Chapter 32
“While Barty was delivering the food, he overheard Jeremy and his friend talking. Something about the fitness center, which is where they spend a lot of time.” Annette pulled a slip of paper from her pocket.
“I figured you wouldn’t mind me asking Giselde if she remembered them.
She did and even went as far as to give me their schedule. ”
Millie glanced at the paper, whooping loudly. “This is perfect. Barty thinks they’re up to no good, and it’s somehow linked to the fitness center. You saved me a ton of legwork.”
Lucy hobbled over. “Having been involved in an investigation or two, I suggest someone monitor their fitness activity.”
Gloria tapped the side of her forehead. “I was thinking the same thing. What hours are they at the gym?”
“According to Giselde, he and his friend…”
“Devan,” Millie said.
“Devan, are there every morning at nine sharp and every evening at seven p.m.”
“If Jeremy plans to pull another stunt, it will be soon. Do you remember what he looks like from the other day in Bimini?”
Gloria described him to a ‘t.’
“That’s him.”
“It’s almost seven.” Ruth kicked her sandals off. “I’ll throw on some workout clothes and head over there.”
“I’ll go with you,” Dot said. “I could stand to burn a few calories after eating the chocolate melting cake and other goodies I indulged in.”
“We’ll need someone to cover the nine a.m. shift,” Millie said.
Lucy grimaced. “Sorry, guys. As much as I would love to help, I’m out.”
“I’ll volunteer for the morning shift,” Margaret said.
“We’ll monitor the situation together.” Gloria folded her arms, pinning her sister with a stare.
“What’s that look for?”
“Which shift would you like? Now or in the morning?”
“I have bingo plans in a few and I don’t do early mornings.”
“Look at these luxurious accommodations Millie helped get you a great deal on. The least you can do is pitch in,” Gloria lectured. “The more people we have watching them, the better.”
“Fine. I’ll take the morning.” Liz snatched her keycard off the table. With head held high, she strolled out of the suite.
“She’s so…” Gloria said.
“Entitled?” Margaret suggested.
“Dramatic?” Lucy laughed.
“Selfish?” Ruth chimed in.
“Yes, yes, and yes, but mostly my sister is a diva.”
“She doesn’t have to help,” Millie said.
“I wholeheartedly disagree. Liz needs to think about others once in a while.”
“The bomb threat was a real pain,” Annette said. “I speak not only for myself but for every crew member on board when I thank you for helping keep tabs on these clowns.”
Millie started to pace.
“What are you thinking?” Gloria asked.
“If Jeremy is working out with Devan, I wonder what his girlfriend is doing.”
“Because?” Ruth prompted.
Millie dangled her brand spanking new master keycard. “I might be tempted to sneak a peek inside his cabin to see if I can find evidence.”
Gloria snapped her fingers. “I like where you’re going with this.”
Annette eyed them thoughtfully. “I have an idea. Nikki can make up an excuse to summon her down to guest services. You’ll need to move fast.”
“I want to help.” Gloria glanced at her watch. “It’s five to seven. Ruth, you call me when you get to the gym and have a visual on Jeremy.”
Annette was already on her way to the door. “Nikki and I will handle Willow, the girlfriend.”
Gloria slid her keycard into her pocket. “I’m going with Millie to help her search.”
Splitting up, Ruth and Dot left for the gym. Annette hurried off, heading to guest services while Millie and Gloria took the quickest route possible to the lower deck where the crew members’ cabins were located.
Millie mentally ran through the plan. Annette was right. They would have to move quickly. In and out. Hopefully, Nikki and she could work their magic and lure Willow from the cabin, if she was in there.
Tink. Gloria’s cell phone chimed. “Ruth has a visual. Jeremy and his friend are in the fitness center.”
“One down, one to go.” Millie held her phone in her hand, waiting for the text from Annette.
The minutes ticked by with no confirmation.
“Maybe she can’t track her down,” Gloria finally said.
“It’s possible. I’ll send her a text.” Millie started to tap out a text when her phone chirped.
Annette: Willow is at guest services.
Millie: Operation takedown underway.
Annette gave her a thumbs up emoji.
“Let’s roll.” The women power walked along the corridor until reaching Jeremy and Willow’s cabin.
Millie rapped sharply on the door.
No one answered.
“Are you ready for this?” Gloria whispered in a loud voice.
“Ready to nail Jeremy and prove he’s behind what’s been going on.” Using her master keycard, Millie unlocked the cabin door and followed her cousin inside. “Let’s split up.”
“I’ll check the bathroom while you search the closets.” Gloria eased the bathroom door open and flipped the lights on.
Millie flung the closet doors open and began sifting through the shelves and drawers. Because of the limited storage space and meager contents, she finished in a matter of seconds.
Moving to the main cabin area, she checked the open shelves filled with pool towels and empty cups. A quick look below the bed revealed a pair of life jackets, cheap flip flops and women’s sandals.
Gloria emerged from the bathroom. “It’s clean. Have you found anything?”
“Not yet.” Millie dusted her hands and opened the bin above the bunk bed. “Maybe Jeremy ditched the evidence.”
Eager to stay out of her cousin’s way, Gloria stepped on a pile of dirty clothes lying on the floor.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a silver can roll out from beneath the pile. She reached down and picked it up. Her scalp started to tingle when she realized what it was. “I think I found something.”
Millie glanced over her shoulder, doing a double take when she saw what her cousin was holding. “Will you look at that?”