Page 61 of Waylaid in Whittier

“No. I took her to your cabin and let her in.” Reef told them he started to leave when she stopped him. “She wanted to know if it would be possible to check out the maintenance area. Like if I thought anyone would question what she was doing.”

“The maintenance area,” Sharky said. “I wonder why.”

“She didn’t say. I went back to check on her a little while ago to see if she needed anything. She didn’t answer the door.”

“Maybe she’s out exploring the ship,” Brody said.

“Or grabbing a bite to eat,” Danielle added.

“Could be. The bottom line is Elvira either is or was on board.”

“But maybe not for long,” Millie muttered under her breath. “Hopefully, she didn’t unpack and settle in because things aren’t looking too good for her right now.”

Sharky thanked Reef and signed off. “What’s the plan?”

“I don’t have a plan. We need Elvira’s help if we’re going to crack this case.”

Ping. Ping. “Speaking of the devil. She’s calling now.” Sharky answered his phone. “Hey, Elvira. How’s it going?”

Although Millie could only hear one end of the conversation, it was clear she was making headway with whoever was behind Wanda’s attack.

“You and Wanda are on your way to Bay Bar & Grill. You want to know if I have time to meet you there? I’ll see if Brody can drop me off.” Sharky covered the receiver. “Elvira claims she knows who was behind the attack.”

“I gotta get back to work,” Danielle said.

“Ditto for me,” Annette said. “I need to make sure the galley is ready for the morning meal.”

“The bar is right around the corner,” Sharky said. “What about you, Millie?”

“I…”

“I can cover for you,” Danielle offered. “Go with Sharky. He might need help.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I’ve always been optimistic about nabbing the bad guy, but I have to say, this one might get away. Hopefully, Elvira has something solid.”

“I’ll drop you off,” Brody said.

Sharky resumed his conversation. “Brody is dropping Millie and me off. We’ll wait for you out front.”

Making a quick U-turn, Brody drove into town and followed Sharky’s directions. Within minutes, they arrived at the bar.

“Can you find a ride back to the port or will you need me to swing back by and pick you up?”

“Elvira still has her junker. I’m not sure if she’s spending the night on the ship, although I think she is based on what Reef said and the fact she brought all her stuff.” Sharky hopped out and started to close the door. “Thanks for trying to help. I’m sure Elvira appreciates it.”

“We did it for you,” Annette said. “Good luck.”

“Thanks. We’ll need it.”

After they left, Millie flung her arm around Sharky’s shoulder. “I’m not sure Elvira deserves a great guy like you,” she teased.

“Or maybe she does deserve me,” he laughed. “I hope she gets to cruise with us. It would be a bummer to see her standing on the dock watching us sail off into the sunset.”

Millie caught a faint rattling sound, similar to the one Elvira’s junker made. The truck flew around the corner and careened into the parking lot.

Elvira parked near the road and emerged, along with an attractive woman who was in her late twenties or early thirties, if Millie had to guess. The woman was on the thin side and she walked with a slight limp.

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