“Immaculata beamed. “I can’t wait till tomorrow morning when we pass the Statue of Liberty. My grandmother’s best friend, whose family came over here from Sicily, gave her pennies to the schoolchildren’s fund so they could build a base for it. Can you believe they brought the statue all the way over here from France and for years didn’t have the money for a base?”

Hard wick got up abruptly. “Good night, everyone.”

Mario watched his departing figure. “I’m not sorry to see him go.”

“Oh, Mario,” Immaculata said soothingly, “don’t pay attention to him. He’s an angry person, and those kind are their own worst enemies. Let’s go have a few dances before we turn in early. That is our plan, isn’t it?” She batted her eyes at him.

“That’s our plan. Let’s go trip the light fantastic, baby.” Mario smiled back at her as they pushed back their chairs. “Hope to see you all on deck early in the morning.”

“We’ll be there,” Veronica said.

From across the room Milton appeared and offered his arm to Sylvie in a courteous but exaggerated way. “Shall we dance, my dear?”

Regan watched as Sylvie free-floated out of her chair. I wonder how he got rid of the sister, she thought. Regan was sure she’d appear out of nowhere before Milton and Sylvie finished their first hootchy-kootchy. Violet ought to apply for a job as a “Dating Game” chaperone. Either that or as a bouncer at a nightclub.

Dale put his napkin on the table. “Kenneth and I are off to the casino. See you later.” He winked at Regan.

“We’re going to see if we can finally win some money. We haven’t had much luck so far, and this is our last chance,” Kenneth added as they walked off.

Regan thought she saw Gabby twitch. “Are you turning in early tonight, Gavin?”

“I’m not sleepy,” he insisted.

“Well, I must say I am,” Veronica remarked. “This has been a delightful trip. All’s well that ends well, right, Mr. Gray?”

“I hope so.” Talk about last chances, he thought glumly.

Chapter 58

Oxford

AT THE POLICE station Livingston ushered Val and Philip into his office. The transcripts of the Greek newspapers were on his desk. He opened them and handed the one with Val’s picture to her.

“Is that you, Miss Twyler?”

Val nodded.

Livingston showed the picture to Philip. “I say, Val...” Philip’s voice trailed off as though the absolute proof of Val’s presence in the group picture with Athena had overwhelmed him.

“Professor, I’m going to ask you to wait in an adjoining room. I’d like to speak to Miss Twyler alone.”