Read Online Mystral Murder (Julie O'Hara Mystery Series) by Lee Hanson - Free Book Online
Authors: Lee Hanson
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and sinking, with many lives lost.
The despicable behavior of the Captain - who had been drinking and partying with a young woman, and who then abandoned the ship prior to the passengers and crew - was unthinkable to a ship’s captain like Andrew.
It was the reason Conde Nast Traveler magazine was aboard on this cruise. The Mystral and her captain had been chosen for a story that would counteract the terrible publicity generated by the Concordia. The spread would showcase a properly run ship and all that was wonderful about cruising. Of course, that was not happening now. Andrew had already called Valerie Gilman, the Cruise Director, and told her to cancel it.
But some things couldn’t be summarily cancelled. With Adrienne Paradis overboard, quite possibly murdered, a full-blown investigation of everyone with any animosity toward her was inevitable. Andrew closed his eyes, his head resting on his hands.
Oh, Michelle. How can I protect you? What are we going to do?
* * * * *
CHAPTER 21
J oe and Julie were having dinner at the Aussie Grille, one of the ship’s small, elegant specialty restaurants. They’d chosen a secluded table and they were presently enjoying their main course, superbly grilled shrimp and filet mignon with asparagus. The problem was that they couldn’t talk privately because of the over-solicitous staff. So far, they’d been visited by the sommelier, the headwaiter and the master chef.
“Thank you,” Joe said, as the hovering waiter once again refilled his water glass. “We appreciate the wonderful service, but we’d like to be alone.”
“Of course, sir, excuse me,” the waiter said, smiling and backing away.
Julie smiled. “Funny how you have more privacy in a crowded hamburger joint.”
“Well, I think they’ve got the message now. So, did you enjoy your afternoon in the sun?” he said, taking her hand. “And did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” Julie was wearing a strapless floral bandeau and white linen slacks.
“Thank you. But don’t you want to know what I learned today?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t trump how gorgeous you are.”
“Good, I’m glad,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Okay, here’s the pool report. First of all, Cathy and Adrienne were only friends on the surface. Cathy didn’t like her much and won’t miss her. Gill Byrne, on the other hand, did like Adrienne, I think…as far as he’s able to.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean that Gill is a self-centered man. He may be smart, but he has the emotional maturity of a twenty year-old. I think making money and taking risks are his drivers. I think he views life as a poker game, where the player with the biggest pile of chips is the winner.”
“ He digs adventure, no question. He’s gone hunting in Africa and taken a trip up the Amazon.” Joe laughed, thinking about it. “Gill even drops out of a helicopter to ski.”
“So here’s what I’m wondering, Joe: Why did he like Adrienne? A guy like him pals around with other guys. He certainly didn’t care about her as a travel agent. That would be about as important to him as a decorator. Cathy was the one employing Adrienne’s services; Cathy is the one who likes luxury cruises.
“Like you just said, Joe, this isn’t Gill’s kind of vacation. He’s taken all these cruises to placate Cathy. But how does an adventurer like him tolerate it? Well, he can gamble, for one thing. We know he does that. What other risks might he take? What else could he do to make a boring cruise more interesting?”
“He might screw around with his wife’s friend, the travel agent.”
“Bingo. That night at the Top Hat club, Adrienne was all over you; the two of you were dancing like it was a marathon. Dale and Cathy were talking about the meal we had and how great it was, but Gill wasn’t saying a word. He was drinking scotch, one after another, and scowling . At the time, I thought it was the
The despicable behavior of the Captain - who had been drinking and partying with a young woman, and who then abandoned the ship prior to the passengers and crew - was unthinkable to a ship’s captain like Andrew.
It was the reason Conde Nast Traveler magazine was aboard on this cruise. The Mystral and her captain had been chosen for a story that would counteract the terrible publicity generated by the Concordia. The spread would showcase a properly run ship and all that was wonderful about cruising. Of course, that was not happening now. Andrew had already called Valerie Gilman, the Cruise Director, and told her to cancel it.
But some things couldn’t be summarily cancelled. With Adrienne Paradis overboard, quite possibly murdered, a full-blown investigation of everyone with any animosity toward her was inevitable. Andrew closed his eyes, his head resting on his hands.
Oh, Michelle. How can I protect you? What are we going to do?
* * * * *
CHAPTER 21
J oe and Julie were having dinner at the Aussie Grille, one of the ship’s small, elegant specialty restaurants. They’d chosen a secluded table and they were presently enjoying their main course, superbly grilled shrimp and filet mignon with asparagus. The problem was that they couldn’t talk privately because of the over-solicitous staff. So far, they’d been visited by the sommelier, the headwaiter and the master chef.
“Thank you,” Joe said, as the hovering waiter once again refilled his water glass. “We appreciate the wonderful service, but we’d like to be alone.”
“Of course, sir, excuse me,” the waiter said, smiling and backing away.
Julie smiled. “Funny how you have more privacy in a crowded hamburger joint.”
“Well, I think they’ve got the message now. So, did you enjoy your afternoon in the sun?” he said, taking her hand. “And did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” Julie was wearing a strapless floral bandeau and white linen slacks.
“Thank you. But don’t you want to know what I learned today?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t trump how gorgeous you are.”
“Good, I’m glad,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Okay, here’s the pool report. First of all, Cathy and Adrienne were only friends on the surface. Cathy didn’t like her much and won’t miss her. Gill Byrne, on the other hand, did like Adrienne, I think…as far as he’s able to.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean that Gill is a self-centered man. He may be smart, but he has the emotional maturity of a twenty year-old. I think making money and taking risks are his drivers. I think he views life as a poker game, where the player with the biggest pile of chips is the winner.”
“ He digs adventure, no question. He’s gone hunting in Africa and taken a trip up the Amazon.” Joe laughed, thinking about it. “Gill even drops out of a helicopter to ski.”
“So here’s what I’m wondering, Joe: Why did he like Adrienne? A guy like him pals around with other guys. He certainly didn’t care about her as a travel agent. That would be about as important to him as a decorator. Cathy was the one employing Adrienne’s services; Cathy is the one who likes luxury cruises.
“Like you just said, Joe, this isn’t Gill’s kind of vacation. He’s taken all these cruises to placate Cathy. But how does an adventurer like him tolerate it? Well, he can gamble, for one thing. We know he does that. What other risks might he take? What else could he do to make a boring cruise more interesting?”
“He might screw around with his wife’s friend, the travel agent.”
“Bingo. That night at the Top Hat club, Adrienne was all over you; the two of you were dancing like it was a marathon. Dale and Cathy were talking about the meal we had and how great it was, but Gill wasn’t saying a word. He was drinking scotch, one after another, and scowling . At the time, I thought it was the
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