No. The certain instinct one of the old-timers called the hound-scent of the born detective was telling him to stay put.

Regan Reilly flashed into his mind. He hadn’t called her today. There was nothing specific to report. His mind did arithmetic. Nine-thirty here. What time was it on the Queen Guinevere? He knew they turned the clock back an hour each night on the way to New York. Which would make it about five-thirty now. Miss Reilly would probably be at some cocktail party. He’d call her tomorrow at the number she’d given him in New Jersey. Maybe, after talking to Philip and Val, he’d have something substantial to report to her by then.

Chapter 55

AT SEA

THERE WAS SOMETHING about the last night on a ship, Regan thought. A certain regret at leaving people who had become pseudo-family members. She would probably never see Mario and Immaculata again, but she would remember them with affection. She would miss Veronica.

Cameron Hardwick was another piece of goods. She looked across the dinner table at him. For whatever reason, he was making an attempt to be particularly pleasant to Veronica, constantly engaging her in conversation. Sylvie was in an animated chat with Kenneth and Dale. Gabby looked as though he was about to burst into tears. He had indicated he would not be on another crossing for a while. She had the feeling that Gabby did not have much money behind him and that this ship represented luxury living. She found herself feeling sorry for him.

The dinner was particularly elaborate. Pâté, shrimp in pea pods, lobster bisque, veal medallions, trout al-mondine. Her mind blanked out at the rest of the menu. She longed for a plate of real Italian pasta. Angel hair with marinara sauce, a hunk of garlic bread, and I’m happy, she thought. Jeff always teased her about having the taste buds of a six-year-old.

Mario had insisted everyone order an after-dinner drink on him and Immaculata. “We’ve had such a great time sitting with you folks,” he toasted the table.

Regan noticed that Immaculata was getting teary-eyed over her creme de menthe frappé. “Only the thought that Mario Junior and Roz and Mario the Third and Concepci-one will be waiting to greet us at the pier makes this parting bearable.”

Regan looked at Veronica. Cameron Hardwick’s arm was around the back of Veronica’s chair. Their brandy alexanders were side by side. Veronica’s head was bobbing in agreement as he whispered in her ear.

Chapter 56

OXFORD

THE UNFORGETTABLE SOUND of the infamous St. Polycarp’s van grinding to a halt in the driveway pulled Livingston awake. He had dozed off sometime after eleven and was startled to see that it was past midnight.

His limbs felt stiff. The evening had grown cooler and the room felt somewhat clammy.

The front door opened and slammed shut.

He was suddenly totally awake.