“We went to their class. It was very good,” Chloe said gravely. As she spoke, she noticed that one of their suspects was standing by the railing farther aft, sipping wine and looking out over the water. It was Amelia Swenson.
Nothing strange there. It was a beautiful time of day; classes were over.
But she smiled suddenly, waving and calling out.
Chloe saw that she was looking at Celia Henderson and that the woman was hurrying over to her, ready to greet her with a friendly hug.
The two knew each other.
Nothing surprising there.
But they knew one another very well. As friends, long-time friends?
As she tried to casually keep an eye on them and respond to the conversation going on with Patty and Ned, she saw that Jeff Henderson was joining the pair, too, greeting Amelia like a good friend, as well.
Chloe knew that she couldn’t take it to mean too much—they had known that all their suspects were connected in one way or another, whether it was simply through conventions or meetings or because they had formed real friendships.
“Oh, did you attend anything with Celia Henderson and her husband, Jeff?” Chloe asked Patty and Ned, smiling and indicating that the threesome was near them. “I mean,they all talk about security, but I attended specifically because I want to keep my artists safe when I’m advertising a show. I want attention for them, of course, but with what you’re telling me... wow. It’s scary what people can do!”
“Very. We haven’t had a chance yet,” Patty said. “Tomorrow, we’re in Jamaica and we’ve signed up to go to Dunn’s River Falls. Did you? We’ve been before. It’s so very beautiful!”
“I think so, yes. We did sign up, didn’t we, Wes? It was one of the things that we had talked about!”
He nodded. Of course, they’d talked about the falls.
And about the dangers that could be found there. Part of the beauty of the place was walking up the falls. Of course they were going. And still, even going...
How could they keep an eye on everyone on that cruise who might be in danger?
There were guides; there were others.
Right. Dozens of people. Hundreds. And somehow, Edward Thompson had still gone over the rail.
“Of course we’re going!” he said, and looking at Chloe he teased, “As you wish!”
She groaned aloud. Patty and Ned laughed. “So, it’s Westley and Buttercup!” Patty said.
“Oh, yeah! I think of her as a princess all the time!” Wes said.
She smiled at him over her gritted teeth.
“Oh, yeah. And he’s just like a dread pirate!” she agreed.
Wes just grinned and shrugged.
Patty laughed softly and said, “And we’re at sea! But that’s so nice that you’re going to the falls, too. I guess we’re going to go in and shower before dinner. We’re doing sushi night!” Patty told her. “Ooh, and a little secret! We heard that the computer experts giving most of the classes are going to bethere, too. I mean, food is great and there will be a band and all, but... maybe we get a little extra!”
“And it sounds like a great plan—and great food,” Wes said.
“See you there!” Patty said, rising. She took her husband’s hand and waved; Chloe and Wes waved in turn.
Chloe looked at Wes. “Buttercup?”
“Sorry, couldn’t help it. Hey, the whole world loved that movie!” Wes said.
“You love it?”
“I did. I identified with the kid in the bed,” Wes told her.
