”

“Tim and I had the pub lunch the other day when it was on the schedule,” Jenny said. “It was delicious. I had the fish and chips, and Tim had the shepherd’s pie. But I don’t think we’ll have lunch there today. We signed up for an all day tour of London tomorrow, and a pub lunch at one of the more popular pubs is included.”

“And,” Jim said, “as far as keeping tabs on Vivian today and tonight, I don’t think it is all that necessary. We’ve got the major development of her getting involved with a guy and spending the night with him the day after her husband died.”

“I agree,” Sue said. “Let’s enjoy our day and evening. But, I must admit, I sort of enjoyed the amateur sleuth activity yesterday.”

“Oh, us two,” Marcy said.

“As did Ted and I,” Jenny said.

“Here’s what we can do,” Hunter said. “We can all go about and do the different things we want to do today, but keep an eye out for Vivian and the Duke. If any of us see Vivian or Duke, separately or together, jot down the time and what they were doing and where. Then we could all meet for dinner and compare notes, if there are any.”

“Excellent idea,” Tim said.

“I like it,” Bob said.

“I think it’s a very good idea,” Marcy said.

“Ditto,” Jenny said.

“I like it too,” Sue said. “How about we all meet just outside the island dining room at 6:00 PM.”

“How about 6:15 PM,” asked Jenny. That way a lot of the early birds that get there at 5:00 will have finished eating, so we shouldn’t have to wait for a table. And, that gives us plenty of time to eat, including dessert and coffee or tea, and still make the 8:15 show at the Princess theater. That also allows Tim and I to get a good night’s sleep and be wide-awake for our early morning tour tomorrow.”

“Fine with us,” Marcy said.

“Us to,” Sue said. “6:15 PM at the Island dining room it is.”

Chapter 49

Saturday, April 30, 10:30 AM

Hunter’s Marauders broke from their morning meeting and went their separate ways. Sue Kingsley went to the onboard outlet sale in the Island dining room that was taking place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hunter did his one hour workout consisting of, today, a fast walk all over the ship. He also kept an eye out for Vivian and or Duke, but did not see either of them. He then showered and met Sue for lunch at the Horizon court buffet. After lunch Sue went to the cabin and got the book she was now hooked on, ‘The Persuader’, by Lee Child. She then scouted out a cozy place to sit, which had to be inside, as it again, was too cold and foggy for the pool. Hunter went to the Ryder Cup golf game at deck five midship. After the game Hunter walked over to the nearby international Café for a snack. On his way, he walked right by a table of four ladies enjoying coffee and a sweet: Vivian Swenson and three of her shipboard friends, Lynn Stallmaster, Norma Billingsworth, and Eve Collins.

“That’s him,” Lynn Stallmaster blurted out. “That’s the guy who kept harassing your husband after his lectures.”

“You!” Vivian shouted.

Hunter stopped, turned, and faced the table with the four ladies. He immediately recognized Vivian.

“You,” Vivian said again. “You killed my husband. You harassed him so much that his heart just gave out. You should be arrested. You’re despicable!”

Several people now, at nearby tables, had turned their heads and were watching and listening to Vivian’s rant. Hunter stood there for a moment, then turned and walked away. He decided against a snack from the international Café and vacated the area completely.

“You should report him to security or somebody,” Lynn said.

“Oh,” Vivian responded, “security knew about him and wanted to talk to him, but they didn’t know his name. I was going to try to find out his name, but never saw him again. Well, I did see him a couple of times at our lecturers, sitting towered the top of the theater, but I never got the chance to confront him. He quit coming to our question and answer sessions after the lectures, and I never saw him anywhere else.”

“So, you don’t think security ever talked to him,” asked Eve.

“I don’t know for sure, but I’d say probably not.”

“Do you really believe this guy stressed Jim’s heart so much that it caused his death,” asked Norma.

“I do. If it didn’t cause his heart failure out right, it’s certainly contributed to it.”

“I’m not questioning your belief about that,” Norma said, “but this guy we don’t know the name of quit harassing Jim several days before he died, right?”

“Right.”

Norma continued. “So, I don’t see the harassment from this guy having much, if any, effect on Jim’s heart. Plus, I never saw where your husband got very upset by it anyway.”

“Well —.”

“I mean, your husband was a pretty laid-back guy, and didn’t seem distressed over much of anything.”

“He did seem to take things in stride,” Eve added, “but sometimes people can internalize stress without it showing on the outside.”

“Speaking of contributing factors,” Norma said, “Jim’s birthday party certainly didn’t help. All that alcohol — I think we all got a little carried away. And with Jim’s heart medications you said he was taking — alcohol and medications — any kind of meds — is rarely a good combination.”

“Yeah, Jim was certainly not holding back on the champagne consumption,” Eve said.

“It’s just too bad,” Lynn said, “that someone didn’t curtail the amount of alcohol Jim was consuming.”

“Are you implying that I wasn’t being attentive to my husband,” Vivian shot back. “That I should have kept him from drinking so much. He —.”

“Oh no,” Lyn said. “Not at all. We were all having fun. It was a great party. We all, no doubt, drank more than we should have. In our states of inebriation, who was in any position to watch anyone else. Anyway, let’s get back to you Vivian. We’re here to help you and support you in any way we can.”

“Yes,” Norma said, “we really haven’t seen much of you since Jim passed. We telephoned your cabin a few times, but there was no answer.”

“And we didn’t leave any messages,” Eve said, “because we didn’t want to add any more burdens to you, considering the aftermath of what you had to deal with.”

“Maybe we should have,” Norma said, “left messages. We’re just glad we were finally able to get together with you. And, by the way, several of the others that were at the party asked us to extend their condolences.”

“So,” Lynn said, “you look like you’re holding up pretty well. Are you?”

“Yes, I think I am. I miss Jim terribly, but I’m a strong woman. I think I’m doing surprisingly well.”

“You are, and we’re with you.” Lynn said.

“So,” Norma said, “we arrive in Southampton tomorrow morning. Are you leaving the ship then, or are you continuing on. And what about Jim. What happens with him?”

“I would like to stay on. Finish the cruise. For Jim’s sake. But the cruise line said there are people in England that want to cruise the remaining seven days and visit the different ports the ship will stop at. In fact, they said there is a waiting list.”

“They can’t just kick you off the ship because they have other people that want to get on,” Eve said. “We all paid our money.”

“We did, but Vivian didn’t,” Lynn said. “Am I right Viv. You and Jim didn’t have to pay. You two were working and earning your passage.”

“That’s right. Jim and I earned our passage with the enrichment lectures.”

“But now that you’re not working,” Eve said, “I can see why they would want you to get off at the first port.”

“Won’t they let you pay for the remaining part of the voyage, if you can,” Norma asked.

“I am going to have a lot of money very soon,” Vivian said. “But, right now, there is going to be some extra expenses I, of course, did not anticipate. But it’s not even that, because Princess said that out of respect for Jim and me, and the circumstances under which our enrichment lecture contract was broken, they would happily let me continue, for the remainder of the voyage. So, even though I would love to continue the voyage, I have to attend to Jim’s corpse. I was going to have him cremated right away. He wanted to be cremated. But now there’s going to be an autopsy.”

“An autopsy. Why would there be an autopsy,” Eve asked. “His heart just gave out, maybe helped a little bite by too much alcohol, who knows, but he died of natural causes. He was 75 years old. A lot of men don’t even make it to that age.”

“Who decided there had to be an autopsy,” Lynn asked. It doesn’t make sense. Autopsies cost thousands of dollars. You obviously didn’t ask for it, right Viv.”

“The FBI did.”

“The FBI,” Eve questioned. “Why. Why would the FBI order and autopsy. We’re not anywhere near the United States. We’re on a cruise ship out in the middle of the ocean. I don’t understand why the FBI would be involved. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

“The FBI suspects foul play,” Norma said.

“Foul play. What foul play. Whose foul play,” Eve asked.

“Vivian’s,” Norma said. “Don’t you ever watch murder mysteries on TV. The spouse is always the prime suspect when his or her mate dies, and foul play is suspected.”

“It still doesn’t make sense,” Eve said. The FBI isn’t here on the ship. How can they suspect anyone of anything.”

“Someone on the ship suspects someone, maybe Vivian, of murdering Vivian’s husband. They, or the ships security people, or whoever, informed the FBI. And somehow, apparently, the FBI has jurisdiction,” Norma said.

“Vivian, what you think about all of this,” Lynn asked. “When did you find out. Did someone say you were a suspect.”

“No. No one has told me that I am a suspect. The ship’s doctor called me down to his office yesterday evening, and told me there was going to be an autopsy on Jim in London. He said the FBI had ordered it. I was so shocked I just stood there and couldn’t say anything. I just walked out.”

“You know, we may be making a big thing out of nothing,” Lynn said. “This may be some sort of routine thing the FBI does for deaths at sea. Probably only for American citizens.”

“You’re right Lynn,” Eve said. It’s probably nothing to get upset about. We’re with you Vivian. And were going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you guys too.”

“Keep us informed,” Lynn said, “as best you can. Calling on our cell phones may be expensive, but texting should be reasonable. May not cost anything at all. You’ve got my number.”

“I’ve got your number, and I have Norma’s. I’ll text one of you when I can and you guys can pass it on.”

The four friends hugged. Eve and Lynn left. Norma lingered as Vivian was gathering up her things. “Vivian, just curious, what did you mean by, ‘I’m going to have a lot of money very soon.’”

“Oh, the insurance policy. Two million dollars.”

Chapter 50

Saturday, April 30, around 3:00 PM

Norma Billingsworth took the curved atrium stairs up to deck seven to look for her husband. She thought he might be in the Club Fusion for the happy hour and raffle taking place from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. On her way, she passed by the Explorers lounge, then the Wheelhouse bar. As she peered into the Wheelhouse bar, she saw Hunter Kingsley just inside, with a glass of wine. She hesitated, then walked over to his table and stood there. “Hi.”

Hunter looked up.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to bite your head off.”

“Oh, you’re one of Vivian Swenson’s friends.”

“Shipboard friend. I’m sorry she made such a scene. I can’t believe she accused you of having something to do with her husband’s death.”

“Yeah. Strange. Would you like to sit down.”

“Sure. I was looking for my husband, but he’ll be okay by himself for a while. By the way,” as she extended her hand, “I’m Norma Billingsworth.”

Hunter stood up and shook her hand, “Hunter Kingsley. Would you care for a drink. My treat.”

“I would, but you don’t have to treat me. My husband and I purchased the unlimited drink package.”

“Interesting. Speaking of — oh, here’s Joyce to take your order.”

“Yes, Joyce, I’ll have a martini, straight up, light on the vermouth, two olives.”

“And you sir,” Joyce asked.

“I’m fine. I’m sipping, not gulping.” Joyce smiled and went back to the bar for Norma’s martini.

“What I started to say, about the drink package — I know Vivian and her husband Jim, Dr. Jim, had the unlimited drink package also.”

“Vivian is one that probably shouldn’t have one. She’d be better off with a limited drink package. Not that I’m judging, but it’s the truth. And how do you know that they have the unlimited drink package. I thought you only knew the Swenson’s from your confrontations with Vivian’s husband.”

“Boy, you’re pretty direct.”

“I learned it from my husband. He’s a prosecutor for Los Angeles County.”

“I did have some confrontations with the good professor early on, before we got to know each other. The other day, we happened to run into each other right outside the Wheelhouse bar here. He offered to buy me a drink, and we wound up having an enjoyable conversation over two or three glasses of wine. We departed friends. My confrontations with Dr. Jim were never personal anyway. They had to do with the subject matter he was lecturing on.”

“Well, Vivian got the notion that your confrontations with her husband stressed him out. She thinks that contributed to his heart attack.”

“That’s pretty far-fetched. The last time he and I had a heated discussion was several days before he died. However, I do think someone facilitated his death.”

“Who.”

“I think Vivian may have helped his heart to fail. I think Vivian murdered her husband.”

“You’re pretty direct yourself.”

“I like direct.”

“I hate to say this about a friend, even just a casual friend, but you may be right. At least, I wouldn’t put it past her. She impresses me as being headstrong. I think if she wants something, she’ll go after it with vigor.”

“Do you have any reason to believe that she might have contributed to her husband’s death.”

“She doesn’t seem all that shook up about his death. She wanted to have him cremated as soon as we hit land. She wanted to continue on the rest of the cruise. She said there is now going to be an autopsy on her husband, and she’s upset and concerned about that; like maybe they’ll find something she doesn’t want them to find. To me, all this says that there is just something not quite right about her husband’s death.”

“I have to agree.”

“But here’s the clincher. Something I found out from Vivian earlier today. Motive. If you want motive, try this on for size. A two million dollar life insurance policy on her husband.”

“Really.”

“That’s what she told me.”

“That is motive with a capital ‘M.’”

“From what I understand, one of two big motives: money. The other: love.”

“Or hate. Hey, here comes Joyce with your martini.”

“Thank you, Joyce,” Norma said.

“I hope you like it.”

“Me too.”

“Are you a fastidious drinker,” Hunter asked.

“I’m not sure what that means, but probably.”

“Well, here’s a toast to a fellowship mate.” Hunter raised his glass, and Norma did likewise.

“Oh, and another thing about Vivian —.”

“Yes.”

“At the party. At his birthday party, Jim was really belting down the champagne, and Vivian seemed like she was encouraging him. That was another odd thing, because with his heart medication and all, he really shouldn’t have been drinking much alcohol. In fact, I bet his doctor has recommended very little or no alcohol. But who pays attention to their doctor.”

“When was his birthday party?”

“On Wednesday, April 27 at the Crown Grill.”

“Wednesday. I think that was formal night.”

“Yes, we were all dressed up, for the party of course, but we had to be any way.”

“Did he and Vivian go to the Crooners lounge afterward. Because my wife and I were walking toward the Crooners, on our way to the Explores lounge. We saw Dr. Jim and his wife coming from the Crooners lounge area, maybe about 10 o’clock. It looked like he had seen a ghost. He was so pale. He didn’t look good at all. It even looked like she was propping him up.”

“Yes, several of us joined them at the Crooners after dinner. My husband and I were there. We all ordered drinks, and before the drinks came back, Jim started looking very out of it. Vivian said he just had too much to drink, and she was going to take him back to their cabin and let him rest for a while. I’m a nurse, and I was concerned, because it looks like he had more going on than just too much to drink. But, a little later Vivian came back and said he was resting and starting to feel better. Vivian said she would check on him again a little later. We all partied a little more, then the party broke up and we went our separate ways. I think it was about midnight when everybody left.”

“So, to you, as a medical person, Dr. Jim appeared do have more than just an inebriation problem.”

“Yes.”

“What else do you think was going on with him.”

“He looked like he had some sort of sudden illness. Maybe it was something he ate that didn’t agree with him. I remember he made the comment that his stomach felt bad.”

“Do you know if he took any medication for his stomach or illness.”

“You know, when Vivian came back to the Crooners lounge, after taking Jim to their cabin, she said that she had given him two aspirins for his headache and some lemon lime soda for his stomach. And she didn’t say he had thrown up. When people get very drunk, they often throw up. Maybe Jim was more sick than drunk.”

“I wonder if the autopsy will tell us why he felt so ill.”

“It certainly might.”

“When Dr. Jim and I had our conversation in the bar here, the other day, he told me he was taking several different medications for his heart. He said he had the beginning stages of a congestive heart, and atrial fibrillation. He said that one of the medications he was taking was digitalis. Nurse Norma, are you familiar with digitalis.”

“Somewhat. I know that taking exactly the right amount, and taking it exactly as directed are very important. And older people are especially sensitive to the drug, which may increase the chance for overdose.”

“What would an overdose of digitalis look like in a person.”

Norma thought for a moment, “Like what Jim looked like before leaving the Crooners the other night. Signs of an overdose of digitalis can include nausea, pain in the lower stomach, headache, confusion, and tiredness or weakness.”

“I think Vivian murdered Jim by overdosing him on his digitalis.”

“Wow. An overdose of digitalis certainly could have done him in. But he was sometimes the forgetful professor. He could have accidentally overdosed himself.”

“He could have, but I don’t think he did. He realized how careful he had to be so as not to overdose. He told me that he had a set routine for taking his digitalis.”

“It would certainly be easy enough for another person to slip an extra digitalis or two in his food or drink. I hope Vivian didn’t do anything like that.”

“Me too. But if she did, I hope justice is somehow served.”

“Of course. Well, my martini glass is empty and I must either look for my husband, or have another. I think I’d better look for my husband.”

Hunter stood up. “It was a pleasure meeting you and chatting with you Norma.”

“I was pleased to discover that you’re not the monster that Vivian has made you out to be. And I won’t tell Vivian your name, or even that we chatted.”

“Thank you, Norma. Good day.”

“Toot-a-loo.”

Chapter 51

The afternoon movie in the Princess theater, “Chinatown,” with Jack Nicholson, ended. Bob and Marcy Wingate walked out of the theater at deck seven level in search of refreshments. Bob looked at Marcy and asked, “How about the International Café for some of those freshly baked cookies and a cup of coffee?”

“Sounds good, but what about trying something different. They serve afternoon tea in the Coral dining room every day from 3;00 to 4:00 PM. I heard they really do it up right. And it’s not just tea. The waiters come around your table with dainty little pastries and cookies. It’s 3:10, what do you say.”

“I’m game. We’ll cut through the casino and go down the atrium stairs to deck six and the dining room. Can you pass by the slot machines without putting any money in?”

“Of course I can.”

“But, will you.”

“Yes, because we want to get to the tea.” As Bob and Marci were passing through the casino thirty seconds later, Marci said, “Wait a second — isn’t that Duke, Vivian Swenson’s lover boy, over there at the crap table.”

“It is. Let’s just hang out here for a little bit and observe.”

“I don’t see Vivian.”

“No,” Bob said, “but he’s got a couple of ladies at the table that seem to be paying attention to him.”

“Everybody seems to be paying attention to him right now because he’s rolling the dice.”

“True.”

“Since we’re here, I think I’ll play the slot machines for a few minutes.”

“I knew it.”

“It’s okay. We’re on vacation. I’ll be right back. I have to get change from the cashier’s cage.”

“Looks like the cocktail waitress is coming this way. Want anything.”

“Tea.”

“If they don’t have that, what do you want.”

“A cola. I’ll be right back.”

“Good afternoon sir. My name is Shanay. I’m your cocktail waitress. Can I get you anything.”

“Do you have tea.”

“We have Long Island iced tea.”

“Do you have just regular tea, in a cup. Hot tea.”

“No, I’m afraid not. But I can order some from another part of the ship, It may take a few minutes.”

“No, that’s all right. How about two diet colas. Whatever kind you have.”

“Plain?”

“With ice, but plain, no flavoring. Two of them.”

“To plain colas coming right up sir.”

“Before you go Shanay, let me ask you something. The gentleman rolling the dice over there at the crap table; it looks like he might come here fairly often.”

“He does.”

“He looks like a charmer. Like he might easily attract a lady’s attention. Is he one of those gentlemen that the cruise line hires to dance and socialize with the single ladies.”

“Well, Princess doesn’t hire gentleman hosts, but he told me he used to be a gentleman dance host for another cruise line.”

“I wonder how come he quit. It seems like it would be a fun job.”

“He said the age cutoff was 70, and he just turned 72 recently. Since he’s not an official gentleman host, he has been sailing a lot with Princess. And, of course, he has to pay now.”

“Well, he seems to have retained his charm. I’m sure that is a requirement for gentleman hosts.”

“Yeah, he’s a real schmoozer.”

“Why do you think he cruises so much if he doesn’t get free passage now.”

“I think he’s trolling.”

“Trolling?”

“You know, fishing.”

“What kind of fish.”

“Anything that will bite. I’ll be back with your colas.”

“Okay, thanks Shanay.”

Two minutes later. “I’m back,” Marcy said. I’ve got five dollars’ worth of quarters. That will keep me busy for a few minutes.” Marcy started playing the slot machine near where she and Bob were sitting.

“Hi Shanay,” Bob said. “That didn’t take long.”

“A naked cola is easy to fix.”

“They’re not totally naked,” Bob said. “They each have a lime.”

“It’s the least we could do.”

Bob signed the tab with a 25% tip. Shanay looked at it, thanked him, and left.

“I saw you and the cocktail waitress had a little conversation going while I was at the cashiers age. What did you to talk about.”

“We talked about settling down together and getting a two-story house with a rose garden.”

“I don’t believe you. I know you’re not that big on roses. So really, what did you talk about. Did you ask her about our friend over there.”

“Yep. Found out he’s a gigolo.”

Chapter 52

Saturday, April 30, 6:15 PM

Just outside the Island dining room, where Hunter and Susan Kingsley, Timothy and Jenny Harmon, and Bob and Marcy Wingate agreed to meet for dinner. “Here comes Bob and Marcy,” Sue said. “We’re all here now, let’s see if we can get a table for six again away from earshot of everyone else.”

A few minutes later. “This is perfect, Dimitri,” Hunter said, “a table in the back, elevated one step above the main floor, and on the periphery of the masses.”

“You must have important business to discuss,” Dimitri said.

“All C.I.A. stuff. Very hush-hush,” Hunter replied.

“Then I must send my K.G.B. waiter over to serve you.”

“By all means,” Hunter replied.

“I suppose the table is bugged too,” Bob said.

“But of course,” Dimitri replied. “And the wall behind you also. I hope you will enjoy your dinner, spies. I will send my K.G.B. agent — I mean, your waiter over to you right away.”

“Thanks Dimitri,” Hunter said.

“You know,” Bob said, “he looks like he could work for the K.G.B.”

“Yes,” Marcy added, “square jaw, stern face, deep set eyes.”

“What are you doing looking under the table Tim,” Jenny asked.

“I’m looking for bugs.”

“See any,” Bob asked.

“I see some gum stuck to the table.”

“Could be a bug disguised as gum,” Bob said.

“Good evening everyone,” I am Costello, your waiter. I recognize you from last night, but there were six of you. I see only five tonight”

Tim pulled his head back out from under the table. “I was looking for bugs.”

“Sir, there should be no bugs. We are in the middle of the ocean. And, if there were bugs, we would spray and kill them.”

“That’s good Costello,” Bob said. “See, I told you Tim, there should be no bugs.”

“Costello,” Hunter said, “I think we’re ready to order. Do you happen to have any fried grasshoppers on the menu tonight.”

“No sir, but we do have chocolate covered ants for dessert, upon request.”

“Costello,” Hunter said, “you’re all right.”

Over dinner, Hunter’s Marauders discussed the findings of the day: Hunter’s discovery that Vivian stands to cash in on Dr. Jim’s $2 million life insurance policy, and Bob and Marcy’s discovery that Duke is a gigolo. Hunter also revealed that just before meeting everyone for dinner, security had called him. They told him that, as soon as the ship docked at Southhampton tomorrow, the FBI was going to come on board and interview him and Vivian, and most likely a few others.

At dessert, Marcy made a proposal. “Bob and I have really enjoyed getting to know you guys, and we really enjoyed the Hunter’s Marauders escapades. So, we propose that after the cruise is over, the six of us try to keep in touch, and maybe even go on another cruise together in the not-too-distant future. What do you guys think.”

“Oh, let’s do,” Jenny said. “Let’s do keep in touch, and another cruise together really sounds great.”

“Hunter and I think that’s a great idea,” Sue said as Hunter nodded in agreement. “We’ve enjoyed studying Scripture together in the Bible class, and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you guys. And, I too definitely enjoyed our little surveillance activity.”

“I agree with all of the above,” Hunter said. “However, it’s too bad our surveillance activity was part of a real-life murder investigation and not just a game.”

“Amen to that,” Jim said. “If everybody’s ready, we can saunter over to the Princess theater for the show.”

“Lead the way, Tim,” Bob said.

The six friends enjoyed the show, and all retired early.

Chapter 53

Sunday, May 1, early morning

At 0500 hours, the Caribbean Princess was docked and secure at Birth 38 at the Southampton cruise terminal. At 0630 hours, senior FBI agents Tyler Woods, and Kenneth Anderson, along with Scotland Yard detective Sargent Nigel Montague, boarded the ship. At 0700 hours, Hunter Kingsley was summoned to the security office on deck five. He was met by Caribbean Princess chief security officer Richard Prichard, who escorted him to the security office. A few minutes later, security officer Dan Farnsworth escorted Vivian Swenson to a crew multipurpose room on deck five, a short distance away from the security office.

Chapter 54

Sunday, May 1, approximately 0715 hrs.

Chief security officer Prichard opened the door to the security office and led Hunter into a small adjoining room. The room contained two chairs facing each other with a table in between. FBI agent Tyler Woods was standing inside. Prichard spoke. “Agent Tyler Woods, this is Hunter Kingsley, the gentleman who believes Vivian Swenson may have murdered her husband.” Kingsley and Woods shook hands.

“If you don’t need me, agent Woods,” Prichard said, “I’ll be right outside at my desk. I’ve got a backlog of paperwork to do.”

“Believe me, I know about paperwork,” Tyler Woods said. Mr. Kingsley and I will be just fine. We’re just going to chitchat a bit.”

Prichard shut the door to the room and sat down at his desk. The door had a thick safety glass window in the upper half, through which Prichard could easily see into the interview room.

“Have a seat Mr. Kingsley. If it’s okay with you, we can use first names and dispense with being so stuffy and formal.”

“Fine by me, Tyler.”

“I know just a little bit about you Hunter, from Richard’s report.” Tyler nodded in the direction of officer Prichard. “May I ask for your full name.”

“Sure. It’s Hunter Lee Kingsley.”

“Oh, by the way Hunter, I have a little recording device here.” Tyler pulled a small device from his right suit pocket. “And if you have no objection, I’d like to record our conversation. It saves me from taking so many notes. I’m sure you did the same thing during your stint with the Secret Service.”

“So, you had me checked out.”

“Somewhat. And that’s partly why this is more of a friendly chitchat.”

“Okay, record away.”

Tyler turned the small device on, set it on the table, and started talking. “This is FBI agent Tyler Woods. It is Sunday, May 1, at 0732 hours, and I am sitting with Hunter Lee Kingsley on the ship, the Caribbean Princess, in the security office. And Hunter, even though we are having this interview to mainly find out what you know of the possible murder of Dr. James Kit Swenson, you also have been named as a suspect in this alleged murder. I therefore must read you your rights per the Supreme Court decision, ‘Miranda versus Arizona’ of 1966. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to law enforcement officials, and to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. If you decide to answer questions now, without an attorney present, you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?”

“No.”

“I’m sorry, what did you say.”

“No.”

Tyler turned his recording device off. “So, you don’t want to talk to us. You’re the whole reason we’re here. It’s because of your accusation that Vivian Swenson murdered her husband. Neither the ship’s security nor the ship’s doctor suspect any foul play. It would be nice to know why you think it was murder, and to be privy to any evidence you may have to support your accusation.”

“I’ll talk to you about that. I just don’t want to be interrogated as a suspect.”

“Okay. I understand. To be honest with you —.”

“I hope you are.”

“To be candid with you Hunter, you are about as close to being a suspect as the ship’s captain is. However, it’s in security officer Prichard’s report that you were observed having a few heated discussions with Dr. Swenson. It’s remotely possible that you were upset enough with him to kill him.”

“Yes, I did talk to Dr. Jim, as he liked to be called. I talked to him once in the corridor on his way to dinner, and once or twice at his informal question and answer sessions after his lectures. I raised my voice and I was upset. But I was not upset at him personally. I was upset at the blatant lies is telling about evolution.”

“Evolution. You mean Darwin and all that.”

“Exactly. I was upset at the way he paraded evolution is a fact, and if one doesn’t believe all the garbage about evolution, that person is ignorant and living in the dark ages.”

“Well, maybe you are a little behind the times.”

“So, Tyler, you believe that life just happened, without a cause, and that life is just evolving, naturally, into higher and higher forms, and that, right now humans are the pinnacle of evolution, but it continues on, and who knows what we humans will evolve into in the future.”

“Something like that. That’s what I was taught in school. I never really gave it a lot of thought, but I basically believe it.”

“And you call yourself an investigator, who is supposed to not assume anything, and let the evidence lead to the truth.”

Get real Mr. Kingsley. Scientists have figured all this out, and school teachers relate all that to the students.”

“Do you believe in God agent Woods.”

“Now, we’re not going to get into a religious discussion.”                                         “I’m not trying to. It’s a simple question. Just about everyone’s heard of God. Do you believe God is — that he exists. It’s a black-and-white question. Law enforcement types generally love black and white questions. Vivian either murdered her husband, or she didn’t. God either exists, or he doesn’t.”

“Yes, I believe God exists.”

“God says he created the universe and everything in it. He’s the cause and we’re living in and surrounded by the effect. Evolution says there was no cause and there is no cause. The universe and everything in it just happened. The effect is here, but there was no cause. Crazy isn’t it.”

“Put that way, you can’t believe in evolution. There has to be a cause for things. Law enforcement, the medical profession, all the trades, like plumbers and electricians, computer technicians, auto mechanics; virtually every body operates on the assumption, the belief, that there is a cause for everything.”

“Well said Tyler. And that includes scientists. Science is about taking something that exists, an effect, and trying to find out the cause. Yet some of these very same scientists say the universe and everything in it had no cause. It just happened.”

“That’s convoluted.”

“It’s not even convoluted, or circular reasoning. It’s not any of that. It’s just flat denial. Denial of reality.”

“Well, interesting little discussion Hunter, but let’s get back to the question of Dr. Jim’s death. Was his death — the effect, caused by a natural process, or was it caused by an unnatural process. Maybe, as you suspect, an overdose of medication administered by his wife.”

“Yes. We were about to eliminate me as a suspect.”

“We didn’t get very far with that, did we.”

“I had no motive. I wasn’t ever upset with him personally, only his teachings. In fact, a couple of days before his death, he and I got to know each other over a couple of classes wine, and came away as newly made friends. And that’s part of the reason I’m pushing for an investigation into his death. I want to see justice for my friend, if it was, in fact, murder.”

“Yes. But it could be that you are involved somehow in his death, and you’re accusing his wife in order to divert attention away from you as a suspect. According to the ship security report, some observers to your altercations with Dr. Jim thought you were about ready to punch him out.”

“That’s a misinterpretation of what was taking place.”

“So you say. Did anybody see you and Dr. Jim becoming good buddies over your glasses of wine.”

The cocktail waitress at the Wheelhouse bar. She might remember us. Other than her, probably nobody. There weren’t very many people in the bar at the time.”

“Do you remember her name.”

“Joyce. I think her name was Joyce. At least that’s the name that popped into my head.”

“Okay. We’ll have to check that out.”

“So, I didn’t have a motive to do harm to Dr. Jim. And I certainly didn’t have the means or opportunity. I don’t have any digitalis, or any heart attack inducing drugs. And I’ve never been to his cabin.”

“I never said you were a strong suspect. I’m sure we’ll put you on the back burner for now, as a suspect. Go ahead and take your ‘suspect’ hat off, and put on your ‘accuser’ of murder hat. I’ve got a copy of your list of reasons you think Vivian murdered her husband, from Chief Prichard’s report. ‘Observed obvious detention going on between Vivian Swenson and husband during the enrichment lectures’ — and so forth. Do you have anything to add that’s not on your list.”

“Yes. A big one. Far from being the grieving widow, if she ever grieved at all, she is suddenly hot and heavy with one of the gentlemen on board ship.”

“That’s not really any evidence of murder.”

“Not directly. But I’d say it’s a pretty strong indicator that she is not in the least bit upset that her husband is dead. It’s another indicator that she was not happy in the marriage and that his death has seemed to put a spark back into her life.”

“Maybe lover boy had something to do with Dr. Jim’s death.”

“Unlikely. We’re certain this guy was never in the picture until the day after Dr.Jim’s death.”

“We? What do you mean by ‘we.’ How do you know all this. Have you got people spying on this poor widow.”

“No. No. Nothing like that. Let’s just say there’s a small team of people interested in Vivian’s comings and goings.”

“Well, I’d rather not know the details of the ‘we’ you’re referring to, but did ‘we’ happen to get a name for Mr. hot and heavy.”

“Duke Rawlings from Denver, Colorado, cabin D236.”

Tyler shook his head, “My, my, ‘we’ have been busy. Anything else?”

“Yes, another biggie. You already know what I think Vivian’s main motive for killing her husband was: dissatisfaction with her husband and what she saw as a dull, lifeless marriage. Well, add this to her motive: a two million dollar life insurance policy on the good doctor.”

“What. There is a two million dollar insurance policy and she’s the benefactor.”

“That’s what ‘we’ discovered.”

“That’s a huge motive for someone who is already dissatisfied with their marriage.”

“It is. It has to be checked out of course. It’s secondhand information. I’ll give you the source, if you promise not to tell her you got her name from me. She’s a friend of Vivian, so you can tell her that you’re interviewing some of Vivian’s friends, which, I imagine you already planned to do.”

“That will work. What’s her name.”

“Norma Billingsworth.”

“Cabin number.”

“I don’t have that information.”

“I’m surprised.”

“Hey, ‘we’ can’t do all your work for you. We’re on vacation.”

“So you are. Sorry about coming off like I was going to give you the third degree. I know you Secret Service types don’t fully trust the Bureau.”

“What’s not to trust. You guys are always so open and honest.”

Tyler shook his head. “You’re certainly an ‘in your face’ kind of guy.”

“I prefer to think of myself as plain spoken.”

Agent Tyler Woods stood up and extended his hand as former agent Hunter Kingsley stood up and shook it. “Here’s my card,” Tyler said, “if you need to get in touch with me.”

“Okay. Thanks. Let me ask you. You related to Tiger Woods.”

“Not that I know of, but I do like golf.”

“Me too.”

Agent Woods opened the door and motioned for Hunter to step through back into Prichard’s office.

“Mr. Kingsley and I are done, officer Prichard. Thanks for the use of your office.”

“No problem.”

“Before you walk out Mr. Kingsley, I’d better open the door and make sure the coast is clear,” agent Woods said. “We have Vivian Swenson in a room down the corridor. I wouldn’t want you to run into her. I understand she is not a fan of yours.”

“Apparently not.”

“Okay, the coast is clear.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.”

Chapter 55

Sunday, May 1, approximately 0715 hrs.

Ships security officer Dan Farnsworth opened the door to the multipurpose room for Vivian Swenson. Vivian stepped inside followed by Farnsworth. Farnsworth spoke. “Detective Montague and agent Anderson, this is Mrs. Vivian Swenson.”

Montague stepped forward and extended his hand. “So sorry for the loss of your husband Mrs. Swenson. I’m Detective Sgt. Nigel Montague from Scotland Yard.

Agent Anderson and Mrs. Swenson then shook hands. “I am special agent Kenneth Anderson with United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. My condolences to you ma’am.”

“The FBI,” Vivian said, “and a Scotland Yard detective — I just don’t understand.”

“Yes ma’am, let us explain,” detective Montague said. “But first, would you like to sit down.” Montague made a gesture toward the rectangular table a few feet away with six chairs surrounding it. Anderson pulled a chair out from the long end of the table for her. Vivian sat down. Anderson sat down in the chair 90° from Vivian on the end. Montague then pulled out the chair directly across from Anderson and sat.

“If you gentlemen don’t need me here,” Farnsworth said, “I’ll be attending to some of my ship duties. Before I do that, can I get anyone something to drink — water, coffee, or tea?”

Vivian asked for coffee, as did agent Anderson. Detective Montague asked for tea. “I tell you what,” Farnsworth said, “I’ll see if I can get one of the crew kitchen workers to bring out a tray of coffee and tea with the accompanying accoutrements. I’ll be right back.”

Detective Montague started. “Mrs. Swenson, I’m here in more of a liaison capacity; to help with transfer of your husband’s body to the morgue in London for the autopsy. Also, I’m here to coordinate with the FBI and their investigation, and help facilitate that in any way I can.”

“Investigation,” Vivian said. “What investigation. What’s being investigated. And I didn’t order any autopsy. Why is there an autopsy. My husband just wanted to be cremated when he died. I don’t understand any of this.”

“We’re looking into the death of your husband Mrs. Swenson,” agent Anderson said.

“But why. Why would you do that. My husband, unfortunately, died in his sleep of heart failure. His heart just gave out. That’s what the ship’s doctor said. Oh, I know Jim probably drank too much that night, but —.”

“Mrs. Swenson,” Anderson tried to interrupt, and also put up his hand with his palm facing her to try to stop her diatribe.

“But it was his birthday and he was having such a good time. I just hated —.”

“Mrs. Swenson, Mrs. Swenson,” Montague also tried to interrupt her.

Just then, there was a quick knock at the door and the door opened. Farnsworth wheeled in a carafe of coffee and a carafe of hot water on a cart with an assortment of teabags, sweeteners, lemon wedges, stirring sticks, paper cups, and a plate of tea cookies. The interruption stoped Vivian’s rant. “I’ll take my leave now, and tend to my errands,” Farnsworth said. “I hope what I brought is adequate.”

“Thank you, officer Farnsworth,” Montague said. Montague then stood up, walked over to the cart, and served the three of them what they had requested. Montague then sat back down and looked at Anderson.

“Before you say anything more, Mrs. Swenson,” Anderson said, “I must inform you of your rights.” After he had recited the Miranda warning to Mrs. Swenson, he asked, “Are you willing to talk to detective Montague and me about your husband’s death without an attorney present?”

“Well, I don’t see why not. I have nothing to hide. But I still don’t understand why law enforcement is involved — unless you suspect something. Is that it. Do you suspect that someone killed my husband; that he didn’t die of natural causes. Oh my. I can’t believe that. My husband was well-liked. He didn’t have any enemies. He’s just a —.” Tears started forming and trickling down Vivian’s face. “He was a very likable person. I can’t think of anyone who would want to harm him. Absolutely no one — unless —.”

“Yes, Mrs. Swenson,” Anderson inquired.

“There’s a man on the cruise — a despicable, vile, uneducated, rude, obnoxious, man who, on several occasions had heated arguments with Jim. On one occasion he was about ready to physically assault my husband. I don’t know his name, but he’s about 6’2” tall, has short blonde hair, and is solidly built. He could have seriously hurt Jim. I could give you the names of some of my friends on the ship. One of them may have found out his name. Ask officer Farnsworth. He and another officer — I can’t think of his name — wanted to talk to this man. I don’t know if they ever were able to talk to him or not, but if anybody wanted to do harm to my husband, it was him.”

“We are aware of the individual you are referring to, and we will be talking to him,” Anderson said.

“Well, good. I’m glad. And I’m glad I could help. Now, what’s going to happen with my husband. Where is he going to be taken, exactly, and how do I go with him. And how do I get him home. I would sure like to cremate him as soon as possible. That way it wouldn’t cost me any extra to get him home. I could pack him in my suitcase.”

“Yes Mrs. Swenson,” Montague said, “the corner will be here later this morning to pick up your husband and transport him to their office in London. You need not be there; in fact, it is better if you’re not. Either agent Anderson or I will take you to London. There you can wait for your husband’s autopsy to be completed. Once the autopsy is completed, and the report read and cleared by the FBI, your husband’s body will then be released to you.”

“Then I can cremate him.”

“That, Mrs. Swenson, is up to you,” Montague said. “You will need to make arrangements with a funeral home and/or a crematorium in London.”

Will it take long; the autopsy. Will it be done today.”

“I’m not sure that the corners office offers same-day service, Mrs. Swenson,” Montague said. “And expedite request has been made, but it really boils down to what their situation is when your husband arrives. You should be prepared to stay overnight in London for sure.”

“Well, all right.”

“Now, Mrs. Swenson,” Anderson said, “I would like to go into more detail on what you think led to your husband’s death. The ships doctor pronounced your husband dead at 0742 hours on Thursday, April 28. That’s not his time of death. He no doubt died before that. That is merely the time that Dr. Hasbrouck officially pronounced him dead after responding to your 911 call. Why don’t you start at the morning before your husband died. Wednesday morning, April 27.”

“April 27 was Jim’s birthday. He turned 75 and I had a big surprise party planed for him. After he got out of the shower that morning, I presented him with a birthday card I had made. He laughed, and I told him his big gift was that evening. I told him that I was taking him to a specialty restaurant, and he had to be dressed and ready to walk out our cabin door at 6:50 PM. He didn’t know it was going to be a party with most of our shipboard friends. I’m sure he thought it was just dinner for the two of us.”

“How was he that morning,” Anderson asked.

“What.”

“How was his mood.”

“Oh. He was in good spirits — joking around as he usually does. He wanted to wear one of his somewhat humorous evolution T-shirts to breakfast. I didn’t want him to. It had drawings of guns on it. I felt someone might be offended by it. But, anyway, we went to breakfast — at the Horizon buffet. Then I had an appointment for a manicure and pedicure, and Jim said he was going back to the cabin. About 10:30 AM I went to the Princess theater, and Jim was already there setting up for our 11:00 AM lecture, ‘Ice is Nice.’”

“Ice is nice?”

“That is the name of the presentation Jim gave that day. It delves into the different glacial periods and how they impacted evolution. We had our usual question and answer gathering outside the entrance to the theater after the presentation. That broke up around 12 noon, after which, Jim and I went to lunch at the Horizon court.”

“Did your husband have any problems — any heart problems — feel ill, during the lecture, or at lunch?”

“No. He seemed fine. After lunch, we went our separate ways. I had a number of things to do to prepare for Jim’s birthday party at the Crown grill. I returned to our cabin shortly before 5:00 PM, and Jim was there working on his book. He said he had been there ever since lunch. I sat and relaxed for a bit. Jim put his work away at about 5:30 PM, and I then poured ourselves each a glass of wine, and we toasted to his birthday. After that it was time for us to start getting ready for his birthday party.”

“What time did that start.”

“Seven o’clock. I had arranged for an area in the Crown grill for 24 people. It was just perfect. It was an area kind of off by itself; three booths with windows to the ocean, and two roundtables. There were four people to a booth and six people to a table. Our friends were in place when Jim and I arrived at 7:00 PM. As the maître d’ led us to our table, all our friends stood up with champagne glasses in hand and sang happy birthday to Jim. He was flabbergasted. He was so surprised and so happy —.” Vivian started to tear up.

“Take your time, Mrs. Swenson,” Anderson said. “I’m sure this is hard for you.”

Montague got up and retrieved a paper napkin from the coffee cart, in lieu of a tissue, and handed it to Vivian.

“He was just so happy. And now — now, he’s gone.”

“You’re doing fine Mrs. Swenson,” Anderson said. “Take all the time you need.”

“I’ll be all right. Just give me a moment.”

“Quite alright, Mrs. Swenson,” Montague said.

“Anyway, it was a fabulous 75th birthday party.”

“Sounds like it,” Anderson said. “Now, Mrs. Swenson, we understand that your husband took heart medication known as digitalis, and that he took that pill at 7:00 PM every evening.”

“Yes, as close as he could to seven.”

“And, if he forgot to take it, or if he took an overdose, even one additional pill, it could potentially kill him — cause his heart to go into spasms.”

“Yes, that’s what we were told by his doctor.”

“And, did he in fact take his digitalis at 7 PM, or very close to it. Do you know?”

“Yes, he took it, but it was a little after seven; maybe even 15 or 20 minutes after seven.”

“Did you see him take the pill.”

“Yes I did. He carried it in a little container in his pants pocket. It was right after we ordered our dinner, I saw him take his pill container out of his pocket and place the pill in his mouth. He then took a swig of champagne to wash it down.”

Anderson continued, but with a questioning look on his face. “Going back to what you said earlier, you and your husband arrived at the birthday party right at 7:00 PM.”

“That’s correct. I set it up that way so all the guests would be looking for our arrival at that time. I wanted them all standing and singing happy birthday as we walked up. Is there a problem.”

“I’m just wondering, Mrs. Swenson. If it were me, and I had important medication to take at 7:00 PM; and I had to be at a function at 7:00 PM; and my cabin was only a five minute walk from the function; I would take my medication before leaving the room. That way I would not forget. It would be a done deal. Do you think, Mrs. Swenson, that your husband could have taken a digitalis just before you two left your cabin for the party.”

“Oh no. I know he didn’t. I would have seen him. And if he had done so, he would have taken his little pillbox out of his pants pocket and left it in the room to be used the next evening.”

“Okay. So, your husband took the one digitalis at 15 or 20 minutes after 7:00 PM.”

“Yes.”

“And, at 7:20 PM your husband was still feeling fine and enjoying himself.”

“Yes, he was fine and enjoying himself throughout the entire dinner party. It wasn’t until afterward, when we all were ordering drinks at the Crooners lounge, that I noticed Jim appeared to be under the weather.”

“What time was that.”

“Around 10:00 PM.”

“Did your husband say anything.”

“He said his stomach felt upset.”

“Anything else.”

“I don’t think so. Jim was in one of his quiet moods. The rest of us were still partying it up. A few minutes later, I looked at him and he looked very pale. I realized then that he had had too much champagne. That, and the rich food, I think made him sick. That’s when we excused ourselves from our friends at the Crooners lounge, and I took Jim back to the cabin. He said he had a headache and a stomach ache. I gave him a couple of aspirin for his headache and some lemon lime soda for his stomach. He then loosened his tie and lay down on the bed. I offered to stay with him but he told me he would be fine, that he just needed to rest for a while. He told me to go back and rejoin our friends at the Crooners lounge. He said he would try to come back out and join us after he rested. He looked better and said he was starting to feel better, so I left and rejoined our friends.”

“Did he come back to the party in the Crooners lounge.”

“I was looking for him to, but, no, he didn’t. At around midnight, Austin, the piano player, quit, and the party broke up. I went back to the cabin and Jim was on his back sound asleep.”

“Are you sure he was just sleeping.”

“Oh yes. I could see him breathe in and out, and he let out a little snort once in a while. I thought about undressing him. He still had his suit on. But, I decided not to. I didn’t want to disturb him. I then undressed, put my nightgown on, brushed my teeth, and went to bed.”

“On the bed, Mrs. Swenson?”

“What.”

“Did you lie down next to your husband on the bed.”

“Oh. No. I didn’t. I didn’t want to disturb his sleep. I slept on the couch.”

“Did anything happen during the night.”

“No. I don’t think so. What do you mean?”

“Did your husband get up. Go to the bathroom. Did you get up. Check on your husband. Anything.”

“No. I must have been tired. I slept soundly. I woke up a little after 7:00 AM, went to the bathroom, and then checked on Jim. He was still lying on his back, but I couldn’t see or hear him breathing. I tried to wake him but he didn’t respond. I think I panicked. I think I may have even screamed. I started shaking him real hard. He just wouldn’t respond.” Vivian started to tear up. “I didn’t know what to do. Then I thought of calling ‘911’ on the phone. I didn’t know if it would do any good on the ship. But it did. Someone answered right away, and a few minutes later, the doctor and a nurse were at the cabin. But it was too late. They couldn’t do anything. Jim was already dead.”

“Okay Mrs. Swenson. Again, we’re sorry about the death of your husband. We’ll talk again, after the autopsy report is issued. Here is my card. Call me if anything else comes to mind that you think would be helpful.”

“And my card as well,” Montague said as he handed Vivian his card. “And do let us know where you are staying in London, as soon as you find out.”

“Yes,” Anderson said, “let us both know your location and phone number in London as soon as you can.”

“Am I free to go.”

“You are,” Anderson said.

“Well, thank you, I guess.”

Chapter 56

Sunday, May 1, 0830 hrs.

Crackle, crackle, the ship’s public address system came alive. “Good morning everyone, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Southampton, gateway to London, England. The ship has just been cleared by British customs and immigration. You are free to disembark from either of two gangways on deck five midship. Be back on board time is 2300 hours, or 11:00 PM this evening, after which we shall sail for Liverpool, England. Enjoy your day.”

After his interview with agent Tyler Woods, Hunter Kingsley returned to his cabin where his wife was waiting.

“How did your session with the FBI go,” Sue asked.

“I think, pretty well. The agent seemed to take me seriously. Another agent was questioning Vivian Swenson in another room at the same time I was being questioned. He also seemed receptive to another person I thought might be worthy of questioning about Vivian.”

“Good job, Sweetie. I hope they can get to the truth of how her husband really died.”

“Me too.”

“I just talked to Marcy Wingate, and, if it’s all right with you, were going to meet them for breakfast in the Coral dining room and plan our day in London with them.”

“That’s great. Are we going to leave right from breakfast or come back to our cabin first.”

“Good question. I’ll call her and tell her we’ll meet them in 10 minutes at the entrance to the dining room, and we’ll figure out if we’re coming back to our cabins before departing the ship.”

“Okay. I’m going to use the bathroom and brush my teeth.” Three minutes later. “I’m ready,” Hunter said.

“We’re going to leave right from breakfast, so take everything you’ll need for our excursion into London with you.”

At the Coral dining room, Hunter and Sue, and Bob and Marcy were seated. They told the waiter that they wanted an expedited breakfast.

“Not very many people here,” Sue said.

“When we’re in port, I think most people have breakfast at the Horizon buffet, as they are in a hurry to get going,” Bob said.

“Maybe we should have gone to the Horizon,” Marcy said.

“We’ll be all right,” Bob said. “It’s not very crowded, and we told them we were in a hurry.”

“It might even be quicker than fighting the crowds at the Horizon,” Sue said.

“Guess who I see over in the far corner,” Hunter said.

“Elvis Pressley,” Bob said.

Marcy and Sue turned their heads and spoke in unison, “Vivian and the Duke.”

Chapter 57

Vivian Swenson and Duke Rawlings had breakfast near a corner of the Coral dining room.

“So, why would the FBI question you,” Duke asked. “And what’s the FBI doing here anyway. We’re in England.”

“Yeah, I don’t fully understand it,” Vivian said, “and the FBI agent had a detective from Scotland Yard with him also. Maybe that somehow made it all right.”

“What did they ask you.”

“Basically, about the events leading up to my husband’s heart attack.”

“Well, that makes sense that someone would make that kind of inquiry, but not the FBI and a detective from Scotland Yard.”

“I think they have to cover their bases. They want to make sure that I didn’t somehow help bring on his heart attack. You know, in the death of a spouse, the other spouse is always suspect. I just hope they don’t find out about the insurance policy. They might look at that as a motive.”

“Insurance policy. What insurance policy,” Duke asked.

“Oh, it’s a life insurance policy that Jim had on himself with me, of course, as the beneficiary. The policy is for $2 million.”

Duke put down the egg laden fork he had near his mouth and stared at Vivian for a moment before saying anything. “Two million dollars. That’s no chump change, even in today’s economy.”

“Yes, Jim really believed in insurance and protection. When he took the policy out nineteen and a half years ago, he had a good job and was in good health. That was before he started having trouble with his heart. He was really looking out for me, bless his heart. I worked but didn’t make a lot of money, and we had a decent size house payment. He said that if something were to happen to him, he wanted me to be able to keep the house and not have to work if I didn’t want to.”

“Sounds like he was a good man, at least in that respect.”

“He had his good side.”

“So, he took out this $2 million policy nineteen and a half years ago. What kind of life insurance policy is it.”

“Term.”

“What’s the term.”

“Twenty years.”

Duke suddenly choked on the muffin he had just inserted into his mouth. It took him a few coughs and several swigs of coffee to recover. “You’re right Vivian, you’d better hope that the authorities don’t find out about that insurance policy. Or, maybe they do know about it, and that’s why they’re giving you a looksee.”

“Maybe, but I have nothing to hide.”

“So, you didn’t kill your husband.”

“Well, of course not. Why would you even say something like that.”

“Just checking.”

“I couldn’t do such a thing.”

“I believe you. I just had to ask the question. I’m sure others might.”

“You’re right. Others probably will ask that question. I need to not get upset about it. Just expect it.”

“There you go.”

“Say, what time is it getting to be, anyway.”

Duke looked at his watch. “Five minutes after nine.”

“They’d like me to be out my cabin by 10:30. Apparently they have some people on a waiting list who want to do the last seven days of the cruise. I’m all packed. All I have to do is go back to the cabin and get my suitcases. Princess offered to let me stay on for the remainder of the cruise, but I just can’t. I’ve got too many things to do in London regarding Jim.”

“I’ve got an idea.”

“What’s your idea.”

“I actually have two ideas; a little one and a big one. I’ll tell you the little one first. Let’s have a couple of mimosas.”

“Sure. After all, you said it was after nine”

Duke got the waiters attention. “Two mimosas right away. As quick as you can.”

“Two mimosas coming right up, sir.”

“Okay,” Vivian said, “I liked your little idea just fine. So, what your big idea.”

“I can’t tell you yet. I’m still formulating it.”

“My, my. It must be big, if you have to formulate and all that.”

“Yep. I have to formulate, postulate, and regurgitate.”

“Is that painful.”

“Sometimes, but here comes help.”

“Your mimosas,” the waiter said as he picked up Vivian’s and Duke’s unlimited drink cards.

“And bring two more. By the time you get back these two will be gone.”

“Yes sir.”

Duke and Vivian toasted to each other, and then took a drink. Duke took a big swig. “Yes, that helps the process.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Give me a few moments, then I’ll have it,” Duke said as he took another big swig.

“Okay.”

A few moments later Duke said, “I’ve got it. And here comes our second round. Thank you garcon. You’re a good man.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Here it is,” Duke continued. “Here’s my big idea. You move in with me.”

“What. What do you mean.”

“I mean, move in with me. Move into my cabin. You wanted to finish the trip. I have this cabin all to myself. It just makes sense.”

“But I told you, I can’t. The FBI wants me to stay in London overnight and probably talk to me tomorrow. And I have to make arrangements to have Jim cremated, or arrange for his casket to be transported back to Colorado. I’ve got a lot of things I have to do.”

“Calm down. Take another swig of champagne. Relax. Now, who’s in control of your life. Is it the FBI, or is it you.”

“It’s me.”

“Is it your late husband, or is it you.”

“It’s me.”

“We’ll call the FBI and tell them there’s been a change of plans. We’ll be back in London in a week and take care of everything then. Now, where are you going to be tonight.”

“In your cabin with you.”

“Now were talking.”

Chapter 58

After breakfast and mimosas with Duke, Vivian went back to her cabin and telephoned her best friend forever, Yvonne Davies.

“Hello, Vivian. Is that really you.”

“It’s me. How are you.”

“I’m fine. How are you doing. Where are you. I assume you’re in Liverpool. How was the seven day stretch across the Atlantic. Boy, I bet you’re glad to finally be back on land. Can you talk long. I want to hear all about your seven crossing and what you have planned for today in Liverpool.”

“Boy, you ask as many questions as I do.”

“Well, we are similar in a lot of ways.”

“I can talk as long as this cell phone holds out. And there’s a lot to tell.”

“I’m all ears.”

“First of all, I’m not in Liverpool. I’m in London. Well, actually not in London. In Southampton, the port that’s closest to London. And, secondly Yvonne, I did it.”

“You did what, Vivian.”

“I gave Jim the extra digitalis. It worked. He’s dead.”

“Oh my. I was really hoping you wouldn’t go through with it. I was hoping you two would find a way to rekindle the relationship.”

“No. There was no way. He wasn’t going to change.”

“Well, I know you think it was the best way out. So, tell me what details you can. But, no one can hear you, right. You’re alone and away from people, right.”

“Yes. I’m in my cabin. I have to leave in a little bit, but I’ll tell you about that later.”

“Good. Just checking. So, tell me.”

“I think I did it up right. Wednesday, April 27, was Jim’s 75th birthday, so I planned a big party for him. You know, lots of drinking and celebrating. And, of course, a lot of drinking is not good for heart patients taking digitalis.”

“That’s what I understand.”

“I scheduled our arrival at the party for 7:00 PM, the time Jim always takes his daily digitalis. So, before we left the cabin, I talked Jim into taking his digitalis then, so he wouldn’t forget. He thought that was a good idea, and I gave him a pill from his supply he keeps in his nightstand. That way he still had a digitalis in his little pill container that he carries in his pants pocket.”

“Yeah.”

“So, after we arrived at the party at 7:00 PM, and after several toasts with champagne, he realized it was after seven. Without much thought, I’m sure, he reached into his pocket, took out his little pillbox, and took the digitalis that was in there. That is one time his absentmindedness paid off. For me, not him.”

“So, you really didn’t overdose him. He did.”

“At that point, true. Anyway, the party went on. The champagne was flowing. There were 22 of our shipboard acquaintances that were there. Everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. So much so that we didn’t realize how late it had become. We were the only ones left in the restaurant, and the waiters were patiently waiting for us to leave so they could close up. You should have been there.”

“I would have loved to have been there. It sounds like my kind of party.”

“Anyway, when we finally got the hint that it was time to leave, a bunch of us decided the party must go on, and we sauntered over to this piano lounge called the Crooners, and continued. By the time we got around to order drinks, I could tell Jim was not feeling too well. Not long after that it was pretty noticeable that Jim was definitely ill. We excused ourselves and I took him back to our cabin.”

“Poor Jim. Too bad he had to get sick.”

“Yeah, well, as soon as we got back to our cabin he just collapsed on the bed, in his suit. It was formal night that night. He said he had a headache and that his stomach felt bad. I gave him some aspirin for his headache, and some lemon lime soda for his stomach. Or, actually, I think I may have mistaken the digitalis bottle for the aspirin bottle and gave him two digitalis instead of two aspirin.”

“An honest mistake.”

“I offered to stay with Jim, but he told me to go on back to the party and he would try to join us later, after he rested. At least that’s what I thought he said. I went back to the party and told everyone that I had given Jim two aspirins and some soda for his headache and upset stomach, and that he might join us later. When the party ended, about 12 midnight, I went back to the cabin and checked on Jim. He was still lying on his back in the same exact position. I forgot to check for breathing, but I had covered him up, to keep them warm.”

“He was probably already dead at that point. And that was a good idea, keeping the body warm. It makes the time of death seem later than it actually was.”

“I couldn’t sleep. I was kind of sad, but excited, at the same time.”

“Of course. Understandably logical.”

“I went to another bar on the ship and had a nightcap. Then I went back to the cabin and slept on the couch. I got up early in the morning, took the blankets off Jim, folded them up and put them away. I then started yelling at Jim to wake up as I shook him as hard as I could. I figured that someone in the adjoining cabins would hear the commotion and that would help establish the time that I discovered Jim wasn’t breathing.”

“Good thinking, sweetie. It sounds like you thought this thing true pretty well.”

“I then dialed ‘911’ on the cabin phone, and shortly after that the doctor and a nurse came and pronounced him dead.”

“Boy Vivian, I have to hand it to you. You sure did it up right. Your husband sure went out in style. We’ll have to really celebrate when you get back.”

“For sure.”

“So, what happened to Liverpool, I thought that was your first stop after crossing the Atlantic.”

“It was supposed to be, but for some reason, they decided to come to Southampton first. I don’t really understand why. We’re going to be right back here in seven days. All the captain said when it was announced was that it was due to operational considerations. We’re going to Liverpool tomorrow, but they cut the stop at Holly Head, Wales out. We don’t get to go there.”

“You get to go to London twice instead. So, what are your plans today. Are you shopping in Southampton, or are you going to London to shop.”

“I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m, or we’re doing today.”

“What.”

“That’s the thing. That’s the third thing I wanted to tell you about. I met someone.”

“You did what. You met someone. Are you crazy girl. You killed your —. Your husband died three days ago; and you met someone. I’ve heard of fast, that’s faster than Superman, or Superwoman, in this case.”

“Yeah. I certainly didn’t plan it. His name is Duke. Duke Rawlings. He lives in Denver.”

“Convenient.”

“We met two days ago, and immediately hit it off. We went to a couple of functions on the ship, then I realized that it’s not appropriate in some people’s eyes to be seen so soon after Jim’s death, enjoying the company of another man.”

“No kidding.”

“I know, I’m supposed to be a grieving widow. So, anyway, I decided I needed to stay out of the public eye is much as possible when I’m with Duke. And so, that first night we had dinner in his suite, and, I didn’t go back to my cabin until the next morning.”

“Vivian.”

“And, of course, I spent last night with him also. Then he came to my rescue today. Besides being a manly man, he’s also very thoughtful. I was supposed to leave the ship today, as, in effect, Jim’s death broke our enrichment lecture contract with the cruise line. I even offered to continue the lectures; I have the PowerPoint and I know the spiel; but they wouldn’t let me. They said I don’t have the official credentials. So, Duke came to the rescue and offered to let me stay with him in his cabin and finish the cruise.”

“Nice. It’s nice that you get to finish the cruise and see the stops in England, Germany, and France. That would be a letdown, to spend seven days sailing the Atlantic to get to Europe, and then not see any of it.”

“Yes.”

“Just be careful Vivian, with this Duke guy. Find out about him; his background and all that. Before you get too emotionally involved.”

“I will. Thanks for your concern.”

“Of course.”

“Oh, and one other thing I should tell you. The FBI talked to me this morning about Jim’s death.”

“The FBI?”

“Yeah, I know. Why the FBI. It has something to do with Jim being an American citizen. Apparently, the FBI can investigate the death of an American citizen that takes place on a cruise ship.”

“You’re not a suspect are you.”

“I don’t think so. But one thing troubles me. The FBI ordered an autopsy.”

“That’s not good.”

“What do you think they’ll find.”

“Probably a high level of digitalis, and some sort of heart failure. Maybe caused by the digitalis, and maybe not. Even if the corner concludes that Jim’s heart failure was a direct result of the extra digitalis in the body, you’re off the hook. You didn’t give it to him. He overdosed himself.”

“Yes. Thanks for that reminder. Well, I better let you go so I can check out of my room and into Duke’s. Duke and I are going to see some sights and then have dinner on land somewhere. I don’t know if we’re going to stay in Southampton or go into London. Either way, it will be fun. The ship doesn’t leave until 11:00 PM. It was sure good talking to you. I miss our little chats.”

“Me too. As soon as you get back, we’ll have a meeting of the ‘Golden girls.’”

“I’ll try to call tomorrow from Liverpool. By the way, what time is it there any way.”

“It’s 4:30 AM.”

“Oh no. I’m so sorry. I did it to you again.”

“That’s all right sweetie. You call me anytime.”

“Ciao.”

“Ciao.”

Chapter 59

Sunday, May 8

Seven days later, the Caribbean Princess was again docked in Southampton. During the early morning hours of Sunday, May 8, the harbor pilot had boarded the Princess by the Nab tower to the east of the Isle of Wight, and helped navigate the ship through the difficult waters of the Solent. At 0500 hours, the Caribbean Princess was fast alongside Birth 38.

It is departure day for about half of the passengers. Their 21 day cruise has ended. The rest of the passengers are continuing with the ship for another 10 days, with stops in the British Isles and Ireland, ending up back at Southampton. The ship will be full for the 10 day British Isles trip as new passengers will board in the afternoon to fill the cabins vacated by the disembarking passengers. Hunter and Susan Kingsley, Timothy and Jenny Harmon, and Bob and Marcy Wingate are among the disembarking passengers. The cruise is also over for Vivian Swenson and Duke Rawlings.

The disembarking passengers have assigned times to swipe their cruise card one last time as they leave the ship. By 9:15 AM, Duke and Vivian were in line to process out and disembark. “So, you don’t mind, Duke, going around with me to take care of all this stuff with Jim — with his body.”

“No, of course not,” Duke said. “What else am I going to do on a Sunday morning in London.”

“You’re so sweet. I really appreciate it. They said they would help me make arrangements to get Jim back. I wouldn’t know where to start. I wouldn’t know who to see. I’ve never had to go through this before.”

“We’re almost up to the checkout point. Have your cruise card ready.”

Vivian held up her cruise card and waved it at Duke. “Ready.”

“Here, you go first Vivian.”

Vivian handed her card to the security checker. He swiped her card on his machine and her photo and name came up on the screen. “Good day Mrs. Swenson. Thanks for traveling with us.”

“My pleasure.”

Vivian took two steps past the security checker and stopped. “Oh, hello — agent —.”

“Agent Kenneth Anderson, Mrs. Swenson. And you remember Detective Sargent Nigel Montague.”

“Yes. Yes I do. Detective.”

“Mrs. Swenson,” Montague said as he nodded to Vivian.

Vivian started walking down the enclosed ramp that leads off the ship, accompanied by Agent Anderson and Detective Montague. After a few steps, she stopped and looked back at Duke, who was a few steps behind.

“Well, I’m with someone,” Vivian said. “I’m with a friend.”

“Quite alright,” Montague said as Duke caught up. “Mr. Rawlings may come too.”

“How did you know my name,” Duke asked.

“Oh, never mind that,” Montague said.

“Why are you here,” Vivian asked. “I was going to come see you today.”

“No doubt,” Montague said. “However, we thought it more convenient for you if we gave you a lift.”

“We have to get the rest of our luggage,” Vivian said. “The big bags.”

“Not necessary,” Montague said. “We took the liberty of retrieving them for you. They’re in the bonnet of the car.”

“Where,” Vivian asked.

“In the trunk of our car.”

“What about mine,” Duke asked

“We’ve got it,” Montague answered. “Just the large tan Samsonite with a decal on each side of a cowboy riding a horse, right?”

“Right.”

No one said anything else until the four of them arrived at the black Bentley.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Duke said. “A Bentley. You cops, I mean, you detectives get to drive a Bentley.”

“Not drive,” Montague said. “Ride. It comes with a driver.” The trunk popped open, and a uniformed officer stepped out of the driver’s seat and presented himself. “This is officer Justin Baker.” Officer Baker nodded. “Now, Mrs. Swenson and Mr. Rawlings, as you place your carry-ons in the trunk, check to make sure the rest of your luggage is in there, and then hop in the back seat. Agent Anderson will ride back there with you. I’ll ride up front with Officer Baker.”

Not much was said on the hour 45-minute ride from the cruise ship terminal to Scotland Yard. Duke did ask how the police had the money to drive a Bentley. He was told that the automobile had been confiscated as part of the spoils of a high-end drug raid. Montague also told him the car is mostly used by the department for transporting VIPs. Duke then sat a little taller in his seat the rest of the trip.

Chapter 60

At 11:05 AM officer Baker pulled the Bentley into its garage parking spot at the London Metropolitan police station, also known as Scotland Yard, opposite Victoria embankment. Vivian and Duke then followed Detective Sargent Montague into the building. Agent Anderson and Officer Baker followed closely behind. The lift took them to the seventh floor. Montague led the other four to a small lobby area. He asked Duke to wait there with Officer Baker while he and agent Anderson had a private conversation with Vivian.

“I think I should go with Viv — Mrs. Swenson,” Duke said.

Montague looked straight at Duke and said, “What we have to discuss with Mrs. Swenson is of a more personal nature. I’m sure she would much prefer that you remain here. Besides, Officer Baker is a wonderful conversationalist.”

“I’ll be all right Duke,” Vivian said.

Montague led Vivian, accompanied by agent Anderson, a short way down the hall to a conference room. The room had a long rectangular mahogany table in the center with 14 cushioned swivel chairs around it. Six on each side, two on the ends. Montague pulled the last chair in the row of six on the window side of the room out from the table. He motioned for Vivian to sit. Agent Anderson took the chair at the end of the table, next to Vivian. Montague sat down on the other side of Anderson and directly opposite of Vivian.

Agent Anderson, who had virtually said nothing for the last two hours, now spoke. “Mrs. Swenson, just as a precautionary measure, I want to read you your rights again.” Anderson gave her the Miranda warning and ask if she was willing to speak to them without an attorney present.

“Like I said before, why would I need an attorney. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“So, you don’t mind answering a few questions,” Anderson said.

“I have nothing to hide. What questions do you have.”

“May I record our conversation,” Anderson asked.

“Go ahead.”

“As you know, Mrs. Swenson, an autopsy was performed on your husband.”

“Yes, against my wishes.”

Anderson continued. “Among other things Mrs. Swenson, the report from the medical examiner showed a significantly higher level of digitalis drug in your husband’s system than his normal dosage. The medical report from Dr. Hasbrouck, the doctor on your cruise ship, states that your husband’s prescribed dosage of digitalis was one 0.25 mg tablet per day. Your husband had the equivalent amount of two of the tablets partially dissolved in his system, which could have been enough for an overdose, according to the medical examiner. The medical examiner, the person who performed your husband’s autopsy, states that 0.5 mg of digitalis could have caused your husband’s heart to go into fibrillation and fail.”

“He could have taken an extra pill. He was quite absent-minded at times,” Vivian said.

“Possible. But here’s the thing Mrs. Swenson; there were two additional digitalis pills in his stomach, totally undissolved.”

“Maybe, for some reason, he took three additional pills inadvertently.”

“Not likely, Mrs. Swenson,” Anderson said.

“Why not.”

“Because, according to the medical examiner, the two totally undissolved digitalis were given to him just as he was dying. Probably within 30 to 45 minutes of his death.”

“How do you know that.”

“Because, as the M.E. said, when the body dies, everything quits working. The body quits breaking down things. There still might be a little stomach acid that continues to work on things for a short time, but these two digitalis still had some of the protective coating. Your husband’s body had just barely gotten a start on breaking down these two 24 hour timed release tablets. If we knew what time these two pills were given to your husband, we would have an almost exact time of death.”

“So, Jim must have gotten up early that morning and taken those two digitalis, just before he died. He must’ve been having some heart palpitations and thought the digitalis was what he needed.”

“Very unlikely, Mrs. Swenson. The M.E. said that heart patients who take digitalis know the dangers of an overdose. The doctors who prescribe digitalis pound that into their patient’s head. It doesn’t seem likely, number one, that your husband would be near death and be able to get up, get a glass of water, and take a pill. And, number two, it doesn’t seem likely that he would have taken two digitalis, knowing the likely consequences of an overdose. No, Mrs. Swenson, you gave your husband the two digitalis that were found intact in his stomach.”

“I did not.”

“When Detective Montague and I interviewed you on the ship last Sunday, you stated that you gave your husband two aspirin, after he had turned ill, and after you had taken him back to your cabin.”

“Right.”

“What time was that again.”

“Ten o’clock, maybe a little after.”

“When did you give him the aspirin.”

“Shortly after we got to the cabin. Probably around 10:15 PM.”

“I submit to you, Mrs. Swenson, that the pills you gave your husband were digitalis; not aspirin.”

“Why, that’s absurd. I know the difference between two digitalis and two aspirin.”

“Precisely, Mrs. Swenson, precisely.”

Silence. Twenty-five seconds later, Vivian spoke. “I did not give him any digitalis. I gave him aspirin.”

Agent Anderson leaned forward to within 15 inches of Vivian, looked at her square on, eyeball to eyeball. “Vivian. There was an overdose of digitalis in your husband’s body. Close to the equivalent of two of his pills. Additionally, there were two more, almost intact digitalis in his stomach. And no trace of aspirin whatsoever. Vivian — for whatever reason — you murdered your husband.”

Vivian, with sobs, “I did not. I did not murder my husband. I loved my husband. I can’t believe you’re accusing me of such a thing. I loved Jim.”

“The toxicology doesn’t lie. If not you, then who.”

“I — I need a drink.”

“I’ll pour you a glass of water,” Montague said. He got up and poured Vivian a glass of water from the pitcher that was in the middle of the conference table.

“I don’t want to talk anymore,” Vivian said.

“Very well,” Agent Anderson said. “Detective Montague needs to talk to you about your husband’s body.”

“Yes,” Montague said. “Your husband is being stored, that is, he is resting in the forensic mortuary in central London, called the Iain West Forensic Suite. However, you don’t need to go there to make arrangements for transport of your husband back to the United States. You merely need to contact a local funeral home.”

“Here, Mrs. Swenson,” Agent Anderson said, “is a list of three funeral homes the US Embassy here in London uses most often. The embassy has agreements with some of the airlines which may help you hold down the cost of transporting your husband. The three are listed on this sheet with their phone numbers and addresses. The embassy, of course, assumes no responsibility or liability for the quality of their services.”

“Am I free to go,” Vivian asked.

“You are, Mrs. Swenson,” Agent Anderson said.

“Your luggage,” Detective Montague said, “along with Mr. Rawlings’ luggage is with the desk sergeant on the first floor. I will escort you and Mr. Rawlings down there. Various forms of transportation are available virtually right outside this building. If you’re ready, we’ll gather up Mr. Rawlings and head for the first floor.”

“I’m ready.”

“Good day, Mrs. Swenson,” Agent Anderson said. “We’ll be in touch.”

Chapter 61

Sunday, May 8, 12:45 PM

After Detective Sargent Montague and Officer Baker had escorted Vivian and Duke to the first floor lobby of Scotland Yard, Montague rejoined Agent Anderson, who had remained in the seventh floor conference room. As Montague and Baker walked into the conference room, Montague and Anderson looked straight at each other and said, almost in unison, “She’s guilty.”

“There are warm, loving, caring women,” Anderson said, “and there are cold, calculating, heartless winches, and every kind in between.”

“She fits nicely in with the cold, calculating, heartless type,” Montague said.

“Precisely.”

“The more I work with you agent Anderson, the more British you sound. Are we Brits rubbing off on you.”

“Indubitably.”

“Bravo. I hope you’re getting hungry. Baker went down the street to fetch some sandwiches and drinks.”

“Good.”

“So, where do you go from here — with Mrs. Swenson.”

“We did about all we could on this end. Now it’s going to be up to the boys and girls in the Washington DC field office. They are going to have to pick up the ball and run with it. I’ve already alerted them, and told them what we have so far. As soon as I write my report regarding today’s interview, I’ll send that off. Then it’s up to them. They probably haven’t assigned a case agent yet, but they will. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they farm it out to the Denver field office, since Mrs. Swenson lives near there, in Golden, Colorado.”

“It will be interesting to —. Ah, Baker with our vittles. What did you get us, Baker?”

“Fish and chips with Coca-Cola.”

“Well done Baker,” Montague said. British fish and chips with American Coca-Cola.”

Anderson pulled his wallet out. I’ll buy. It’s the least I can do for all the help you’ve given.”

“Nonsense,” Montague said. “Hold on to your money. This is a working lunch. I think the Crown can foot the bill. Make sure you voucher it Baker.”

“Righto,” Baker said. “And, by the way, I did have a chat with Mrs. Swenson’s friend, Duke Rawlings.”

“Good job. And what did you learn,” Montague asked.

“After a little idle chitchat, I tried to ease into inquiring about him and his relationship with Mrs. Swenson. Here’s the business card he gave me.” Baker handed the card to Montague. After looking at it he handed it to Anderson.

“That’s an odd card,” Anderson said.

“Isn’t it though,” Montague replied. “It just says, ‘AVALIABLE,’ in big bold letters, and then has his name, address, email, and phone number at the bottom.”

“We already knew that Duke Rawlings lives in Denver,” Anderson said, “thanks to Mr. Hunter Kingsley from the cruise ship. That is, Kingsley and his surveillance team.”

“I believe they called themselves, ‘Hunter’s Marauders,’” Montague said.

“Yes,” Anderson said. “Thanks to him and his marauders, we know that Mrs. Swenson and Mr. Rawlings are not the casual friends they attempted to portray. They are romantically involved in every sense of the word.”

“She seems to have taken, ‘till death do us part,’ to the letter,” Montague said.

“And we know that Mr. Rawlings is a player,” Anderson said.

“Apparently, Montague added, “a player in every sense of the word, judging from his business card.”

“So now we have the Denver address for Mr. Rawlings,” Anderson said. “And we know where Mrs. Swenson lives; in a house in the mountains just outside of Golden, Colorado. As I recall, Golden and Denver are only a few miles apart. It will be interesting to see if their shipboard romance continues beyond the cruise. That is, it will be interesting for, most likely, the Denver field office to find out.”

“And,” Montague injected, “you said Mr. Hunter Kingsley thinks Mrs. Swenson stands to come into a sizable amount of money from her husband’s death.”

“He said he talked to a lady on the ship — one of Mrs. Swenson’s friends — that told him there was a $2 million life insurance policy on Mr. Swenson. Another thing for the Denver field office to look into.”

“I wonder if Mr. Rawlings knows about that.” Montague asked.

“Maybe. But even if he doesn’t — a guy like that — can smell it.”

“Mrs. Swenson,” Montague said, “you’d better mind your back.”

No one said anything for a spell, as the three crime fighters finished their English/American lunch.

“Oh, I’m sorry Baker,” Montague said, “I guess we got a little sidetracked with that strange business card. What else did you learn from your chat with Mr. Duke Rawlings.”

“What I learned all boils down to what you two already know. He’s a player. He said he’s had his ups and downs, but he’s learned to always look for the opportunity in every situation.”

“I think he found a big opportunity on the cruise ship,” Anderson said. “I second the warning. Watch your back Vivian Swenson.”

Chapter 62

Sunday, May 8, 12:45 PM

As Vivian and Duke walked out the main entrance to Scotland Yard with their bags in tow, Duke turned to Vivian. “Vivian, you seem flustered. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What happened up there. What did they do to you.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m fine. I’m just shaken up a bit. That FBI agent out right accused me of murdering my husband.”

“What. He died in his sleep of heart failure. Right? You said that’s what the ship’s doctor said.”

“That’s right. I think it’s that guy that harassed Jim. He put them up to it. He’s trying to get back at me. He hated Jim, and he hates me.”

“Well, here. First things first. It’s almost one o’clock. Let’s find a pub, have lunch and have a drink.”

“A drink sounds good.”

“Okay. Being London, there should be a pub on just about every corner. I’m going to say we had this way,” as Duke pointed basically north.

The pair had not gone more than a few yards when Vivian stopped and asked someone for directions to a good pub. It was a bit of a walk, but when they arrived at ‘The Feathers’ pub on Broadway, they were pleased. The lunch hour had peaked, and a few people were leaving. They found a table in a cozy little corner with enough room to accommodate their luggage. First things first, of course, and they each ordered a pint. Vivian ordered a pint of Morland Old Speckled Hen, and Duke a pint of Wychwood Hobgoblin.

“Where do they come up with these names,” Vivian asked.

“I don’t know.” Duke answered. “Let’s hope the brews taste better than they sound.”

“I’m so glad we came here. I feel better already.”

“You didn’t murder your husband, did you?”

“No, of course not. I couldn’t do a thing like that. Not to anyone. Especially not to Jim. We loved each other. We had our differences, but we loved and respected each other. You don’t think I could do something like that, do you?”

“No. But I had to ask again. So, why does the FBI agent even think your husband was murdered. What’s their evidence. What’s their proof.”

“It’s the autopsy they did on Jim. Agent Anderson said the report showed a bit more digitalis — that was Jim’s main heart medication — in his body than his normal dosage.”

“So.”

“So, too much of that medication can be a real problem. It could even cause death.”

“That seems strange.”

“Well, Jim’s cardiologist told us, way back when, it’s that way with a lot of things. Too much of even a good thing can be bad. He said people have even died drinking too much water.”

“So, he must have accidentally overdosed on his medication. Maybe that was a contributing factor, but he was 75 years old with a serious heart condition. He just croaked. End of story. The FBI’s got nothing. If they had something they would have arrested you.”

“Yes, I guess that’s true.”

“Sure it is. Now, let’s forget about agent what’s his name, and detective so and so, and the guy who harassed your husband, and enjoy our time together. What do you say to that.”

“Yes. I’m forgetting about the whole thing right now. And here comes something that will help; our waitress with two beers with funny names.”

“Here you are,” Fran the waitress said, “a pint of Speckled Hen for the lady, and a pint of Hobgoblin for the gentleman.”

“Thank you,” Vivian said.

“Yes, thank you,” Duke said. “Do you take US dollars. We didn’t get any pounds before we left the cruise ship.”

“We do,” Fran said. “Or, you can pay by credit card.”

“Good.”

“You’ll find that most places in Britain take American money, especially in the cities. You might find a few places out in the countryside that only take pounds. Do you want to pay now, or do you want to run a tab.”

“Run a tab,” Duke said. We want to order lunch in a few minutes, but first we need to check out these beers. First things first you know.”

“Well put,” Fran said.

“A quick question,” Vivian said.

“Yes.”

“A lot of odd names for the beers. And even the name of the pub, ‘The Feathers,’ I just wonder how — or why —.”

“You wonder why we Brits have so many quaint names for things,” Fran said.

“Yes.”

“That’s a good question,” Fran said. I’m not a native. I’m a transplant. I’ve asked that same question myself a number of times. I’ve never gotten a straight answer. I’ll check back in a few minutes.”

Duke lifted his pint to Vivian, “cheers.”

Vivian did likewise and they each took a swig. “Different, but tastes good,” Vivian said.

“Hits the spot,” Duke said.

“Speaking of a spot, I’ll have to stay here in London tonight for sure, and more likely two nights, before flying back to Colorado. And I’ll have to go to a funeral home, probably tomorrow, and make arrangements for Jim to fly back also. What are your plans Duke.”

“I made no plans for after the cruise. I usually like to fly by the seat of my pants, so to speak. But what I’d like to do, if it’s all right with you, is to hang in here with you.”

“Are you serious Duke. You really want to stay with me.”

“Yep. I’d like to.”

“Oh Duke, that’s wonderful. I’d love for you to hang in with me.”

“Okay. Let’s do it. Let’s hang together.”

“I’m so excited. Now I’m really looking forward to the next couple of days.”

“Me too,” Duke said.

“So, you didn’t make any hotel reservations for here in London?”

“Nope.”

“Airline reservations to fly back to Denver?”

“Nope.”

“Well, Jim and I did. We made reservations at the Belgrave Hotel for tonight and tomorrow night. And we made airline reservations to fly back to Denver on Tuesday. I’d bet we could substitute you in place of Jim on the reservation.”

“I think it can be done.”

“So that’s fine with you. We’ll stay two nights in London, and then fly home on Tuesday.”

“I like it. Now let’s order some lunch and then see some sights.”

Duke and Vivian ate lunch, checked in at the Belgrave Hotel, saw some sights, and then went on a dinner cruise on the Thames. The next day they went to one of the three funeral homes recommended by the US Embassy, and Vivian had her husband cremated. She was told her husband’s remains would be ready for pick up the next morning. She told them, ”Just mail him.” She and Duke then had lunch at the St. Stephen’s Tavern on Bridge Street, a block or two from the Churchill War Rooms, their next sightseeing stop.

Chapter 63

Monday, May 9, around noon

“There it is, up ahead,” Tim Harman said, “St. Stephen’s Tavern.”

“Righto old chap,” Hunter Kingsley said. He then turned his head back and told his wife Sue, and Jenny Harmon, who were trekking behind their husbands, “St. Stephen’s dead ahead.”

“Okay,” Sue said.

As the two couples entered the tavern and looked around, Sue said, “Your 10 o’clock Hunter.”

Hunter looked and said, “Tally Ho. Let’s all steer to the right and see if we can find an empty table.”

“There’s one,” Tim said. “The people are just getting up to leave.”

“Good, let’s grab it,” Hunter said.

As the two couples started to take their seats, Jenny asked, “What was the 10 o’clock and Tally Ho stuff about back there.”

“Our friends, Vivian and the Duke,” Sue said. “That was them, wasn’t it Hunter.”

“Definitely.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jenny said. “I never dreamed we’d run into them roaming around London.”

“Not too unusual, I guess,” Tim said. “We’ve already seen a few other people we recognize from the ship, this morning and yesterday.”

“I almost feel we should go over and say hello to them,” Jenny said.

“Leave me out,” Hunter said. “She’d probably start throwing cups and saucers at me.”

“She’d probably start throwing stools and tables at you,” Sue said.

“Speaking of our two friends around the corner,” Hunter said, “before we left the hotel this morning, I got a call from —.”

“Hello, I’m Stephanie, your waitress. I’ll get someone over here to clear off the table for you, and I’ll bring some menus. In the meantime, can I get you anything to drink.”

“Two iced teas for us,” Tim said.

“I would like to have a typical English beer,” Hunter said.

“There are quite a few typical English beers,” Stephanie said.

“Do you have a recommendation,” Hunter asked.

“Light or dark.”

“Light.”

“I’ll bring you a Watneys. Pint or half pint.”

“Half pint.”

“Half pint of Watneys for me to,” Sue said.

“Great. I’ll be back shortly with your drinks.”

“You were about to tell us about a phone call Hunter,” Jenny said.

“Yes. I got a phone call from FBI agent Tyler Woods, the guy that interviewed me on the ship a week ago Sunday, the first time we docked in Southampton. He said agent Anderson and Scotland Yard detective Montague met Vivian Swenson and Duke Rawlings as they were departing the ship yesterday, and drove them to Scotland Yard for a further interview with Mrs. Swenson.”

“Really,” Tim said. “They must definitely suspect her in the death of her husband.”

“They do. The autopsy of her husband revealed a definite overdose of his heart medication digitalis. Woods said the medical examiner ruled the cause of Dr. Swenson’s death was by massive fibulation of the heart; mainly caused by digitalis overdose. And get this; there were two digitalis pills in Dr. Swenson’s stomach virtually undissolved.”

“What’s the significance of that,” Tim asked.

“The medical examiner said it means those two pills were ingested shortly before he died. It’s highly unlikely Dr. Swenson himself would, or even could, at that point, take them, according to the ME. The obvious conclusion is that someone else gave him the pills. And, according to his wife’s statements, she was the only one with him after they left the party that night.”

“I guess they didn’t arrest her,” Jenny said, “since she’s sitting around the corner.”

“No. Some decent circumstantial evidence, but not enough to convict.”

“What about the insurance money Vivian stands to gain,” Tim asked. “The FBI knows about that, right. You told them.”

“They know about that,” Hunter said, “but it hasn’t happened yet. She hasn’t filed a claim for it yet. She could say she didn’t even know about the insurance policy.”

“She told people she’s going to come into some money,” Sue said.

“That could be from anywhere,” Hunter said. “If it’s true, it could be from an insurance policy. Or, it could be from her new friend Duke. It can also be her fabrication or wishful thinking. No, Woods said that Anderson pushed Vivian about as hard as he could, without her clamming up and asking for an attorney. They’ve done about all they can here. Anderson is sending everything they have to the FBI’s Washington field office, which would normally take over. However, he said that the Washington field office will probably have the Denver field office take over, since Vivian lives in nearby Golden, Colorado.”

“So,” Tim said, “the FBI and Scotland Yard picked Vivian up right from the ship and took her to London. Kind of sounds like a borderline arrest.”

“Picked her and Duke both up, before they even stepped off the ship. And Duke’s not even a suspect,” Hunter said.

“How could they do that,” Sue asked. “How could they take them into custody, without it being an arrest. Seems like they could get into some sort of legal trouble doing that.”

“All I know is how Woods described it: the fine art of finesse. He said Anderson is good at it. Calls it ‘finessing.’ She and Duke were free to go at any time, even though they might not have felt like they were. Anderson had their big bags in the trunk of the waiting car to take them to London, no charge. Why would you turn that down in lieu of paying a taxi with all the associated hassle. Vivian was supposed to go to London anyway to claim her husband’s body and arrange for his transport back to the United States. And while in London, why not answer a few innocent questions the FBI might have.”

“Finessing. What a useful skill that can be,” Tim said.

“We women do that all the time, don’t we Sue.”

“I plead the fifth.”

“Yes,” Tim said. “Jenny uses a number of techniques that could be considered finessing. For example, ‘do you want to go out for dinner tonight or tomorrow night.’ I’m thinking, ‘I don’t want to go out for dinner either night.’”

“So how does that usually turn out,” Hunter asked.

“We go out for dinner, but I get to choose which night.”

“You got finessed,” Hunter said.

“It’s more like snookered,” Tim said.

“Let’s get off the subject of how we women get things done with our men,” Sue said. “A lot of that is classified information. Let’s talk about this eating establishment and why it is called St. Stephen’s.”

“We can ask our waitress, because here she comes with drinks and menus,” Jenny said.

“And, it looks like our dear friends, Vivian and Duke, are leaving,” Sue said. Turn away from her Hunter, in case she looks this way.”

“Okay. Let me know when they’re gone.”

“Sorry for the delay,” Stephanie said. I tried to get back here right away, but had to do a little errand first. Here are your drinks — two iced teas and two half pint Watneys.”

“They’re gone,” Sue said.

“What’s that,” Stephanie asked.

“Oh, nothing,” Sue said. “I was just saying something to my husband. Stephanie, we were curious. We are interested in the history of the Tavern. It’s called St. Stephen’s, and in the Bible, Stephen was the first martyr. That’s why we picked this place to have lunch. We thought there might be some sort of connection to Stephen the martyr.”

“I don’t know anything about that. There is a bit of history on the back of the menu, but I don’t think it mentions anything about the Bible.”

“Okay. Thank you, Stephanie.”

“I will give you a few minutes to check the menus, and come back and take your order.”

“Well here it is,” Sue said, looking at the back of the menu. “I’ll synopsize. The pub was established around 1750 as the Swan hotel. It was demolished in 1868 to build Westminster tube station, and the pub license transferred to the present site at 10 Bridge St. In 1886 it was rebuilt and renamed St. Stephen’s Tavern. It is just across the road from the Clocktower at the North end of the House of Parliament, and the Tavern name apparently lies in the mistaken belief that the tower was named St. Stephen’s tower. The tower contains the bell known as Big Ben. The tower has recently been renamed the Elizabeth tower in honor of Queen Elisabeth the second and her 60 years on the throne. There you have it.”

“Well, I believe that somehow, in some convoluted way, the Tavern’s name is derived from Stephen the martyr,” Tim said.

“I wonder how Stephen feels about that, looking down from heaven,” Jenny said.

“He’s probably saying to everyone here, ‘Drink up everyone, I’ll see some of you later,’” Hunter said.

Chapter 64

Hunter and Susan Kingsley, along with Timothy and Jenny Harmon, walked out of St. Stephen’s Tavern after finishing their lunch, and headed for the Churchill War Rooms. It was a short walk, and they arrived a few minutes later, at 1:40 PM. At 6:15 PM the four emerged from the World War II underground complex of rooms.

“That was amazing,” Hunter said. “I’m a World War II history buff, and this is a must see for a buff like me. In fact, the whole Battle of Britain saga amazes me.”

“Me too,” Tim said. If it weren’t for Britain coming through, it undoubtedly would be a whole different world today.”

“What about you ladies,” Hunter asked. “What did you to think about the underground bunker Winston Churchill used to fight World War II from.”

“It was so much better than I thought it would be,” Jenny said. I really liked the personal stories and touches that were told about some of the people who worked down there.”

“I’m not normally that interested in history,” Sue said, “but that was captivating. We were there for well over four hours, and I could have stayed even longer. There were things that we quickly passed by that I could have spent more time with.”

“Well, it’s good that we quickly passed by the Switch Room café,” Jenny said.

“I don’t think any of us were hungry or thirsty at that time, but why was that,” Sue asked.

“Because I’m pretty sure I saw Vivian and Duke in there.”

“Really,” Sue said. “We just can’t seem to get away from them, can we.”

“I guess they’re doing the tourist thing to,” Tim said.

“Apparently so,” Hunter said. “Say, is anyone getting hungry. We all have morning flights tomorrow, so we shouldn’t eat too late tonight.”

“Well, I’m game,” Tim said.

“Me too.”

“Ditto.”

“Okay,” Hunter said. “I have a suggestion regarding a very nice place to have our last dinner in London, before heading home tomorrow.”

“Do tell old boy,” Tim said.

“The Royal Automobile Club. It’s a great restaurant. I searched London restaurants online before we left home. It might be a little pricey, but, what the hey, it’s our last night in town. We might have to sell our house when we get home to pay for the meal, but from what I read about this place, it would be worth it.”

“What do you think Jenny,” Tim asked. “Can we do it. Did you bring every one of our credit cards.”

“Let’s go. As Jack said, it’s our last night in town.”

“Hey,” Sue said, “nobody asked me.”

“So, what do you think,” Hunter asked. “You know, you only go around once type thing.”

“That’s from a beer commercial,” Sue said.

“Beer commercials can have wisdom,” Hunter said.

“But I like our house. I don’t want to have to sell it just to pay for a meal.”

“Come on Sue, we can always get another house.”

“Oh, all right. I don’t want to be a spoilsport.”

“Now you’re talking.”

“Do you know where this place is Hunter,” Tim asked.

“As I recall, it’s on a cigarette street, but I’ll have to ask someone.”

“Asked that gentleman over there.” Tim said.

“Okay,” Hunter said. “I’ll be right back.”

A minute later. “What did he say, Hunter,” Tim asked.

“He said it’s on Pall Mall.”

“Where’s that,” Tim asked.

“He gave me directions. Everybody follow me. It’s not all that far.”

“That man gave you a funny look,” Sue said.

“Are you sure. I didn’t see him give me a funny look.”

“Why would he give you a funny look Hunter,” Sue asked.

“I don’t think he did.”

“He did,” Sue said.

“Well, I think we’re going to like this place. Follow me.”

Ten minutes or so later, the four fearsome adventurers stopped in front of a massive stone building at 89 Pall Mall. As they approached the entrance, the doorman, dressed in a knee length Royal green coat with gold braids on the sleeves and front of the coat, green pants, and a matching Royal green top hat, tipped his hat and addressed the tourists. “How may I be of service to you.”

“The four of us would like to dine at your fine establishment,” Hunter said.

“I’m afraid the dress code is in effect,” the doorman said. “However, I’m sure we can accommodate, as the hat check lady has an array of clothes to change into for just such an emergency. May I see your club card, sir.”

“Club card,” Hunter asked.

“Yes, your club card, sir. One of you must be a member.”

“I’m not sure I understand. We just want to have dinner. This is the Royal Automobile Club restaurant, is it not.”

“Indeed sir. This is the Royal Automobile Club, and we do have very fine restaurants. However, one of you must be a member in order to use any of the facilities.”

“Facilities?”

“The restaurants, lounges and bars, meeting rooms, library, sports facilities, Turkish baths, squash courts, treatment rooms, swimming pool, billiards room, along with —.”

“Hold on sir,” Hunter said. “I looked up good London restaurants on the Internet, and this place was listed. It didn’t say anything about having to be a member.”

“Your Internet search was correct sir, in that we do have very fine restaurants and private dining facilities, but, I’d have to say, negligent in not mentioning the required club membership.”

“Sir, are there any good public restaurants that are walking distance from here that you could recommend,” Sue asked.

“Yes, of course. I think you’ll find ‘The Balcon’ to your liking. It has a four and a half out of five star rating, same as ours. It is a little further up the street. We’re at 89 Pall Mall. The Balcon is at 8 Pall Mall. Enjoy your dinner.”

After the foursome had walked a few paces away from the doorman, all but Hunter burst out into uncontrollable laughter. After a few seconds, Hunter smiled, then joined in on the laughter.

“Hey Hunter”, Tim said between laughs, “when we get back home, let’s all go out to dinner at the AAA, you know, the Automobile Association of America. I hear they have some wonderful cuisine.”

“Yes,” Jenny said, “I understand their lobster bisque is just out of this world.”

“You two shouldn’t be so hard on Hunter,” Sue said. “We eat at AAA all the time. But, of course, we are club members.”

“Yeah,” Hunter said. “I was there just before this trip and had a delicious bag of chips from their vending machine.”

The four friends did not have to walk much farther before they were at 8 Pall Mall and The Balcon restaurant.

“No doorman,” Sue said. That’s a good sign.”

“Still, better check and see if a membership is required,” Hunter said.

The four were seated, ordered, and over dinner discussed going home the next day.

“Are you two looking forward to getting back home tomorrow,” Sue asked Jenny and Tim.

“We are,” Jenny said. “We have thoroughly enjoyed this trip, but we’re always glad to get home.”

“Yes, I know,” Sue said. “It’s the same with us. Now, I know you said you live in the foothills north of Beale Air Force Base, were Hunter use to fly from, but exactly where. I didn’t think there was much up there.”

“We live in Lake Wildwood,” Jenny said. “It’s a community of homes around Lake Wildwood.”

“The name sounds familiar,” Sue said, “but I don’t know where that is, do you Hunter.”

“I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never been there. When I was flying out of Beale, I lived in Sacramento, and Folsom Lake and the Sacramento River is where my buddies and I did all of our water skiing.”

“It is sort of out in the middle of nowhere,” Tim said. Lake Wildwood is a little north of Penn Valley, which has a population of about 1600, and a little west of Rough and Ready, which has a population of about 1000 people. If you haven’t heard of either of those little towns, we are 10 to 11 miles west of Grass Valley and Nevada City, as the crow flies.”

“Okay,” Hunter said. “Of course we have been to Grass Valley and Nevada City, and I’m pretty sure we been too Rough and Ready. It’s just an old gold mining town, right.”

“Right,” Tim said “the western foothills of the Sierras are full of old gold mining towns, as I’m sure you know. And, in more recent years there’s been a bunch of people who want to get out of the bigger cities; Sacramental and San Francisco; actually, the whole bay area, and move up there.”

“That’s right,” Hunter said. “And also you’ve got vineyards popping up all over in the same foothills. People with some money wanting to have their own vineyard and bottle their own wine.”

“You’re right,” Tim said. Some of the wineries in the foothills have been there a long time, even before Napa and Sonoma valleys started having wineries. But in the last few years, wineries have been popping up all over the Sierra foothills.”

“Speaking of wineries,” Sue said, “didn’t Bob and Marcy Wingate say they live on a vineyard.”

“They did say that,” Jenny said. I’m not sure I quite understand their exact situation. They seemed to indicate that they live on the vineyard property, but they don’t have anything to do with the operation of the vineyard or the making of the wine.”

“It’s too bad they had to fly back as soon as they got off the ship, or we could ask them more about it,” Sue said.

“They did invite the four of us over to their winery, when we get back, anytime,” Sue said.

“I wouldn’t mind doing that,” Hunter said.

“Yes,” Jenny said. “We have to have a meeting of Hunters Marauders soon after we get back.”

“Also,” Tim said, “you and Sue, along with the Wingate’s, have an open invitation to our house at any time. We are right on the lake with a boat and an infinity pool. The community also has an 18-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, several beaches, and a number of walking trails.”

“Sounds like a great place,” Hunter said.

“Where exactly do you Kingsley’s live in Sacramento,” Jenny asked.

“Well,” Hunter said, “we certainly don’t live on a lake or at a winery.”

“We’re so sorry,” Jenny said. “We didn’t intend to flaunt our good fortune in any way. We have truly been blessed in many ways, including our house. But the greatest blessing is to be able to make friends with wonderful people like you two. If Tim sounded like he was bragging at all, I’m sure he didn’t intend to.”

“No, absolutely not,” Tim said. “If we had to choose between our house and a few good friends, we would take the friends over the house in a heartbeat. But since we have the house and a few good friends, we want to share our house with those friends every chance we get.”

“That’s so sweet,” Sue said. “And we love our house too, and also know that we’ve been blessed. We live on the north-west part of Sacramento and have access to a community clubhouse, swimming pools, gym, library, pool tables, a restaurant and a pub, and lots of different clubs. We would also love to have you two and the Wingate’s over any time. We have a guest room and a hid-a-bed in the den, so we can accommodate overnight guests.”

“Yeah,” Hunter said. “It’s not a bad little place. And it’s only seven minutes from Sacramento international Airport going one way, and seven minutes from downtown Sacramento, and some pretty good restaurants, going the other way. The proximity to the airport comes in handy for all the traveling we do.”

“Sounds like we can take turns visiting and even staying at each other’s houses,” Tim said.

“That’s great,” Hunter said.

“I’m sorry we have to part ways tomorrow,” Sue said, “but I’m so jazzed that we met you guys and the Wingate’s, and am really jazzed that we all live relatively close to each other, and will be continuing our friendships.”

“Me too,” Jenny said. “Speaking of tomorrow, our flight back home leaves early in the morning out of Heathrow. And, I think you guys said that you are flying out of Gatwick to JFK, and are visiting Hunter’s brother and his family for a few days, before going back to Sacramento.”

“That’s right,” Hunter said. My brother and his wife live in the Poconos in Pennsylvania, and we always try to visit with them whenever we can.”

“Well, we’ll be going our separate ways in the morning,” Sue said, “so we’ll say our goodbyes tonight, before leaving the restaurant. But, I don’t really feel it’s goodbye at all; more like, ‘see you soon.’”

“Me too.”

“Me also.”

“And me.”

Chapter 65

Wednesday, May 11

Duke Rawlings and Vivian Swenson flew out of Gatwick Airport, London direct to JFK airport in New York, arriving at 8:00 AM, almost on the dot. After going through immigration and customs, they boarded a plane direct to Denver. These were the return flights Vivian had booked for her and her husband, before the cruise. She knew Jim would not be returning, but also knew she had to plan everything as if he were. Duke was the bonus addition to her plan. As Vivian and Duke walked hand-in-hand toward their baggage claim carousel, Vivian’s BFF, Yvonne Davies, spotted Vivian and started waving and calling her name. As soon as Vivian saw Yvonne, she broke away from Duke and raced to give her best friend a big hug.

“Oh, Vivian, I am so glad to see you.”

“And I am glad to see you. You look fantastic.”

“And you as well. The cruise was obviously good for you. You look so vibrant and refreshed.”

Duke approached the two best friends. “Yvonne,” Vivian said, “I want you to meet Duke. Duke, this is my best friend Yvonne.”

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“Likewise, I’m sure.” Yvonne’s eyes fluttered and the two shook hands. After the handshake, Yvonne stood for a second looking at Duke before she could turn toward Vivian. “My car is close by in the short-term parking structure. I could go get it and drive up to the curb and pick you two up.”

“We’ll walk,” Duke said. “That would be too much of a hassle for you to get your car and drive back around to pick us up.”

“Okay.”

Vivian and Duke retrieved their checked bags from the carousel, and followed Yvonne to her car. Duke loaded the luggage in the trunk and started to climb in the back seat.

“You’d better sit in front Duke,” Vivian said, “you’d be cramped in the back.”

“You sure Viv. I figured you two want to talk, and it’s kind of hard from the back seat.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll manage, won’t we Yvonne.”

“That’s for sure. We don’t have to be sitting across from each other to talk.”

“Well, thank you both,” Duke said. “It will feel good to stretch my legs a little.”

“How tall are you Duke,” Yvonne asked.

“Generally, about 6’3”. I think it varies a little.”

After the three of them were seated in the car, Yvonne looked across at Duke and asked, “Where to.”

“My apartment over in the Lakewood area.”

Yvonne started the car and drove away from the airport, toward Lakewood. “I’m somewhat familiar with the Lakewood area,” Yvonne said. “My husband and I lived a little north of their until we got divorced. Now I live in an apartment in Golden.”

“I like Golden,” Duke said. It’s a nice little town.”

“Yeah, we do to,” Vivian said, “don’t we Yvonne. Yvonne and I and some of our other girlfriends meet in Golden for lunch and drinks about every two weeks.”

“Where do you gals usually meet.”

“Sometimes the pizza place,” Yvonne said, “sometimes the Bridgewater Grill, but most often we meet at the Buffalo Rose.”

“We’ve met at Indulge Bristow and Wine Bar too, a few times,” Vivian said, “but our definite favorite is the Rose.”

“I’m familiar with those places,” Duke said. “But I agree, the Buffalo Rose is a lot of fun.”

“So, Duke,” Yvonne asked, what’s your story. You ever been married.”

“A couple of times. Neither one worked out that well. So, now I cruise once in a while, among other things.”

“Show her your card, sweetie,” Vivian said.

Duke pulled one of his business cards out his wallet and held it up for Yvonne to glance over and see.

“Available,” Yvonne said, reading the card. “That’s all, just, ‘available.’”

“Well, it’s got my name, phone number, and email address in the lower right.”

“Available. That could be taken in a number of different ways,” Yvonne said.

“Sure it can,” Duke said. “That’s the point. What do you need. What do you want. Tell me and will see. I can do some things well, and some things not so well, but, I’m available.”

“I’m afraid to ask anything more about what you do,” Yvonne said.

“Ask away. I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. You need your house painted. I can do that. You need to be driven somewhere. I can do that. You need dance lessons. I can do that too.”

“What I’m afraid of,” Yvonne said, “is: ‘you need a murder committed. I could do that.’”

“That’s never come up before.”

“That’s what I’m saying. ‘Available’ could be taken a lot of different ways.”

“Well, I try to stay on the up and up. There’s no need to stoop that low when you’re truly available. I’ve had some pretty interesting gigs, being available.”

“I’m sure you have. I’d like to hear about some of them some time. Maybe you could join Vivian and me at our next girls lunch outing.”

“Then it wouldn’t be a girl outing.”

“You could be a guest speaker. What do you think, Vivian.”

“That’s fine with me, if Duke would do it.”

“Sure he would. After all, he is available.”

The conversation drifted to other things, and, after a short while, Yvonne pulled up in front of Duke’s apartment.

“Not a bad looking complex,” Yvonne said.

“It fills a need,” Duke said.

Duke and Vivian got out of the car, hugged, and kissed each other goodbye. Duke retrieved his luggage from the trunk, walked up to his apartment complex, and disappeared inside. Vivian opened the door to the front of Yvonne’s blue/gray Ford Taurus and sat down in the passenger seat. Yvonne high-fived Vivian, hugged her, shook her by the shoulders, and, trying to keep her enthusiasm somewhat under control, exclaimed, “Way to go girl. You did all right. You got yourself a man there. I like your Duke. He is some kind of catch.”

“Yeah,” Vivian said, “I like him too. I like him a lot.”

“Well, where to. I’d like to buy you a drink somewhere, but I bet you’re a little too tired for that.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to feel it; the jet lag and all. If you don’t mind, I’d like to head straight for home. My home. It’s my home Yvonne. It’s all mine. I still can’t believe it.”

“You deserve it, sweetie. I’m happy for you. And you seem genuinely happy too.”

“I am. And Duke has helped a lot. If it weren’t for him, I think I would be feeling a ting of loneliness.”

“You just sit back and snooze if you want. We’ll have plenty of time to talk later.”

Vivian had already drifted off.

Chapter 66

Friday, May 13, Vivian’s bad day

At 8:01, Friday morning, May 13, Vivian’s cell phone rang. She answered. “Hello.”

“Hello, Vivian, this is Yvonne, are you all right.”

“Sure, I’m all right. Why do you ask.”

“Well, I tried to call you yesterday; several times; both your cell and your house phone, but no answer.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. You know, I was so tired yesterday — jet lag, exhaustion from running around London, and from Duke, that I slept most of the day.  I unplugged the house phones and muted my cell phone. I just now plugged the house phones back in, just a few minutes before you called. Just a sec, let me find my cell and turn the ring back on before I forget. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, I’m back. The cell phone was dead. I guess I forgot to put it on charge before I crashed Wednesday night. So, anyway, what’s new.”

“ Nothing much. Oh; there is something. Two FBI agents came to my door yesterday and wanted to talk to me about you! It caught me completely by surprise. I delayed them; didn’t let them in right away, and tried to call you. You didn’t answer, so I thought I’d better let them in. I mean, I didn’t know it was about you, until I had let them in. But I suspected it might be about you, that is, about Jim. I know you told me the FBI had talked to you. But I didn’t think they would come talk to me; at least not without a warning. I didn’t think they would just show up, out of the blue.”

“You didn’t tell them anything, right?”

“No, of course not.”

“Listen, maybe we shouldn’t be talking on the phone. Are you working today.”

“Yes. I have to.”

“What time you get off.”

“Five. I’ll be home at 5:15 or 5:20.”

“I’ll be at your apartment at 5:30.”

“Okay.”

“See you then.”

Vivian sat down and finished the cup of coffee she had poured just before Yvonne had called. She then made breakfast. As she was finishing breakfast, the doorbell rang. She put down her fork and went to the door. It was the mailman.

“Package for you ma’am. Please sign here.”

Vivian took the package inside. It was a US Postal Service Flat Rate Box, and looked to be about the size a basketball could fit it. The words, “Priority Mail Express,” were in various places on the box. On the top of the box and to one side were the words, “Cremated Remains.” It was her husband — what remained of him.

Vivian didn’t know what to do with the box. She started to set it down in the living room; tried the office; tried the family room. She finally set it down on a bench on the stone patio at the back of the house. Shaking, she went back inside. She poured herself another cup of coffee, sat down, and cried.

At 5:29 PM, Vivian knocked on Yvonne’s apartment door.

“Come in Vivian. I just got home five minutes ago. Let me change clothes and I’ll be with you. Want something to drink. Of course you do. Help yourself. You know where everything is.”

“Can I fix you something,” Vivian asked.

“Of course. What are you having.”

“The strongest drink you have.”

“I’ll have the same.”

Yvonne finished changing and came out to the living room. “So, what are we drinking.”

“Manhattan’s. Or, better put, my attempt at Manhattan’s.”

Glasses clinked and the two friends sampled their drinks. “Not bad,” Yvonne said.

“It’ll do,” Vivian said, as she took another sip of her Manhattan. “Jim’s back. At least, what remains of him.”

“What do you mean. I don’t quite understand.”

“I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but after the autopsy, I was able to have Jim cremated. I told the funeral home in London to mail his remains back to me. I said it more or less as a joke. I didn’t think you could mail something like that. Apparently, you can, because after I talked to you this morning, the mailman delivered Jim to my door, express mail.”

“Really. Well, I never thought about it. That you could do that. Send somebody’s remains through the mail.”

“Me neither, but, obviously you can. So, I don’t know what to do with him — it — the remains. Right now he’s sitting on the back patio — well, not sitting — the box is on a bench.”

“You can bury him; or put him in one of those little aboveground niches.”

“No, I really don’t want to do that. I think I want to just dump his ashes out somewhere.”

“Scatter them?”

“More like, dump them.”

“Scatter, or dump his ashes in the woods behind your house.”

“I don’t want him anywhere near the house. I don’t want to be reminded of him. Well, anyway, I’ll figure something out. So, what happened with the FBI. I never would have believed they would contact you. I wonder how they even knew about you. I never mentioned your name when they talked to me.”

“This is scary, Vivian. Are they watching you. Are they watching both of us. Do you think you are being followed.”

“No. I don’t think so. They know where I live. I told them that. They have interviewed me twice, but no dice. They may have their suspicions, but they have no proof.”

“Why would they even suspect you in the first place.”

“I’m not sure. It may be because the spouse is always a suspect.”

“But that’s only if foul play is suspected. Why do you think the FBI suspects foul play in Jim’s death.”

“There was a man on the ship that harassed Jim and me, and got downright belligerent at times. I think he had it in for us, and, when Jim died, I think he somehow got the FBI involved to further harass me. At least, that’s the only reason I can come up with. The ship’s doctor pronounced Jim dead from heart failure. The ship security interviewed me and didn’t seem to suspect anything. But, the day after Jim’s death, the ship’s doctor told me there was going to be an autopsy on Jim and that the FBI had ordered it.”

“Just who is this guy who had it in for you and Jim.”

His name is Hunter Kingsley I don’t know much about him other than the fact that he doesn’t believe in biological evolution.”

“Well, I’m not so sure I do either, but that’s beside the point. So, maybe this Hunter guy got the FBI to investigate your husband’s death, but, if there’s no evidence of foul play, so what.”

“During my second interview with the FBI, a week after the first one, they told me the autopsy revealed a strong possibility of foul play. They said the autopsy showed two partially used digitalis in Jim’s system at the time of his death, and two additional undissolved digitalis in his stomach. The two partially used digitalis could certainly have been taken by Jim, they said.”

“And they were, right?”

“They were.”

“However, they said, the two undissolved digitalis in his stomach strongly suggests that someone gave those to him just before his death. According to them, Jim could have conceivably taken the first two digitalis, but not the second two.

“So, you gave him four digitalis.”

“No. He actually took the first to himself. I tricked him into taking the first one, but he physically took it. Then he took the second one at dinner, about 20 minutes after the first, from the little pillbox he had in his pocket.”

“And you gave him two more after that, hours later.”

“Yes. I wanted to make sure. I think the first two would have done it. I mean, he was well on his way. But, I just had to make sure.”

“I understand. I probably would have done the same, if it were me. However, I can see why the FBI is suspicious. Two digitalis taken together. Heart patients know not to overdose. I hate to say this, but if they arrest you for Jim’s death, it will probably be because of those two pills. Giving him those two pills may have been your undoing.”

“Don’t say that Yvonne.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so blunt. But if it weren’t for pills three and four, the FBI would have nothing.”

“Well, you’re right. But it’s too late now. I had to make sure he was going to die. There must be some other way to explain the two undissolved digitalis.”

“There must be —.” How about this. You did give him the two later digitalis, but you thought they were aspirin. Didn’t you tell me before that you told your friends on the ship that you had given Jim aspirin for his headache.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Tell them that you thought you were giving Jim two aspirin, and you must have grabbed his digitalis bottle by accident.”

“I already tried that and it didn’t work. The autopsy shows no aspirin whatsoever in Jim’s system.”

“Too bad. I thought we were onto something there for a second. How is your drink doing.”

“Empty.”

“Mine too. Those were so good, if you don’t mind, why don’t you make two more just like the first two.”

“I don’t mind at all. Thanks for the compliment. When I return, I want to hear about your interview with the FBI.”

“Of course.”

When Vivian left for the kitchen, Yvonne reached down and turned off the recorder that was under the couch. A few minutes later, Vivian returned to the living room. “Two Manhattan’s made to order.”

“Excellent. And none too soon. I was starting to get a little parched.”

The two best friends raised their glasses to each other, and each took a sip.

“Better than the first,” Yvonne said.

“You think so.”

“I do. You should remember how you made these.”

“I will. I’ll try. Now, tell me about your visit with the FBI,” Vivian asked.

“Shortly after I got home from work yesterday, there was a knock at the door. It was two FBI agents. I told them I was in the middle of changing out of my clothes from work, and I asked them to give me a minute before I let them in. I got rid of my glass of wine and quickly tidied up the living room and kitchen. I then had them show their IDs, and invited them in. They both sat on the couch and I sat in the loveseat. I’ve got their cards right here in my purse. Agents George McDuff and Sharon Maloney, Federal Bureau of investigation, Denver Field Office. They seemed pleasant enough and said that I had been identified as an acquaintance of yours.”

“Did they say how they knew I was an acquaintance of yours.”

“No, they didn’t.”

“The more I think about it, the more I think they got my phone records and saw that I called your number frequently. Maybe they looked at my cell phone records and saw that you were about the only person I called while I was on the trip.”

“Are they allowed to do that without some sort of court order.”

“Apparently. unless they did get a court order.”

“That’s scary.”

“Well, maybe. Anyway, go on.”

“They told me they were looking into the death of your husband, and they just wanted to ask a few questions about you and him. Your relationship. Were you two were getting along. Did you two have any financial problems. Was he seeing another woman. Where you seeing another man. Did I know about any life insurance policies.”

“That’s getting kind of personal. What did you tell them.”

“Well, nothing. I mean, all good stuff. I told them you guys got along well, no financial problems. I told him that you were both semi-retired and doing these lecture cruises and seeing the world for next to nothing. I told them that I wished I could do something like that.”

“How did you answer the life insurance question.”

“I told them I had no idea. I said I didn’t know anything about personal stuff like that. I said that we were good friends, but I didn’t really know your husband that well. I said the friendship was mainly between you and me and a couple of other gals. That we occasionally all got together for lunch.”

“You told them about our other friends.”

“Well, I did. I just mentioned that there was a few of us gals that know each other and got together once in a while.”

“I wish you hadn’t told them that. They’ll probably try to find out their names too.”

“Well, yes. They asked me.”

“And you told them?”

“I felt I had to, otherwise I would sound evasive. I didn’t think that would be a good thing. I just told them names and phone numbers, no addresses.”

“And phone numbers?”

“Well, that wouldn’t look good. ‘Yeah, I have these friends, but I don’t know their phone numbers.’”

“That’s all right, I guess. They would have somehow gotten them anyway. I didn’t mean to sound upset, but it just galls me the way they question and prod, and before you know it, they have your whole life history. No harm done, I guess. They don’t know anything anyway. You’re the only one; and I mean, the only one, that I told anything to about wanting to get rid of Jim. As long as you don’t say anything; and I don’t slip up and say something I shouldn’t; we’re good. I’m good.”

“Believe me, you’re good. Your secret is safe with me.”

“I know. Did they ask anything else that I should know about. Did they say anything about Duke. Did they ask about him.”

“No.”

“Good. Not that it matters. He doesn’t know anything anyway.”

“So, are you and Duke going to be seeing each other now that the trip is over, or was that just a vacation fling.”

“From my end, it was more than just a fling. We’ll have to see how he feels about it. He had to go out of town for a few days, but said he wanted to get together as soon as he got back.”

“You’re not going to forsake me and the girls for Duke, are you.”

“No, no. I wouldn’t do that. We should set up a date for a gathering of the Golden girls very soon.”

“Like tomorrow, which is Saturday. It’s the best short notice day, since, unlike yourself, the rest of us work during the week.”

“That’s fine with me. How about the Buffalo Rose at 11:00 AM tomorrow.”

“Great. Let’s call the girls right now. I’ll call Charlotte and Madge, and you call Cindy and Liz.”

“Wait a second,” Vivian said. “Before we call, let’s set the stage. I’m still distraught over Jim’s sudden passing, but I did meet a gentleman a few days afterword who is helping me cope. And, he just happens to live here in Denver.”

“Gotcha. What about the FBI. You going to mention that.”

“No. If it comes up, I’ll pass it off as routine procedure in matters of this type.”

“Got it. You’re never going to tell them, are you.”

“Never.”

“Okay. Let’s make our calls.”

Chapter 67

Monday, May 16

“Good morning, World Life Insurance Company, how may I direct your call.”

“Claims department please.”

“One moment and I’ll connect you.”

“Claims department, Bib Johnson speaking, how may I help you.”

“This is Vivian Swenson. My husband passed away a few days ago, and I believe he had a life insurance policy on himself, payable to me.”

“First of all, let me tell you Mrs. Swenson, that I am sorry for your loss. We all hope that we live forever, but that, fortunately, is never the case. Do you happen to have your husband’s policy number handy. And, of course, I’ll need his full name.”

“His name is James Todd Swenson. The policy number is WL267R79468.”

“Just a second Mrs. Swenson and I’ll pull that up. Ah, yes. Here it is. Wow, that’s a pretty big policy. Sorry. I’m used to seeing smaller amounts. Not that two million is unheard of — on an individual — well, anyway, you’ll have to excuse me. I’m relatively new here.”

“That’s okay.”

“Obviously you wish to file a claim.”

“Yes.”

“You’ll need to provide a certified copy of your husband’s death certificate, and any supporting documents regarding his death, such as an autopsy report, corners report, toxicology report, medical examiner’s report, police report, and anything else that would be relevant. You can send the documents to the Minneapolis address on your policy. In the meantime, a claims examiner will be assigned to help you with your claim. Within a few days of receiving your documents, you should get a call from the examiner.”

“Okay.”

“Now, before I let you go, let me just peruse the policy to see if there’s anything else I might need to tell you.” A few seconds later. “Oh, I see you’re just in time — I mean — it’s a 30-year term life policy due to expire a little less than six months from now. Still plenty of time, but I wouldn’t delay sending in those documents.”

“They’ll be in the mail today; express.”

“Very good Mrs. Swenson. Looking further, the payments are due on the first of each month. I don’t see any lapses in the payment history. Just as a precaution Mrs. Swenson, I’ve been told it’s a good idea to continue making those monthly payments during the payout process. After the policy payout is made, you can then file for a return of any payments you made after your husband’s death.”

“All right.”

“I don’t see anything else that I need to tell you about. Unless you have something else, I’ll bid you good day.”

“No. Nothing else.”

“Well, good day. And, again, sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. Goodbye.”

A few minutes later, Vivian’s phone rang again.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Mrs. Swenson?”

“Yes, this is Mrs. Swenson.”

This is Dr. Leonard Pataski from the University of Colorado. As you may recall, I took over as head of the biology department when your husband retired. I’m calling on behalf of everyone here at the University who knew and worked with Jim; especially those of us here in the biology department. We were all so saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. He was a good man; well loved and admired by most everyone here. I don’t want to keep you. I’m sure you’re very busy with the funeral arrangements and all.”

“Funeral arrangements?”

“Do let us know when and where you are having the funeral, or memorial service. We would all like to attend. You can call the University and have them put the information in my message box. Or, just email the school. Again, our heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your husband. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Vivian hung up the phone and said out loud to herself, “Drat. Now I have to have a da gone funeral.”

Ten minutes later the phone rang again.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Mrs. Swenson?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Dr. Horace Grinnell, I was conferring with Jim on the writing of his book. I am the president of the Denver chapter of the Biology Professors of America. As you know, Dr. Jim was a member. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to you Mrs. Swenson. I’m sure this is hard on you. The members here would like to pay their respect at his service.”

“How did you find out about his death.”

“Dr. Pataski at the University.”

“Well, thanks for calling Dr. Grinnell. I’ll let Dr. Pataski know the when and where of the funeral service. I’m sure he will relay the information to you.”

“Yes he will. Thanks again Mrs. Swenson. Good day.”

“Goodbye.” As she hung up the phone, Vivian told herself, out loud, “I suppose people are going to be calling all day about Jim’s death. I’ve got to get out of here.” She grabbed a certified copy of Jim’s death certificate along with the insurance policy, and drove to the post office in downtown Golden.

After mailing the death certificate, Vivian called Yvonne on her cell. “Hi Yvonne, this is Vivian. I’m in town. Can I meet you for lunch.”

“Sure, where.”

“You name it. Whatever’s convenient for you.”

“Okay. How about Woody’s Pizza at 12:30 PM.”

“See you then.”

Vivian window shopped until 12:15, then headed for Woody’s. Five minutes after being seated, Yvonne walked in.

“Decided to come down off the mountain and visit the working people?” Yvonne said.

“I had to get out of the house. I needed to come to the post office anyway, so here I am.”

“Good seeing you. It’s been a whole two days. So, what’s up. I sense something is going on.”

“I contacted the insurance agency Jim had the life insurance policy with, and made a claim. That’s why I was at the post office; to mail the death certificate.”

“Good.”

And, by the way, I ordered our pizza to split, just before you got here. I know your lunch hour it doesn’t last long.”

“That’s true, it’s a little flexible, but thanks for getting our order going.”

“The other thing is, I started getting calls this morning from Jim’s old colleagues. Colleagues from the University, and from other places. The biology community in greater Denver has obviously learned of Jim’s death. They’re all expecting a funeral.”

“It will have to be a memorial service,” Yvonne said. “A funeral is when you have a body. If nobody, then it’s a memorial service. Even if you have cremation remains present, it’s still a memorial service.”

“I didn’t want to have to do this.”

“I know. Not to worry. I’m going to help you. It won’t be all that hard to arrange.”

“Oh, thank you Yvonne. You’re a dear.”

“So, where do you want to have it — the memorial service.”

“How about right here in Golden.”

“Of course. Would you like it to be held in a church, or a funeral home, or some other place. It could even be outdoors.

“Outdoors. Outdoors would be great.”

“Then it’s wide open. There are so many places to have outdoor events in the greater Denver/Golden area, it will be hard to decide.

“You’re right. A place that comes to mind is the boat sure mansion just a few minutes from my house. I love its rustic beauty and events can be indoors or outdoors.”

“You’re right. I went to a wedding there a number of years ago. It’s an impressive place, and very private. It might be a little pricey, however.”

“If I get the insurance settlement right away, that won’t be a problem.”

“I hope you do get the settlement quickly, but, I wouldn’t bet the farm on. Knowing the insurance business, the way I do, I’d expect them to do a little foot dragging; especially with such a big payout. You’ll need to keep on top of them. Call them every couple of days. Make sure they’re working your settlement every day. Don’t let them put you on the back burner.”

“Thanks for the advice. I’m going to definitely keep on top of it. You know, having a memorial service may not be such a bad idea. There will be a number of Jim’s stuffy professor friends there, of course, but I think it could be made into a festive event. We Golden girls will be there. We’ll keep it upbeat and lively.”

“Sure. Well, kiddo, I better head back to work at the insurance office. What do I owe you for my half of the pizza and the iced tea.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s already been taken care of.”

“You sure.”

“My treat you helped me a lot this afternoon.”

“What are best friends for.”

“BFF. Best friends forever.”

Chapter 68

Wednesday, May 18

At 8:15, Wednesday morning, FBI agents George McDuff and Sharon Maloney found themselves in their major crimes squad leader’s office discussing the James Swenson case. Their squad leader, Jamaal Jenkins, wanted to discuss what they have against Swenson’s wife, Vivian, to see if there was enough evidence to present to the US attorney for an indictment.

“Okay you two firecrackers,” Jenkins, better known as JJ, said, lay it out for me. Tell me everything you have that proves, or at least indicates, that Vivian Swenson murdered her husband. And you know how I like it: bang, bang, bang; fact, after fact, after fact. Now give it to me.”

McDuff jumped in. “Okay, we’ve got dissatisfaction with the marriage on Vivian’s part.”

“Fact or conjecture,” JJ asked.

“Strong conjecture.”

“On whose part.”

“A fellow passenger on the ship who observed the couple quite a bit. Hunter Kingsley. He’s an ex Secret Service agent, among other things.”

“Okay, we’ll give him a point for credibility being that he was law-enforcement. What else.”

McDuff continued. “There’s James Swenson’s medical condition. He had heart problems and was taking a digitalis type drug for it. The thing about digitalis is that you need to take the prescribed dosage every day at the same time. It’s a timed-release thing. The prescribed dosage keeps your heart ticking just about right. Double or triple the dosage and the heart goes bonkers. It ticks way too much and usually results in a quick death. That’s a fact.”

“And,” JJ said.

“And, the autopsy report shows that four digitalis pills were ingested in short order. Two at about the same time, and the other two at about the same time, a few hours later. Fact.”

“Agent Maloney,” JJ said, “you chime in any time, if you want.”

“McDuff’s the case agent. I prefer to let him present. If he leaves out anything pertinent, I’ll be sure to chime in.”

“Very well.”

“Besides; that’s your policy isn’t it sir — that the case agent should present the case.”

“It is. Just checking. Didn’t want you to feel left out.”

“I don’t. I’m right here, backing up my partner.”

“Good,” JJ said. “So, we have a prescription drug overdose. Four times the prescribed dosage. More than enough to cause death. He could have accidentally overdosed himself with the second pill. That can happen. A person forgets. Doesn’t remember if he took his medication or not, so he takes the second pill. Especially if it’s medication that’s really important to take. Especially if his life depends on it. But four pills — no. You don’t forget something that important four times in the space of a few hours. I think a jury would be convinced, just on the surface of it, that someone gave him the overdose somehow. Maybe the person tricked him.”

“Someone close,” McDuff said. “Someone he trusted. Someone who had access to his medication. The medication that was kept in the cabin he shared with his wife.”

“Yes. An obvious overdose with the intent to cause death by an obvious individual: his wife. That’s the way we see it. But, of course, her defense attorney will come up with all kinds of cockamamie reasons and theories on why it wasn’t his wife, and why it wasn’t even an overdose. That’s what defense attorneys do. But I like it. A definite lethal overdose. That’s a good piece of forensic evidence. What else.”

“There’s the two million dollar life insurance policy on Swenson with his wife as the sole beneficiary.”

“For sure?”

“It’s a fact. It’s with World Life Insurance Company out of Minneapolis. She filed a claim for the money on Monday, May 16. Her claim is in process. And, get this; it’s a 30-year term policy due to expire in less than six months, just before Thanksgiving.”

“Bingo. Motive in capital letters,” JJ said. “Forget about means and opportunity. With a strong enough motive, people will come up with the means and the opportunity. Two million, eh. That’s too much insurance for a married man to have on himself. Every little disagreement the wife has makes her think about it – think about the money versus her husband.”

“You have to wonder if she would have murdered him if there were no insurance policy,” McDuff added.

“Nah. If no insurance policy, she would have just divorced him. Much more lucrative. What do you think Maloney.”

“People have murdered for pocket change. Two million would cause a lot of people to consider it.”

“Yep,” JJ said. “The poor guy was just thinking of his wife. Wanted her to be taken care of in case something happened to him. Well, he got his wish. Okay, what else. Anything else? Oh, just how did you two find out about the insurance.?

“Initially from Mr. Hunter Kingsley. It was in the report of agent Tyler Woods from the London office. He interviewed Hunter Kingsley. Kingsley had sort of a confidential informant — one of Vivian Swenson’s friends — clue him in on the fact that Mrs. Swenson was apparently going to come into a large sum of money. An insurance policy on her husband would fit that scenario quite nicely.”

“Okay,” JJ said. “So, you suspect a large life insurance policy on Mr. Swenson. How did you confirm that he had a policy, and how did you find out which insurance company. There’s over 600,000 insurance companies in the United States. Over 750 of them sell life insurance. And — there is no national database of life insurance policies. You can’t just punch in somebody’s name, birthdate and Social Security number and find out if they have a life insurance policy.”

“A little gumshoe work JJ,” McDuff said. “Mrs. Swenson and her friends weren’t forthcoming with any insurance information, but some of Mr. Swenson’s colleagues at the University of Colorado, up in Boulder, were quite helpful. A number of the professors there took out sizable life insurance policies a number of years ago with mostly one company: World Life Insurance out of Minneapolis. We then sent a request to the Minneapolis field office to pay a visit to World Life, and now we know all about professor Swenson’s Two million dollar policy, including the fact that Mrs. Swenson filed a claim for the payout on May 16.”

“Good work you two.”

“How do you know the number of insurance companies in the US, JJ,” Maloney asked. “Do you have a predilection for oddball statistics.”

“No. It was research for something else. Now, you two whiz kids have anything else.”

“An instant boyfriend,” McDuff said.

“Explain.”

“The day after she murdered her husband, she started hanging out with another guy on the ship. She spent the night with him that night; and the next night. The day after, the ship docked in Southampton and she was supposed to get off. Her new boyfriend had other ideas and arranged for her to spend the next seven days with him, in his cabin, as the ship made a few stops in Europe. The ship then returned to Southampton and Ken Anderson, from our London office, interviewed her a second time.”

“How do we know all this boyfriend stuff.”

“Hunter Kingsley.”

“Of course, are snoop on the sloop. Do we know anything about this guy. Not Kingsley, but the boyfriend guy.”

“His name is Duke Rawlings, and he lives right here in Denver. We have his address and phone number.”

“Have we interviewed him.”

“No, not formally.”

“In formally?”

“Yes, in a manner of speaking. An officer from the London Metro PD talked with him while our agent Anderson was interviewing Mrs. Swenson the second time. Just idle chitchat on the officer’s part; not an interview. He didn’t ask Mr. Rawlings anything about the death of Mrs. Swenson’s husband. The officer did file an informational report. The report states that Rawlings said he met Vivian Swenson at a bar on the ship a couple of days before the ship docked at Southampton, the first time. He had seen her and her husband before, but didn’t know them. Never talked to them. Never went to her husband’s lectures. He said he felt bad for Mrs. Swenson with her husband having a heart attack and dying. He said he saw her at the bar and struck up a conversation.”

“Sounds like a smooth operator. A charmer.”

“And you’ll like this JJ,” McDuff said. “Rawlings gave officer Baker his business card. In big bold letters in the middle of the card was one word: ‘Available.’ The bottom of the card has his name and contact information.”

“I’d like to meet this guy; just to see how slick he really is.”

“Do you want us to interview him.”

JJ thought for a moment. “Nah. Let’s hold off. I doubt if Mrs. Swenson has told him anything about murdering her husband. We may want to talk to him later. Let him get to know her a little better first. See what happens with the relationship.”

“So, what do you think JJ,” McDuff asked. Think we have enough to indict Vivian Swenson for murder.”

JJ leaned back in his decks chair and stared at the ceiling before answering. “The undissolved digitalis pills in the husband’s body: direct evidence. But all the evidence we have two prove the wife put them there: circumstantial. A confession would be nice. But she lawyered up in London. I think we have all the evidence were going to get. Take it to the US attorney and hope for the best.”

“You got it JJ,” McDuff said.

As McDuff and Maloney were leaving JJ’s office, JJ shot back. “What, you don’t have any oddball predilections Maloney?”

“You’ll never know,” answered Maloney.

Chapter 69

Thursday, May 19

At 2:45 in the afternoon, FBI agent George McDuff knocked on his supervisor’s door. JJ motioned for McDuff to enter. “What’s up McDuff.” JJ chuckled. “Hey, I like that. What’s up McDuff. A little bit of a rhyme to it, don’t you think.”

“I just got back from the US attorney’s office regarding the Swenson case.”

“Oh yeah, who did you get.”

“Marcy Norton.”

“Marcy Norton. She’s a pretty good attorney. What did she say.”

“It’s a no go. She said the case isn’t quite solid enough. With one more substantial piece of evidence she would go with it.”

“Yeah, yeah. Like a confession. She’s a good attorney, but not a risk taker. Most of them aren’t. It’s all about their conviction rate. It’s like a baseball batting average. It’s what you’re gauged by. Oh well. We’ll keep the case open for now, but put it on the back burner; way back, and hope something will pop. Now go concentrate on one of your other 50 cases.”

“Okay JJ.”

“And McDuff —.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t feel too bad. I only gave it a 50-50 chance.”

“I just hate seeing a cold-blooded murderer like that get a pass.”

“Don’t we all.”

Chapter 70

Saturday, May 21, early afternoon

Vivian answered her house phone on the second ring. “Hello.”

“Hey babe, it’s Duke.”

“Oh Duke, I was hoping that was you calling. Did you just get in, are you at the airport. I can come pick you up.”

“No. I’m home. Just got here. I took a cab from the airport.”

“You could have called me before you boarded your plane and let me know you were flying in. I would have been waiting for you at the airport.”

“No. I don’t like to use my cell phone when I’m out on one of my escapades.”

“Why.”

“I’ll explain it to you sometime. You up for dinner, or you got something else going.”

“I’m up for anything with you.”

“How about I meet you at Frangipanis, that little Italian restaurant near my place.”

“How about you come up to my place and I’ll fix you dinner.”

“I’ve never been to your place.”

“I know, but it’s easy to find. It’s in the foothills of Golden, on Lookout Mountain Road. I’ll text you the directions.”

“Okay.”

“How soon do you want to come up.”

“I have to get cleaned up and take care of a couple of things. How about 6 o’clock.”

“Six o’clock is fine. Five is even better if you can make it. That way we can sit in the Jacuzzi with a glass of wine and watch the sun slowly slip behind the mountains. Then, as the sun continues to slip below the horizon, we can grill two thick, juicy, cowboy sized stakes on the barbecue to complement the cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus, corn on the cob, and Caesar salad. If you still have room after that, we’ll have warm homemade apple pie with rich vanilla ice cream on top.”

“Sugar, you’re talking my language. I think I can make it by five, maybe even a little before.”

“Good. Oh, and bring your toothbrush.”

“I guess I better bring my swimming suit to.”

“Or, not. See you around five.”

At 4:55 PM, the doorbell rang at a house on Lookout Mountain Drive. Vivian opened the door and gave Duke a 45 second boa constrictor hug.

“I guess you’re glad to see me,” Duke said.

“I am. I know you’ve only been gone a few days, but it seems like it’s been a lot longer. We were together for a good 12 days on the ship and in London, but as soon as we got back home, you had to go away. I’ve missed you.”

Duke tried to mimic a Western drawl. “Well, ma’am, I reckon I missed you a might myself.”

Vivian grabbed Duke’s hand and pulled him inside. “Get in here cowboy.”

Duke stopped on the stone floored entry and gazed. To the right was the centerpiece of the 20 x 25’ living room — the massive stone fireplace in the far corner of the room. Floor to ceiling double paned windows framed the fireplace with breathtaking views of the tops of trees and mountain peaks. Straight ahead from the entry was a pass through to the kitchen. The pass

through was wide, and on each side were granite counter topped cherry wood cabinets. Above each were racks filled with wine bottles. Vivian could see that Duke was impressed, and said, “Come on, I’ll give you a tour,” as she grabbed his hand and led the way.

The kitchen had the same cherry wood cabinets and granite countertops as the pass-through wine storage. The kitchen was open to the living room on the one side, and to the dining room on the other side. The back wall of windows in the living room continued past the kitchen and the dining room. The back wall of the kitchen also had an eight-foot slider to the flagstone patio and outdoor grill.

The wide hallway to the left of the entry led past a small den/TV room, which was open to the dining room beyond. Past the den was Dr. Jim’s office. The hallway dead ended at the double doors of the master bedroom. The office and master suite also had the window walls with the tree and mountain peak views. The sliding glass door in the master suite was convenient to the inground Jacuzzi.

The upstairs was smaller in square footage than the main floor below. Still, it had two medium size bedrooms and Vivian’s sewing/TV room. A three car garage was also attached to the house.”

After the tour, Vivian led Duke out to the back patio and sat him down in one of the cushy outdoor chairs near the built-in barbecue.

“I’ll be right back,” Vivian said. She quickly returned with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Flora Springs winery of Napa Valley, California, and two gold rimmed wine glasses. “I think you’ll like this wine. We, I belong to a wine club that features wines from all over Northern California. I’ve had this wine before.”

Vivian poured the wine like a professional waitress. Glasses clinked, and they each had a sip.

“Outstanding,” Duke said. “You really picked a good one.”

“Thank you.”

“And this house. What a pad. I mean, I like my apartment — but this is nice — really nice. How did you and your husband come to get a place like this. This has to be close to a million dollar house.”

“It is. I’ll say this for Jim. He learned how to invest in the stock market. He didn’t always pick winners, but over the years he started doing pretty well. When he retired five years ago, we sold most of the stocks and paid cash for the house. Jim was always pretty tight with the money, but it finally paid off.”

“Well done,” Duke said as he raised his glass to Vivian.

“Thank you. So how did your trip go. I know you told me you can’t discuss your little escapades, but did it go well. Did you do whatever you were supposed to do.”

“Mission accomplished. That’s all I’ll say.”

“I know you’re working for the CIA. I just know it.”

“No comment.”

“I knew you were going to say that.”

“What did you do the last few days — while I was gone.”

“Oh, this and that.”

“Did you get together with any of your girlfriends.”

“Yes, at the Buffalo Rose on Saturday.”

“What about the FBI. Have you heard from them since we returned from our trip.”

“No. They did talk to Yvonne. It shook her up a little bit. But, no. They really don’t have anything to talk to me about. They had their say in London. Jim’s autopsy showed that he had taken more than his prescribed dose of heart medication, and they wondered if I knew anything about it. Of course I didn’t, other than he was a little absent-minded, and probably had taken the extra medication inadvertently.”

“But you told me before, that you tried to watch him on that, for that very reason.”          “I did try to watch him. But, it was his birthday party. The champagne was flowing and everybody was having a great time. I must not have been paying as much attention as I normally did.”

“Well, again, it’s just too bad about your husband.”

“I know. He was having such a great time celebrating his birthday; and then he died as a result.”

“He certainly did look after you though. This house. A good insurance policy. How’s that going. The insurance policy. Having any problems with that.”

“No. No real problems. I filed the claim this past Monday and sent in Jim’s death certificate. I haven’t heard from them, so I assume everything is going alright. I’ve been told that insurance companies are obligated to settle within 30 days of a claim, unless there’s some major problem.”

“That’s probably true, but I would keep on top of it if I were you. Especially a policy that large. How much did you say the policy amount was.”

“Two million.”

“Two million exactly?”

“Two million exactly.”

“What a nice round number.”

“You ready for me to start dinner yet. It’s already made. I just have to heat and grill.”

“Maybe a little early yet for me. What about you.”

“I’m not very hungry yet either. I’ll bring out some cheese and shrimp with cocktail sauce — and another bottle of wine. There’s not much left in this one.”

“Need some help.”

“You just sit there and relax. You’ve been on the go ever since we got back from London.”

“Yes ma’am.”

A few minutes later Vivian returned to the patio. “I brought some crackers along with the cheese and shrimp. We have two put a little solid food in our stomachs to go along with the wine.”

“Boy, it sure is nice here Viv. This is living.”

“It is. As much as I like getting out and about, I don’t mind just staying right here for a day or two at a time.”

“Yep. I wouldn’t mind it myself.”

“Oh, another thing that happened while you were away; I received Jim’s remains in the mail, from London. That same day some of his colleagues from the University started calling, offering their condolences, and wanting to know when and where the memorial service was going to be. I think I’ve decided on having it at the Boettcher Mansion, which is not far from here, but I haven’t decided on when.”

“Well, that’s up to you, but I would think, the sooner the better.”

“You’re right. I think I’ll go by there Monday and see what dates they have available. You could come if you want.”

“Oh, no. I have a golf game Monday. That would be a little creepy anyway. ‘High, I’m Duke. I started dating Vivian here just two days after her husband kicked the bucket.’”

“You’re right. That would be a little awkward. And Yvonne might go with me anyway, if she can go in a little late for work. She’s my girlfriend who picked this up at the airport.”

“Yeah. I remember. Nice lady.”

“How about the Jacuzzi. Are you up for getting wet.”

“Sure, I’m game.”

“I’ll pour our wine into plastic wine glasses, just in case we get rambunctious.”

“Us?”

Duke and Vivian continued with the wine; watched the sun drop below the mountain; enjoyed a delicious dinner; and curled up together in front of the massive stone fireplace. Duke used his toothbrush in the morning.

Chapter 71

Monday, May 23

As Vivian was getting ready to leave the house and visit the Boettcher Mansion, the phone rang. “Hello.”

“Is this Mrs. Vivian Swenson.”

“Yes.”

“Good morning Mrs. Swenson. This is Matt Lowery with World Life Insurance. I’m the claims examiner who’s been assigned to your case. Let me first say I am so sorry for the loss of your husband.”

“Thank you.”

“I see from the death certificate you sent us that your husband died of heart failure. The cruise ship physician signed the death certificate and commented that it was most likely SCD, or sudden cardiac death. SCD occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. I take it that you were at sea when your husband passed, and that is why a cruise ship doctor pronounced him dead and signed the death certificate.”

“Yes. We were at sea, in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean.”

“Again, I am so sorry you had to loose your husband while on vacation. Now, I’m going to need a little more documentation. An autopsy report, if one was performed, and any other reports relevant to your husband’s death. The more documentation the better.”

“Well — why wouldn’t the death certificate be enough.”

“Sometimes it is. But with a policy this big — well, quite frankly ma’am, no insurance company that wants to stay in business very long is going to pay out a claim this big based solely on one document. For example; a death certificate could be bogus. I’m sure your husband’s isn’t, but, nonetheless, multiple documentation is going to help us settle your claim in a more expeditious manner. For example, I’m sure the ship physician made a medical report. That would be helpful. Also, usually the security office on the ship would have to make a report. They generally make a report on just about any incident that takes place on a cruise ship.”

“Okay. I’ll contact the cruise line and see if I can get those reports.”

“Tell the cruise line why you need them. They’ll be more apt to give them to you if they know you need them for an insurance claim, rather than just idle curiosity. Also, was there an autopsy done on your husband?”

“I didn’t ask for one.” Nevertheless, one may have been performed for medical reasons, even if you didn’t request it. For example, if there was something medically out of the ordinary regarding your husband’s death, an autopsy may well have been done. But, you should know about that, if that were the case. They would have to inform you. There are other reasons an autopsy may have been performed. For example, if foul play were suspected, law enforcement officials might order an autopsy. Are you aware of any such autopsy?”

“I — I think so. Now that you mention it, the FBI did have an autopsy done in London. My understanding is that someone on the ship brought up the possibility that my husband had taken an overdose of his digitalis heart medication, and maybe that had contributed to his death.”

“Yes. We will definitely need a copy of that autopsy report, and any FBI reports, if you can get them. Are you the subject of an investigation by the FBI?”

“I don’t think so. If I am, I’m not aware of it. An agent did question me in London. He said my husband’s autopsy report showed an elevated level of digitalis was in his system at the time of death. They wanted to know if I might have inadvertently given him the additional medication. I told the agent that I know I did not give my husband any digitalis that night. I gave him two aspirin late in the evening for a headache he said he had. And I did not confuse digitalis for the aspirin. I know the difference.”

“Very well, Mrs. Swenson. Try to get those documents to us as soon as you can. For sure, the autopsy report. And also, the ship doctor’s medical report. I doubt if you can get any reports from the Bureau. Probably can’t get the ship security report either. But do try. Do you have any questions.”

“How long do you think it will take before your company pays the money.”

“Hard to say. Our company tries to pay out settlements as expeditiously as possible, but we have to make sure everything is in order first.”

“How long. I’m a widow now and the household income has been drastically reduced with the death of my husband.”

“Barring any unforeseen developments

, probably 2 to 3 weeks after we receive the autopsy and medical reports. Any further questions.”

“No.”

“Then, good day Mrs. Swenson. I’ll keep you informed.”

“Goodbye.”

Chapter 72

Tuesday, May 24

As Yvonne was about to take the first bite of her sandwich, her cell phone rang. It was Vivian. “Hi Vivian.”

“Hi Yvonne. Can you talk now. Are you on your lunch hour yet.”

“Yes, I just started.”

“Where are you.”

“I’m at my desk. I made my lunch today.”

“Good for you. I won’t keep you long. I had a very busy day yesterday. I got a call from the claims examiner regarding Jim’s life insurance policy. He wants more documentation. He said the death certificate isn’t enough.”

“I’m not surprised. They’re going to see if there’s any way they can get out of paying. Give them everything you can.”

“I intend to. The FBI is giving me a copy of the full autopsy report, but they won’t give me any investigative reports regarding Jim.”

“The claims examiner shouldn’t expect them to.”

“Also, the cruise line is sending me a copy of the report the ship’s doctor made. They are also sending me a synopsis of the report the security office made.”

“That should be good.”

“I don’t know any other documentation I could obtain that the insurance company would need.”

“Me either.”

“Also, I went to the Boettcher Mansion yesterday and made arrangements for the memorial service. The date is set for Saturday, June 18, from one to five PM. If you’re available this Saturday, May 28, you could drive up to my house, and then we could go over to the mansion together and start planning the memorial party.”

“Sure, I’m available.”

“Good. Bring your bathing suit and appetite and we’ll come back to my house and continue planning the memorial, while we enjoy the Jacuzzi and grill some burgers.”

“You don’t have a hot date with Duke that day?”

“I wish, but he and some of his golf buddies have planned a golf outing up in the mountains for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

“I thought you told me he was going to play golf Monday, that is, yesterday.”

“He did.”

“Is he going to be able to squeeze you in before Friday.”

“Definitely. I’ll be with him tonight, tomorrow, and Thursday.”

“That’s a girl.”

“I’d better let you go so you can finish your lunch. I’ll call you later with the time for Saturday. I have to check with the mansion to see if there’s any event planned for this Saturday. If so, we’ll just go before or after.”

“Okay. Talk to you soon.”

“Love ya.”

“BFF.”

Chapter 73

Saturday, May 28

At 2:25 in the afternoon, Yvonne parked her car in Vivian’s driveway, grabbed her purse and her beach bag, and rang the doorbell.

“Come in Yvonne.”

“I brought my swimsuit.”

Good. I thought we’d have a glass of wine before going over to the mansion. There’s an event there that lasts until 3:00 PM. They said we could come over right afterwards. We might have to dodge the cleanup crew, but we don’t mind.”

“What was the event.”

“It was a wedding, with lunch and reception afterward.”

“A happy occasion. And now were going to plan a more solemn occasion.”

“A little more solemn, but still a happy occasion. That’s why we need to plan it more like a party.”

“It still has to be about your late husband.”

“I know. We can put together some photo displays, like they normally have at celebration of life memorials. We can have those in one area, and the rest of the room and the adjoining patio will be for the bar and the snacks and for socializing. We’ll have to have some music playing also.”

“Some people will probably want to say something in remembrance of Jim — maybe tell a funny story.”

“That’s fine. We can have a time for people who want to say something about Jim.”

“Are you going to say anything Vivian. You don’t have to. A lot of spouses don’t because it would be too emotional for them. And people understand that.”

“I don’t think I’ll get up and speak.”

“So, how many people do you think will come.”

“The girls. A few neighbors that know us — knew Jim, and probably quite a few people from the University. That’s why I thought it needed to be a decent sized place. Also, there will be some people from a couple of the biology clubs and societies that Jim belonged to.”

“What about the book you said Jim was writing. Any people associated with that?”

“Could be. I didn’t pay much attention to his book writing endeavor. It’s almost 3:00 o’clock. Why don’t we head over to the mansion.”

At 5:15, Vivian and Yvonne returned to the house. “Let’s put on our suits, get a glass of wine, and jump in the Jacuzzi as we continue to discuss the memorial service.”

“Good idea,” Yvonne said.

Just as the two ladies were about to walk out to the Jacuzzi with their wine, the doorbell rang. Vivian went to answer. “Duke. What a surprise. I didn’t expect you back from your golf outing until tomorrow.” They hugged.

“Yeah. Two of the guys in our foursome had some minor things crop up, and they had to leave. So, Hector and I decided to also leave and see our ladies. The other foursome stayed and is playing tomorrow.”

“I’m glad you’re here. Come in. Yvonne’s here too. We just now poured ourselves a glass of wine and were about to jump in the Jacuzzi. Please join us.”

“My suitcase is in the car, but I didn’t pack my swimming trunks.”

“No problem. Go into the bedroom and look on the couch. You’ll see the swimming suit I got you yesterday. That way you’ll always have a swimming suit here. I hope you like it. It’s kind of Western looking — like cowboy shorts. I think they’re cute. Not that you need cute shorts to make you look any better”

“I hope they don’t make me look like a sissy.”

“Nothing could make you look like a sissy.”

“All right darlin’, I’ll be right out.”

“Grab a glass of wine on your way.”

“Check.”

Ten minutes later Duke joined Vivian and Yvonne in the Jacuzzi. “Hi Yvonne.”

“Hello Duke. Nice seeing you again.”

“The swimming trunks look great on you, sweetie. Don’t you think, Yvonne.”

“They look great all right.”

“Hey,” Vivian said. Why don’t you call Tom, and have him come up. He’s still your current boyfriend, isn’t he.”

“Sort of, but he’s got his kids this weekend.”

“Too bad. Duke, Yvonne and I went over to the Boettcher Mansion today to see the layout and plan the memorial service party. The date again for it is Saturday, June 18, which is three weeks from today. I hope you’re going to be in town for it.”

“As far as I know, but I’m still not sure I should come. I didn’t know your husband at all, and I know you too well. It just might get some people a little riled up.”

“What do you think, Yvonne.”

“You should go Duke. I wouldn’t worry about getting anyone riled up. If it happens, it happens. That’s on them. You’re a good friend of Vivian’s and have a strong shoulder for her to lean on in the time of her grief. That’s the way people should see it. If some of Jim’s uptight professors think otherwise, let them get upset if they want. We will be there to celebrate Jim’s life. A life well lived, although a bit boring.”

“Besides,” Vivian said, “it will be the perfect opportunity for you to meet the girls. They’ve heard a lot about you and are dying to meet you. You might rile them up, but in a good way. I want to show you off.”

“You have to go Duke,” Yvonne said. “If any of those stuffy professors do get upset, it will more likely be because of the party atmosphere we have planned, rather than you.”

“All right. You talked me into it.”

The evening continued. Burgers were grilled and consumed, and the wine continued to flow, as did the frivolity. Eventually, Duke and Vivian went to bed in their room. Yvonne went to sleep in the guest room upstairs. Vivian and Yvonne both fell asleep thinking of Duke.

Chapter 74

Tuesday, June 7

In tears, Vivian called Yvonne’s cell phone and left a message. “Yvonne, I need to see you tonight. I’ve got something terrible to show you. I’ll be at your apartment at 5:30 this afternoon.”

At 5:30 Vivian rang the doorbell to Yvonne’s apartment. “Come in sweetie. Why the tears. What’s going on. Here, I poured a glass of wine so it would be ready for you. Sit down and tell me what’s going on.”

Vivian sat on the couch and dabbed the tears from her eyes with a tissue she had pulled from her purse. She then pulled a letter from her purse and handed it to Yvonne. Yvonne opened the letter and read it to herself twice.

“I’m so sorry sugar. I was afraid something like this might happen. Now, before we get too upset, let’s analyze this letter. Besides all the fluff and we’re so sorry stuff, the one important sentence is that the insurance claim was denied due to the suspicious nature of death, and insufficient documentation.”

“Now, I don’t know how hard it is to overcome their reasons for denying the insurance payout on Jim, but I do know that this is fairly typical; especially for larger claims. That’s why I’m not surprised. Many insurance companies are going to try to get out of paying. Sometimes their reasons for denying the claim aren’t even legit. They hope you will give up without a fight.”

“Well, I’m not. I’m not giving up.”

“And you shouldn’t. But I think it would be good to talk to someone who knows about insurance company denials and can help. Maybe an attorney.”

“I’m going to talk to Duke about this. He gets around. Maybe he knows someone.”

“Does Duke know about the insurance policy, and that it’s for two million dollars.”

“He knows. I told him.”

“All right. Then you should definitely show him the letter and see what he has to say.”

Chapter 75

Saturday, June 18, Boettcher Mansion

The memorial service for Dr. Jim Swenson was scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM. At 1:29 PM, Duke Rawlings stepped forward and positioned himself behind the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Dr. Jim Swenson’s wife Vivian, I thank you all for coming here to share in the celebration of a life well lived. Dr. Jim, as he liked to be called, dedicated his life to the study and teaching of the biological sciences, with an emphasis on the evolutionary aspect. Many of you here are also from the academic world, and have also dedicated your lives to the pursuit of knowledge and its dissemination. We here, who have not had such a worthy calling, applaud you along with Dr. Jim for such endeavors.”

“Often, at memorial services such as this, there is sacred music and prayer. Such may not be fitting in honor of a man who did not believe in God. Others know better. Let us therefore have a moment of silence for prayer and/or remembrance of a life well lived.”

At the end of the silence: “Now, I would like to open it up for anyone who would like to step up to the microphone here and share a remembrance, a story, or a funny incident, involving Dr. Jim. We anticipate a number of you coming up, so we ask each person to not take more than 2 or 3 minutes. And remember, it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of a man who, although he had dedicated himself to a noble pursuit, was also a man of quirks, idiosyncrasies, and peccadillos.”

An hour and five minutes later, the remembrance sharing was over and everyone was invited to partake of the champagne, wine, and finger food, and to mingle. Duke and Vivian were on their best behavior, appearing to be respectful friends rather than intimate lovers.

Duke walked over to Vivian and Yvonne who were standing near the champagne table. “Good job Mr. Rawlings,” Vivian said. “Thank you so much for being the host of the memorial for my husband.”

“You’re welcome ma’am.”

“Duke — that is, Mr. Rawlings,” Yvonne said, “I didn’t know you could speak so eloquently. Your laid-back cowboy ways seem to be masking the more intellectual side of you.”

“Why, thank you ma’am.”

“Duke,” Vivian said in her quiet voice, “Yvonne and I want you to come outside and meet the rest of the girls.”

Duke, Vivian, and Yvonne walked outside to the patio and over to the four ladies who were chatting and drinking champagne. Since all of Jim’s professor friends and other colleagues were still inside schmoozing each other, Vivian and Duke felt they could be a little more themselves outside.

“Girls,” Vivian said, “I want you to meet Duke Rawlings.” Duke put on one of his better charming smile’s. The girls smiled back.

“Duke,” Vivian continued, “this is Charlotte.” Charlotte nodded and widened her smile. “Next is Cindy.”

“We’ve heard a lot about you, Mr. Rawlings,” Cindy said.

“Hope some of it was good,” Duke said.

“Oh, it was all good,” Liz said.

“That is Liz,” Vivian said, “the more outspoken one. And this is Madge.”

“Please to meet you Duke Rawlings,” Madge said.

“What a lovely group of young ladies.” Duke said.

“Duke,” Vivian said, “I’ll leave you with Yvonne and the rest of the girls. I feel it is my duty to at least go in and mingle with academia for a while.”

“I can’t believe you’re going to leave me by myself with all these beautiful ladies.”

“Just watch yourself. I’ll be checking back.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Shortly after Vivian went inside to mingle, Yvonne went in to get two more bottles of champagne to bring out for her and Duke and the rest of the girls. Thirty seconds later Yvonne came back out and set the two bottles of champagne on the table by Duke and the girls. With the blood drained from her face, Yvonne told Duke and the ladies that she would be back shortly.

“Why, whatever’s wrong,” Charlotte said. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”

“Nothing’s wrong, I just need to find Vivian and tell her something. I won’t be long.”

Inside, Yvonne found Vivian talking with two couples. She went over to Vivian and whispered in her ear. “As soon as you get a chance, come over to where I’m going to be standing.” Vivian nodded, still listing to the one couple telling a story, while she took a sip of champagne. When the story ended, Vivian excused yourself and walked over to Yvonne.

“Were not out of wine or champagne, are we,” Vivian asked.

“No. That’s not it. Stand next to me and look where I’m looking.”

“Okay.”

“See the younger couple. She’s wearing a navy blue skirt and jacket with a white blouse. She has shoulder length reddish-brown hair. He is wearing a dark blue pinstripe suit, white shirt with a blue tie that has some kind of design. He is several inches taller than she is.”

“I see them. What about them.”

“They are FBI agents.”

“How do you know that.”

“Because they are the two agents that came to my apartment about a month ago, and interviewed me about you.”

“Are you sure.”

“Absolutely.”

“Well, what are they doing here.”

“I don’t know.”

“They certainly weren’t invited.”

“You put the memorial service in the newspaper. That makes it open to the public.”

“This is creepy. I don’t want them here.”

“Do you want to ask them to leave.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“What do you want to do.”

“I just don’t understand why they’re here. They talked to you. So, they know you. They know about me, but they haven’t talked to me. However, they know what I look like now, I’m sure. But they could have found that out without coming here. Why are they here.”

“They’re probably trying to develop other people to talk to.”

“About what.”

“About you. This means they haven’t given up. They’re still investigating.”

“I don’t like it. We can’t ask them to leave, but we can ask everybody to leave. We could shut the whole thing down. What time is it.”

“It’s way too early to shut it down. Nobody has started to leave yet. Everybody is socializing and having a good time. I think we should just let it ride. So what if they find a few professors to talk to. What could they tell them?”

“Nothing.”

“Let’s not worry about it then, Vivian. Let’s get another glass of champagne and enjoy the party. I’ll go back with Duke and the girls, and you can continue to let the academic community offer you condolences. Just steer clear of the FBI.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going near them.”

Yvonne rejoined Duke and the ladies on the patio. Duke had the ladies mesmerized with some of his stories. Liz had some stories of her own. Thirty minutes later, Vivian came out side to the patio with full bottles of champagne, and placed them on the table. Yvonne walked over to the table and refreshed her glass. Vivian also topped off her glass.

“Are the FBI agents still lurking around inside,” Yvonne asked.

“They just left.”

“Good. How about the professors and their spouses. How’s it going with them.”

“I don’t have the education most of them have, but, I think I’ve been holding my own. The champagne helps.”

“Good for you girl.”

“I know some of these people casually, from some of the social functions the department and the university put on. But, Jim and I never did pal around with any of them, as a couple.”

“Did they ask a lot of questions about Jim.”

“Not as many as I would have thought. Some wanted to know how he died. Others wanted to know if he was buried or cremated, and if he was cremated, where his ashes are.”

“Where are his ashes. Did you ever decide what to do with them.”

“I did. I scattered them. I came over here to Lookout Mountain, took a hike on one of the trails, and tossed his ashes out on the side of the trail.”

“Well, that settles that. What’s the latest on the insurance claim.”

“As you know, Duke set me up with an attorney friend, Saul Machowitz. He almost guarantees that he will be able to get the insurance company to come through with the money — without going to court. But, I haven’t heard anything since I first met with him. I’ll give him a call Monday or Tuesday. He wants 10% of the payout, but that’s all right. One point eight million is still acceptable.”

“I’ll say. I hope you get it. And I hope you get it soon.”

“Me too. And I hope he doesn’t have to sue the insurance company. If he has to go that route, he wants 30%.”

“Yes, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. If he has to take it to court, that could drag it out for months, maybe even years.”

“That would be bad.”

“Yes, not good at all.”

“Looking inside, it looks like things are starting to thin out. It’s getting close to 4:30. Maybe in about 15 minutes I’ll have Duke go back in and thank everyone for coming. In the meantime, I’ll go back in and circulate a bit more.”

“Okay. I’ll tell Duke.”

“Thanks. And thanks for all your help in putting this together. I couldn’t have done it without you. I probably wouldn’t have done it without you.”

“You’re welcome. Best friends forever.”

“BFF.”

Chapter 76

Tuesday, June 21

At 10:20 AM, Duke’s attorney friend, Saul Machowitz, telephoned Vivian.

“Hello.”

“Is this Vivian Swenson.”

“Yes.”

“This is Saul Mankiewicz, the attorney you hired to help persuade World Life Insurance Company to make good on your life insurance claim.”

“Oh yes, now I recognize your voice.”

“I just received a call from Matt Lowery, the claims examiner at World who is handling your claim. He said he just got out of the morning meeting, and the company will be paying your claim.”

Vivian screamed as she dropped the phone and started jumping up and down. She quickly recovered and picked the phone back up. “I’m sorry Mr. Machowitz, but I just can’t believe it. That is such good news.”

“I thought that news might start your day off right. That’s why I called right away.”         “Oh, I am so relieved. I didn’t know if I would ever see that money. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Don’t worry about that. You’ve thanked me enough. Ten per cent of two million helps me pay my bills too.”

“That’s right. How do I pay you — your 10%.”

“That’s already taken care of. The insurance company will take my fee out and send it directly to me, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“Again, Mr. Machowitz, I am so grateful. I was beginning to think they weren’t going to pay.”

“Truly, Mrs. Swenson, without my help, I don’t think they would have.”

“How did you convince them to pay. What did you have to do.”

“Never mind that. Suffice it to say, I know what I’m doing. Now, you should get a letter from World in the next day or two stating that they are awarding your claim. The insurance company may, or may not, call you in the meantime, to give you a heads up. My office will also be sending you a letter. Do you have any further questions.”

“No.”

“It’s been a pleasure Mrs. Swenson. I’m happy to have been of service to you. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye, and thanks again.”

As soon as Vivian hung up the phone, she started dancing around the house — all over the house. She stopped by the wine racks. Even though it was only 10:45 AM, she had to have a glass to celebrate. The phone rang again.

“Hello.”

“Mrs. Vivian Swenson?”

“Yes.”

“This is Matt Lowery at World Life Insurance. I am pleased to announce that everything is now in order on your insurance claim. You will be awarded the full amount of the $2 million policy your late husband had on himself.”

“Great!”

“However, since you did hire an attorney, unnecessarily, I might add, his fee is 10% or $200,000. We are obligated to pay him directly out of your proceeds, leaving you with $1.8 million. You will be receiving a letter regarding all of this. The letter should go out today.”

“Okay.”

“Also, in the letter, you will be asked how you would like to receive the payout. Basically, you can take it in yearly installments, or you can choose to receive it all at once, in a lump sum. So, that is something to be thinking about. The way you receive the money may or may not have tax consequences. You may want to consult a tax advisor and or a financial planner to help you make that decision. Do you have any questions.”

“Why did you say it was unnecessary for me to hire an attorney.”

“That’s merely my opinion, of course. We just needed to get all the necessary paperwork before we could settle the claim. Once we had everything, the claim was awarded. If it makes you feel any better Mrs. Swenson, your attorney may have speeded up the process by a few days. Any other questions.”

“No, not that I can think of right now.”

“Again, Mrs. Swenson, congratulations. I’m sure you’d rather have your husband back rather than the money, but if it was his time to go, the timing of your husband’s departure was advantageous to you. In less than six months, the policies 30-year term would have expired.”

“I was vaguely aware of that. But you’re right. I would rather have my husband than have the money.”

“Look for our letter in the mail, and then let us know how you want to receive the money. Goodbye Mrs. Swenson.”

“Goodbye.”

Vivian had another sip of wine and texted Yvonne and told her she had good news to share, and will stop by her place at 5:30, if that was all right with her. On her lunch hour, Yvonne texted Vivian back. Yvonne said that 5:30 was fine, and she was anxious to hear her good news.

At 5:25 PM Vivian rang Yvonne’s doorbell. Yvonne answered the door and handed Vivian a glass of wine. “Hi sweetie. Here’s a glass of one of your favorite wines.”

“Thank you, my good friend.”

“Come in. It looks like you’ve had a glass or two already.”

“I have, so I shouldn’t drink more than one class with you, as I still need to be sober enough to get to Dukes place by 7:00 PM. He’s barbecuing spareribs for dinner.”

“You’re seeing a lot of each other.”

“We are.”

“So, tell me. What’s the good news. I think I know what it might be, but tell me. I want to see if I’m right.”

“I got the money — the insurance money — the two million dollars!”

“Hallelujah! I am so happy for you. I was hoping that was your good news. I thought it might be.”

“Yep. I’m still having trouble believing it. I don’t actually have the money yet, and I’ll only get 1.8 million, because Duke’s attorney friend gets 10% off the top.”

“One point eight million. You can still manage. Right?”

“I’m pretty sure I can. Oh, I am just so elated. I’m buying you and the rest of the girls lunch — or dinner — whenever we can all get together. And, after I get the money, of course. That’s the thing. I have to let the insurance man know how I want the money. Do I want it all at once. Or, do I want it in payments, over a period of time.”

“Good question.”

“What do you think, Yvonne. I don’t want to be impulsive about this. I want to do the best thing for me. The insurance man said there might be tax consequences also.”

“Life insurance payouts are not taxable. That’s my understanding. So, there should be no taxes on the money, whether you take it lump sum or in installments. But don’t take my word for it. I’m just a glorified secretary that works for an insurance company. Get some professional advice. But I know the insurance company would want you to take the money in installments. And the longer the payout period the better, for them. Also, they secretly would hope you die before all the money is paid out. That’s morbid, but insurance is a business, and they are always going to act in their own best interest.”

“It sounds like you would take all the money up front.”

“I think I would, but before I did, I would talk to someone, like a financial planner.”

“I am. I want to be careful and prudent about this. I’ve heard stories of people who won the lottery, took all the money at once, and one or two years later it was all gone. They had spent it all.”

“I think you’ll be all right. You’re not frivolous with your money.”

“You’re right. I’m not. However, I think I should be allowed to take $50,000 or so out of the 1.8 for a new Mercedes.”

“One little indulgent like that shouldn’t hurt anything.”

“Of course not. Well, I’d better scoot. Duke will start the ribs with or without me. I just can’t wait to tell him. Ribs and 1.8 million dollars. What a combination.”

Chapter 77

Vivian took the 1.8 million dollar insurance money lump sum. Duke’s financial planner, Don Melbourne, helped Vivian with the decision. Mr. Melbourne also helped Vivian set up a diversified portfolio for the money. He commended Vivian for being prudent with her windfall. However, Vivian did take out $60,000 cash for a brand-new red Grand Cherokee 4 x 4. She preferred that over a Mercedes. She had truly enjoyed her old Grand Cherokee, and couldn’t see replacing it with anything else.

On August 20, Duke proposed to Vivian. She accepted. On September 24, five weeks later, at the Boettcher Mansion, Duke and Vivian became husband and wife. It had not been quite five months since they met, but they had hit it off from the start and seemed so right for each other.

Duke was happy to vacate his apartment and move up the hill to Vivian’s house off of Lookout Mountain Road. Vivian was happy to trade in her old name of Swenson for her new name of Rawlings. Vivian had a new husband and a new car. Duke had a new wife and a share of new money. Not long after the marriage, Don Melbourne, Duke and Vivian’s financial planner, convinced Vivian that all the couple’s assets, including the house and the approximate 1.8 million dollar portfolio, should be in both their names. Duke had no objections.

Chapter 78

Saturday, October 1

On Saturday, October 1, seven days into her marriage with Duke Rawlings, Vivian received a curious looking letter along with the customary bills and solicitations. The letter was in a white business size envelope. The envelope was addressed to Mrs. Vivian Swenson and was machine printed in red ink. The postmark indicated it was mailed from a Sacramento, California ZIP Code. Inside the envelope was a trifold 8.5 x 11 white piece of paper. The sheet of paper was blank except for one thing machine printed in red in the center of the paper: “April 28.” As soon as Vivian read the date, she dropped the letter, the envelope, and the letter opener and gasped. A few minutes later she called Yvonne.

“Hi Vivian. What’s up. What are you newlyweds doing this gorgeous October day.”

“I just got a letter.”

“Okay, well let me check my mailbox. I probably have two or three letters; from bill collectors.”

“No. This letter is not a bill, and it’s not an advertisement. It’s a strange letter. It’s a scary letter.”

“Well, Halloween is coming up.”

“No. It’s not about Halloween.”

“Sweetie, what did the letter say.”

“It didn’t say anything. It just has a date, right in the middle of the page. That’s all.”

“What’s the date.”

“April 28.”

“What’s April 28.”

“It’s the date Jim died.”

“Who sent it.”

“I don’t know.”

“Why would someone send you a letter with the date Jim died.”

“I don’t know.”

“Look at the postmark stamp on the letter. That should say where the letter was sent from.”

“It says, ‘mailed from ZIP Code 95835.’”

“Okay, are you near your computer. Google ZIP Code 95835 see what comes up.”

“All right. Just a minute. ZIP Code 95835 is Sacramento, California. More specifically it is the North Natomas area of the city of Sacramento.”

“Who do you know who lives in the North Natomas area of Sacramento, or anywhere in Sacramento for that matter.”

“No one that I can think of offhand. Jim and I probably did meet people from Sacramento at one time or another, while doing the enrichment lectures on the cruise ships. But I can’t recall anyone specifically.”

“That guy that gave you and Jim so much grief on this last cruise; where was he from.”

“Oh yes. That guy. Just thinking of him makes my blood boil. He’s the one that got the FBI involved in investigating Jim’s death. He’s the one who accused me of murdering Jim. I’d like to murder him.”

“Do you remember if he was from California. It seems like you told me he was.”

“I think you’re right. I think somehow, I did learn that he was from California. I’m pretty sure it was Sacramento.”

“What was his name.”

“His name was Humphrey something — no — it was Hunter. Hunter Kingsley.”

“Google Hunter Kingsley and see if there are any Hunter Kingsley’s in Sacramento.”

“Okay. Let’s see. There’s not too many Hunter Kingsley’s that come up. Oh, here he is. Hunter Lee Kingsley, in Sacramento. And that is him. I’m looking at his Facebook picture. That is definitely him.”

“So, apparently, he isn’t done harassing you.”

“I’d sure like to wring his neck.”

“Have you shown the letter to Duke.”

“No. I just opened it a few minutes ago, and Duke is out playing golf. I’m not going to show it to him. No sense in bringing up the past. Duke and I are enjoying the present too much to do that.”

“Good for you girl.”

“You and Tom got anything going tonight?”

“Sort of. Tom’s coming over here and were going to cook some burgers, then watch a movie.”

“That sounds cozy.”

“It might be. The wine will help. What about you.”

“Duke will have a drink or two with the boys after golf, come home, shower, then we’ll both jump in the Jacuzzi with a bottle of wine. At some point we’ll grill a couple of steaks and corn on the cob, add a couple of baked potatoes with sour cream and chives, and dine on the patio. It should be a good evening for it. But if it’s too chilly, we’ll just eat inside. It would still feel like were outside with all the floor to ceiling windows in our dining room. Hey, why don’t you and Tom come up here. We’ve got extra steaks and corn and potatoes, and plenty of wine.”

“Sounds nice. I’d love to, but Tom is kind of a homebody and not big on socializing. Maybe another time. I’ll have to work on him.”

“Yes. Do that. Ciao for now. I’ll probably call you in a few days, to check in.”

“Please do. Goodbye for now best friend.”

Chapter79

Wednesday, October 19

Wednesday, October 19th, at 5:30 PM, Vivian was at Yvonne’s apartment as planned.

“What flavor of wine would you like Vivian. I have a Merlot, a Riesling, a Chardonnay, and a Barbera.”

“Barbera. I haven’t had a Barbera for a while. I’ll have to sip and not gulp. I want to keep a clear head while we discuss my big problem and what to do about it.”

“Good idea. We won’t drink more than this one glass until we decide what to do about your situation.”

“Here, here,” Vivian said as she raised her glass to Yvonne. Yvonne did likewise.

“You know some of it,” Vivian said. I received another letter today. I brought them all. I’ll lay them out here on your coffee table in the order that I received them. I’ll put each letter on top of its envelope.”

“Okay.”

“There. Now, I’ll read each one in the order. You listen and tell me what you think. And they are all sent from the same ZIP Code in Sacramento, California. The first one I received on October 1 says, ‘April 28.’”

“I received the second one a few days later, and it says, ‘I know what you did.’ The third one, a few days after that says, ‘Digitalis can be deadly.’ The fourth one, ‘I know what you did, and the authorities will know too, if you don’t follow the instructions in my next letter to the T.’”

“Your Hunter Kingsley guy sounds serious.”

“And here’s the letter I received today. It says:

        ‘I know what you did and I know how you did it. I can prove it. I was there. Send

        $192,000 in unmarked used hundred dollar bills to:

                3511 Del Paso Road, Suite 1497  

                Sacramento, California, 95835

        The money will fit nicely in three stacks of $64,000 each in a box with interior

        dimensions of 4 inches by 6 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches. The money will

        buy my silence. I must receive the full $192,000 on or before October 31,

        or else I go to the authorities. Comply, and you will never hear from me again.’”

“Wow. Let me see that last letter. Or, maybe I shouldn’t touch it. Maybe we shouldn’t handle them without using gloves of some sort, in case the fingerprints of whoever sent these letters are on there.”

“I don’t think that’s anything to worry about. I’m sure the sender made sure his fingerprints are not anywhere to be found. And besides, the sender knows I don’t dare go to the police.”

“You’re right. You can’t go to the police with this. Their first question would be, ‘Why is this person blackmailing you. What are you hiding.’ And we know who it is anyway. It’s your friend, Hunter what’s his name.”

“I’m not so sure. I’m not sure it’s Hunter Kingsley.”

“Why do you say that. Who else could it be.”

“In this last letter, the sender said he was there and he can prove it. Kingsley was on the ship, but he wasn’t at Jim’s birthday party, and he certainly wasn’t in our cabin when I gave Jim the extra digitalis. He did see Jim the night of the party, in a stupor, showing the effects of all the alcohol and that one extra digitalis, as I helped Jim to the cabin. But that’s not proof of anything that I did.”

“No, I now think it’s more likely that this blackmailer is the doctor or the nurse who responded to my 911 call early that next morning. The ship’s doctor is the one who pronounced Jim dead. Maybe he has some kind of medical evidence he didn’t put in his medical report. Maybe it’s one of the two security guys from the ship. They were there in the cabin with Jim still lying on the bed dead, while the doctor and the nurse were still there. I was never able to see their report. Maybe they have some sort of evidence.”

“You know, you may be right. Do you know if any of them live anywhere near Sacramento, California.”

“No, I don’t. So, what do you think about this whole mess. What should I do. What is the best thing for me to do.”

“Good question. Let me think. You can’t go to the police.”

“No way.”

“We don’t really know who the blackmailer is.”

“No.”

“You don’t want anybody to know about this, not even Duke.”

“No.”

“I think you have to pay.”

“I was afraid you’d say that. But you’re right. I don’t see any other way. Send the money and hope for the best. No. Not hope for the best. Tell them they have to send the evidence they have — the proof they say they have.”

“Absolutely. The money for their proof, whatever it is.”

“Okay. I guess I know what I have to do. I’m ready for another glass of wine.”

“Me too. I’ve got another bottle of the Barbera if you want to continue with that.”

“I do. But how do I know this guy, or woman, if it’s the ship’s nurse, will send me the proof he or she has after I send the money.”

“I think you just have to trust that he, or she, will.”

“I suppose. Maybe I’ll present this whole thing to Duke in a hypothetical way, and see what he would do.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to tell Duke about the letters.”

“I’m not. It will be a hypothetical question. In fact, I’d better take a rain check on that second glass of wine. I want to get home before Duke gets back. I’ll check with you a little later.”

“Okay Vivian. See you later. Let me know what Duke says.”

“I will. See you.”

Chapter 80

Monday, October 31

The telephone rang in Yvonne’s apartment. “Hello.”

“Hello Yvonne, is that you.”

“Rosalind?”

“You sound funny, like you’re out of breath or something.”

“I just stepped out of the shower and heard the phone ringing, so I grabbed a towel and ran to answer it.”

“That explains it. I figured you were home from work by now, but I started to wonder when you didn’t answer right away.”

“Yeah, my boyfriend Tom and I are going to a Halloween party tonight, so I wanted to start getting ready. Have you got good news. Today was the deadline.”

“Well, your friend Vivian sent a package all right, but the money wasn’t in it.”

“What, no money?”

“Yeah, she pulled a fast one on us.”

“Well, what was in the package, Roz.”

“The package was about the right size for the money, but all that was in there was a note.”

“And —.”

“That was it. Just a note. Nothing else.”

“Well, what did the note say, Roz.”

“Just three words, ‘Go pound sand.’”

“Go pound sand?”

“That’s what it said.”

“That’s the only thing that was in the entire package?”

“That’s right. It was a package about the size you suggested the money would fit into, but it was empty, except for that note on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of white paper. The paper was folded into thirds and was inside a plain white envelope.”

“Rosalind, if you’re holding out on me —.”

“I’m not. Honest. Come out to Sacramento and check it out.”

“Well, I’ll find out quick enough if she sent the money.”

“I’m not holding out on you. So, what does it mean, ‘Go pound sand.’”

“It means she doesn’t intend to pay. It means she’s playing a dangerous game. It means that tramp has just ticked me off and she’s going to pay one way or the other. One hundred and ninety-two thousand dollars out of 1.8 million wasn’t much to ask for. I can’t believe she’s become such a selfish wench. Boy, money sure changes people. I could have — we could have asked for a heck of a lot more.”

“So, what are you going to do.”

“I don’t know yet. So, you checked with the post office box people and there weren’t any other packages for our mailbox, correct? Maybe they’re holding another package because there wasn’t any more room in the box.”

“Yes, I checked. They said that the package that was in the mailbox was the only one that had come for that box. So, does this mean were not going to get any money.”

“It looks that way.”

“I was sure counting on my share. I thought for sure I was going to be able to get a decent car and have a little spending money to boot. I knew it was too good to be true. Should I cancel the PO Box?”

“No. Hang on to it for now. Maybe I can still salvage this.”

“Okay. Let me know if I should be expecting anything.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll let you know. But don’t get your hopes up. This woman I call my best friend is not likely to change her mind. Once she gets set on something she rarely changes her mind. I’ll call you if anything changes. Goodbye for now.”

“Goodbye cousin.”

Chapter 81

Tuesday, November 1

Vivian’s house phone rang. “Hello.”

“Vivian, this is Yvonne.”

“Hi Yvonne. Shouldn’t you be at work.”

“I am at work. I’m on a break, and on my cell phone. I was wondering if we could get together for a glass of wine in the next couple of days or so, just you and me. You’re always coming down to my place. I could come up to your house, if that’s convenient.”

“Sure. How about tomorrow evening, after you get off work. Duke has his monthly poker night tomorrow and will leave here around 5:00 PM. Duke and his poker buddies have sandwiches and snacks throughout the evening, so he won’t be eating dinner here. But I still have to eat. If you bring a salad or something, we’ll throw some burgers on the grill and have a grand old time, with, of course, a couple of glasses of wine.”

“That will be great. I’ll bring a salad and a bottle of wine; that Barbera that we both really like. But isn’t it a little chilly to be using the outdoor grill.”

“Where’s your spirit of adventure. Duke and I grill all the time. We rarely let the weather stop us.”

“Okay. Sounds great. I should be there between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.”

“Looking forward to it. I thought I was going to have to eat alone. Now I’ll have company.

“I’m looking forward to it also. Ciao.”

“Ciao.”

Chapter 82

Wednesday, November 2

At 5:45 PM, Yvonne rang Vivian’s doorbell. “Come right in Ms. Yvonne. Good to see you.”

“Same here. I brought a salad and the Barbera as promised. I made the salad last night, so all I had to do when I got off work today was to grab it and the wine and trek on up the hill.”

“Good. I’ll open it right now and pour us some. I already sliced some cheese to nibble on while we grill our burgers and corn on the cob. I hope burgers are okay with you.”

“Burgers are just fine. So, Duke is playing poker tonight.”

“Yes he is. He said he’d try to be home by midnight, but I think it will be more like one or two in the morning.”

“Speaking of your husband, did you ever ask him, hypothetically, about the blackmail letters and the demand for money.”

“Actually, I did. Three or four days after I showed you the letters, I brought it up with him. I forgot exactly how I weaved it into the conversation. I think maybe I told him it came up in a TV show I had watched. Anyway, he said that if that happened to him, he would just tell the blackmailer to go pound sand.”

“Really. He wouldn’t be concerned that the blackmailer would turn the evidence over to the police.”

“No. He said that the way I described the situation, it sounded like the blackmailer was just blowing smoke. He said if he thought there was really anything to it, he would have a couple of friends stake out the mail drop. When the package was picked up, his friends would nab the person and go from there.”

“It seems like he would have said to just pay the request, since it wasn’t that much money, rather than risk prison time.”

“Maybe, but Duke seems to have good instincts about this sort of thing. Plus, Duke is not one to be pushed around.”

“I think you’re right there. But still, I personally would just pay the money and not risk prison.”

“Well, anyway, I took Duke’s advice and sent a note to that PO Box, and used Duke’s words, ‘Go pound sand.’ In fact, I played with the blackmailer a little bit. Remember the last note I received it suggested the size of the package to use for the $192,000?”

“Yes, I think so. I don’t remember the dimensions, but I remember the note suggested a certain size.”

“Well, I made a box that size and put the note inside.”

“So, the blackmailer saw the package and thought the money was in there, until he opened it.”

“Exactly. Just to burst his bubble.”

“Isn’t that just a little cruel.”

“I hope so. How’s your wine.”

“I could use a refill.”

“Me too. That is really good wine. I’ll have to get a case or two.”

“It’s a little on the expensive side.”

“I can afford it.”

“That’s right. You can. You sure can.”

Chapter 83

Friday, November 4

At approximately 9:00 o’clock in the morning, on Friday, November 4, FBI agent George McDuff knocked on major crimes squad leader Jamaal Jenkin’s office door. JJ looked through the glass and motioned for McDuff to enter.

“What’s up, McDuff.” JJ chuckled.

“Remember the Swenson case the US attorney wouldn’t indict. We didn’t close it; we put it on the back burner. Vivian Swenson allegedly murdered her husband with an overdose of digitalis while they were on —.”

JJ waved McDuff off. “Yeah, yeah, I remember. What about it.”

“Just after Vivian Swenson returned from the cruise — she lives here in Golden — agent Maloney and I interviewed Swenson’s best friend, Yvonne Davies.”

“Good for you two. That obviously didn’t help, since the US attorney wouldn’t indict.”

“She wouldn’t tell us anything. Said she didn’t know anything about it. Well, she just called. I just got through talking with her, and she said she has proof that Vivian Swenson murdered her husband.”

“Do tell. What kind of proof.”

“Vivian Swenson told her all about it. In fact, Vivian told her she was going to murder her husband before she even did it. Then, after she committed the murder, Vivian told Yvonne how and when she did it. Also, Yvonne said she has a recording of Vivian confessing to this — describing in detail how she murdered her husband.”

“Good. Why don’t you grab Maloney, if she’s around, and bring Yvonne Davies in and get her statement, and the recording, and anything else she has.”

“She’s at work now. She’s coming in tomorrow at 10:00 o’clock.”

“Tomorrow’s Saturday. I guess you need the overtime.”

“I’d rather have the day off.”

“Then you need to find case breaker people who can do it during the week. Go find Maloney and tell her she’s got to come in. If she absolutely can’t make it, then recruit someone else. If you can’t find anyone at all, then I’ll be your partner for the interview. I’m going to be here tomorrow anyway.”

“Thanks boss.”

“Don’t call me boss. I don’t like that term. Call me Jenkins, or Jamaal, or JJ.”

“Okay. Thanks JJ.”

“I don’t know for what. Now, you’re sure Ms. Davies is going to show tomorrow?”

“Pretty sure. She seemed very forthright.”

“I’d say something happened with their friendship — Swenson and Davies. Something made it suddenly turn sour. Not likely to turn back either. Two women. Men can get mad at each other, and the next day, their buddies again. Women; not the case. Two women hating on each other — not likely either will assuage her feelings.”

“Assuage?”

“I’m trying to improve my vocabulary. That’s one of the words I was studying recently. Saw an opportunity to use it, so I used it. See you tomorrow.”

“Right. See you tomorrow, JJ.”

Chapter 84

Wednesday, November 9

After meeting with US attorney Marcy Norton, agent McDuff was back in JJ’s office. “So, Marcy is ready to take the Swenson case to the grand jury now,” JJ said.

“Yes. She thinks that Yvonne Davis’s testimony puts the case in a very winnable category,” McDuff said.

“How is she going to present it.”

“In a nutshell —.”

“You’re catching on McDuff. In a nutshell. That’s how I like it. Bang, bang, bang. Concise and to the point. Succinct. Pithy.”

“New vocabulary words?”

“Precisely. Now, give it to me, staccato.”

“Yvonne Davies will testify that Vivian Swenson told her she was going to murder her husband with an overdose of digitalis while on the cruise ship.”

“Vivian Swenson’s husband, Dr. James Swenson, died of heart failure.”

“The autopsy report states Dr. Swenson had four times the prescribed dosage of digitalis in his body, and that the overdose of digitalis was the cause of his heart failure and death.”

“Yvonne Davies will testify that Vivian Swenson, after her husband’s death, admitted that she murdered her husband with the overdose of digitalis.”

“Hunter Kingsley, a passenger on the cruise ship, will testify that Dr. Jim Swenson told him that his wife, Vivian Swenson, was dissatisfied with the marriage. Kingsley will also testify that Jim Swenson appeared very sick and in a stupor a few hours before his death. Thirdly, Kingsley will testify that Vivian Swenson started an intimate relationship with another passenger, Duke Rawlings, less than a day and a half after her husband’s death.”

“Motive: dissatisfaction in the marriage.”

JJ interrupted, “Motive is very important.”

“Yes,” McDuff continued. “Additional motive: money. Matt Lowery, a claims examiner with World Life Insurance Company, will testify that Jim Swenson had a $2 million term life insurance policy on himself, with Vivian Swenson as the sole beneficiary. That policy was less than six months away from expiration when Vivian Swenson made a claim for the $2 million payout. The $2 million payout was, in fact, made.”

“Prosecutor Marcy Norton will include in her charge to the grand jury that Vivian Swenson, now Vivian Rawlings, as she married her lover from the cruise ship, is nothing more than a cold hearted and greedy femme fatale.”

“Seems like a slam dunk to me,” JJ said, “at least for the grand jury to issue an indictment. The prosecutor only needs to convince a super majority of the jurors, not all of them, that there is probable cause that she did the dirty deed. Winning the trial will be a lot harder. Got to convince all the jurors in the trial, not that she probably did the deed, but that she is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Good job McDuff. So, I guess Marcy is going to subpoena Yvonne Davies, Hunter Kingsley, and the insurance guy, Matt Lowery.”

“Yes.”

“Why don’t you give them a courtesy call. Let them know a subpoena is coming. Put their mind at ease. Let them know, especially Davies, that a grand jury’s proceedings take place in a private room with no judge, and the proceedings are kept secret. And let Davies know that her friend, Vivian Swenson, is not allowed to be there and won’t even know about it. That should put our star witness’ mind at ease; at least for the grand jury.”

“Will do, JJ.”

“And, if you need any help, get Maloney to help you. You two neophytes seem to work well together.”

Chapter 85

Tuesday, November 29

At about 11:30 AM on Tuesday, November 29, FBI agent George McDuff peered through the glass of his supervisor’s office, and saw that JJ was on the phone. He caught JJ’s attention and gave him a thumbs up. JJ motioned for McDuff to come in and have a seat. A few minutes later JJ finished with his telephone conversation.

“Well?”

“Piece of cake,” McDuff said. “The grand jury indicted Vivian Rawlings, formally Vivian Swenson, for first-degree murder. The arrest warrant was also issued. We can pick her up any time.”

“Good. Think she’ll run?”

“Run?”

“Yeah, take flight to avoid arrest.”

“No. She doesn’t know she’s been indicted and that a warrant has been issued for her arrest. It was all done in secret.”

“True,” JJ said, “but one of the people who testified in the hearing was her best friend.”

“But she won’t say anything. She’s forbidden by law to disclose anything that took place in the grand jury.”

“Sure she is. Do people ever break the law?”

“Of course they do. That’s why we have a job. But I don’t think Davies is going to say anything. She’s really got it out for Vivian Rawlings.”

“Yvonne Davies is a woman, right.”

“Yes.”

“In your experience, have you ever known a woman to change her mind, or to have a change of heart.”

“Of course.”

“So, you don’t think Davies might have any kind of revelation, like, ‘My gosh, what have I done, I betrayed my best friend. I’d better let her know she’s about to be arrested.’”

“It’s remotely possible.”

“I agree. It’s remote. But remotely possible things do happen once in a while.”

“Maybe I should grab someone and go arrest her right now.”

“After lunch. Then grab three agents and take two cars. Just in case she resists. Just in case her husband is there and wants to cause trouble. Just in case.”

“Okay. I’ll get Maloney and we’ll go to lunch right now. And, one of the people that testified this morning, the ex-Secret Service guy, Hunter Kingsley, is waiting in the lobby with Maloney. We offered to take him to lunch.”

“Good gesture. Since he’s right here, I’ll go meet him. Let me grab something. You go ahead. I’ll be right there. Maybe I’ll go to lunch with you guys too.”

“That would be great boss — I mean JJ.”

Two minutes later, in the FBI lobby, JJ approached agents McDuff and Maloney who were standing and talking with Hunter Kingsley. JJ extended his right hand toward Kingsley and said, “Hi, I’m Jamaal Jenkins, better known as JJ. I’m in charge of the major crimes squad.”

“Glad to meet you. I’m Hunter Kingsley.”

“Thanks for flying out and testifying before the grand jury.”

“No problem. Happy to do it.”

“Retired Secret Service, right.”

“Not retired. I only stayed in for 10 years. Left to get involved in other things. Got saved in the process.”

“Saved?”

“Saved from my sins.”

“Just checking. I’m with you on that.”

“So were brothers.”

“Absolutely.”

McDuff and Maloney gave JJ and Hunter a puzzled look. “JJ looked back at them and said,” I’ll explain it to you sometime. Where were you two thinking about having lunch.”

Maloney answered. “McDuff and I would like to treat Hunter to one of Denver’s better eateries, but, if we’re going to go to Golden and arrest Vivian Rawlings, maybe we better eat here in the lunchroom.”

“Federal building cafeterias are fine with me,” Hunter said.

After lunch, the ex-agent and the three active agents returned to the FBI lobby. JJ got a visitor’s badge for Hunter. The receptionist then buzzed the four of them through the security door. JJ then worked the combination to unlock the armory, and the four of them went in.

“The four of us will go out and nab Vivian Rawlings, if she’s home,” JJ said. “You game for this Kingsley, or do you need to get back to California.”

“You kidding me. You bet I’m game.”

“I thought so. Now I’m sticking my neck out a little, just letting you come along, let alone giving you a vest and a weapon. I’m not too concerned though. I can justify it. You’ll be mentioned in the arrest report, as one of the persons on the arrest team, so nothing is being done unofficially. It’s all above board. What handgun did you carry in the Secret Service.”

“We were using the Sig Sauer P229.”

“We use Glock 17’s and 19s.”

“I fired the 17 many times. I’m very comfortable with it.”

“I figured you might be. Here’s a 17 you can use. No magazine in it, right.”

“Check.”

“I’ll rack it back and you can see there is no round in the chamber.”

“Check, no round in the chamber.”

“Here’s your 17, and three magazines for it. Now, I’m sure you Secret Service boys always carried your weapons with a round in the chamber.”

“Absolutely.”

“Us too. So, go ahead and load your weapon and rack a round in the chamber.”

“Okay. Done.”

“Here’s an extra round to put back in the magazine. Is that how you guys did it.”

“You got it. No sense in having only 16 rounds and a 17 round magazine.”

“Here’s a holster and a belt with handcuffs and two magazine holders. Come over here and pick out a vest that fits. As soon as we’re ready, we’ll go to my office and have a quick briefing. Make sure you guys stop off at the bathroom on the way. McDuff, bring the map to the Rawlings house along with the aerial views of the house I know you undoubtedly pulled up, days before the grand jury — and vehicle descriptions and anything else we’ll need.”

“Right,” McDuff said.

Ten minutes later, JJ started the briefing. “None of us have been to the house before, so take a second and study the satellite photos of the house. It looks like a horseshoe driveway goes up to the front of the house. With all the trees it’s unlikely that you can even see the house from the road. Could be some snow on the ground. Shouldn’t be much though. There’s a vehicle parked in the driveway near the garage, so they don’t always keep their vehicles in the garage, at least during the day. What do we have for vehicles, McDuff.”

“Vivian drives a new red Grand Cherokee, and Duke Rawlings drives a late-model green Expedition.”

“We’ll go up in two vehicles. In SUVs rather than sedans. That’s one of the advantages of being in the Denver field office, Hunter, we have four-wheel drive SUVs. McDuff and Maloney, you’re the arresting agents. Kingsley and I are your backup. When we get up there I’ll cover the back of the house and Kingsley will cover the arresting agents at the front door. Any questions.”

All three, in turn, said, “no.”

“Good. Let’s all make sure we have our handheld radios on channel 3.”

“Check.”

“Check.”

“Channel 3 selected.”

“Okay,” JJ said, let’s roll.”

Chapter 86

At 1417 hrs., two black SUVs pulled up into the horse shoe shaped driveway of Duke and Vivian Rawlings. There was a dusting of snow on the ground, but the blacktop driveway was clear. There were no other vehicles visible. McDuff stood on a log and peered into the garage through the garage door windows. There were no vehicles in the garage.

“It appears that no one is home,” McDuff said.

“What should we do,” JJ asked.

“Someone may be home even though there are no vehicles in sight. Will give you a minute to get in position at the rear of the house JJ, then Maloney and I will knock on the front door with Kingsley covering our backs.”

“You’re using your head McDuff,” JJ said. “As soon as I’m in place in the rear, I’ll give you a tap on the radio.”

Two minutes later McDuff knocked and rang the doorbell. No answer and no noises coming from inside the house. McDuff knocked and rang the doorbell two more times. McDuff then called JJ on the two-way radio. “McDuff to JJ. No answer.”

“Ten-four,” JJ said. “I’m coming back around.”

“Two minutes later, the four agents were standing together in the driveway by their vehicles.

“Now what McDuff.”

“Okay. How about this. We maneuver our vehicles around so they are back to back at the apex of the driveway here. One vehicle will be in a position to drive forward toward the one entrance to the driveway, and the other vehicle will be in position to drive forward toward the other entrance of this horseshoe driveway. From either driveway entrance you can’t see our two vehicles here. When Mr. or Mrs. Rawlings returns, hopefully Mrs. Rawlings in her red Cherokee, Maloney and I will exit our vehicles, weapons drawn, and effect the arrest. JJ will be behind the wheel of one of the vehicles, and Kingsley behind the wheel of the other vehicle. If she tries to flee in her vehicle, we are in a position to give chase in either direction. If it’s Mr. Rawlings who shows up first, we put him in one of our vehicles and babysit him while we wait for his wife to return. If he’s uncooperative, we handcuff him behind his back and belt him in the back seat of one of the vehicles.”

“Go to the head of the class. Well thought out McDuff. What do you think Maloney.”

“I like it. I was thinking something similar. I think that’s why McDuff and I make good partners.”

“And you two do. Let’s set it up just like McDuff said.”

One hour and 35 minutes later, Vivian Rawlings started up the driveway in her red Grand Cherokee. She pulled up near the black SUV facing her and stoped. She put the gear selector in Park, and sat there for a few seconds with the engine running. Suddenly agents McDuff and Maloney flew out of the rear doors of the SUV facing Vivian, with weapons drawn. McDuff approached the driver’s door of the Cherokee, as Maloney approached the passenger side.

McDuff barked the commands. “FBI. With your left hand, turn off the ignition.”

Vivian sat there and did not comply.

“Vivian Rawlings. You are subject to being shot. With your left hand, turn off the ignition.”

She complied.

“With your left hand, pull the keys out of the ignition.”

She did.

“Hold the keys up in the air with your left hand. With your right hand, slowly open the car door and exit the vehicle.”

She complied.

“Vivian Rawlings, formally Vivian Swenson, you are under arrest for the murder of your former husband, James Swenson. Place your hands behind your back while agent Maloney handcuffs you.”

Maloney placed the handcuffs on Vivian and double locked them. Maloney gave Vivian a pat down and then gave her the Miranda warning. Vivian said, “I have nothing to say.”

Vivian was then placed in the rear of the first black SUV and strapped in. JJ parked the grand Cherokee in front of the garage and locked it. McDuff drove the SUV with Vivian in the back to the US Marshal service in downtown Denver for processing and lockup. Maloney sat in the passenger seat half turned toward the back and kept her eye on Vivian during the trip. JJ and Kingsley followed in the other SUV.

On Wednesday, November 30, the day after her arrest, Vivian Rawlings had her initial appearance before the magistrate. It was determined that she had the financial ability to hire an attorney. The US attorney asked that Vivian be detained. Vivian’s attorney, Saul Machowitz, protested, but the US attorney prevailed.

Two days later, on December 2, a detention hearing was held. It was determined that Vivian was a mild flight risk, and $100,000 cash had to be pledged to the court by Duke Rawlings. That is, no money had to be paid out at this point. Duke had to guarantee that he would pay the hundred thousand if Vivian failed to make any of her court appearances. Vivian also had to surrender any and all of her passports to the court.

Chapter 87

Friday, December 2

After Duke had signed the $100,000 pledge to the court, and all other paperwork was completed, Vivian was released from custody. It was 11:15 AM. Saul Machowitz and Duke and Vivian Rawlings then walked to a restaurant Saul recommended, the Guard and Grace. Saul said he would buy.

The trio was seated and given menus. After noting the prices, Duke said, “Are you sure you want to buy, Saul.”

“I’m sure. It’s the least I could do for you two. I told you I’m not a criminal attorney. And I haven’t had many dealings in federal court. Vivian is going to need a good criminal attorney who knows the federal system. This is not something to take lightly, Vivian. First-degree murder is a serious charge. You can go to prison for the rest of your life. Maybe even get the death penalty.”

“Duke,” Vivian said, “we have to do what it takes to get me off the hook. I don’t want to go to prison for something I didn’t do. Two days in jail was enough for me. I couldn’t handle going to prison.”

“Don’t worry honey. Will do what it takes to get you off and keep you from going to prison. Do you know any really good federal criminal defense attorneys, Saul.”

“There is one I would highly recommend. He’s pricey but very good. He has a lot of experience and really knows what he’s doing.”

“What’s his name,” Duke asked.

“Crenshaw Henning. His office is not far from here.”

“Does he have law partners,” Duke asked.

“Not actually. He usually has one or two upstart attorneys who work with him. They usually take care of the more mundane things, to help out. They normally stay with him a year or two — learn the ropes — then move on. If Crenshaw takes your case, he’ll be your attorney, all the way. The trouble is, if he’s working more than two or three decent size cases, he won’t take you on. He won’t overextend himself. So, what do you think.”

“Here comes our waiter,” Duke said. “Let’s get our food and drinks going first. It’s starting to get busy in here. I don’t want to have to ask our waiter come back.”

“Good morning — almost afternoon. Are we ready to order, or do we need a few more minutes.”

“Were ready,” Duke said. Ladies first, if you’re ready Vivian.”

“Why don’t you or Saul go first. I’m still trying to decide.”

“Go ahead Saul, since your hosting.”

“Yes. I’ll have the dry aged bone in New York strip with a side of the chipotle lime smashed potatoes.”

“And to drink sir?”

“I’d like a glass of wine. Do you need to send the wine steward over for that.”

“I can take care of that, if you know what you want.”

“I do. I’d like a glass of the Round Pond Estate Cabernet.”

“Very good. And you sir.”

Duke responded, “I’d like the grass-fed filet mignon, also with the smashed potatoes and a glass of the same cab.”

“Very well. And you ma’am.”

“I’ll take the Alaskan black cod, the crispy Brussels sprouts, and, I think a glass of the Pewsey Vale Riesling.”

“Excellent. If there’s nothing else at this point, I will get your order started, and turn your drink order over to the wine bar. Your wines should be out very shortly.”

“Good,” Saul said. “I’m glad we did get our order in. They are pretty efficient here. But it now being Friday afternoon, it tends to get a little busy. Some of the executive types come here for lunch. A few cocktails later, they decide not to go back to the office. Well, what do you think. Do you want me to give Crenshaw a call. I could see if he’s even going to be available.”

“Yes, definitely,” Duke said. “Give him a call, don’t you think, Viv?”

“Yes, of course,” Vivian said. “I definitely need a very good attorney.”

“Good,” Saul said. “I’ll be right back. These nicer restaurants frown on people talking on the cell phone at the dining table.”

A few minutes later Saul returned. “I see our wines have been delivered. Shall we toast and sip before I tell you the good news.”

“Yes,” Vivian said.

“Here, here,” Duke said.

“A toast to Vivian,” Saul said. “May you somehow be acquitted of all charges.” The three clinked their glasses and had a sip. Vivian had three sips.

“Boy, I needed that,” Vivian said. This is just one of a million reasons I just can’t go to prison. No liquor.”

“Okay,” Saul said. “The good news is Crenshaw can take on another case right now. The other good news is, we have an appointment to see him at two o’clock for an interview.”

“Interview,” Vivian asked.

“Yes. It’s a two-way street. He’ll ask you questions to see if he wants to represent you, and you can ask him questions to see if you want him to represent you.”

“Okay,” Vivian said.

“We must be at his office promptly at two o’clock. He wants to leave no later than 3:30 to avoid the worst of the rush-hour traffic. Besides, being on time is part of making a good impression. And another thing, we had better confine ourselves to this one glass of wine.” Vivian grimaced.

At attorney Crenshaw Henning’s office, after introductions, Saul filled him in. Crenshaw then questioned Vivian. He looked her straight in the eyes and asked, “Are you, Vivian Rawlings, guilty of the charges that have been filed against you?”

Vivian hesitated slightly and then said, “No.”

“Vivian Rawlings, did you murder your previous husband, James Swenson?”

“No.”

“Did you give your former husband, James Swenson, an overdose of his heart medication?”

“No.”

“Are you planning to flee the country.”

“No.”

“If I take the case, will you be on time for every appointment?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll take your case Mrs. Rawlings. I’ll represent you fairly and do my utmost to acquit you of these charges. Do either of you have any questions for me.”

“Yes,” Vivian said. “Would you have taken my case if you thought I were guilty.”

“Yes. And I gave no indication of my thoughts regarding your guilt or innocence. What I think is not the issue. What a jury of twelve of your peers think is of the utmost importance. I wanted to see how convincingly you came across. We are not seeking truth here. The name of the game is believability. What can we do to convince twelve people that you are innocent.”

“The prosecutor has the opposite goal. What can he do to convince the jury that you are guilty as charged. The truth takes a backseat. If I uncover something that is detrimental to our cause, I will not disclose it or bring it up. I will suppress it. The same with the prosecutor and his team. Anything that points to your innocence, he will not mention.”

“The hope is that the truth will come to light, in spite of it all. But, it doesn’t always happen. Any other questions.”

“Fees,” Duke said. What is the cost of your representation.”

“Good question. That depends on how long and how far we have to go. If we can plea-bargain you a good deal, early in the game, it won’t cost near as much as going to trial. And if we go to trial, and we don’t like the outcome, we can appeal. That will take a lot more money. That can go on for years.”

“Definitely, the plea-bargain is the way to keep the cost down. Vivian would most likely have to do some prison time. Maybe only a few years.”

“No! I won’t do prison time. I can’t. I couldn’t handle it. I’d die first.”

“That sounds pretty definite,” Crenshaw said.

“Well, okay” Dukes said. “Say we go to trial. How about a rough, ballpark cost for that.”

“It depends.”

“I know it depends on this and that. Rough estimate. Average.”

“Could be as low as $75,000. Not likely it would ever be less than that. More likely $100,000 to $300,000. You could get an upbeat criminal defense attorney — a guy just starting out — trying to build up a practice — establish himself, for probably $20,000. A lot less chance of winning the case though. Experience and track record is what you’re paying for here.”

“I want Mr. Henning to represent me,” Vivian said. “I deserve the best.”

“Do you two want to go home and think about it. Get back to me Monday. It’s not likely someone’s going to retain me for a major case between now and Monday.”

“I want Mr. Henning,” Vivian said. “I think he’ll do a good job. I don’t want to put this off.”

“Okay Vivian,” Duke said. “We’ll hire Mr. Henning. Where do we sign up.”

“My retainer fee for a case like this is $25,000. You can write me a check and I’ll hold it until Monday afternoon. I’ll have Thelma draw up the retainer while you write the check. She’ll tell you exactly how to make it out. And, by the way, you can call me Crenshaw in any informal settings. We’re going to be like family for a while.”

After writing the check and signing the retainer, Saul drove Duke and Vivian back to Dukes vehicle, and Duke and Vivian drove home.

Chapter 88

Thursday, December 15

At 8:15 AM the house phone rang. Duke answered, talked for three minutes, and hung up.

“Sweetie, who was that on the phone,” Vivian asked.

“It was one of my golfing buddies,” Hector Perez.”

“Yes?”

“He said the latest weather report says the storm is going to pass by Golden. It’s not going to rain here after all. So, Fossil Trace golf course is wide open, and we have a tee time of 10:00 AM; Just Hector and me. Is that all right with you. Do you mind if I play golf today.”

“I’ll be all right. I know you haven’t played for a couple of weeks because of us meeting with the attorney and such. Since it’s not going to rain or snow, you should get out there and play.”

“Thanks hon.”

“No problem. You know, I still can’t get over Yvonne, my best friend, going to testify against me.” “Yeah, that’s a surprise. She said the FBI sort of forced her to testify for the prosecution.”

“Can they do that.”

“Apparently so.”

“I’m not even supposed to talk to her. It could be construed as trying to influence the witness.”

“What is she going to testify about; your character?”

“I don’t know.”

“What else could it be. She doesn’t know anything. Right? She wasn’t even there when your husband died.”

“Right.”

“I’m going to take off now. I should be back no later than 5:00 PM.”

“Have fun. And take a rain jacket, just in case.”

“Got one in my bag.”

• * * *

At 9:40 AM, Duke met up with Hector on the practice putting green.

“We can tee off now if you’re ready,” Hector said. “There’s no one scheduled before us.”

“Let’s do it.”

“Good. Put your clubs on the cart and we’ll go.”

Four hours later they were finished.

“You game for a beer and a sandwich,” Hector asked.

“You got it.”

Duke and Hector sat down in the clubhouse restaurant with their beers and sandwiches.

“That was an enjoyable game,” Duke said.

“It was. The weather turned out nice, and nobody was pushing us. We just took our time.”

“That’s the way I like it.”

“Me too.” Hector paused for a few seconds and then grabbed Duke by the upper arm and spoke. “You know, one of the guys was saying that your wife is in some kind of trouble. I’m not trying to be nosy or anything, but we golfers have to stick together.”

“Well, yeah. You know how Vivian and I met. On a ship, back in April, just after her husband had died of a heart attack in their cabin. A couple of days after that Vivian and I met and we immediately hit it off. Kind of weird, but that’s the way it happened.”

“Yeah.”

“Anyway, even though the doctor on the ship said Vivian’s husband died of natural causes, somehow the FBI got involved and accused her of causing his death by giving him too much of his heart medication. Nothing happened for a while, except we got married, and then, all of a sudden, the FBI came to our house and arrested her. So now she’s out on bond; I had the pledge $100,000 for that; and she has a trial date of January 30. She doesn’t want to plea bargain because she doesn’t want to do any time. So, we’re definitely going to trial. We have a good attorney, but it’s probably going to cost two to three hundred thousand for him by the time it’s all said and done. That would take a chunk out of our portfolio.”

“She didn’t do it, right.”

“No, she didn’t do it.”

“You’re sure. Now, don’t get offended. I’m just playing devil’s advocate here. I don’t know your wife very well. I’m sure she’s a nice lady. But I’ve known you for a long time. You’re usually pretty good at thinking things through. So, let’s think it through.”

“Okay. I’ll go along.”

“So, your wife’s former husband apparently died of a heart attack.”

“Yes.”

“But the FBI thinks she poisoned him.”

“Yes.”

“Would it be easy for a wife to poison her husband, if she wanted to.”

“Yes.”

“Now, why would she want to do that. How would she benefit from that.”

“She wasn’t happy in the marriage.”

“Okay.”

“There was a very large life insurance policy on him. That’s why we’re sitting pretty well, financially.”

“Bingo.”

“No, Vivian’s not that way.”

“I’m not trying to turn you against your wife, but there is the femme fatale type, of which men should be wary.”

There was a long pause before Duke spoke. “You know what Hector, I’ve got to go. I just thought of something I’ve got to do. Thanks for the golf. It was great out there. I’ll talk to you soon.”

• * * *  

Duke arrived at 3:15 PM and rang the doorbell to Yvonne Davies apartment. A few seconds later the door opened.

“Why Duke,” Yvonne said, “whatever are you doing here. I normally wouldn’t be home yet from work, but I got off early. Slow day. It’s so nice to see you. Do come in. Would you like a drink. I’ve got a really great cab —.”

“I just have one question.”

“Yes, what is it.”

“Look me straight in the eyes.”

“Okay.”

“Did Vivian murder her husband.”

A few seconds passed. Yvonne’s eyes teared up and she turned away.

“That’s all I needed to know,” Duke said as he turned and walked away.

Chapter 89

Friday, December 16

At 10:30 AM Duke was in his attorney friend, Saul Machowitz’s office in downtown Denver. “Give it to me straight Saul, friend to friend, with your attorney hat on. You’re pretty familiar with the case against my wife, right.”

“Somewhat. I have talked to my friend and your wife’s attorney, Crenshaw Henning, and we’ve discussed your wife’s case in general terms.”

“Good. How strong of a case do you believe the prosecution has against my wife.”

“Well, from the defenses side of things, Henning doesn’t know precisely everything they plan to present, but through the process of discovery, which he is currently in the middle of, he will have a good idea. So far, the sense I get from Henning is that the prosecution has a pretty good case. Henning will have his work cut out for him. Since your wife took any plea bargaining off the table, the case is going to trial. It’s either win or lose.”

“What’s the chance of win.”

“At this point in the process, Henning thinks 50%. Don’t tell your wife this. This is strictly between you and me.”

“You got it.”

“Things could change of course, either way, as the discovery process continues. And the final outcome — it’s always up in the air. Anything can happen in a jury trial.”

“What happens if she loses.”

“Then your wife does prison time; maybe for life; remote possibility of a death penalty, or, she appeals. If she appeals, Henning will want a bunch more money, and he’ll have to argue that there were significant violations of law that affected the outcome of the trial. Less than 10% of cases brought before the appeals court are overturned, so not a very likely pay off there.”

“A fairly bleak prospect,” Duke said.

“Sorry my friend, but that’s the straight scoop.”

“I appreciate it. Now, one of Vivian’s friends, Yvonne Davies, is a witness for the prosecution. This surprised us. Do you know what her testimony is going to be.”

“I believe she is the star witness, so to speak, and is going to testify that your wife told her all about killing her husband, and how she did it. Not only that, but apparently this Yvonne Davies will also testify that your wife told Davies she was going to kill her husband weeks or months before she did it. Davies will testify that she tried to talk Vivian into getting a divorce instead, but your wife, according to her, said divorce wouldn’t work. She had to kill him for the $2 million life insurance money.”

“Crap. If that’s true, my wife is a coldhearted, coldblooded murderer.”

“I’m not the jury, but money does cause some people to do some pretty heinous things.”

“How the heck do you live with a woman who murdered her previous husband.”

“That’s a tough one, but, remember, she hasn’t been tried yet. Innocent until proven guilty.”

“If you murder, then you’re a murderer, whether you’ve been tried or not.”

“Your wife seems like such a nice lady.”

“She does. She does seem that way. Thanks for squeezing me in your schedule my friend.”

“That’s one of the things friends do.”

Chapter 90

Friday, December 16, later in the day

Duke left Saul Machowitz’s office and went to his once in a while bar/ think spot between downtown Denver and Lakewood, where he used to have his apartment. He sat in a booth nursing a beer for just over an hour, then left. He walked over to one of the few phone booths he knew still existed, and dialed a memorized number. The phone rang twice and Duke hung up. He waited exactly 45 seconds and dialed again. The phone was answered this time.

“Yeah.”

“Dancer here,” Duke said.

“Hacksaw here. You got something.”

“I do. When and where can we meet,” Duke asked.

“Tomorrow at 1000 hours, Hacksaw said. “I’ll call you at 0900 and tell you where.”

“Call on disposable number three.”

“Number three. Check.”

The next morning, at 8:30 AM, and after breakfast, Duke told Vivian he was going to do some errands. “What kind of errands; maybe I’ll go along.”

“You can if you want. I’m just going to take a run at two or three golf Pro shops and see what kind of putters they have. My putting has been off lately, and I think it might be my putter. It may have accidentally been tweaked or bent somehow.”

“Maybe it’s not the putter golf club, but the putter himself.”

“Naw, that couldn’t be it.”

“I don’t think I’ll go with you after all. Looking at putters doesn’t sound very interesting to me.”

“That’s fine. I won’t be gone all that long.”

“Duke.”

“Yes.”

“Is everything all right. You just seemed a little distant last night; and then again this morning.”

“Really? No. Everything’s fine. I guess my poor putting is starting to get to me.”

“Well, okay. I may go out myself and do a little shopping, but not for putters.”

“Okay. See you later this afternoon, if not before.”

Duke left the house and drove down the hill. At 0855 hours he pulled over. With disposable cell phone number three in hand, he waited. At 0901 hours the phone rang. “You’re late,” Duke said.

“My watch says 0900”

“Cheap watch.”

“Meet me at Bear Creek Lake park. The spot we met before. You know the time.”

“I’ll be there.”

At 1000 hours, Hacksaw and Dancer met up.

“You’re looking good, Dancer; relaxed; well fed.”

“I don’t have to work as hard as I used to. You look like you’re doing all right yourself.”

“Can’t complain. So, what’s the gig.”

“Elimination. Solo operation.”

“Who’s the target.”

“A woman. She lives off Lookout Mountain Road. Drives a new red Grand Cherokee. A one vehicle accident is the best way; icy roads, hairpin curves; brakes fail, and off the road and down the slope she goes. Best opportunity is a week from today, Saturday, December 24.”

“That’s Christmas eve. That’s heartless.”

“We’re in a heartless occupation. It’s the best opportunity. You in?”

“Of course I’m in.”

“That’s heartless.”

“Got to make a living.”

“Don’t we all. Here’s the $7,000 in random bills. You’ll get the other half after mission accomplishment. We’ll drive up there in a second and do a quick recon. On the 24th she is getting together with some girlfriends at a restaurant in downtown Golden. She’ll want to get there by 1100 hours, or a little after, so she’ll leave her house around 1030 hours.”

“So,” Hacksaw said, “I’ll need to do my thing with the brakes and be done, no later than 0930 hours, just to be safe. Hey, you know what I learned to do now; I can make it so the brake fluid drains out of one side of the car before the other. That way, when the victim steps on the brakes about the fifth or sixth time, the brakes still work on the one side of the car, but not on the other. It makes the car turn sharply to the working brakes side, and very quickly off the road. Coming down a mountain road; that should be pretty spectacular.”

“Yeah, well,” Dancer said, “I’d rather not know the details of your expertise.”

“I just thought you’d appreciate it.”

“Oh, I do. You ready to take a ride up the hill?

“My car or yours.”

“Yours.”

Chapter 91

Thursday, December 22

At the house off Lookout Mountain Road

“I still don’t quite understand,” Vivian said, “why you and your buddies fly off to Phoenix to play golf when it’s so close to Christmas.”

“It’s simple. Cold here. Warm there. It’s a lot more fun to play golf in short sleeves rather than sweaters and jackets. Besides, because it’s so close to Christmas, we got a package deal. Stay two nights and play three days of golf. We’re playing this afternoon, Friday and Saturday morning, and we’ll all be back late Saturday afternoon; Christmas Eve. And you’re going to be gone a good part of Saturday yourself. Lunch with the girls. Those lunches you ladies have often last four or five hours. I’ll probably be home Saturday before you are.”

“You’re right. I am really looking forward to Christmas Eve lunch with the girls. It was their idea to have it. They thought it would help take my mind off the trial and focus it on Christmas. Some of us may even do a little last minute Christmas shopping afterwards.”

“There you go. I think I will definitely be home before you on Saturday. I’d better get going. I’ve already put my suitcase and golf bag in the car. And I wrote down all the information about where we’re staying and the airline and flight number for our return on Saturday. It’s by the kitchen phone.”

Duke hugged and kissed Vivian goodbye. “Say hi to the girls for me.”

“I will. Say hi to the guys for me, even though I’ve never met any of them except Hector.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you.”

Chapter 92

Saturday, December 24

Phoenix, Arizona

At 12:20 PM, Duke and his three golf buddies were just walking off the 18th green of the Gold course at the Wigwam Golf Resort in Phoenix, when Duke’s disposable cell phone number three rang twice.

“Was that someone’s phone,” one of the fellows asked.

“I thought it was mine,” Duke said as he pulled out his regular public cell phone and looked at it. “Not me.”

“A great game and a great three days of golf,” Hector Perez said as the foursome walked to their carts. “Just like we planned. We have time for a beer and a sandwich, and then off to the airport for our 4:10 PM flight back home.”

At 6:50 PM, the Southwest flight arrived in Denver. Duke retrieved his suitcase and golf bag, walked to the short-term parking garage, and drove home. It was much colder in Denver. Christmas time was certainly on display. Almost all the houses he passed were lit up magnificently. What a time of year. As he pulled off Lookout Mountain Road and started up his driveway, he noticed that no Christmas lights were on. In fact, no lights were on at all inside or outside the house.

As he reached the apex of the driveway, he saw two cars. One had its parking lights on. It was a police car. The other looked like Yvonne Davies’ car. Two men from the police car approached him. One was a police officer. The other gentleman had some sort of black uniform with white letters that read, “Law Enforcement Chaplain.” The police officer asked if they could accompany Duke into the house. He nodded. Yvonne trailed behind.

Once inside, Duke motioned everyone to have a seat in the living room by the stone fireplace. Duke spoke, “I know you’re not here with good news. It’s Vivian, isn’t it.”

“The chaplain spoke. “There was an accident — on Lookout Mountain Road – involving your wife, Vivian Rawlings. She died in that accident.”

Duke teared up, but did not cry. Yvonne cried.

The chaplain continued, “It may be of some comfort for you to know that your wife must have died almost instantly, and therefore did not suffer.”

“It was a one car accident,” the police officer said. “There was no one else involved.”

“We are so sorry to have to bring you this news,” the chaplain said. “Being Christmas Eve doesn’t help either. It would be good if you’re not alone. It would be good if you have people with you for the next couple of days. If need be, we have chaplains who can help with that.”

“Well, thanks chaplain, but I’ll be all right. Yvonne is here right now. She was my wife’s best friend. I have a lot of friends that can hang in with me if need be. I’m fine. I’ll be all right.”

“I think you will be. Here is my card. Don’t hesitate to call the chaplaincy if there’s anything at all we can help with. If you have a church, your church family can really be a help.”

“I don’t, but I’ll be fine. Thanks again chaplain, and officer.”

As the chaplain and police officer were leaving, Yvonne, with tears in her eyes, looked at Duke and said, “I’m so sorry — this is the worst thing that could have happened. She was my best friend. I feel so bad for you.” She broke into a flood of tears.

When her tears subsided, Duke looked at her and said, “I am very tired and am going to bed. You are welcome to stay here. In fact, you should. You know where the guestroom is. You can help yourself to any of Vivian’s nightgowns or clothes you may need. Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

The next day; Christmas Day; Duke woke up to the smell of freshly made coffee, eggs, and bacon. “What a great smell to wake up to,” Duke said.

“I’m just trying to help out, wherever I can,” Yvonne said.

“I really appreciate you being here last night. Just knowing someone else was here, and I wasn’t alone in this big house, was a real comfort. Thank you.”

“It was the least I could do for my friend, and for you. The other girls and I were so looking forward to the luncheon at the Buffalo Rose yesterday. We were going to do our best to cheer Vivian up. This trial thing has been really wearing on her.”

“Yvonne, you’re not making a lot of sense. You were going to testify against her. Your testimony would probably be the clincher that put her in prison for life.”

“I know. I know. I don’t understand it myself. I understood her frustrations with her marriage. I tried to talk her into getting a divorce instead of doing what she did. I felt she shouldn’t get away with it, so I decided to testify. Yet, on the other hand, she was my best friend. I miss her already. It’s just all so confusing and sad.”

“Well, that’s too deep for me. How about if we have some of the bacon and eggs that you cooked.”

“Okay.”

After breakfast, Duke and Yvonne found themselves looking at each other and smiling. Finally, Duke said, “It’s Christmas. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas Duke.”

There was a pause, and then Duke said, “I know you have plans for today, and I’m keeping you from them. You don’t have to stay here any longer. I’m fine. Really, I am.”

“My plans were not any big deal. I was going over to my brother’s house in the afternoon and have Christmas with him and his family. But they invite me because they want to make sure I don’t spend Christmas alone. So, I am free to cancel. What if I cook us Christmas dinner at my place. It won’t be anything fancy, but I do have the turkey and some things to go along with it. I had already planned on cooking it this morning so I could have it the rest of the week. What do you think. Are you game.”

“Well, okay. I like the idea. You’ve cheered me up already.”

“Great. I’ll go home right now, freshen up, and get the turkey ready and put it in the oven. Why don’t you come over, say, about two o’clock this afternoon.”

“Okay, I’ll be there. And I’ll bring a bottle of wine.”

“Good. See you then.”

Chapter 93

Christmas day

Yvonne’s apartment

Late in the afternoon on Christmas Day, after Duke and Yvonne had a cheerful and lighthearted turkey dinner, they turned on the TV and watched the local news. The top story was the tragic Christmas Eve accident on Lookout Mountain Road.

A news clip, recorded the day before, at the scene, showed a reporter wearing a blue cold weather jacket with the station logo, gloves, and a blue wool cap, standing across the road from where the accident happened. The reporter said, “Late morning today, Christmas Eve, a red SUV with a woman driving, failed to negotiate the curve on this part of Lookout Mountain Road. The cause of the one car accident is unknown at this time, but, as you can see behind me, there is a large section of ice on the road where the accident occurred. The vehicle tumbled down the mountain slope and came to rest hundreds of feet below. The Colorado State Patrol is on the scene and will be investigating this tragic Christmas Eve accident. The woman, who has yet to be identified, did not survive.”

The live reporter, sitting behind the desk at the news station, said, “That was yesterday. We have since learned that the woman killed in the accident was Vivian Rawlings. She is the same Vivian Rawlings who had been indicted for the murder of her previous husband, Dr. James Swenson. Her murder trial was scheduled for next month on January 30. The preliminary indication from the CSP is that the vehicle was going too fast for the icy road conditions, causing the vehicle to fail to negotiate the curve in the road. The CSP is still investigating.”

Duke clicked the TV off and said, “That put a damper on things.”

“It did, but I still enjoyed our dinner and conversation.”

“Me too. I guess it was necessary that I see that news report, least I think it didn’t really happen. It will help keep me grounded in reality.”

“It’s Christmas and you’re not alone. That also is reality.”

“You’re right. It is. I think I need a refill of my wine.”

“Me too.”

Chapter 94

Tuesday, December 27

At 5:30 PM Duke’s house phone rang. “Hello.”

“Hello Duke, it’s Yvonne.”

“Hi Yvonne. What’s up.”

“Well, number one, I’m just checking on you to see how you’re doing.”

“I’m doing okay.”

“And, number two, it’s about Liz Graham’s New Year’s Eve party. I know you and Vivian were going to attend. Liz and I, want to make sure you’re still coming.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Probably not.”

“Well, I think you should. What are you going to do; sit at home by yourself and watch the ball drop. Holidays are the worst time to be alone. Especially after a tragedy. Remember what the chaplain said.”

“I know.”

“How about this. Why don’t you come to my place first; and then we can go over there together. That way you won’t feel like the Lone Ranger. Besides, you probably don’t know how to get to Liz’s place anyway.”

“No. I’ve never been there.”

“I do, of course. Come on. You’ll have fun. All the girls and their husbands or boyfriends will be there, along with a few other interesting people.”

“Okay, I’ll go. What time should I come get you.”

“Six-thirty would be good. And you don’t have to worry about eating dinner. There will be plenty of food there.”

“Okay. I’ll be at your place at 6:30 this Saturday evening.”

“Thanks Duke. I know you’ll enjoy it. What are you doing until then. I hope you’re not just sitting around the house, although it is certainly a nice house to sit around in.”

“No. I’m getting out. I’m playing golf tomorrow and Friday.”

“Good. See you Saturday. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Chapter 95

Saturday, December 31, New Year’s Eve

At 6:28 PM, Duke rang Yvonne’s doorbell. “Come right in Duke. Boy, you really look great.”

“You don’t look half bad yourself. Do we have time for a quick drink of something before we go. I think it will help put me in the mood for a party.”

“Certainly we can. What’s your pleasure. I have several different wines, and I have bourbon and whiskey, maybe some rum. I don’t have any beer though.”

“A red wine would be good. A Merlot or Cabernet if you have it.”

“I’ve got a good one I think you’ll really like. Why don’t you come into the kitchen and open it while I get the glasses.”

“My pleasure.”

After the wine was poured, Yvonne raised her glass and offered a toast. “To a fantastic new year. May it be much better than this last one.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

Duke and Yvonne finished their glasses of wine and headed for the party. It was only a 15 minute drive from Yvonne’s apartment. A few seconds after Duke rang the doorbell, Liz opened the door and welcomed them inside.

“I’m so glad you could come Duke,” Liz said. “We are all so sad about Vivian, and sorry for you too. What a terrible thing; and on Christmas Eve. It’s just heartbreaking.”

“Well,” Yvonne said, “I’m going to try to keep Duke in a cheerful frame of mind. It is New Year’s Eve. We can hope for a much better year coming up.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Liz said. “A better year is going to start in just a little less than five hours from now.”

The party went well despite the elephant in the room: the Vivian Rawlings double tragedy; being indicted for killing her previous husband, and then being killed herself. Duke and Yvonne watched the New York Times Square ball drop and listened to Guy Lombardo play Auld Lang Syne on the TV before they left. Duke drove slowly and carefully back to Yvonne’s apartment. Once inside, Yvonne insisted that Duke not drive home in his inebriated state. Duke agreed that it was not a wise idea with the police out in full force, and with winter road conditions, and at night. Duke slept on the couch, and in the morning, drove home.

When he got home, he ate breakfast, took a shower, and took a nap. When he got up, he decided to things: one, he missed Vivian, and two, he really liked being with Yvonne.

Chapter 96

Sunday, January 1, New Year’s Day

At 10:30 in the morning, Duke telephoned Yvonne.

“Hello.”

“Good morning, Yvonne. It’s Duke. How about Sunday brunch at the Table Mountain Inn.”

“Well, this is unexpected.”

“You eat breakfast and lunch, don’t you.”

“Most of the time.”

“Brunch takes care of both of them.”

“Okay.”

“Okay you’ll go, or okay to brunch takes care of both breakfast and lunch.”

“Well, okay to both.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at the top of the hour — 12 noon.”

“Okay. I’ll be ready. Boy, I’m really surprised.”

“It’s a new year. We should expect new things. See you in a bit.”

At the restaurant, Duke and Yvonne both ordered giant margaritas.

“I’m still surprised,” Yvonne said. “I’m surprised you called, especially so soon. And I’m surprised you’re not at home, or somewhere watching football all day.”

“That was my normal modus operandi. But, I went outside, saw that it was a beautiful sunny day, although a bit chilly, and suddenly, sitting in the house watching TV all day didn’t appeal to me. Life is short. TV’s a time waster.”

“Is this a new attitude. Am I witnessing the emergence of a new Duke.”

“I don’t know about that. I do think Vivian’s tragic death has caused me to think about life a little bit, and how temporal it is.”

“I agree. You have to get what you can while you can.”

“I wasn’t thinking about it in exactly that way.”

“In what way were you thinking about it.”

“That’s a good question. Let me take another gulp of my margarita, then I’ll see if I can answer that.” After a big gulp, “No. I can’t answer that.”

“Duke Rawlings, you’re fun to be with.”

“How’s that?”

“Oh, I don’t know. You’re serious, but not overly so. You’re comfortable.”

“I’ve never been called comfortable before. I guess that’s a good thing.”

“It’s definitely a good thing.”

“A personal question.”

“Go ahead.”

“What about your boyfriend Tom. What’s his status.”

“His status? That’s a funny way of putting it. I’d say his status is; he’s ready to step aside.”

“That’s a shame. You may need someone to fill that void.”

“Got anyone in mind.”

“I think so. I’ll have to get back to you on that, if you’re interested.”

“Oh, I’m interested.”

“Another personal question.”

“Fire away.”

“What do you think about golf.”

“I think it’s a great game.”

“Have you ever played.”

“A few times. Quite a while ago.”

“Did you like it.”

“I did, but I just felt so uncoordinated, I never took it up. I felt it would be a struggle for me to ever get to the point where I felt comfortable.”

“What if Mr. comfortable could help.”

“I would be comfortable with that.”

“Good. Do you have a set of clubs.”

“No.”

“What if, after we eat, we drive out to one of the nearby pro shops and see what kind of clubs they have. Are you game for checking out some golf clubs, just to see what kind you might like.”

“Sure.”

“Okay. That’s what we’ll do.”

Duke and Yvonne had lunch and then went to the Fossil Trace Golf Club pro shop where Duke bought her a golf bag and a set of clubs. Duke continued to play golf with Hector Perez and his other golf buddies, but he also spent time with Yvonne on the golf course on weekends. Additionally, Duke saw Yvonne two or three times during the week after she got off work, if he wasn’t away on a job.

On April 15, Tax Day, Duke proposed. On Friday, May 19, Yvonne gave a two-week notice at work. On Saturday, June 17, Duke and Yvonne were married outdoors at the Fossil Trace Golf Club. Elizabeth Graham was the bridesmaid. Hector Perez was the best man. It was a small wedding, but a beautiful one, at least according to the rest of the Golden girls; Charlotte, Cindy, and Madge.

On Monday, June 19, Duke and Yvonne rented a moving truck. Dukes golf buddies and the Golden girls helped Yvonne move out of her apartment and up the hill, to her new house with Duke, off of Lookout Mountain Road.

Life was great. Life was great for Duke because he was sure he loved Yvonne even more than he loved Vivian. Life was great for Yvonne because she had everything she had been envious of Vivian having: the money, the nice house, and Duke. And she doesn’t have to work. How sweet it was.

Chapter 97

The first sign of trouble was early August.

“Where have you been all day, Yvonne,” Duke asked.

“Shopping. I told you I was going shopping.”

“You told me you had to do some errands.”

“These are errands,” Yvonne said, as she held up her shopping bags.

“You just went shopping two days ago and bought a bunch of stuff.”

“Oh, but darling, just wait till you see what I got. I know you want me to look nice.”

“Of course I do.”

“Well, then, let me show you these outfits. You know when things are on sale, and they have your size, and they look good on you — you’d be silly not to buy them.”

“How much.”

“How many outfits?”

“How much did you spend.”

 “Just a minute. Here it is. $509.98.”

“You spent over $500?”

“Just barely over 500.”

“And you spent $700 on clothes two days ago.”

“It wasn’t quite 700. I had to get some accessories today to go with some of the outfits I bought the other day.”

“You said you bought some outfits today.”

“That too. Like I said, they were on sale. Duke, don’t be upset. This is it for a while. Let me get you a glass of wine. It will relax you. Calm you down.”

“All right.”

“Here’s your wine. While you’re sipping your wine —.”

“I might have to gulp it.”

“While you’re gulping your wine, let me just model a few of my new outfits for you.”

“Okay. Let the fashion show begin.”

Duke calmed down and watched the fashion show. The wine helped. The dinner Yvonne prepared also helped, and by evening, all was well again. Yvonne learned from this and became more surreptitious in her shopping.

A few weeks after the shopping incident, Yvonne took up a new hobby: gambling. Hard telling why this didn’t happen before. There are certainly plenty of casinos in and around Golden. No doubt it was because, before her marriage to Duke, she had to work and watch her money. The gambling was the cause of new arguments in the home. A typical one took place on October 17.

“So,” Duke said, “you finally made it home. I went ahead and ate dinner. I got tired of waiting.”

“That’s okay,” Yvonne said. “I understand.”

“Where have you been all this time. I thought you said you just had a few errands to do in town. I expected you home long before this.”

“I know. I got through with my errands, was near the casino, so I stopped in. I was doing good at first, then I started losing. Well, I wanted to at least get my money back, so that’s what took so long.”

“Did you get your money back.”

“Not this time.”

“So, another ding to our finances.”

“This time, yes. But you know I’ve won several times.”

“Moneywise, what has been the net effect of your gambling escapades.”

“I don’t know for sure. Probably break even.”

“You don’t know for sure. Don’t you keep track.”

“Just for that time; not overall. I’m pretty sure I’ve broken even, or close to it, overall. So, it doesn’t cost anything. And it’s fun. It’s entertainment for me.”

“I don’t know why you need to go to these casinos. What happened to golf. I thought you enjoyed golf.”

“I do, but I’m not that good at it, and it’s getting too cold for golf for me anyway.”

“Well, I hope you had something to eat at the casino.”

“I didn’t, but I’ll find something to snack on here.”

“It’s pretty late.”

“I know.”

Around the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, Duke and Yvonne were getting along pretty well. Yvonne was still frequenting the casinos, but Duke now believed she was at least breaking even overall, as their checking and savings accounts were balancing, and the credit cards didn’t show any significant debits from the casinos. Duke believed Yvonne was using her monthly cash spending money to gamble with. She may lose some, but on other occasions she wins it right back. This bubble burst in early January when Duke received the quarterly statements from some of their annuities and securities. Three of them showed large cash withdrawals. This disturbed Duke, but he didn’t quite know what was going on. Don Melbourne, his financial advisor, was supposed to be managing the family portfolio. Duke made an appointment with Don, and on January 16, went to see him.

Chapter 98

January 16, Don Melbourne’s office

Duke arrived at his financial planner’s office on time. Shortly after Duke arrived, Don stepped out of his office and entered the small reception area. He and Duke shook hands. “Good to see you Duke. The last time I saw you, you had just gotten married to your present wife, Yvonne. You two were in here, mainly to update everything with your new wife’s name.”

“Yes.”

“Come on in to my office and have a seat. So, how has everything been going.”

“Good. Mostly good. Yvonne and I have had a few heated discussions about finances.”

“Not uncommon among married people.”

“I can believe that.”

“So, what can I help you with today.”

“I’ve started receiving some of the quarterly and year end statements on the accounts in the portfolio. There have been withdrawals on three separate accounts that are not normally supposed to have withdrawals. I thought that maybe you were moving things around a bit to take advantage of something, and I wanted to check with you to see if that was the case.”

“I did tweak your Advantage and Narcom funds, but I didn’t make any withdrawals. In fact, I don’t have the authority to make withdrawals. I can only move things around.”

“I brought the three statements that show withdrawals. Maybe you can decipher them for me.”

“Sure. Let me take a look.” After a few seconds. “Yeah, they are withdrawals all right, but they didn’t go through me. They were made by either you or Yvonne directly from, in the one case, the security, and in the other two cases, the annuities. You and Yvonne have the authority to do that. They’re yours. You don’t have to go through me, although it would be helpful if you let me know, as your portfolio manager.”

“I didn’t make these withdrawals, so, obviously it was my wife.”

“Has to be.”

“And, she can do that without asking me,” Duke asked.

“Yes. It’s all in how you to set it up. Remember. I asked you two if you trust each other. I said, if you do, then there are advantages to a set up where it doesn’t require both signatures to do things with your assets.”

“I remember. If one of us is out of town and quick action is required on something, the other person can handle it without the requirement of the second signature.”

“And,” Don said, “the example I usually give is that if there were a medical emergency, and one of the parties was incapacitated, and funds were needed, the other party could still act. You could imagine how cumbersome a joint checking account would be if both parties had to sign every check. Two little words make all the difference in the world on how ownership of these things is listed. In your case: Duke Rawlings and Yvonne Rawlings, as opposed to: Duke Rawlings or Yvonne Rawlings, which only requires one signature. Either one will do. You two agreed that you trust each other and opted for the ‘or.’”

“The trust doesn’t seem to be there any longer. Can I change everything from ‘or’ to ‘and.’”

“Not without both signatures.”

“I was afraid of that.”

Chapter 99

Duke left Don Melbourne’s office perplexed. He thought for a moment and then headed for the Fossil Trace Golf Club. Familiar ground. He bought a sandwich and a 16 ounce beer, and sat out on the patio in the cold. From his spot he could see where he and Yvonne had been married seven months earlier. As he ate his sandwich and drank his beer he came to conclude two things: (1) Yvonne had some kind of problem, maybe an illness, and (2) he loved her and he wanted to help her.

He drove home. Yvonne was not there. He went into the office and googled, “compulsive gambling,” and “gambling addiction.” When he read the signs and symptoms, he teared up. His wife displayed many of them. The symptom that really choked him up was the one that read: “lying to family members to hide the extent of your gambling.”

He read more, then made a fire in the stone fireplace and waited. He decided to avoid getting into an argument with Yvonne, but to confront her about the problem in an assertive but loving way. He knew he was good at assertive, but showing the love would be a little harder. He vowed to give the love part his best effort. Forty-five minutes later Yvonne arrived.

“Oh, hi Duke. I’m surprised you’re home. When you left this morning, I had the impression that you would be gone all day.”

“Things didn’t take as long as I thought they might. How was your day.”

“Good. Did a few errands, had lunch with Liz, then did a little window shopping. I didn’t buy anything you’ll be happy to hear.”

“Anything else.”

“That’s it. That’s the extent of my day.”

“Did you stop by any casinos.”

“Casinos. Oh, that’s right, I did, just for a second.”

“Win or lose.”

“Won. Well, I almost won. I was doing good for the longest time. Would you like a drink.”

“No thanks.”

“Well, I think I’ll have one.”

“Why don’t you wait a minute on the drink.”

“Okay, but why.”

“You know I love you.”

“Yes. I know you do. You don’t always say it. But I know you do. And I love you too.”

“Because I love you, when I think something is bad for you, I have to say something.”

“Yeah.”

“I think you’re addicted to gambling.”

“Don’t be silly. You mean, just because I stop in a casino once in a while, I’m addicted. That’s absurd. I can’t believe you even think that.”

“Have you withdrawn any money from any of our securities or annuities.”

“Well, I don’t —.”

“Before you answer, let me put it this way. It’s the first of the year, so we are getting in the mail our quarterly and year end statements from our different investments. So far, three of them show cash withdrawals were made in the last three months. Significant amounts. I went to see Don Melbourne today. He manages our portfolio, and I thought maybe he had made the withdrawals to move things around or something. He said no. In fact, he said you and I are the only ones who can make withdrawals. I didn’t make any withdrawals. That leaves you.”

After a long silence, Yvonne spoke. “I did withdraw a little money — just temporarily. I’m going to pay it back. Very soon.”

“How are you going to pay it back. You don’t work. Where are you going to get the money.”

“Well, I’ll win it back. It’s just a matter of time. You don’t know how close I’ve come to winning it big.”

“Sure. There’s a slim chance you might when it big someday. But then you’ll keep playing and lose it all back to the casino. You’re addicted and you need help.”

Yvonne didn’t say anything. She just stared at Duke. Then she swallowed hard and started crying. Duke came over to her, sat beside her, and hugged her. Tears started rolling down his cheeks as well. The two sat there in each other’s arms for several minutes, then got up, hugged each other again, and walked out to the kitchen, arm in arm.

“Now, let’s have a glass of wine,” Duke said.

Chapter 100

Wednesday, January 17

The next morning Yvonne got up, all smiles and perky and started making breakfast. Duke walked in. “I love the smell of bacon and eggs and coffee in the morning.”

“Good. It’s just about ready. You know, I’ve been thinking. The real problem with the gambling is that I’m just new at it. Now, if I just played penny machines and placed minimum bets — until I get the hang of it — then —.”

“Now stop right there. We made a breakthrough last night. We’re not going back. We are moving forward and we’re going to lick this thing before it depletes our finances and destroys our marriage.”

“You’re right. I’ll just quit gambling for a while — until I know I can handle it.”

“It’s bigger than that. We’re going to get you some professional help. Yesterday, when I was on the Internet, I pulled up some places we can check out, and people we can see. After breakfast we’ll go do this. We are not going to let this slide.”

“You’re right. After breakfast.”

Yvonne did get help with her gambling addiction. One of the things that was determined was that Yvonne went from having to work for a living most of her life, to suddenly not having to work at all. She went from renting an apartment and living paycheck to paycheck, to living in a very nice home with no financial worries. That left a void in her life. Duke filled the void at first, but he wasn’t always there. He still had his work and he played golf a lot. Yvonne didn’t work, had no hobbies, and her best friend, Vivian Swenson, was dead.

Yvonne needed an interest or hobby to take the place of gambling. She found it. She had always enjoyed cooking, but had never pursued it as anything more than a necessary activity. But now, she was going to study cooking and become a gourmet cook. To begin her new venture, she enrolled in the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts program in Boulder, only 18 miles from her home. At the end of the 40-week program she would have a diploma in Culinary Arts.

One of the things she learned at the school was that certain foods, even common everyday foods, if not prepared right, or cooked right, are poisonous and can be fatal. She really enjoyed the learning and the cooking. However, she missed the casinos. Cooking had its occasional excitement, but mostly it was a lot of work in a hot steamy environment. The casinos had an allure that she couldn’t shake. Toward the end of her 40-week training she skipped a few classes and went to the casinos instead. Cooking just couldn’t compare to the excitement of the casinos.

Then it occurred to her. Duke would never her let her do what she truly loved to do; gamble. She realized that Duke was the obstacle to her fulfillment. She came to the obvious conclusion that the obstacle must be eliminated.

When Yvonne graduated from Auguste Escoffier, she decided to thank and honor the person most responsible for her opportunity of attending the school, her husband. She graduated on a Thursday, and planned to honor him at home, on Saturday, with a most scrumptious dinner. Just the two of them.

At graduation, Duke presented Yvonne with a dozen red roses and gave her a big hug. “I’m so proud of you honey. You stuck with it. Not only can you make fantastic meals now, but with your culinary arts diploma, you can get any number of different jobs in the restaurant industry.”

“Sure I can. Do restaurants still employ dishwashers? Just kidding. Really, I’m very happy. I feel like I’ve accomplished something worthwhile.”

“We’re also happy for you,” Liz said. The Golden girls were there, of course.

“What are you going to cook for us,” Charlotte asked.

“That’s a great idea,” Yvonne said. “I’ll have to have you guys over to the house for dinner real soon. I’ll cook something very special. But first, I’m going to cook something very, very special for my husband. Something to die for.”