Free Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins Clark Page B

“That’s our Ivy!” one of them shouted.
    The amusement spread to the other tables.
    â€œI mean it,” Ivy protested. “He’s in the chapel. Come see!”
    With one exception, everyone in the dining room continued to chuckle.
    Eric jumped up and turned to the Commodore. “I’ll check it out, sir.”
    The Commodore grabbed Eric’s sleeve and pulled him back into his seat. “Don’t be ridiculous. The woman’s a loon. Now enjoy your dessert.”

15
    B ull’s-Eye and Highbridge ran out of the chapel, and down the corridor to the nearest companionway. The bells on their stocking caps tinkled as their feet, barely touching the steps, descended to the next level. Two flights below they found an outside door, pushed it open, and stepped out onto a large deserted deck lined with beach chairs. It was immediately obvious that there was no place to hide. They hurried toward the ship’s stern, up a set of wrought-iron steps, and found themselves on the pool deck. A bar was at one end. A wall of glass windows at the other end of the deck looked into a cafeteria-style dining room marked “The Lido” where several waiters were carrying platters and placing them on a long table.
    â€œThey must be setting up for the midnight buffet,” Highbridge whispered. “People do nothing but eat on these cruise ships.”
    â€œExcept us,” Bull’s-Eye grunted. “Let’s go in and get some food.”
    â€œYou’ve got to be kidding,” Highbridge objected.
    â€œAn empty stomach is nothing to kid about. Just stay calm. Act hungry. Follow me.”
    They strolled past the pool, through the double doors, and headed for the buffet table. An ice sculpture of Marlon Brando in a naval uniform, his feet in a drip pan, served as the somewhat-watery centerpiece.
    â€œSorry, the midnight buffet doesn’t start until eleven,” a waiter on his way to the kitchen stopped to tell them.
    â€œYeah, well we just got back from the North Pole, and it’s too late to have dinner downstairs,” Bull’s-Eye explained, his voice trying to sound jolly. Even to his own ears the words didn’t ring true, so he started to laugh. He realized the laugh didn’t ring true either.
    â€œWe’ll grab enough to tide us and the reindeer over,” Highbridge added. “Rudolph gets temperamental when he hasn’t eaten.”
    The waiter shrugged. “None of the hot food is out yet. I hope Rudolph likes cheese.”
    Bull’s-Eye nodded, then whispered under his breath. “Enough with the small talk. We’ll sneak in later. Let’s grab whatever they have and get out of here fast.”

16
    D oesn’t anybody believe me?” Ivy screamed.
    As one, the Oklahoma Readers and Writers group yelled, “No!”
    At the Reilly-Meehan table, the three couples exchanged worried glances.
    â€œI’ve been to a lot of murder mystery weekends,” Nora said, “but no one ever sounded as convincing as Ivy. I don’t think this is an act.”
    â€œShe definitely believes she saw something,” Regan agreed.
    Dudley was sitting nearby. He jumped up and ran to Ivy. “Miss Pickering, I know you’re trying to have some fun on this cruise but . . .”
    Ignoring Dudley, Ivy ran to Alvirah’s table. “They all think I’m joking. I’m not. I saw Left Hook Louie in tartan plaid boxer shorts in the chapel. He was warming up for a fight. Like this . . .” She started jumping up and down and stretching her arms.
    With a regretful glance at her as yet untouchedcrème brulée, Alvirah hoisted herself out of the chair. “Let’s go take a look,” she said.
    â€œWe’ll all go with you, Miss Pickering,” Jack said decisively.
    â€œThank you. Call me Ivy.”
    Not wanting to wait for an elevator, they took the companionway up to the Boat Deck. Nora tucked