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Michaela and Dottie met Ian and Alana Pennington for lunch in a private dining room. This meal lacked the excitement and gaiety that had made their first meeting exciting and exceptional just a few days ago. Ian seemed sad and defeated. He appeared to have aged ten years in only three days. Alana was pale and wan.
“Had you two planned to do something special in Rhodes tomorrow?” Dottie asked Alana.
Alana smiled and said, “Yes, we had. I’m so sorry the ship isn’t stopping there, but I’m excited we’re going there after Athens. Rhodes is one of my most favorite places on the Mediterranean. I spent time there when I lived in Malta. I visited Rhodes several times. It is quite beautiful with lovely beaches,” she said happily.
“Will you take a tour or head off on your own when you go?” Michaela asked.
Alana smiled again and said, “We plan to meet friends. I have friends, old friends from my time in the Mediterranean. I’m anxious to see them,” she said quietly. She turned to her husband and as she gently touched his hand asked, “You’re excited too, aren’t you Ian?
Mic studied Ian Pennington. He was a shadow of the handsome, loquacious man she’d met earlier in the week.
Ian reached for his wife’s hand, touched it, and said warmly, “Of course, I am, my dear. Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked as he gave her a strange look. “The extra day will give us time to explore and plan another climb on Mt. Attavyros,” he teased. “Of course, now we may be too old to make it to the top,” he said, as he grinned at his wife.
“We can definitely reach the top... and have time for Afandou Beach. We’re still young, and we can make it,” she assured him with a smile.
“How have the other physicians on board reacted to the rumor that the man overboard was Dr. O’Leary?” Dottie asked Ian.
Ian was surprised at the question and shrugged his shoulders. “They’re shocked, saddened. We all are. And, if the rumor is true — the rumor that Senator Bostitch is dead, well, that’s tragic,” he said as he raised his eyebrows and looked directly into Dottie’s eyes.
“And the conference, how is the conference proceeding?” Mic asked as she deftly changed the subject.
Ian pushed a piece of filet mignon around on his plate. “It’s going fine. Blake Pharmaceutical is working hard to recruit physicians to prescribe their drugs, not just Quelpro. It’s as though James O’Leary’s death, and possibly Senator Bostitch’s death are in vain,” he said sadly.
“Do you think the psychiatrists will rally again and try to have Quelpro recalled?” Dottie asked as she searched Ian’s eyes for hope.
Ian shook his head. “I’ve no idea. The doctors I’m friends with are just going through the motions. Everyone knows the drug is bad, but you must admit the death of two notable people is quite intimidating, not to mention frightening, Countess Borghase. I imagine it will be quite some time before anyone takes action against this drug, or any drug produced by Blake,” he said honestly.
Dottie shook her head angrily and growled, “All this is bullshit, and it’s just not right.”
Mic flashed a dirty look at her. “Really, Countess, such language at dinner?” she added with a smile. “It’s bad; it’s so bad that I don’t know how to give it a name.”
“As I said, it’s bull,” Dottie retorted, her face flushed with anger.
Michaela nodded and said, “Ian, you can be sure that when we return to the US, Dottie and I will look at all of this. We have powerful political friends who are hard hitters and a network of law enforcement officials, both at the state and federal levels. You can be sure, Ian, that Dr. O’Leary did not die in vain,” Mic assured him.
“And, I’ll second that,” Dottie said. “Michaela and I will work when we return to Richmond. I’ll need you to supply us with all of Dr. O’Leary’s research that you have access to. We’ll have it reviewed and analyzed so that we can proceed as quickly as possible.”
Ian’s eyes brightened and he looked alive again, “That would be wonderful. So, you really will help us?” he asked, his handsome face alert and eager.
Michaela nodded and said, “Of course, we will. But, I think it’s best you keep it to yourself until we’re back in the United States. I think it’s best for all of us here, at least at this point, to let Blake Pharmaceutical think they’ve won.”
Dottie snorted, made an ugly face, and her eyes flashed anger, “They may think they’ve won, but actually, this is just the first inning.”
Ian smiled and reached for Alana’s hand. He squeezed it and winked at her. “I told you, things would somehow work out.”
Alana smiled happily, but then a frown crossed her face, “Countess Borghase, can you tell us if Senator Bostitch is truly dead? There are rumors that suggest that he was murdered. And, no one has seen him at all today.”
Ian nodded. “Alana is correct. He didn’t appear at any of the conference meetings today. Nor did he come to the breakfast or any coffee breaks.” Ian paused and continued, “He always attends breakfast,”
Mic shook her head and said, “Where do you think those rumors originated?” she asked with a frown.
Ian shook his head. “I’ve no idea where they came from, but they are rampant. A psychiatrist I don’t know asked one of the Blake representatives if the senator was still on the cruise.”
“And, what did the Blake representative say?” Dottie asked curiously.
“He said he’d heard the senator had been recalled to Washington and was no longer on the ship,” Ian said as he locked eyes with Dottie.
Mic stared at Dottie. “So, that’s the party line, I guess,” Dottie said sarcastically.
“Is Senator Bostitch dead?” Alana asked in a soft voice as her eyes plead for the truth.
Mic nodded and said, “This is for your ears only, and it’s not to be shared correct, Countess?”
Dottie nodded and simply said, “Someone killed the senator before dinner last night.”
Alana’s face paled and she looked at her husband. “I want off this ship tomorrow. I want to return home before they come after you, Ian,” she said in a stubborn, determined voice.
Ian remained silent and looked at his wife. It was clear they read each other’s minds. Ian knew he was probably Blake’s next major enemy.
Mic gave Dottie a slight nod. They’d discussed his potential danger earlier. “I think your fear is well-founded, Alana. I do think Ian is on their list, but there is no way they would attempt another murder on the ship.”
“How... how do you know?” Alana asked in an uncertain voice.
“I can’t be certain, but statistically and operationally, it would be unwise for them,” Mic said with more reassurance than she felt.
“I can arrange for you to disembark in Athens, Ian,” Dottie said. “As a matter-of-fact, the Mediterranean Cruise Line will pay your return airfare to the United States and any expenses you incur along the way. For instance, if you wanted to stay in Rhodes for a few days, and then visit Athens, Mykonos, or any Greek Isle, we will foot the bill. It would be a gift from the cruise line,” she said graciously.
Alana’s eyes lit up, “Oh, Ian, we can spend an extra day with Maya in Rhodes and then take the couple of nights on Mykonos,” she said excitedly.
Ian squeezed his wife’s hand and said, “Countess Borghase, Dottie, this is a truly generous gift you’ve offered us. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you,” he said as he got up and kissed Dottie’s cheek. Alana rose from her seat and kissed Dottie’s other cheek and said, “Thank you, Countess. I love your ship and meeting you and Michaela has been a real treat. But honestly, I’ll be happy to get off.”
Dottie nodded, laughed, and said, “I’m pretty ready to get off too, and I own the damned thing. I’m delighted you’ve accepted our gift. Believe it or not, most folks really love my cruise line!”
Mic looked across the table and gave Dottie a warm smile. For a crotchety, snotty, rich old lady, the old girl had a heart of gold. And, she looked magnificent in a rose-colored dress and her pearls. Dottie looked lovely and she was ageless.
“Well, that settles that,” Dottie said in a matter-of-fact voice. “I’ll alert the front desk to make your plane reservations to wherever you want to go until you return to the United States. Now, let’s have dessert,” she said as she waved for their waiter.
Mic and Dottie ordered tiramisu while Ian and Alana shared chocolate cheesecake, with raspberry sauce. It was delicious.
“There is one more thing I’d like to ask you guys,” Michaela said. “I need a little help.”
“Sure,” Ian said between bites of cheesecake. “Anything.”
“Some friends of mine will be coming aboard in Athens to help search for the murderer. In truth, that’s why we changed the ship’s itinerary. We didn’t want anyone to escape the ship tomorrow in Rhodes. There will also be a representative, a Special-Agent-in Charge-from the FBI, and other law enforcement officials to meet us.”
Alana’s mouth opened part way as she stared at Mic. “Is there any clue as to who the murderers are or who the murderer is?” she asked as a look of fear crossed her face.
“Yeah, we have an idea who it might be,” Mic admitted. “We hope to arrest him, or them, in Athens. Later, maybe a day or so later, we plan to have the FBI and other police and law enforcement officials, meet with the Blake Pharmaceutical officers at dinner in the captain’s private dining room or another place,” Mic informed them.
Ian nodded and listened carefully as he held Alana’s hand and stroked it tenderly.
“The plan is tentative, but I’ll issue them the ship’s invitation, just as you were issued a few days ago,” Dottie said with a conspiratorial wink. I’m sure they’ll accept and they’ll be held captive by yours truly and international law enforcement. I can assure you they’ll be asked some hard questions, very hard questions,” Dottie repeated with a look somewhere between a smile and a smirk.
“I’ve got a few questions I’d like to ask them,” Ian said with a snarl as he put his fork down. Alana grabbed his arm and squeezed it. “No,” she hissed, “we’re leaving in Athens. We won’t be on board the ship.”
Michaela laughed and turned to Ian, “You’ve certainly got a wife who loves you and wants you out of danger. However, I’d like for you to come up with a few questions that you think would be helpful to help law enforcement look for information about the usefulness and safety of Quelpro.”
Ian nodded. “I’m happy to. I’ll give you the list soon, certainly before we disembark,” he promised.
“We’re specifically looking for motive to implicate the pharmaceutical firm for murder,” Dottie said in a tight voice. “So anything you can come up with will be helpful... anything,” she repeated.
“I’m your guy. I’ll have it to you tomorrow,” he promised with a smile.
“Now, I’m going to get us a bottle of champagne to begin your new vacation,” Dottie said as she clicked her finger for service.
Mic rolled her eyes at Dottie and saw only happiness on the faces of Ian Pennington and his lovely wife.
After a glass of bubbly, Mic stood and said, “I have a date with the pool and then the spa. You all enjoy your champagne and I’ll catch up with all three of you later.”
Alana and Ian hugged Michaela while Dottie rolled her eyes and said, “How can anyone give up excellent bubbly to sit in the sun and sweat? It makes no sense at all.”
Ian raised his glass in tribute to Dottie and said, “I’ll drink to that, Countess.”
Michaela left the room, the sound of laughter in her ears.