Page 42 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“Someone mentioned they weren’t wearing lifejackets.”
“Cat and I were on the dock when it left. From what I remember, only a couple of passengers had them on.” Millie leaned an elbow on the counter. “The woman, Dixie Trent, shared a cabin with Wendy Jorgensen. I was wondering if you could tell me what cabin number they were…are in.”
“Sure.” Nikki shifted her attention to the computer screen, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “Cabin A4312.”
“The Atlantic deck.”
“Yep.”
Millie repeated the number. “I have another question.”
“You want to know who the cabin steward is.”
“Bingo.”
“Lola Santos.”
“I know Lola. Thanks, Nikki.” Millie turned to go. “Actually, I have a third request. Can you pull up the tracking system and find out if Wendy Jorgensen has left the ship?”
“I’m on it.” With a couple of quick clicks, Millie had her answer. “She left this morning around nine. According to the tracking system, she hasn’t returned yet.”
“Perfect.” Millie gave her a thumbs up and made a move to leave.
Nikki stopped her. “You don’t believe her death was an accident.”
“Let’s just say I’m not completely convinced. The women are all competitors. How easy would it be to get rid of one of the top competitors if you knew they were taking pills that affected their balance and judgment?”
“But why kill someone? I mean, they’re part of an eating competition, worth maybe a few thousand bucks.”
“True, at least in most instances. For this particular competition, the winner will be offered a contract to host a new food show.” Millie rubbed her thumb and index fingers together. “Which could lead to big bucks.”
Nikki whistled loudly. “Fame and fortune. If anyone can find out, it’ll be you.”
Millie thanked her again and took the stairs down to the Atlantic deck. With any luck, she would catch Lola before she finished her morning cleanings. She reached the section of the ship where Dixie and Wendy’s cabin was located and found a cleaning cart parked in the hallway.
As she drew closer, she noticed a cabin door was open and heard a muffled thump.
“Lola?”
A young woman with short dark hair and olive skin appeared in the doorway. “Hello, Millie.”
“Hello. I know you’re busy but was wondering if I could chat with you for a minute.”
“Sure.” Lola stepped out into the hallway.
“The Belly Busters are on board.”
“Yes. I am cleaning some of their cabins.” She patted her stomach. “They have told me about the eating contests. It sounds very exciting.”
“Exciting for sure. After the cruise ends, they’ll be competing in Miami.”
“I have overheard them talking about it. They take the eating part very seriously. Every day I carry stacks of dishes this high out of their cabins.” Lola held her hands up, about a foot apart. “Sandwiches, soup, tacos, pizza, you name it. They are not wasteful either.”
“They gobble up every bite.”
Lola glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice. “I think I have discovered their trick for eating so much.”
“What is it?”
