Haunted Destiny Read Online Free PDF Page B

to do that,” Jude said flatly. “Captain, don’t you want this man caught? Don’t you want your passengers safe?”
    â€œOf course!” Thorne replied indignantly.
    â€œJust remind them of safety-precaution tips—and 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. “I’d say at least some of the people on this ship are out for more than fun and sun—a chance to get lucky outside their real world. How can I watch everyone in the middle of that kind of behavior?”
    â€œYou’ve been a cop. You know how to observe people, how to judge their moods, how to tell when something’s out of whack,” Jude said.
    Beach nodded grimly. Jude was glad that he’d brought up the man’s past; it seemed to remind him of his own sense of self-respect and ability.
    â€œWe also have almost limitless resources working on this. Within a few hours, we’ll have cleared the majority of people on this vessel. Investigators in our main office will soon learn who has and who hasn’t 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?”
    â€œAnd Mobile,” Crow said.
    â€œAssuming it’s one killer, which we believe it to be,” Jude added.
    The captain rose. “I must be getting back to my duties,” he said. “You’ll keep me apprised of what you discover? When do you expect your reports?”
    â€œSoon,” Crow assured him. “And thanks for the use of your computers.” They’d been given a cabin near the security offices, complete with high-end equipment and systems.
    â€œI’d like the reports as soon as possible. Naturally, I expect you to be discreet. I don’t want people in an uproar because they’re afraid a killer could be on board—unless 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.”
    â€œWe’ve taken that into consideration, Captain,” Jude said.
    â€œWhich is why we want you to make your announcement very carefully,” Crow told him. “Just mention that, since the ship disembarked from New Orleans, we’re 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 .”
    â€œI’ll give this some serious thought,” the captain said. “Now...” He smiled drily. “Enjoy your time aboard the Destiny. She’s a splendid lady, created when sailing meant grandeur.”
    They left the captain’s office. “That didn’t go badly.” Jackson Crow gave Jude an awkward half smile. “Not as badly as I expected.”
    â€œCould’ve been worse,” Jude agreed. “How soon will we get those reports?”
    â€œIn an hour or two. Meanwhile, I’m going to suggest that since the shops on the Promenade Deck are open, we buy more appropriate attire. Once we’ve done that, I suspect we’ll have our reports. Not just names and numbers, but in-depth intel on anyone who might’ve been in any of