Page 66 of The Cruise Club

‘Er… sorry mate, I thought you were asleep and didn’t mean to disturb you, but I often sit in this section, and I’m looking for an item I’ve misplaced.’

Ruskin was about to tell Dicky that he wasn’t his mate but realised that this was an opportunity to speak to the comedian.

‘Don’t worry, you haven’t disturbed me. Do you fancy a beer?’

Dicky shuffled back, and Ruskin noted his look of surprise. The pair didn’t get on, but Ruskin knew he needed to mend the situation if he were to question Dicky about his missing chain.

Dicky, ever eager for free booze, nodded his head.

Ruskin caught a steward’s attention and ordered two beers. ‘Have a seat,’ he said to Dicky.

Comfortable with a cold drink, they watched the group of passengers by the side of the pool. Kyle was handing out noodle flotation aides and encouraging everyone to enter the water.

‘Did you say you’d lost something?’ Ruskin casually asked. He focused on a man with a Yorkshire accent almost pulling his partner into the pool.

‘Yes, a chunky gold chain.’

‘A chain that you wear around your neck?’

‘Yes, mad, really. It weighs a ton, and I feel like a heavy-weight champion when I wear it, so I can’t understand how I might have misplaced it.’

‘You’ve searched your room?’

‘My broom cupboard, you mean.’ Dicky sighed. ‘Yes, many times and it’s not there.’

‘Is it likely to have fallen off when you’ve gone ashore?’

‘Nah, I don’t think so, I’m sure I would have noticed.’

Ruskin thought that a heavy, weighty chainwouldbe a noticeable loss unless the comedian was preoccupied.

‘Was the clasp inadequate?’

‘I wouldn’t have thought so.’

‘At least you’ll have it insured; that must be some comfort.’ Ruskin turned to Dicky, but noticing the look of horror on the comedian’s face, realised that the chain wasn’t insured.

‘Well, not exactly…’ Dicky was hesitant. ‘It was a gift, and the person who gave it to me will be apoplectic when she finds out.’

‘Ah, I see.’

Ruskin did indeed see. Whoever had gifted the chain would want to show off their trophy companion, bedecked with their expensive gift.

The two men were distracted by a commotion in the pool, where Kyle had grabbed a flotation aid and jumped in, dragging a woman to the surface.

‘Never let go of your noodle!’ Kyle shouted.

Red-faced and spluttering, the woman was assisted tothe steps by Kyle and the Yorkshire man, who spoke loudly, berating Kyle. ‘A couple of Yorkshire puddings would be more buoyant than your noodles,’ he growled. ‘I told you my missus can hardly swim.’

‘That’s Debbie and her husband Don,’ Dicky mused as he saw Debbie’s arms flapping like a freshly caught fish as she shrugged off Kyle and Don and, steadying herself on the steps, waddled away like a penguin.

Ruskin remembered Peter’s list of passengers who’d misplaced jewellery and realised that Debbie was included. ‘Do you know her?’ he asked.

‘Er, sort of.’ Dicky was evasive. ‘Well no, not really,’ he added and looked away.

A couple, hand in hand, wandered past, and when they saw Dicky, they both smiled and waved.

‘Morning Colin, Neeta,’ Dicky called out.

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