“All this talk about Greece. I forgot to tell you that Violet Cohn insisted to me that she had met Cameron Hardwick in Greece. Even though he denies it, she says he was a waiter there.”

“When was that, Veronica?”

“Eleven years ago.”

Chapter 38

“MARIO AND I are having such a wonderful time,”

Immaculata pronounced as appetizers were being served. “Tonight at the midnight buffet they are going to unveil a big replica of the Statue of Liberty carved out of butter. We don’t want to miss it. To think that Mario’s parents and my grandparents all immigrated to America and Miss Liberty was there to welcome them. It gives me tingles. Mario, let’s not forget to bring the camera.”

“Uh-huh,” Mario grunted as he dug into his Alaskan crabmeat on toast.

Most people here look pretty content, Regan thought. Sylvie is smiling. Regan had seen her heading into the movie theater after lunch with Violet Cohn and her brother. Dale’s and Kenneth’s tans had grown deeper, thanks to an afternoon spent lounging by the pool in the sunny weather that was not typical of a North Atlantic crossing. Veronica had enjoyed the scarf-tying session and another round of bingo even though she didn’t win today. She had busied herself inviting all the staff members there to her party, including Lloyd, who had been busy counting the money. Gabby Gavin seemed a little preoccupied and edgy. They hadn’t seen much of him since that morning, but had waved to him across the room at bingo. And then, of course, there was Cameron Hardwick.

Sipping her Chardonnay, Regan asked,“What did you do today, Cameron?”

He shrugged. “I went down to the gym to lift weights and take a swim. I hate it when I don’t get enough exercise.” He broke a roll in half with his large, strong-looking hands.

You didn’t have to come on a cruise to lift weights, Regan thought. She watched Veronica put out her cigarette in the ashtray she shared with Mario. Suddenly she realized that she had never seen Hardwick smoke. Why would someone who professed to be health-conscious sit at a smoking table? For my taste, there’s too much that doesn’t make sense about that guy, Regan thought. As she glanced at the Rolex watch on his wrist she wondered if those hands had ever cleared plates from restaurant tables in Greece. It was hard to imagine him taking orders from anyone.

“Now, don’t forget, everyone, tomorrow night at five o’clock we’re having our cocktail party,” Veronica said eagerly. “We’ll have a couple of hours to socialize before dinner. I’m going to have everyone there write down their address and I’ll have the list Xeroxed on Friday so that we can all keep in touch.”