Yes, I heard something about the murders, he said carefully.
I was with the film crew, she said. One of my best childhood friends was the director, and I was the scriptwriter. We both put money into the venture, and we were doing double duty. When I say low budget, I mean low budget. But we had it togetherwe knew what we were doing, and we worked incredibly hard. The film wasnt going to win an Oscar, but we had hopes of having it picked up by a national distributor.
Dont know much about that, Bartholomew said sorrowfully, as if he were part of the conversation.
You were making a film, and people were brutally killed, Sean said, ignoring Bartholomew. He didnt want to feel sympathy for her. Sadly, there were a number of unsolved mysteries that had little chance of being solved. He vaguely remembered some of the newspaper articles his sister had e-mailed him at the timea lot of people were chalking the tragedy up to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. What are you trying to tell me, or ask me?
She took a deep breath. Its really all the same areathe same area youre doing a documentary on. Do you know how many boaters go from the Intracoastal, South Florida, say Fort Lauderdale and Miami, out to Bimini and then on to Key West? she asked. Or vice versa. Were all connected here.
I know that, he said, feeling oddly irritated. We always intended to do a documentary on the area.
This is a story that shouldnt just be included, it should be the main focus, she said somberly.
Why?
Because its an unsolved mystery. And theres a killer or killers out there.
Sadly, there are many killers on the loose at any given time. Im not sure what we can do for you. David and I are not law enforcement, Sean said. And if we were, Haunt Island is still the Bahamas.
It doesnt sound as if law enforcement has had much luck yet, Bartholomew interjected.
I was there when it happened, she said quietly. The truth must be discovered.
But were just doing a documentary, Sean protested.
Youre doing a documentary on historyand oddities and mysteries. Youll never find a better mystery, she said flatly. I admit, the script was written for what would basically be a teenage-slasher-type flick, she said. But it was based on history. Key West and Bahamian history.
He shook his head. All right, Im still getting lost here. You were filming a movie based on history, but it was a slasher film? Low budget? A historical slasher film? Youre talking big money there.
She shook her head. Not with the people we had working with us. The new digital age has helped a hell of a lot. And we had easy access to costumeswe bought most of them here, some from the shop on Front Street, and some at Pirates in Paradise. We refitted one of our boats, and with a little digital finesse, we had a pirate ship, which could become pirate ships. We knew what we were doingIm talking about people with real degrees in film and real experienceand more. It was our project.
Im listening. Tell me more.
Youre from here and youre working on history, she said. You must have heard of the Santa Genevaand Mad Miller and his consort, Kitty Cutlass, and the murder of Dona Isabella.
He nodded slowly. He knew the legend. All Key West kids knew the stories about pirates in the area. They made great tales at campfires. A piece of pirate lore, he said.
Yes, and if youre following pirate lore, you should be following that story. It was past the Golden Age of Piracy. It was after David Porter came here to clear out the pirates. There were still Spaniards living here, naturally. Dona Isabella was a wealthy woman, with homes in Madrid and Key West. She was married to Diego, a very wealthy Spanish merchant. She was kidnapped off a Spanish ship, the Santa Geneva. They say she was never ransomed because Mad Miller, the pirate, fell in love with herand because of that, she wound up dead. Some say that Mad Miller murdered her in a frenzy, because she loathed him. Some say that Kitty Cutlass, furious over her lovers adoration for another woman, was the one to kill her. At any rate, she supposedly wound up dead in the company of the pirates. Its thought that she survived until the pirates reached Haunt Island, where they might have drawn in for ship repairs. Some of Mad Millers men then massacred the remaining crew members of the Santa Geneva, and members of their own crew who were in revolt over what had happened. Thus the name, obviously, Haunt Island, and the legend.
I still dont see Sean began.
Dona Isabella lived in Key West. Her ship, a Spanish ship, left from Key West. The pirates raided her in American waters. Off of Key West. Mad Miller came from Key West. Lets seeKitty Cutlass began as a prostitute in a shack on Duval. Mr. OHara, this is an amazing story that has everything to do with the documentary you want to film. Youre a fool if you havent already thought of using the legendand the truth of what happened to the members of our film crew, she said.
All rightthat was aggravating. But there was something desperate in her voice that kept him from entirely losing his temper.
Okay, Miss Loren. You have a good story. What, exactly, is it that you want? Ive told you, were not any form of law enforcement. I cant go over to the Bahamas and just solve your mystery for you.
She inhaled again, staring at him. She let out a long breath of air. She seemed to physically square her shoulders, as if seeking strength and resolve.
I know that, and She paused, wincing. Look, Im sorry. Im just passionate about my feelings on this. First, I need you to hire me. Im goodreally good. I swear. You can check all my references, she said.
I would definitely do so, no matter what, he said.
Id bet good money that she has excellent references, Bartholomew said.
Sean locked his jaw, determined not to turn, or respond to the ghost in any way.
No one is hired unless David and I agree, he said to Vanessa.
That is certainly understandable, she said. Again, she paused. I know all about David Beckett, as well. I know that he was once accused of murder, and I know how desperate he was to find the truth. And the truth was discovered. I cant believe that he wouldnt understand how I feel, or be sympathetic to my cause.
Sean felt tension steal through his body. The Effigy Murders had been bad, very bad. He still felt they were all recovering from the terrible things that had happened. He still had scars beneath his hairline.
David would be sympathetic, he knew.
Go on, he said quietly.
ThenI think you need to make me your assistant. Im excellent at managing a schedule, and I can write a scene, narrative, interview questions, anything you need, at the drop of a hat. I know you do a lot of your own scheduling and writing. Thats why I say assistant. I went to film school. When needed, I can handle any kind of a camera. Im fit so I can tote and carry. The filmmaker in you must see what there is herea legend that remains a mystery, historical and contemporary. You can look for the Santa Geneva, you can really follow the path of those who came before you. And if you leave out piracy, and the stamping out of the pirates, and the supposed massacre on Haunt Island, youre doing a disservice to everyone.
He leaned back. If this is such a great documentary, why dont you do it yourself? he demanded.
She leaned back, biting her lower lip. Well, for one, I dont have the kind of money you need for a docu mentary. And
And?
She leaned forward. Look, Ill work cheap. Ill work harder than anyone you ever imagined.
He leaned back, shaking his head. Id like to help you, Id really like to help you. But it seems as if youre chasing something, and Im notIm not what youre looking for. If these murders havent been solved, you need a private investigator. You need
Have you ever tried to look for a private investigator who specializes in water, legends and boats? she asked irritably.
He hesitated for a moment. Look, from what I understand, every agency possible was involved in that case. If there are no clues, there are no clues.
No one wanted to follow through on the legendor the history, she said, exasperated.
He felt his fingers tense around his coffee cup and he stared at her. Youre trying to tell me that pirates returned to massacre your friends? he asked.
Something about the tightening in her lips and the way that she stared at him caused him to feel as if he should be ashamedas if he had spoken out of turn.
But he hadnt. And he couldnt explain to her that he knew what ghosts were capable of doing, and what they werent. As a matter of fact, he knew a few of them.
Thats not what Im suggesting at all, she said.
Then?
Idont know, exactly, she said, looking away. Heres the thing. Weve had this movie stowed since it happened. Butpeople know about it. Im afraid well get an offer from a major distributor. My partner would gladly sell. I dont want to sellnot unless I can get some justice for those who were involved. I dont want to make money on sensationalism, on somethingsomething unsolved. Ive gotten Jay to agree that I can try one more time to discover the truth.
I
Please. Please just tell me that youll consider doing it? she asked.
He stared at her, not knowing what to say.
No. A flat-out no would be a great answer. He and David hadnt set anything in stone as yet, butno. This one had to be a no. They both had their individual exemplary careers, they knew what they were doing. They could write themselves.
Im sorry. I just dont think my partner will agree, Sean said.
Will you ask David Beckett? she queried stubbornly.
He smiled. Will you quit asking if I talk to him and he says no?
She smiled. YoureLook, I know Im asking a lot without much to offer. But I am really good at what I do, and if you give me a few weeks, I promise, Ill help to make anything you want to do come out as brilliantly as possible. Ill be slave labor, I swear.
I dont want slave labor.
Ill be the best damned assistant youve ever had, she swore.
Take her up on it! Bartholomew said. Hell, my boy! Take her up on it just for the pleasure of having her upon your wretched little boat.
Ill talk to David, he said.
You really will. Andand if hes hesitant, if theres any chance, will you let me try to persuade him, as well? she asked.
He forced an even smile. No, just say no!
He asked himself if he would be so torn, so tempted, if the person asking him wasnt this young woman, not just beautiful, butstrong. So confident in her ability that she would swear she could make his work the best ever.
Ability.
The way she looked.
The sound of her voice.
The mystery involved. Yes, he knew the damned legend. And hell yes, he was curious.
Look, he began.
But she wasnt looking at him. She was looking at the door. She let out a little cry of surprise and gladness.
Sean swung around. His sister had just come in the door.
He looked at Vanessa Loren.
Ah, hell.
Hell.
The young woman knew Katie. He should have figured.
He stared back at her, irritated, and suddenly certain that it was all over.
You know my sister, he said.
She glanced at him while rising. Yes, I know Katie. Ive been on a few dive boats with her, and of course, I bring friends in here for Katie-okie when Im down.
She started to head out to see Katie. He set his fingers around her wrist, drawing her back.
She didnt jerk away, but then his hold was pretty firm. Those huge, cornflower-blue eyes of hers lit on him.
He smiled coldly. You know my uncle, too, dont you? And my uncle knew just who you were and what you wanted.
Ive met Jamie before, yes, she admitted. Katie can explain it all to David, if you dont want to, but I know that shell convince him that Im right. I came to you first, because Katie told me that David had said all the major decisions were going to be yours, so if you just agree
He stood, releasing her wrist.
I dont like being played, he said flatly. Good day, Miss Loren.
She didnt call after him.
Bartholomew did.
Sean! Oh, come on, Sean. I can help you with this, I was around when it all happened, the dapper buccaneer cried to him. Sean, oh, do come on! If I were flesh and blood, Id be on this like a mosquito at a topless bar! Sean!
Sean passed Katie near the doorway. Hey, sis, he said, kissed her cheek, and kept on going.
Theyd all just survived near death. They had dealt with total insanity.
He would have to be insane himself to get into something like this again.
Mr. OHara!
She had followed him out. The lithe and dignified Miss Loren had come rushing out, and now she stood on the sidewalk, staring after him.
Despite himself, he paused.
She walked to him, her chin high. I never meant to play anyone, she said. Im just desperate for help. You dont understand, she said.
I think I do, he told her.
No, no, you dont. I have reason to believe that someone must find out what happened, not just for those who were killed, but
But what?
Other things have happened. Bad things. Not involved with filming, but with other boaters who disappeared near Haunt Island.
The sea can be huge and merciless, Miss Loren. And sadly, throughout history, many a boat and ship have disappeared without a trace.
Theres more to it. I know theres more to it, and Im afraid.
Afraid of what?
Im afraid that if the truth isnt discovered, more people will die. That there will be blood and deatha massacre again, and maybe this time, here, in Key West.
Chapter Two
Vanessa walked back into OHaras, trying to feel as if she hadnt just been crushed in a major defeat.
Katie was sitting at the bar, talking to her uncle. She watched Vanessa as she came up and took the stool next to her. Vanessa had known Katie forever, or so it seemed. Theyd met when Katies school had brought a group of Key West students up to dive the springs and Vanessas school had been hosting the week of camp. She wasnt sure if shed liked her at first, being ten and wary of kids who came from cool places like Key West. But shed been paired with Katie, who had an exceptional voice, for the talent show, and Vanessa had been her harmony and backup act, and theyd won the grand prizetwo new regulators for their scuba equipment. That had begun the friendship. Of course, theyd been kids living almost four hundred miles away from one another even if it was the same state, but theyd kept up as much as possible, visiting one another at their respective colleges and meeting whenever they could.