“Absolutely. Why don’t you join us? It’s a long time since such a handsome gentleman has desired my presence.”

There goes the flirt in Veronica, Regan thought. I wonder if she’ll ever write a poem about Gabby.

Chapter 49

“OH, MARIO, I can’t wait,” Immaculata rejoiced as she put on her eye makeup. “What time will we go up there?”

“The steward said anytime after ten,” Mario answered as he tied the laces of his sneakers. “We’ll have our own private party in one of the two best suites on the ship. Right now I’m just dying for some breakfast.”

Her second coat of mascara in place, Immaculata zipped closed her makeup bag. “I’ve got my special black negligee. Aren’t we lucky there’s no one staying in that suite and the steward is so nice?” “Honey, for a price anybody is nice.” “I know, but he could still get in trouble.” “Yeah, well, I told him, it’s like a second honeymoon for us and we could never afford to stay in a place like that. No one will ever know, and he gets a couple hundred bucks extra spending money.” Mario put his arms around Immaculata and gave her a hug. “We’ll relive our wedding night.”

Immaculata looked puzzled. “But, Mario, don’t you remember? You fell asleep on our wedding night.”

Chapter 50

OXFORD

IT WAS AFTER 2 P.M. when Livingston got back to his office. Several messages were piled on his desk, the most important one from the authorities in Greece. He quickly called back and learned that Cameron Hardwick had indeed been questioned at the time of Helen Carvelous’s death. He had been employed as a waiter at the local hotel. The week before the murder he had been one of the extra help hired for a large party at the Carvelous mansion. They had no forwarding address for him.

As Livingston hung up the phone he reflected on the fact that Twyler and Hardwick almost undoubtedly had known each other in Greece. Now Hardwick was traveling on the Queen Guinevere. Five minutes later he was speaking to an agent at the Global Cruise Line’s headquarters in London. After identifying himself, he asked, “Do you have an address for a Cameron Hardwick who is now sailing for New York on the Queen Guinevere”

“Certainly should have. One moment, sir.” The woman’s voice sounded dignified but friendly.

As Livingston waited he wondered when he would be able to grab a sandwich. He hadn’t eaten anything since early that morning.

The dignified voice began talking again. “All right then. I have on the list here a Cameron Hardwick who gave us a post office box in New York City.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes, sir. Sorry.”

Livingston was about to hang up when he had a thought. “Did he give any local phone number for where he could be reached before he boarded the ship?”