This suspect could have ditched his makeup anytime after hed boarded. Or certainly, after hed been seen by Alexi Cromwell.
It was time to explain to Thorne and Beach just what they were doing there.
Xavier Thorne was fifty-five, according to the information they had, a veteran of many sailings. Hed served in the United States Navy before becoming a civilian employee in the pleasure business; hed worked as a captain for smaller yachts doing private charters and for a number of the major lines before hed settled in at Celtic American fifteen years ago. He was a serious man, but still capable of smiling.
Jude had wanted to stop the ship from going out, which had proved to be impossible. Not even the powers that existed behind Jackson Crow had been able to make that happen. Neither he nor Crow knew for sure if the man theyd chased was a killer. And, despite Ms. Cromwells sighting, they couldnt verify that he was on the ship. At least his new partner/supervisor seemed to believe him. Hed not only put Jude on the ship, hed also accompanied him. So now, at five that afternoon, they met with the captain and Beach.
David Beach was an ox of a man, almost six and a half feet tall. Jude, at six-three, felt dwarfed by him. Beach also had stellar credentials, having served with the NYPD and Homeland Security before retiring at fifty to enter the civilian sector and take the job with the Celtic American line.
They knew all this because theyd accessed Jackson Crows home office to receive dossiers on every member of the crew.
Now they sat in the captains office to speak and while the space was large enough, it felt small. David Beach, Jude thought, could make just about anyoneshort of Shaquille ONeal, no pun intendedseem small and any space seem close and crowded.
Beach remained quiet after Jackson had spoken, and Captain Thorne frowned as he weighed his response.
You believe youve chased a serial killer onto my ship? he finally asked.
Yes, Captain, Jude replied. We believe that the killers been using cruise ports and ships to track and murder his victimsand that we followed him onto the Destiny.
The captain shook his head. I dont see how you could know this. I heard about that terrible business at the church in the Treme district and I dont think anyone, anywhere in the world, has missed the news about the fear this man is creating, but...this was the killers first strike in New Orleans.
You dont really even know if the man you followed onto the ship was responsible for the heinous act at the church, David Beach added.
Captain, we followed a man who behaved suspiciously at the crime scene. Im aware of both your backgrounds, Crow told them. Mr. Beach, youve certainly been through seminars on the psychology of killers like this. The mans behavior was the kind we consider exceptionally suspicious.
So they sent the troops out on a ship because of a man behaving suspiciously at a crime scene? Captain Thorne asked. Seems to me it wouldve made more sense to prowl the streets of New Orleans, tracing hard evidence.
Trust me, Captain, there are many law enforcement officers doing just that, Jude said.
Of course. I assume every law enforcement officer in the States is on the lookout, but
We dont intend to be intrusive, Crow assured him.
Frankly, whether you are or not, I have no real power over this. Thorne glanced over at Beach. Words come down from on high at Celtic American. We are to give you every assistance you require. However, Id hate to put an entire ship full of people into a state of panic because you chased a man for behaving in a manner you describe as suspicious and you think hes on this ship.
We dont want a panic, either, Jude said. What we do want is to advise you that this man may be on board and may be dangerous. I would imagine, he went on, and he could hear his voice harden as he spoke, that youd be concerned. You have several thousand passengers, not to mention a large crew, any of whom could be in danger. Granted, most of the so-called Archangels victims have been women but hes killed at least one man. Wed like you to make a speech warning everyone to take extreme care, to lock their cabins and watch out for their personal safety.
Every cruise company in the world has guidelines warning passengers that while all precautions are taken, crime can still happen, Beach told them.
I dont usually make announcements like that, Thorne murmured.
You can make it friendly, Crow said. As well as serious.
And of course, you need to alert your crew, and, most important, Mr. Beach, every one of your security officers, Jude put in. I doubt this man is still dressed the same. Hed have his own clothing or hed have stolen a change of clothing by now.
Can you give me a description of his face? Beach asked.
Tragedy, Jude said, recalling the strange prosthetic makeup hed seen on the man.
What?
He was wearing theatrical makeup when we saw him, Jude explained. Hes probably gotten rid of it, cleaned up, by now.
Thorne raised his salt-and-pepper brows beneath his captains hat and looked over at Beach. Then he stared hard from Jackson Crow to Jude.
Gentlemen
Assistant Director Jackson Crow and Special Agent Jude McCoy, Crow interrupted. He smiled, appearing polite, ready to be friendly and helpful, while ensuring that their purpose was noted.
Captain Thorne nodded. But you need to realize that youre asking me to put a security crew and every one of almost a thousand crew members on guard and warn over two thousand passengersmany on the vacation of a lifetimethat there may be a killer on board. Enjoy the crystal beauty of the Caribbean! Ah, but be aware. The FBI believes there might be a homicidal maniac on board. Apparently, he was wearing makeup and God knows what hes wearing now. Watch out for him, though! He rolled his eyes. Sorry, Agents. But on this ship Im like the president, the grand high master, the great pooh-bah, what have you. I cant scare them all half to death.
We havent asked you to do that, Jude said flatly. Captain, dont you want this man caught? Dont you want your passengers safe?
Of course! Thorne replied indignantly.
Just remind them of safety-precaution tipsand even mention the horror in NOLA without suggesting the killer could be on board, Crow said. Make sure your officers are advised. Make sure they patrol the bars and clubs and watch out for men who seem to be stalking women.
Beach muttered something under his breath. They all looked at him.
He sighed. Id say at least some of the people on this ship are out for more than fun and suna chance to get lucky outside their real world. How can I watch everyone in the middle of that kind of behavior?
Youve been a cop. You know how to observe people, how to judge their moods, how to tell when somethings out of whack, Jude said.
Beach nodded grimly. Jude was glad that hed brought up the mans past; it seemed to remind him of his own sense of self-respect and ability.
We also have almost limitless resources working on this. Within a few hours, well have cleared the majority of people on this vessel. Investigators in our main office will soon learn who has and who hasnt been in the areas of the country where the murders were committed. That will eliminate the majority of people on the ship, Jude said.
Captain Thorne was obviously relieved. The killer had to have traveled, right? Miami? Fort Lauderdale?
And Mobile, Crow said.
Assuming its one killer, which we believe it to be, Jude added.
The captain rose. I must be getting back to my duties, he said. Youll keep me apprised of what you discover? When do you expect your reports?
Soon, Crow assured him. And thanks for the use of your computers. Theyd been given a cabin near the security offices, complete with high-end equipment and systems.
Id like the reports as soon as possible. Naturally, I expect you to be discreet. I dont want people in an uproar because theyre afraid a killer could be on boardunless we find it to be true. He paused. You believe this man might be a frequent traveler or a ship employee? No murder has taken place on the Destiny. Well, except for the strictly historical ones, he acknowledged with a grimace. You might keep my passengers the safest by never indicating that you suspect this killer might be on board. You could cause an out-and-out panic. Some sort of mistaken vigilante justice, that kind of thing.
Weve taken that into consideration, Captain, Jude said.
Which is why we want you to make your announcement very carefully, Crow told him. Just mention that, since the ship disembarked from New Orleans, were all aware of the recent murder. Say that our hearts are with the family and friends of the young woman killed in New Orleans. Emphasize that they should take care at all times, even amidst the warmth and hospitality of the Destiny.
Ill give this some serious thought, the captain said. Now... He smiled drily. Enjoy your time aboard the Destiny. Shes a splendid lady, created when sailing meant grandeur.
They left the captains office. That didnt go badly. Jackson Crow gave Jude an awkward half smile. Not as badly as I expected.
Couldve been worse, Jude agreed. How soon will we get those reports?
In an hour or two. Meanwhile, Im going to suggest that since the shops on the Promenade Deck are open, we buy more appropriate attire. Once weve done that, I suspect well have our reports. Not just names and numbers, but in-depth intel on anyone who mightve been in any of those ports at the relevant times.
You have someone really good on this? Jude asked.
Crow nodded, his smile growing. The very best. Angela Hawkins. My wife.
* * *
At seven Alexi joined Clara and some of the other performers and crew members in what they affectionately called the bowels, or the employee cafeteria area, far toward the stern on the second deck. They didnt dine in any of the three main restaurants on the ship, but in a private space that didnt sport linen napkins or elegant wineglasses. It was still fine; Alexi thought the food served belowdecks was just as good as that in the dining rooms and buffets above. She also liked the fact that the Celtic American line considered all stafffrom prestigious guest performers to the catering and cleaning crewsto be equal. There were no elite employees. Bradley Wilcox was hard to take at times, but aside from that, they were all treated courteously and with respect.
Alexi scooped up tuna and chips and got a salad from the buffet. She saw that Clara was seated with Ralph Martini and Simon Green. Ralph was shaking his head as she sat down with them. Cant figure it. Cant figure how the police havent got this guy yet. He shuddered. Sorry. Im obsessing. Its just...hes in New Orleans!
He struck in New Orleans, Simon said. Doesnt mean hes still in New Orleans. He may be moving north now. Or to Texas.
How can the cops not catch this bastard? Ralph asked.
Im sure theyre doing everything they can, Clara said.
Hey, there are fibers, fingerprints, blood... Forensic science has given the cops all kinds of tools for catching killers, Ralph protested. I watch all those crime-scene TV shows. This guy has to have left something behind.
The police use experts and technology and everything, Alexi said, but crimes arent always that easily solved. I mean, even if you do have a hair sample, you have to have a suspect to compare it with. And from what Ive read, it sounds like the killer must watch all the shows, toosince he hasnt left anything behind.
Not that theyre telling us about, anyway! Ralph said.
Young, blond and sun-drenched handsome in shorts and a tank top, Larry Hepburn made an appearance with his tray, smiling and indicating that hed like the seat next to Alexi. You people are being morbid and depressing, and you need to stop, he said as he took his chair. Its hot and humid, but were at sea and a breeze is coming in. We have to have faith and let the cops and agents and whoever else worry about it. Who knows? They may have him by the time were back to port.
Or hell have moved on. To Texas, probably, Simon said, obviously still worried. He looked around the table. I have a sister. And Im from Galveston. If he does head for Texas, terrible as it may seem, I hope he goes to Houston.
Theyll get him, Larry said. He turned to Alexi. We have a rehearsal tonight. After that well come by the piano bar. Or at least, Ill come by the piano bar. They say youre always packed. You must be good.
Im good at getting people to sing, Alexi said. And thats what they want to do at a piano bar. She smiled at him, but suddenly wanted to escape. She was horrified by what had happened in New Orleans and disturbed by the men Nolan had introduced her to, the Celtic American line bigwigs, and the strange man shed seen running by. Something was going on.
And thats why they love you! someone announced. Jensen Hardy, the cruise director, was beaming down at them from the end of the table.
Shed sailed with Jensen before. He was a nice guybut so perpetually cheerful that he actually got on her nerves. He was a great cruise director, precisely because he never seemed to tire. He had a crew of underlings who managed everything from kids activities to naughty trivia, poolside events and more. Jensen was determined that everyone on board have a good time.
She forced a smile. Thanks, Jensen.
Squeeze in, can you? he asked.
I have to leave, anyway, she said. You can have my seat.
Aw, we have to switch you out for Jensen? Larry teased.
Yes, for now, Jensen said, sounding stern. But dont leave right away. I want to remind you all that many of our passengers have saved for years to get on this ship. Were on the pricier side, as you know. Were here to see that theyre entertained. I overheard you talkingmurders are happening in the States, not on this ship. Dont go about discussing your fears or ideas, okay? Were not going to ruin lifetime dreams for hundreds of people, are we?
Nope, were not! Alexi agreed. She stood, a little too wedged in between Clara and Larry, and she smiled apologetically. Jensen, she told the cruise director, I will be the embodiment of good cheer. You all have a great rehearsal. The show is the highlight of the cruise for many people. And yes, she added, smiling at the performers, Im delighted when you come to the piano barespecially since, every once in a while, no one wants to sing, so its great to have your voices.