“Who used J. Manning aka James Manning’s credit card to buy the burner phone, knowing Jeremy would be on the hook if the card and phone were eventually traced,” Millie said.
“I don’t understand why Tohan would vandalize the ship and steal your keycard,” Dot said.
“He didn’t. Jeremy was the one who graffiti’d the ship, stole my keycard and cash from my beach bag, and let himself into Sharky’s confiscated storage room to get his CBD.”
“He also tried breaking into the storage case to steal the Fire Up,” Gloria said.
“Both Jeremy and Tohan are in the brig until we dock in Miami tomorrow morning.”
“On the plus side, Tohan won’t have to put up with bratty Jeremy any longer,” Ruth said.
“Ten bucks says Jeremy’s father will be waiting for them,” Dot said. “I’m still not clear aboutwhyTohan bought the phone and called in the bomb threat.”
“According to what he confessed to Patterson, he was fed up with Jeremy and his antics. He suspected the troublemaker was behind the vandalism and theft and figured framing him would get him in big trouble.”
Millie continued. “Tohan knew we would think it was Jeremy because of how upset he was about being assigned to the crew cabins, not to mention he knew about our run-in with him in Bimini. Jeremy even made a point of mentioning it to Patterson, how I had it in for him.”
Cat waited for her to finish. “When Millie told me the caller had used a burner phone, we checked the number. It matched the 649 area code for Grand Turk.”
“The number automatically defaults to the general location of where the phone was purchased. You can have it changed, but I guess Tohan was betting Jeremy would be blamed so why bother,” Gloria said.
“Besides, he was using J. Manning’s credit card to buy the phone so it wasn’t tied to him. Tohan never dreamed the owner of Dock Man’s Drugstore in Cockburn Town would send us the video surveillance, showing him as the person who purchased the burner phone using Manning’s company credit card.”
“Tohan led us to believe he didn’t have a credit card on him when, in fact, he did.”
“On the plus side, we got to experience an actual emergency drill,” Danielle said. “At the risk of patting myself on the back, I’m proud of how the crew handled it.”
“So what happens to Jeremy?” Ruth asked.
“Nic said Siren of the Seas plans to press charges for all of it, for Tohan’s and Jeremy’s involvement,” Millie said. “Thank you all for your help keeping tabs on Jeremy, Devan and Willow. It was definitely a team effort.”
“Effort being the keyword,” Gloria laughed. “I wish I could’ve been in the fitness center with Ruth.”
“They should call those elliptical machines torture machines,” Ruth said. “My legs are still sore.”
“You should look into joining one of Eleanor’s exercise classes when we get home,” Gloria suggested.
“I have one more question about Tohan,” Lucy said. “I wonder if he sabotaged the yacht.”
“I wondered the same thing. It’s possible. If so, I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes,” Millie said. “Think of all the money Manning has sitting at the bottom of the ocean.”
“I’m not sure what’s worse–Manning’s financial losses or what Tohan will be on the hook for.”
“Being responsible for the additional port charges for Siren of the Seas returning to Grand Turk,not to mentionthe cost of the bomb-sniffing dogs,” Danielle added. “I’m pretty sure it will be a hefty sum of money.”
“Hopefully, the punishment fits the crime.” Liz checked her watch. “Finally. I need to run an errand. I’ll be back.”
Gloria started to say something. It was too late. Liz threw her wrap on and dashed off. “I figured she’d be leaving soon to get ready forCash or Cruisebingo.”
“It’s the biggie, the grand finale,” Millie said. “I’m sure she won’t want to miss it.”
Liz was gone for what seemed like forever before returning. She stopped in front of her sister’s chair and held out a black tablet. “This is for you.”
Gloria took it from her. “What is it?”
“A bingo tablet. Since you refuse to play bingo with me, I thought I would bring bingo to you. I bought games for the grand finale—one for me and one for you.” Liz held up a second tablet.
“I have to admit, I’m surprised you only have two,” Ruth said.
