“So who was the ghost and what happened to it? Is the Swedish Star still haunted?” Alene asked.
I sighed and leaned in closer so just those of us at the table could hear.
“His name was Ivan Ramonoff and when he realized he had died, he faded away. The authorities found his body washed up on shore not far from here. We attended his service this afternoon. Another man had drowned the same time Ivan did, but his body hasn’t been found yet,” I explained.
“That’s awful. So why were you kidnapped?” she asked.
“The thieves tried to use me as a mule for a necklace they stole from one of the jewelry stores we visited. I found the necklace in one of my bags and we turned it into the Purser’s office. Then in order to arrest them, I came up with the stupid idea to attend the formal ball and draw them out. Well, I did that all right, but one of them caught us off guard in the restroom and forced me down to the cargo bay.”
“I’m glad you escaped. And the ghost?” she asked, reaching for her glass of water.
“I think it was Ivan that helped me escape but I’m not sure. I did see him one last moment in terrible shape. That was about the time the authorities found his body.”
“Wow. This is fascinating. If you don’t mind, I’d love to tell your story–fictionalized, if you want, so you’re not identified. If the press finds out who you are, you may have some difficulty at the airports.”
“Well...I guess, as long as my name won’t be mentioned. Will I have some kind of acknowledgment in your book?” I asked, thinking I should get some credit.
“I usually just put the first names of my beta readers and anyone else that contributed to my story on my title page. I’m sorry to say, I can’t offer money at this time but I can buy you and your friends a dinner,” she said.
I looked at Trisha and Larry. They nodded back to me.
“It’s a deal,” I replied, taking a drink of water myself.
“Now, I hope the police can find that other man,” Larry said.
“What man is that?” Alene asked.
“Oh, the boss of the jewel heists,” Larry replied.
“Oh, I almost forgot about him. He was also the one who tied me up in the cargo bay. What a creepy guy,” I said.
Our waitress arrived to serve our wonderful steaming meal of shrimp and steaks until Trisha turned the conversation toward my deceased husband.
“Susan here is a recent widow and that’s why we stick close to her,” she said.
“Yeah, she gets into a lot of trouble,” Larry commented as he stabbed a fork into his steak.
“Don’t mind them, I’m grateful to have them as good friends,” I said, picking up a fan-tailed shrimp.
“Boy, I don’t know what I would do if something happened to John. May I ask how your husband passed? Illness or accident?” Alene asked.
“Acc–no, he was murdered and it was made to look like an accident. It’s been a struggle just to figure out all the jobs Henry did around the house to keep it up. But my friends have been a blessing and especially Larry. Make sure your husband here, puts notes on everything like the hot water heater, the furnace, and the plumbing.”
She turned and looked at her husband who dunked his shrimp in some cocktail sauce.
Returning back to me, she asked, “So, what are your plans for the future?”
“I don’t know. I’m just taking one day at a time. This cruise was supposed to be relaxing but that didn’t work out, although I did love the formal dancing. I love to cook but I don’t want to own a restaurant. I hate sewing, so that’s out of the picture. With my husband’s insurance payments, I’m in no hurry to add any more complications to my life. Maybe I’ll take a class at the university, who knows,” I replied.
We finished eating our meal and the server took Alene’s credit card for payment. She asked me for my phone number in case she needed some more details of my ordeal. I did and in turn, entered her personal number into my phone contacts as well.
We talked a bit about Idaho and Arizona, and then it was time to part. We stood and shook their hands.
“Thank you for dinner and if I don’t see you again, have a safe trip,” I said.
“You too,” she replied.
“Are you flying to Phoenix?” I asked.
“Yes, we’re on the red-eye tonight and then on to Yuma. We should make it home by six pm tomorrow. Take care and you too, Trisha and Larry.”
They took off into the sunset for a stroll on the sidewalk.
“Nice people,” Trisha said. “Larry, Susan, do you want to take a walk?”
“Thanks, but I want to go back to my room. I’m bushed.”
“Well, you should be, considering all that has happened to you,” Trisha said.
“I’ll come with you,” Larry volunteered.
“Well—”
“Just to be safe, okay?” he asked.
I looked at his concerned face and gave in.
“All right, when do we leave for the airport tomorrow?” I asked, facing him.
“Ten o’clock. We fly out by one o’clock. We might make it home by midnight. When I know for sure, I’ll call my friend to pick us up at the airport,” he said.
“Goodnight, Trisha. See you in the morning here for breakfast,” I said with a wave as Larry and I turned to walk into the hotel.
The only thing going through my mind when I walked over to the elevators was what to wear on the plane tomorrow. Larry pressed the elevator button. The dinner perked me up a bit but at the same time, the food made me a little drowsy. Just as we stepped into the elevator car, my cell phone rang. My caller ID said it was from David.
“Hi, David, what’s up? Well, we
