The Morning After
They finally sail into Lisbon, much later than expected. They were delayed as the cruise ship went back to search after Theo jumped, but despite frantic search parties, he’s still missing.
‘I wonder what’s happening.’
‘We haven’t heard anything yet, we just have to wait.’
‘Do you think they’ll find him?’ asks Flick, worried.
‘There’s a chance he could have been picked up,’ replies Maggie. ‘I overheard someone saying it once happened before when a man spent twenty-two hours in the water but survived and was picked up by another cruise ship.’
Maggie and Flick are sitting out on deck on a couple of sun loungers, watching as the cruise ship slowly makes its way into port, where the local police are waiting to interview everyone.
It’s been a long night and they’ve barely had any sleep.
After the call of man overboard, it had been chaos.
Everyone had sprung into action, but it takes a while for a cruise ship that size to stop and turn around to go back to look for someone in the water, so the captain had sent out calls to other vessels in the vicinity. But still, nothing.
Still in shock, they’ve been up early giving statements to the ship’s security team, plus the UK International Crime Bureau.
A liaison officer had contacted them after receiving information that a man wanted for questioning in connection with fraud was a passenger on the Galaxy Goddess.
That information was thanks to Flick and Maggie, who had spent the day before making calls to Tariq, Flick’s contact at the local constabulary back in Lancashire, and emailing the detective Maggie had spoken to when she’d first reported Theo.
They’d also informed the ship’s captain that a man under investigation for an alleged criminal offence was on board, who in turn had informed his security team.
It had taken some organization, but they’d needed to ensure they had everything in place, that they’d ticked every box, prepared for every eventuality, before they confronted him.
What neither Maggie nor Flick had factored in was that Theo would do anything to avoid being caught and arrested. Even jump into the ocean.
‘According to these statistics, only 22 per cent get rescued,’ says Flick, reading from her phone.
‘Let’s not jump to conclusions, no pun intended,’ says a voice behind them.
A shadow is cast over them and they both turn to see Birdy, in a huge sunhat and dark glasses, a bandage on her cheek.
‘According to my butler, rumour has it below decks that he was rescued by a trawler and made it back to shore, where he’s now on the run.’
‘Birdy, how are you? How’s your face?’
‘Oh, I’ll live. A small gash and a few bruises.
Nothing I haven’t experienced before in the name of beauty.
The rather handsome doctor on board said I didn’t need stitches.
I said are you sure? I think I could do with a little tightening.
’ She breaks off and laughs. ‘Still, I don’t want to scar, so it’s a good excuse to pay a visit to my cosmetic surgeon in New York. I fly home tomorrow.’
‘So do you think he’s been found and is still alive?’ Flick looks at Birdy hopefully. Despite everything that’s happened, no one wants him dead. Not even Maggie, though there were times when she sure as hell did.
‘Put it this way, I don’t think a man like Theo C. Stratin will be swimming with the fishes just yet.’
Flick’s phone starts ringing. ‘I’ve got to take this.’ She waves her phone; Colin’s name is flashing up on the screen. ‘It’s my dad.’
That she called Colin her dad isn’t lost on anyone.
‘Go ahead,’ says Maggie, smiling.
As Flick steps away, Maggie turns to Birdy. ‘I hope she’s going to be OK. You know she only lost her mum six months ago and now this . . .’
‘She’s got you.’
‘Oh, I’m not much use, what can I give her? I don’t have anything.’
‘You’ve got plenty to give her. I see the way she looks at you. The friendship you have. The bond you have. She’s lucky. You both are.’
Maggie smiles gratefully.
‘By the way, I’ve got something for you.’ Reaching into her handbag, she pulls out a watch and gives it to Maggie.
‘My dad’s watch . . . but how . . .?’ she gasps, astonished.
‘I took him Rolex shopping,’ she shrugs simply. ‘He had to take it off to try on his new watch, so I offered to put it in my purse for safekeeping. He must have forgotten.’
Birdy gave a knowing smile while Maggie shook her head slowly, turning the watch over her in hands, feeling the smooth golden case, the familiar texture of the leather strap; it brought back so many memories.
‘You remembered me telling you about my dad’s watch.’
‘Attention to detail. I’ve always had a thing for details. So many people don’t notice them, but it’s amazing what you might miss.’
‘And what about your jewellery? Have they found it?’
‘Sadly, no. I’d taken it out of the safe earlier, but I couldn’t decide what to wear to the party so it was in the living room, on the side table.
The police think he must have grabbed it as he ran and it probably fell out of his pockets when he jumped.
My diamonds are no doubt on the seabed as I speak. Luckily, I have it all insured.’
‘Didn’t you once say your jewellery was all fake?’
‘Excuse me?’
Birdy frowns, but Maggie’s mind is already flicking back. ‘Yes, when we first met in Rome. You said your diamonds were all fake and you kept the real stuff in the safe back home in America.’
‘Did I? Gee whiz, I can’t remember. I must be getting muddled in my old age.’ She gives a throaty laugh but she isn’t convincing anyone, least of all Maggie, who hasn’t seen anyone less muddled and doddery than Birdy Carmichael. The woman is a powerhouse.
‘Just imagine that! I’d get to keep my diamonds and the insurance payment, wouldn’t that be something? Diamonds really would be a girl’s best friend.’
And then she gives Maggie a mischievous smile that suddenly makes her wonder.
‘OK, well, I must go,’ she says, checking her watch. ‘I have to finish packing, it’s been so lovely meeting you.’
‘Did you buy yourself a new watch too?’ asks Maggie, noticing Birdy’s Rolex.
Birdy laughs, seemingly amused by the very thought. ‘This is the one I bought Louis, I mean Theo.’ She shook her head, tutting. ‘Honestly, all these names.’
‘But I saw he was wearing it last night, in your suite.’ Maggie is puzzled.
‘Oh no, that a was a fake, sweetie,’ she smiles.
‘I switched out the real one when he was in the shower earlier. Amazing what you can buy in Tangier. The fakes are incredible. You’d never tell the difference.
’ Looking very pleased with herself, she gives a little shrug.
‘Anyway, I think it suits me much better, don’t you? ’
‘Absolutely,’ nods Maggie.
‘Anyway, I really must dash. See you around, kiddo.’
Maggie looks at Birdy. There’s so much more to her than meets the eye, and for a moment she thinks about asking her a million questions, but for now she’s just grateful to have met her.
‘See you around, Birdy.’
‘So what did I miss?’ asks Flick, when she returns a few minutes later.
‘I’m not quite sure.’ Maggie shakes her head and stands up. ‘How’s your dad?’
‘He’s good.’
The two women meet each other’s eyes and smile.
‘Come on, let’s grab our bags. It’s time to go home.’