Chapter 19
Gloria’s hand flew to her lips. “Someone graffiti’d your door.”
“We have cameras.” Millie shifted her gaze, motioning to the surveillance camera mounted in the corner. “I’ll need to call Patterson to get access.”
The trio stepped inside the office, leaving the door open for the others, who arrived moments later.
“Your door is…”
“Not looking so hot.” Millie finished Lucy’s sentence. “Clearly, someone out there isn’t a fan of mine.”
Ruth placed her hands on her hips. “I’m sure whoever did this was caught on camera.”
Fast steps echoed. Felix, with Danielle by his side, arrived. “What happened to your door?”
“It must’ve happened sometime during the night.”
“The cleaning crew didn’t notice it?” Danielle asked. “I mean, I’m sure they would’ve called you had they noticed.”
“I find it disgusting,” Felix said. “Not to mention the person has zero artistic flair.”
“Whoever it was must’ve been in a big hurry.” Danielle traced the C with her fingertip.
“I wouldn’t mess with it,” Margaret warned. “In case you want to dust for fingerprints.”
“We’re not that sophisticated as far as investigating goes,” Millie said. “Cameras? Yes. CSI level equipment? Not even close.”
“I think it’s awful.” Felix pulled out a chair and sat so that his back faced the door. “Not to mention it’s highly offensive.”
“It wasn’t directed at you.”
“But it was toward one of my very dearest friends, which means I take it as a personal affront.”
“Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of it.” Millie changed the subject. “I need help in coming up with a show to replace the illusionist, who has the flu.”
“More bingo,” Liz blurted out.
A collective groan went up.
“We have plenty of bingo,” Millie said. “I was thinking more along the lines of a passenger participation show.”
“Those are always popular,” Danielle said. “The love and marriage show comes to mind.”
“It’s been done a bazillion times,” Millie said. “Not to mention we received several complaints about it recently.”
Gloria got a faraway look on her face. “I…might have an idea.” She cast a sly side glance toward her friends. “I remember you mentioning earlier that Donovan is good at improv.”
“He’s a natural.” Millie clicked the end of her pen. “I think I know where you’re going with this.”
“We need volunteers, someone who isn’t prone to stage fright.” Gloria turned to Ruth.
“Me?”
“You plus Lucy. Dot is honestly the only person who might be a little timid.”
“I-I’m not sure about being on stage in front of hundreds…possibly thousands…of people,” Dot stammered.
Felix made a timeout with his hands. “You’ll need to check with Donovan.”
“No problem. I’m sure I can convince him,” Millie said confidently.
“Show or shows?” Margaret asked.
“I’m gonna be a one and done,” Ruth said.
“Ditto,” Dot chimed in.
“Fine. We’ll do one improv headliner.”
Felix drummed his fingers on the table. “We could get the ship’s band to help.”
Danielle, who had so far remained quiet, scribbled on her notepad. “We need a name.”
“Songs of Improv,” Lucy suggested.
“Improv-able,” Ruth said.
“We’re getting close.”
“What about Unsinkable Melodies?”
“That’s it.” Millie snapped her fingers. “Unsinkable Melodies it is.”
“I have an idea.”
Felix stopped Danielle. “Hold on. We don’t want to give the contestants an unfair advantage.”
“Good point.”
“We’ll skedaddle.” Ruth sprang to her feet. “I’m heading to the club for a samba dance lesson.”
“I’ll go with you.” Lucy followed suit.
“I could stand to get a few steps in.” Liz slowly stood.
“C’mon, Margaret.” Dot nudged her friend. “Let’s watch Ruth and Lucy cut the rug.”
Felix waited to make sure the coast was clear and they were gone. “The general idea is for Donovan, if he agrees, to have the contestants brainstorm lyrics for an Unsinkable Melody.”
“People, places, or things.” Millie grabbed her radio and clipped it to her belt. “I love it when we work together as a team.”
Danielle stifled a yawn. “Excuse me. You’ll need to have maintenance swing by and paint over this mess.”
“I’m calling Sharky right now.”
“Nasty, nasty, people.” Felix blew his boss a kiss. “Don’t let it get you down. Whoever this is knows nothing about you.”
“Thanks Felix.”
As soon as they were gone, Millie tapped out a text to Sharky. “I need maintenance to come to my office ASAP.”
Sharky: For what?
Millie: A vandal spray-painted my door.
Sharky: You’re kidding.
Millie texted back that she wasn’t. He promptly replied, promising her he was on his way.
While she waited, Millie assembled a list of suggestions for Donovan. “This is perfect, Gloria. The love and marriage show is fun, but way overdone. Thanks to you and the others, we have a solid fill-in.”
A dull thud echoed. Sharky sauntered into the office, stopping when he reached the door. “Just what I thought.”
“What do you mean?” Millie asked.
He set his toolbox on the floor. “This isn’t the only spot that got vandalized.”