Masked to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery Book 5) Page 11

  I flipped through the hangers. As much as I wanted to avoid certain members of the Roget clan tonight, it was formal night, and Odessa had arranged special backdrops for wedding photos for Bob and Garrison. I didn’t want to ruin the evening for them, so I’d suck it up and deal with it. I’d unleash my outrage at Ted tomorrow. After the wedding. But where was my dress?

  Ronnie’s cabin. My anger was soaking up all my brainpower. I took a deep breath. Settle down. Good thing we were on the same floor. Odessa had enough reason to dislike me; no need to show up late and add another one. Ronnie was a fashionista, so I knew she’d be in her cabin getting ready.

  I knocked on the door. “Ronnie, I need my dress.”

  Some harsh whispers floated from the room. There was a bang followed by a moan.

  I pounded on the door. “Are you all right?”

  “A moment, please,” Ronnie moaned.

  “Let me in right now, or I’m going to get Garrison.” If William was in there, I hoped dropping Garrison’s name got him away from Ronnie.

  “Hold on.” Ronnie’s voice was stronger and annoyed. She yanked the door open. “Why are you so impatient?”

  I drew back. Now I knew what death warmed over looked like. Ronnie’s face was ashen with bright red splotches on her mascara-streaked cheeks. She had changed into a baggy pair of gray sweatpants and an equally baggy white t-shirt.

  “Sorry. I don’t want to be late for pictures and dinner.”

  She looked at me like I had lost my mind.

  “My dress. You picked it up from Quinn’s room.”

  “That’s right.” She allowed me in.

  I scanned the area, allowing my gaze to drift to the balcony. The curtains were drawn back. Nobody was out there. On the coffee table was a collection of crystals in various colors, wire, and a diagram. Ronnie had started remaking her missing—likely stolen—tiara. “I thought I heard you arguing with someone.”

  “I was. Myself. I was debating about ditching tonight’s pictures. I either caught a stomach bug or my medication is reacting to something I ate.”

  I edged back toward the door. Whatever plague attacked Ronnie hit hard and fast. She’d been happy and stunning a few hours ago, and now she looked like an extra on The Walking Dead. If what she had was contagious, I didn’t want to get it and end up quarantined to my room for the remainder of the cruise. Though it’d certainly make Claire and Odessa happy.

  “I don’t know if I can pull myself together in time. I’m still feeling groggy, though my stomach is feeling better.” She offered a weak smile. “My tiara isn’t coming along. I’ve drawn out a couple but none look right. Worse than not having it is making it wrong and standing out. Odessa doesn’t like anything or anyone directing the spotlight in a direction she didn’t choose.”

  “Claire’s tiara is in my room and mine is still missing a stone, so you wouldn’t be the only one without one.”

  “If Odessa knows you have Claire’s tiara, I’d bring it. You don’t want to be accused of sabotaging her perfectly planned evening.”

  No, I didn’t. “As long as Claire has hers, Odessa should be thrilled. Claire will be overjoyed if she’s the only one with a tiara. She wasn’t happy when she saw I had one.”

  “It’ll be better if you wear yours.” Ronnie walked over to the table and collected up some items, placing them into a plastic bag. She handed me the bag. “You’re a crafter. You should be able to replace the gem pretty easily. I put some wire, pliers, cutters, and a few gem options in the bag. I’ll let you borrow my hot glue gun.”

  “You were able to get one of those on the ship?”

  Ronnie opened her closet and withdrew my dress. “Since I helped Quinn with making some of the accessories for the performers, I was given permission to bring them on board. I had left some of my crafting supplies with a friend and picked them up the other day.”

  “Won’t you need it?” I pointed at the remainder of the jewelry supplies on the table. “At least my tiara is fully formed, minus one crystal.”

  “I have another one. That’s my fine-tip glue gun. It’ll work for you. I’ll see you at dinner.” Color had returned to Ronnie’s cheeks. The talk of crafting perked her up.

  TWELVE

  I returned to my stateroom and changed into my dress. The straps were a little loose, but at least firmly attached. I decided for once not to overthink a situation. I hot glued in the only crystal that fit into the space on the tiara and tossed the bag with the remaining gems and tools into the safe. I’d give them back to Ronnie tomorrow.

  I twisted my hair into a knot and secured it at the nape of my neck, allowing a few tendrils to escape. I smiled. For once, my hair cooperated. I touched up my makeup, watching the diamond bracelet I won sparkle under the lights in the bathroom. So far, it didn’t seem like anyone was taking any interest in my prize. Of course, I hadn’t spent too much time out and about today. I’d flaunt it tonight and attend as many activities as possible tomorrow to show it off.

  I grabbed a beaded clutch and Claire’s tiara and headed for the lobby where we were meeting. Fortunately, my preoccupation with retrieving my dress and getting ready had occupied my mind. With that problem gone, my anger and hurt over Ted’s omission of his other roommate revved back up. Did he really think I wouldn’t find out? Not now. Remain pleasant. For Bob and Garrison. Deal with Ted later, I thought.

  The ship showcased luxury and elegance in every nook and cranny. The crew members had redecorated the place in a hurry. The mammoth crystal chandelier in the atrium sparkled and all the coffee tables were draped in elegant white linens. The captain and crew members were in black tuxedos. Waiters walked around with crystal trays, carrying flutes filled with champagne or apple juice. There were formal portrait stations set up around the area, including one at the circular staircase with a sign stating it was for portraits with the captain.

  “Champagne?” A waiter held out a tray.

  “Thank you.” The chilled liquid tickled my throat and calmness settled around me. I felt better. I stared into the bubbly liquid, uneasiness skittering through me. Knowing Ted’s history with alcohol, I was unsettled about my reaction to the sip. I wanted to drink the beverage because I enjoyed the taste, not because it changed my emotions. I wanted to feel happy and calm because it was true, not mask the truth with alcohol. I walked over to a table filled with empty plastic flutes and put mine down.

  I stood in the prearranged meeting place and looked around. Where were the Rogets? Was I being stood up again? At least this time I didn’t care. It was better for Ted if I had more time for my temper to cool off. I had a feeling Ronnie’s earlier comments were her trying to clue me in on the situation without being the one to tattle. Was I the only who didn’t know about the room arrangements? Probably. No wonder Ted wanted to sleep the whole entire flight. I bet he faked it. I flexed my hand. The swelling made it feel tight. The extravagant diamond bracelet twinkled.

  At the far end of the large foyer, I heard a heated conversation that grew louder every second. Odessa. Surprise, surprise, there was something Odessa wasn’t happy about. I went over, wishing for a brief second I still had the drink. There was no amount of drinking—where I’d remain standing—that would turn this evening around anyway.

  “You have to do something.” Odessa glared at the photographer.

  “I don’t control the weather. There is fog. No moon.” He gestured toward the glass doors leading out to the deck. “If you want to take your party outside for pictures, go right ahead.”

  “I had it all arranged,” Odessa said.

  “I guess God didn’t get your request in time to change His plans for the weather,” the photographer said.

  Elizabeth’s mouth gaped open. Bob coughed a laugh while Garrison leaned into Bob’s shoulder to smother his own. Claire blinked up at her grandmother in wide-eyed wonder. Ted remained silent. I bet John would wish he’d been around to see this. Or was he around? I stood at the end of the huddled mass of Rogets and loo
ked around. Either John was getting better at melding into the crowd or he wasn’t here. Matter of fact, neither was Ronnie. I thought for sure she’d make an appearance.

  “I have Claire’s tiara.” I held it out, hoping it stopped the explosion brewing in Odessa’s blue eyes.

  She snatched it from me. Her attitude swiveled one-eighty when she faced Claire. “Here you go, sweetie. Grandma has your tiara for you.” She settled it on Claire’s head.

  “Thank you, Grandma.” Claire adjusted the tiara, beaming at her grandmother.

  Bob looked at his niece. “Thank you, Faith.”

  “Thanks,” Claire said to the floor.

  Ted remained quiet. I never knew the man to have so little to say.

  “We have to get our portraits taken before dinner,” Odessa said. “If you can’t take them outside, then why didn’t you set up in another area for us? I will not make my family stand in one of those lines for generic pictures everyone else will have.”

  “Because you didn’t make arrangements for an alternative location. I can’t push another photographer out of their spot to please you.”

  “Why not?” Odessa stepped closer to the photographer.

  We must’ve been getting the side-eye from others on the cruise because a swarm of waiters headed over with drinks and appetizers.

  “How about a cocktail while you wait for your pictures?” A bartender rushed over with a tray of a specialty drink, holding it out toward us.

  “I want cranberry juice,” Claire said.

  Captain Henderson joined us and placed his hand on Odessa’s wrist. “What is troubling you this evening, my dear lady?”

  His smooth, lilting voice had a calming effect on Odessa. “Nothing is going right for me,” she simpered. “My ex-husband ruined the wedding yesterday, and now I’m told we can’t have our pictures taken out on the deck with the moon as our backdrop.”

  “That’s because there is no moon,” the photographer defended himself.

  “I’ll make sure a photographer is available to take your portraits outside later on tonight. The weather will be clearing in a few hours.” The captain took Odessa’s hand and looped it into the crook of his arm. “Let us go on the stairwell. It be will perfect for your lovely family. You shall have the wedding portraits of your dream, Odessa.”

  We followed after the sweet-talking captain and the now-appeased Odessa. Garrison appeared perturbed by the whole thing, while Bob and Ted were relieved. I just wanted it over and done.

  A waiter returned with a tray of beverages. “I have some sparkling cider and a cranberry juice.”

  “No drinks in the pictures,” Odessa said.

  “We have to wait for Ronnie.” Garrison accepted a glass.

  For the first time since I joined the group, Ted acknowledged me by handing me a flute. “Talk later? Please?”

  “Maybe.” I wanted to talk to him, but I also wanted him worried for a bit. Let him think I planned on the silent treatment. Of course, he might find that a better alternative to the airing of my grievances.

  “Dinner will be soon,” Odessa said. “We can’t wait any longer.”

  “We can do it later, Mom.” Bob patted her shoulder. “I’m sure the captain will be agreeable to appearing in the portrait any time you ask.”

  “Someone might get dirty.”

  Ted let out a deep sigh. “Mother, we are mainly adults. We can get through a dinner without destroying our attire.”

  “Things happen.” Odessa crossed her arms and glared at Ted.

  I fiddled with the waist of my dress, twisting it so the skirt settled better over my hips. No way was I going to venture into this argument.

  “Then we’ll tie our napkins around our necks or wear bibs. I’m sure the ship has some available.”

  “I know the gift shop does,” Garrison said. “I’ll go buy some right now.”

  “There’s no need for that. We’ll take our portraits now. Ronnie knew the time. She’s sabotaging this.” Odessa squared her shoulders back. “I will not tolerate that.”

  “She wouldn’t do that.” A small flicker of concern crossed Garrison’s face.

  “Ronnie wasn’t feeling well earlier.” I didn’t want Garrison to think his best friend bailed on him.

  “She wasn’t?” he asked.

  “No. A reaction to something she ate for lunch. I saw her right before I got here. She was starting to feel better and hoped to make it.”

  “She isn’t coming,” Odessa said. “Let’s get the pictures done. If she does make it, we can take extra photographs after dinner.”

  “Fine,” Garrison relented, fixing an unhappy look on Bob. Bob drew Garrison to his side and said something. Garrison’s face relaxed.

  Odessa sure was a force to be reckoned with. John was toast if she found out what he was up to.

  “Places, everyone.” Odessa stood on the left-hand side of the Captain. “Claire, Ted, and Elizabeth beside me. Bob, Garrison, and Faith on the other side of the captain.”

  Garrison cringed and elbowed Bob.

  Bob sent a do-something look at Ted.

  I quietly smoldered.

  “I think it’s better for Faith to stand with Ted.” Elizabeth crossed in front of the group and nudged me to head over to Ted’s side.

  “I’ll stay here,” I said.

  “I insist.” Elizabeth prodded me out of my spot and claimed it.

  “Will everyone please stop wasting time,” Odessa said.

  I excused myself around the photographer.

  “Let me take your purse,” he said. “We have a spot for it. The photograph will look nicer without you holding it.”

  I held it out to him; the bracelet caught the light and twinkled.

  “I don’t want that gaudy bracelet showing up in the pictures,” Odessa said.

  She had us wearing overly bejeweled tiaras and was worried about a diamond bracelet being seen in the pictures? “This is a diamond bracelet in a traditional setting.”

  “Please, Faith, just take it off,” Ted said.

  I aimed a drop-into-a-fiery-pit glare at Ted.

  “For me, Faith?” Garrison asked, adding a beseeching look for additional pleading effect.

  “Fine. For Garrison and Bob.” I took off the bracelet and placed it in my evening bag. I placed the clutch in front of the photographer. No way was I going to lose it. I stepped back into the group, taking my spot by Ted.

  “It’s not my fault Ronnie isn’t here,” Odessa said. “The group needs to be a little balanced. No need for so much drama about the arrangement. If Faith had been on this side also—”

  “I want to stand by my mom,” Claire said.

  “Then come over here with us.” Bob grinned at his niece and waved her over. “We’re the fun side.”

  “Fine.” As Claire started over, she tripped and her arm jerked out. Cranberry juice drenched the bodice of my dress.

  I froze, staring at the red liquid staining the beautiful garment, trying my best not to yell at her or start crying.

  “Claire!” Ted tugged off his suit jacket and tried blotting my dress. I swatted him away.

  “I’m sorry. It was an accident.” Claire worked up some tears. She stood near the photographer, swishing her body back and forth, hands clasped behind her back.

  I wasn’t falling for the Miss Innocent routine. She did it on purpose. I think everyone knew it, but no one wanted to confront the girl. Ted and his family were creating a monster.

  The captain raised his hand in the air. A waitress rushed over with club soda and napkins. The photographer, captain, and two waitresses flocked around me.

  “We can get some of this out.” The waitress with the club soda blotted away.

  The photographer opened a box of props and threw out scarves. “I know I have one that will blend in with your dress. We can cover the stain.”

  “Grandma, I’m getting hungry. Can’t we just take a couple of pictures today without Faith?” Claire asked.

  I k
new just the way to put a damper on Claire’s plans. “Since Ronnie still isn’t feeling well, I’ll borrow her dress for tonight’s pictures. I’m sure Odessa can arrange to have my dress dry-cleaned by tomorrow morning. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.”

  The photographer handed me my purse and winked.

  Take that, Claire. There’s no way you can ruin two dresses and have it come off as accidental.

  “Wait, Faith.” Ted came after me.

  “I don’t want to talk.”

  Ted hustled me off into a corner, away from some of the prying gazes. He wrapped his arms around me. I pushed away. “Please, I need to talk to you. I heard about your visit to the Presidential suite.”

  “Your mother won’t be happy if I delay the portrait session any longer.”

  Ted reeled me toward him. “My mom didn’t know I hadn’t told you I was sharing a cabin with her, Claire, and Elizabeth.”

  The hurt I worked so hard to ignore crept up on me. Closing my eyes, I drew in a shaky breath. My purse slipped down, the chain landing on both our arms. “I know now.”

  Ted tilted my head up, his finger lightly grazing my chin. “I didn’t know until I got on the ship. I had thought my mom booked me in my own cabin. You have to believe me.”

  I saw fear and despair in Ted’s green eyes. He was terrified of losing me. My heart thawed a little. And I did believe him. Ted had never lied to me. He always told me the truth, even when he knew it wasn’t something I wanted to hear. “I wish you hadn’t hidden it from me. I don’t like games.”

  “I tried to tell you. Every time I was about to explain my room situation, Claire interrupted us. I’ve tried to find another accommodation. For some reason, Garrison and Bob don’t want me rooming with them.” With great exaggeration, he rolled his eyes.