Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
Suddenly Single—What a Trip!
D ear Trixie,
Alright, Trixie, it’s Stanton again. Here’s the deal—I’m about to even the score. If you don’t change your mind about us and do it soon, I’m proposing to my much younger, much hotter girlfriend. How do you like that for a twist of fate?
Sincerely, Stanton the Ultimatum
Dear Stanton the Ultimatum,
Wow, Stanton, you certainly know how to bring the drama. Here’s a reality check for you.
First off, ultimatums rarely work out well, especially when they’re delivered like a plot twist from some soap opera. If your idea of “evening the score” is proposing to someone just to get a reaction from me, you might want to rethink your strategy.
Next, let’s address the elephant in the room. You’re clearly still hung up on the past. Instead of using a new relationship as a pawn in this game, how about focusing on genuine happiness? Proposals should be about love, not leverage.
And as for changing my mind, let’s be clear. I moved on the moment you decided to break my trust. You should focus on building a future with someone who truly makes you happy, not someone you’re using to get back at your ex.
It’s time to grow up.
Trixie
Stanton: You know what, Trixie? I dare you to marry that meathead. Let’s see if he can handle the real you.
Trixie: Oh, you’d love that, wouldn’t you? You’re just waiting on the sidelines to watch my life implode.
Stanton: No, I just want to see if he’s man enough to deal with your crazy.
Trixie: Crazy? Do you mean the crazy you caused?
Stanton: Whatever helps you sleep at night. But seriously, I can’t wait for him to see what he’s really in for.
Trixie: Nice try, Stanton. But Ransom knows exactly who I am, and he loves me for it.
Stanton: Yeah, we’ll see how long that lasts.
Trixie: Longer than you can imagine. Ransom is nothing like you.
Stanton: Maybe he’s worse. Ever thought about that?
Trixie: Nope, because he’s not. He’s everything you’re not and more.
Stanton: All right, Trix. Let’s see if he measures up. I bet you a grand it doesn’t last a year.
Trixie: I don’t need to prove anything to you, Stanton. Enjoy your life with the “hot blonde.” We’re done here.
Stanton: We’re not done by a long shot.
The next morning, we find ourselves docked at Bimini Island, a glorious tropical paradise with white sandy beaches in just about every direction you look.
Bimini actually consists of two islands, North Bimini (where the Emerald Queen is currently docked) and South Bimini, each a tropical paradise in its own right.
The moment Bess, Nettie, and I step off the ship, we’re greeted by the white-hot sun, the thick humidity that feels like a hug, and a salty sea breeze that both refreshes us and assures us we can survive the heat. The azure sky stretches endlessly above, and it seems to promise a day filled with sunshine and, hopefully, a few more clues.
“Okay.” I sigh, adjusting my sunglasses as I take in the greenery and the crystal-clear waters that seem to beckon us. “Paradise officially found.”
“I’ve said that about the last three places.” Bess’ wide-brimmed hat provides shade for her face as she surveys the bustling port. That hat is more or less like family now that Nettie risked her life—and that of Ransom’s and the Captain’s—to retrieve it. “I could get used to this kind of paradise,” Bess continues. “And thanks to the fact I call the Emerald Queen my home, I have.”
“You would say that,” Nettie grunts. “Explain to me how paradise works without men?”
“It’s twice as heavenly, and you never have to share the remote,” Bess says without missing a beat.
“I say it’s a little bit of hell.” Nettie sags as she says it and I can’t help but feel bad for her.
“All right.” I wrap an arm around her shoulders. “How about Bess and I help you meet some nice, single men on the ship before this trip is through?”
“You’d do that for me?” Nettie’s mouth rounds out with delight and she looks more than a little hopeful. “You’d help me find some hot silver foxes who are ready to get a real taste of paradise as we get down and dirty in a hot tub while slinging back shots of whiskey?”
“Let’s not go that far,” Bess says, rolling her eyes. “It’s just like you, Nettie. Trixie gives you an inch and you take a whiskey-drinking mile.”
Nettie tosses a hand in the air. “A girl’s gotta dream.”
It’s clear romance is always at the top of Nettie’s list. But our mission today isn’t about romance, it’s about tailing Jennifer and her entourage.
We bumped into Tinsley in the main dining room this morning and she let us know that Jennifer’s group had booked a “swim with wild dolphins adventure” this morning, so naturally, we signed up for the same excursion.
Ransom was going to join us, but halfway through breakfast—eggs benedict and red velvet waffles for each of us—he was alerted to a theft on the lido deck and said he’d meet up with us later in the afternoon, where he promised we’d do something equally exciting. Just being in the same airspace as Ransom is exciting enough for me.
Bess, Nettie, and I make our way through the port, keeping our eyes peeled for any sign of Jennifer’s bachelorette brigade. And soon enough, we spot them waiting to board a series of small white boats that are prepared to whisk them off into open waters.
One of the guides shouts for the women to break into groups of ten. I glance around and spot Amber Walker with her fiery red hair, looking unmistakable even from a distance. She’s standing to the side with a somber expression as she stares out at the horizon. There’s something no-nonsense about her, and it makes me like her already. Heaven knows I’m in need of some no-nonsense answers, and I pray she’s willing to give them.
I steer Bess and Nettie in Amber Walker’s direction, determined to get on the same boat as our next suspect. And lucky for us, we do just that.
The captain of our tiny vessel, a tall man with a sun-kissed complexion and a smile that can melt butter, greets us as we jump on the boat.
“Welcome aboard, ladies. We’re heading out to swim with the wild dolphins this glorious afternoon. It’s about a forty-five-minute ride to where they like to hang out, so sit back and enjoy the ride.”
We settle into our seats and the boat’s engine purrs to life as we pull away from the dock. Amber is sitting across the way and up near the bow. It’s sort of a moot point to try to ask her anything now. I’ll have to wait until we get on the other side of this feel-good outing. And that’s exactly what I’m hoping will happen—Amber will feel so good after swimming with some of the cutest creatures in the sea that she’ll want to spill her entire life story to me. Although let’s face it, I’m much more interested in Lucy Taylor’s life story at this point.
The boat bounces along. The water is mesmerizing in every shade of turquoise, and the gentle rocking of the vessel is oddly soothing.
Bess leans my way. “What do you think, Trixie? Could she be our killer?”
I make a face at the thought. “Well, according to certain sources, Lucy did sleep with her now ex-husband.”
Nettie scoffs. “That right there takes her off the suspect list. We’re wasting our time.”
“How do you figure?” I ask, curious as to how she came to that rather curious conclusion. Although I probably should have at least hesitated to ask. This is Nettie after all.
Nettie grunts. “The dead woman did her a favor by sleeping with her ex. If she were smart, she would have penned Lucy a thank you for exposing the cad for who he is.”
“Hear, hear,” I say. “That kind of clarity usually kicks in after you’ve run the gamut of emotions. But then, my clarity kicked in pretty quick.”
“That’s because you’re a smart cookie,” Bess is quick to say with a laugh.
“That’s right,” Nettie agrees. “And you took one look at Ransom Courtland Baxter and realized you were getting your bread buttered all wrong.” She leans in hard. “Speaking of getting your bread buttered, what’s it going to take for the two of you to fall into bed and connect like a couple of Lego pieces?”
Bess cocks her head to the side. “Well, the analogy could have been worse.” She shakes her head at Nettie. “And the answer is none of your beeswax.”
“ Eh .” Nettie shrugs. “Beeswax isn’t my first choice to make things run smoothly, but it works in a pinch.”
“Ransom and I will be connecting a whole lot sooner than later,” I tell them, choosing to ignore all talk about dicey lubricants. “Wes let us know that we have one more cruise in the Caribbean, then we’re off to do a leaf peeping cruise up the East Coast. And since we’ll be stopping by Maine, I think we’ll tie the knot while we’re there—or somewhere along the line.”
Both Bess and Nettie break out into a spontaneous applause.
“And oh, I just love fall foliage.” Bess presses a hand to her chest as she says it. “What an excellent time of year to get married.”
“What an excellent time of year to fall into bed with Ransom Baxter,” Nettie counters.
“Amen to that, sister,” I say and we all share a laugh.
Although anytime of the year would be good for that.
The rest of the boat ride is exhilarating as the wind whips through our hair—and Bess sitting safely on her hat—as we speed toward the open ocean. The sun glints off the water, creating a sparkling blue expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see.
After what feels like both a lifetime and no time at all, the captain slows the boat and announces, “We’ve arrived. And look who showed up to play with us today!”
Sure enough, a pod of dolphins appears with their sleek gray bodies gliding effortlessly through the water. The sight is more than breathtaking, and for a moment, all thoughts of murder and mayhem are pushed aside.
“All right, everyone”—the captain calls out—“it’s time to get your snorkeling gear on. We’ve got some fish food here to attract the dolphins, but remember, these are wild animals. Respect their space and enjoy the experience.”
We all start putting on our gear, and I take a moment to assess the group. Amber seems focused, efficiently donning her mask and fins as if she were a seasoned pro. And you can bet every last flipper in this boat I’m going to swim up beside her.
“You ready for this?” Bess asks, adjusting her mask.
“Why, yes, I am,” I say, though my mind is still partially on our mission. “I’m going to swim with the suspects.” I give a little wink as I don my mask.
“And I’m going to swim to China,” Nettie says, doing the same. “I’m going to hitch a ride on one of these beautiful beasts and sail the ocean blue. Don’t come looking for me, girls. Just raise a drink in my honor each night at dinner.”
“Good grief.” Bess finishes putting on her fins before looking up at me. “Don’t blame me if I come back to the boat alone. You heard the woman. We’re going to be celebrating tonight.”
Nettie elbows her. “I didn’t say I wanted you to celebrate.”
“You didn’t say we couldn’t.” Bess laughs before heading toward the back of the boat.
The captain hands out small containers of fish food, and we eagerly take them. The excitement is palpable, and soon we’re all lined up at the edge of the boat, ready to dive in.
“Have fun and be safe,” the captain calls out as we slip into the water.
The cool ocean envelops me, and immediately I feel refreshed. I crane my neck underwater, looking for the redhead I’m here to see, but instead, a giant gray cutie swims up with what looks like a genuine smile on his face. And just like that, my investigation is on ice.
Who cares what Amber Walker knows? At least at this moment.
An entire pod of dolphins has swum over to greet us as if they were happy to see us—or in the least happy to see the fishy offerings we come bearing.
The dolphins are even more magnificent up close and personal. Their movements are graceful and fluid—and they’re huge! They have to be at least five or six feet each. Why did I think they’d be a whole lot smaller?
They dart around us with ease, occasionally coming close enough to brush against our legs and we don’t mind one bit.
Both Bess and Nettie are hypnotized as they do their best to lure the dolphins in by the masses, and lure them in they do.
One swims up close to me as if it wanted to kiss me, and I reach out and pat it on the head, thankful that my fingers don’t get mistaken for a snack. Not only does it allow me to pat its head, but it swims in closer and bows its snout as if wanting me to keep on doing it.
And oh, what a treat!
Its flesh feels like rubber, tough yet sleek. And I pet away as if I were snuggling up with a cat. On second thought, I’m not sure I’ve ever met a cat this friendly.
I feed it every last bit of fish food I’ve got with me. It’s no fool and neither am I. This sweet thing deserves to get the better end of this deal. Although that could be debated. This might just be the single most precious animal encounter I have ever had.
It’s an experience unlike any other, and for a brief moment, I forget all about the case and the danger that seems to follow me everywhere.
As we continue to swim, I keep a close eye on Amber. After about an hour of interacting with the dolphins, she swims back toward the boat, so I reluctantly do the same.
I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment as I leave these seafaring cuties behind.
Amber climbs on board first and I climb up right after her. She flops down in the nearest seat and I land next to her, peeling off my snorkel and mask. My skin is still tingling from the saltwater and the thrill of the encounter.
Here we go. I’m ready to see what makes Amber Walker tick.