Page 22 of Tiki Hut Tragedy (Cruise Director Millie Mysteries #6)
Millie, fully rested from a good night’s sleep after her romantic date night with Nic, was up and at ‘em early the next morning, and even managed to brew a pot of coffee before her husband caught up with her in the kitchen.
“There you are.”
Bouncing on the tips of her toes, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “I figured I would get a jump-start on the day.”
Nic wrapped his arms around his wife, nuzzling her neck. “You smell nice.”
She chuckled. “I smell like hairspray and doggie kisses.”
“My favorite combination,” he teased. “Did you sleep well? ”
“Like a baby.” Millie’s eyes softened. “I know I already thanked you, but I was thinking about how blessed I am to have a husband who still makes a point to pamper and spoil me.”
“You deserve every minute of it.” Nic poured his coffee into a to-go container. “Thanks for the coffee. I should get going. I checked in with the bridge staff while I was getting ready. The Azipods and steering seem to be working fine.”
“Were you ever able to pinpoint the problem?”
“No. I’m relieved everything is functioning as it should, but if we’re unable to figure out the cause, it could happen again.”
Millie twined her fingers. “I hope not.”
“You and me both.” Nic slipped his shoes on. “What does your day look like?”
“It’s jam-packed, full of fun events.” Millie mentioned Dixie’s death. “I’m not entirely convinced her death was accidental, and I’m not the only one. ”
Nic wagged his finger at her. “Don’t make a mystery out of a tragedy.”
“I’m trying hard not to, but something isn’t sitting right.”
His radio went off. “Duty calls.”
“Have a good day.” After Nic left, Millie finished getting ready for work. Her first task was to check in with the complaint department, also known as Guest Services.
“Guest Services. Nikki speaking.”
“Hey, Nikki. It’s Millie. How are things in the complaint department?”
“Quiet now that the annoying song from the other day isn’t playing on a perpetual loop,” she joked.
“Perfect. So, no issues for me or my staff?”
“Not a single one.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
“I was getting ready to call you. You’ve got mail,” Nikki sing-songed. “I’ve set it off to the side. Swing by and pick it up when you have time.”
“Will do. Does it look important?”
“Maybe. Both you and Dave Patterson got the same special delivery.”
Millie perked up. “Mail from the same person?”
“Identical, right down to the block lettering on the front, addressed to each of you.” Nikki told her Patterson had already stopped by to collect his.
“Did he open it?”
“Nope. He put it in his pocket, thanked me and left.”
“I’m on my way.” Millie grabbed her lanyard and tracked down Scout’s stroller. She set him inside and off they went, out of the apartment, down the elevator and to the Guest Services’ desk.
Nikki gave Millie a friendly wave as she approached the counter. “That was fast.” She darted around the desk and greeted Scout, ruffling his ears and patting his head. “Even our mascot is out and about early this morning.”
“A sea day is a busy day,” Millie quipped. “I figured I might as well grab my mail before I got too busy.”
Nikki plucked an envelope off the counter and handed it to her. “This is it. We normally don’t get mail until the end of the cruise, when passengers have specific issues they want to complain about.”
“Or want their automatic tips adjusted. Midway through the cruise seems an odd time to complain.” She studied the big black block letters on the front, MILLIE ARMATI. Beneath her name was her title, CRUISE DIRECTOR.
She flipped it over and removed the single sheet of paper. Millie unfolded it, her scalp tingling as she read the single sentence.