Page 38 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“Can we talk about something else?”
The conversation shifted to the next event scheduled for later that day, and Millie listened in, hoping to glean more clues about what had happened. Unfortunately, the subject never came back up, and the group began heading out.
Astrid started to follow them, and Millie stopped her. “I’m sorry if I upset the others. To be honest, I’m shocked at how much they disliked Dixie.”
“I hate to speak ill of the dead, but she rubbed a lot of them the wrong way.”
“Roxanne mentioned something happened between Wendy and Dixie. Do you know what it was?”
“They were both down at the casino. Something about a slot machine Dixie was playing. She left. Wendy hopped on it and won a jackpot. Dixie came back and accused her of stealing her machine.”
“Did the security staff get involved?”
“As a matter of fact, a man—I think his name was Brady—came over and told both of them they had to leave.”
“Brody?”
“Yeah. Brody. I didn’t get all the details. By the time I heard about it, they had both left the casino. As far as I know, they patched things up.” Astrid changed the subject, reminding Millie about the next event before leaving.
Annette waited until she was gone. “Now you’re getting somewhere.”
“My money is on Wendy,” Felix said. “She had motive and opportunity.”
“True. She’s definitely on my radar.” Millie helped Annette clean up and then took off. She strolled past the Ocean Treasures gift shop and noticed Kendra, Cat’s new employee, rearranging a shelf of Tortuga Rum Cakes. She gave a friendly wave and slipped inside.
“Hey, Millie.”
“Hello, Kendra. Are you still liking your new job?”
“I love it. I love shopping and helping other people spend their money.”
Millie grinned. “It’s cheaper that way. You make money while others spend theirs. And how are you doing?”
“I can’t remember the last time I felt homesick. I’ve made some friends and plan to get off the ship when we reach Puerto Plata.”
“Good for you.” Millie beamed, patting her arm. “I’m glad to hear you’re settling in.”
“And seeing the world. I like the Caribbean way better than Alaska.”
“Between you and me, Alaska was gorgeous country, but I prefer the warmer climate.”
A customer arrived needing help, and Millie told her goodbye. She stepped into the corridor, thinking about the pastor’s similar situation. As soon as Pastor Haakenson’s coffee maker was fixed, he was going to get a warm Siren of the Seas’ welcome…the sooner the better.
In the meantime, she planned to invite him to accompany her off the ship in Puerto Plata. The best medicine when feeling depressed was warm weather, mingled with sunshine and a little sightseeing. The potential storm had fizzled out, meaning there was no excuse not to take advantage of what was forecast to be a picture-perfect day.
Chapter 16
“Have you visited this island before?” Pastor Haakenson quickened his pace, struggling to keep up with Millie’s fast steps.
“Nope.” She patted her pocket. “But after you agreed to go exploring with me this morning, I did some research and have our route mapped out.”
Reaching the end of the dock, they passed by a cluster of gift shops. On the other side was the security checkpoint that opened onto a sidewalk.
Taxis and cabs lined both sides of the street. “Taxi here! Mister and misses, I have the best taxi rates in the city,” a driver called out, frantically trying to get them to stop and chat.
The pastor slowed.
“Keep going,” Millie whispered. “The guides can be pushy on the islands.”
