Page 59 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“Whoops. I forgot your tote. I’ll bring it back later,” Millie said.
Annette waved dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. I can swing by his office and grab it.”
“Sharky tried helping, but it was a nothing burger. Maybe I’m way off, and Dixie’s death was accidental.” Millie told Cat what Danielle had said and about receiving the anonymous note.
“Someone else thinks the same thing,” Cat said as she scooped the creamy mixture onto her toasted bread. She ran to the fridge and returned with a jar of dill pickles.
Annette curled her lip. “Pickles?”
“On lobster rolls, they’re the best.” Cat placed an even row of sliced pickles along the lobster before carefully replacing the top piece of bread. She took a big bite and closed her eyes. “This is the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted.”
“Thanks. It’s a new recipe,” Annette said. “I added a pinch of hot sauce and minced celery, which gives it a nice crunch.”
Millie nibbled at the edge, savoring the flavors. “It’s creamy yet not goopy, if this makes sense.”
“It has the perfect cream-to-lobster ratio,” Annette said. “I can’t take credit for perfecting it though.”
Barty appeared, carrying a tray of RTG meal bags.
“Barty is the one who helped tweak the lobster roll recipe.”
“You like it?”
“It’s delish,” Cat murmured. “I told Annette that this is the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted.”
“Thank you,” he beamed. “I have finally done something right.”
“You do lots of things right,” Annette said. “You’re doing a great job.”
“I am trying, Miss Annette.” Barty began placing the meal bags in the bin, chatting with crewmembers who arrived, looking for a quick, healthy lunch.
“He seems to be getting into his groove,” Millie whispered.
“We had a long chat, which I think helped.” Annette polished off her last bite of roll. “You mentioned Astrid visits the casino a lot. Have you asked Brody about her?”
“No, but it’s on my to-do list. I’m sure he’s run into her a time or two.” Millie gobbled up the rest of her sandwich and placed her empty plate in the dishwasher.
“Thanks for the yummy lunch.” Cat gave Annette a quick hug. “I owe you one.”
“A shopping spree at the gift shop?” Annette teased.
“If that’s what floats your boat,” Cat shot back. She nudged Millie. “Where are you going?”
“To find Brody and ask him about Astrid.”
She consulted her watch. “I saw him downstairs in the crewmembers’ lounge a few minutes ago. Mind if I tag along?”
“Not at all. The more the merrier.” During the hike down, Cat threw out theories about who had sent the anonymous note. “Dixie’s cabinmate should be at the top of the list of suspects, at least in my opinion.”
“Wendy is. However, it seems like she’s too obvious of a suspect. I mean, they argued in public, not to mention they’re both fierce competitors. Wendy would be dumb to kill Dixie.”
They reached the employee lounge. At one end were pool tables, a dartboard and even a few table games. Lining the far wall were booths along with a corner snack bar. At the other end was a dance floor and enough room for a band to set up.
Although Millie rarely visited, it was popular with the younger crewmembers, a place to relax and unwind after a long shift.
Because it was still afternoon, there were only a handful of crewmembers inside, including Brody, who sat on a lounger, his cell phone in hand.
Millie came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder.
