Diamond in the Blue: D.I. Simpers Investigates Read Online Free PDF

been taking a close interest in the shipping forecasts. He knew that a force ten gale and heavy swell awaited him as the evening progressed. He had no choice about being on board. What he couldn't understand was why otherwise sane adults handed over enough money to buy a small car to a cruise line. In return, they might expect at least three days tossed around like a bottle cork before they got anywhere near calmer waters.
    'What makes you think the threat is real, Commodore,' Simpers responded.
    'Eight years ago, we received a warning about a similar collection of Charles I miniatures. Although we stepped up security, the collection disappeared. As you know, they've not been seen since. It demonstrated that it was possible to remove items from what others might think a secure environment.'
    '…And because of their provenance, there was no fuss made,' said Simpers.
    The Commodore fixed him with a stare that gave him his answer, and precluded any invitation for further enquiry.
    'So we are in your hands, Detective Inspector. You will receive our full cooperation and any resources you may need. The only people who know who you are and why you are here are in this room, plus, of course, my steward. I ask only that you remember that we are in the holiday business. We would appreciate it if your work remained as low key, with as little fuss made, as possible.'
    'I understand,' replied Simpers.
    Two thousand passengers with nothing to do but complain that cruises weren't what they used to be, might make this difficult. Then there was the matter of eight hundred crew members, he thought.
    'Right-o,' boomed the Commodore, 'we sail in two hours. You'll have access to all areas, so it's a full ships tour for you to make sure you're aware of all possible hazards, what to do in an emergency and so on. Over to you, Deputy Captain.'
    'Sir,' snapped Cross.
    'Gentlemen, I suggest we meet in two days time over breakfast so that you can update me on progress. Ken will make the necessary arrangements,' snapped the Commodore.
     

Below the Waterline
     
    Simpers and Cross left the Commodore's day room, and once more entered the public face of the magnificent vessel. Simpers noted for the first time how quiet his surroundings were. All was quiet, yet the ship seemed to be alive. He became aware of a slight, but constant throb that permeated the vessel, accompanied by a low pitched hum. The combination of the two had a reassuring effect on Simpers; something he hadn't been expecting. Cross seemed to sense Simpers' thoughts.
    'Every ship is different, you know. Each one has its own engine sound and rhythm. Its known as 'resonance' – remarkable isn't it. Now, let's get on.'
    As they walked down a long, narrow corridor, the Deputy Captain gestured to an opening that Simpers hadn't noticed. Cross brushed aside a waist height horizontal bar marked 'access for staff only'. As they began to descend the stairs, an altogether different world unfolded before them. Gone were the sumptuous carpets and decorative hangings. These were now replaced by cream painted surfaces and procedural safety signs. Deck by deck they descended, an indistinct hubbub increasing as they progressed. Reaching the foot of the stairs, they crossed a small, claustrophobic space and turned a blind corner.
    A long, wide corridor at least ten feet wide stretched into the far distance, which seemed to run from the bow to stern of the ship.
    'We're now on F Deck, and roughly level with the dock side. We call this area Watling Street.'
    'Watling Street?' quizzed Simpers.
    'You know, Roman Road, long, straight, that sort of thing.'
    Simpers kicked himself for not having made the connection, but was too caught up in the energy of the place to make too much of it.
    'Almost everything we need to run the ship passes along this corridor. It's also the quickest way for the crew to get from one end of the ship to the other,' said the Deputy Captain.
    Simpers couldn't help thinking that the ship