Based Upon The ABC Television Series Created By Sidney Sheldon

Written By Sara Duckworth

Max and Jennifer stand in the bedroom one night, preparing for a trip to Alaska. Max, helping Jennifer pack, stands on the left side of the bed while Jennifer stands on the right. Several half-packed suitcases lay spread out on the Hart's bed. Freeway, sitting on the floor, watches. Jennifer is wearing a black, red, and yellow plaid print sleeveless pullover sweater with black silk cargo pants. Max is wearing a gray vest with a necktie over a white shirt and gray pants. Finally, Max turns to face Jennifer.

 

"Say, Mrs. H. What made you and Mr. H decide to take a cruise to Alaska for Valentine's Day? You do know it's cold up there, don't you?"

 

"Max, where is your sense of adventure?" Jennifer asks, turning to face him.

 

"I left it right here in sunny California. You know how I feel about 'em cold climates. Just thinkin' of you and Mr. H cruisin' up there makes me want to put on a warm coat complete with hat and earmuffs. I had to put on warm clothin' when just watching a two-hour Love Boat episode that took place in Alaska. You saw what an iceberg did to the Titanic, didn't you? If I were you, I'd at least pack a life jacket."

 

"They have life jackets on cruise ships," Jennifer replies, pausing. There is a tone of disbelief in her voice. She resumes her packing.

 

"Yeah, a lot of good 'em life jackets did to all 'em thousands of passengers who went down with the boat," Max comments doubtfully. He pauses.

 

"It's a ship. The show may be called The Love Boat, but in reality, it's a ship. You don't need to worry. Ships have come a long way since the 19th century. Besides, there is always a drill shortly after sailing."

 

"Speakin' of sailin' I wonder where Mr. H is. He ain't never been late to dinner before."

 

Jennifer looks at the time on her wristwatch. "Jonathan probably stopped off to get some last-minute preparations done for the cruise."

 

Max resumes helping Jennifer pack. "That reminds me. Did you get the tickets and passports?" Jennifer asks, turning to look at Max.

 

"Yeah, I placed them on the bureau drawer where you and Mr. H can see 'em in plain sight tomorrow, Mrs. H."

 

"Good. I hope we do not forget anything."

 

"If you ask me, a hot water bottle is in order."

 

Jennifer looks at Max with astonishment. Max suddenly snaps his fingers as he recalls something he forgot.

 

"Say, I did forget somethin'. It's out in the hall. I'll get it," Max replies as if a light bulb just came on.

 

He starts to exit the room. Jennifer is almost done packing her suitcase. Max returns a few moments later. He is holding a bug net in one hand and a bug spray in the other. He walks over to the foot of the bed.

 

"Here," Max says, holding the items out for Jennifer to take.

 

Jennifer turns to look at him when a look of surprise comes across her face. She stares at the net and spray speechless.

 

"What did you purchase a net and bug spray for?" Jennifer asks, at a loss for words.

 

"Mosquitoes and other pests that are a bother when campin'."

 

"Max! We are taking a cruise. Jonathan and I are not planning to go camping in Alaska!"

 

Max is now speechless and embarrassed at his mistake. "Oh, well, I hope the net and spray are refundable. I charged 'em to Mr. H's credit card."

 

Jennifer stares at Max. "I hope they are at least returnable."

 

The sound of a car approaching the main house from the driveway is heard through the window. Jennifer takes a break from packing and starts to rush out of the bedroom anxiously.

 

Max stares at the net and spray, wondering where to place the items before returning them to the store. Freeway hurries after Jennifer.

 

A few moments later, Jennifer is walking down the stairs in the foyer when the front door is about to be opened. Freeway is walking down the stairway as Jennifer reaches the threshold.

 

"Darling, what on earth kept you?" Jennifer asks her husband a bit impatiently as Jonathan strolls into the foyer through their front door. She is smiling despite the tone in her voice.

 

Jonathan shuts the door and stands in the foyer. He looks like a child who had just been caught by his mother and is now being scolded. Jonathan is wearing a gray double-breasted flannel business suit with a red necktie that matches the handkerchief in his pocket. Jonathan smiles slyly before replying. "Would you believe I had to make a quick stop on the way home?" Jonathan asks innocently.

 

"Well, maybe depending on the stop," Jennifer replies with a grin, recognizing the familiar mischievous and playful tone she had heard from Jonathan many times during their marriage. She suddenly notices her husband has his hand held behind his back as if he is hiding a surprise. "Jonathan! Did you buy me a present?" Jennifer asks, suddenly lighting up.

 

Jonathan, smiling eagerly, removes his hand from behind his back. In it is a small and expensive-looking jewelry box wrapped in red Valentine's Day wrapping paper. "A little bon voyage present, darling."

 

Jennifer smiles and takes the gift. She wonders what the bon voyage present could be and stares at Jonathan with curiosity. 

 

Jonathan, continuing to smile, places his hands in the pockets of his suit. Jennifer continues to stare at the gift for a moment before starting to tear off the wrapping paper. Now that the paper is torn off, she starts to open the box. Jonathan is slyly smiling while waiting for his wife's reaction to the present. 

 

The box is labeled with Cartier's logo. Jennifer smiles upon seeing Jonathan's purchase was made at Cartier's. To her surprise and confusion, her bon voyage present is a silver chain bracelet. The bracelet has two red heart-shaped chains and a white chain of a skeleton, and a black chain of a magnifying glass. Jennifer is speechless until she sees an inscription between the heart chains. The inscription reads, "Here's to a relaxing Valentine's Day, darling, without mystery or murder. As long as we both have our chain bracelet on, we will enjoy our Alaska cruise without finding ourselves involved in a mystery and murder."

 

Jennifer starts to read the last part of the inscription aloud while chuckling, "As long as both have our chain bracelet on-,"

 

"We will enjoy our Alaska cruise without finding ourselves involved in a mystery and murder," Jonathan says, completing the inscription out loud with his wife. There is a sly grin still on his face, along with a twinkle in his eyes. "I got the idea from that old 1940s movie, The Haunted Honeymoon, with Robert Montgomery and Constance Cummings," Jonathan explains as Jennifer glances up at him. "Remember we vowed to enjoy our cruise without murder and mysteries interrupting our holiday a few weeks back?"

 

"Yes, I recall the conversation, darling," Jennifer replies with a smile. She is still chuckling at the gift, finding it humorous and appropriate.

 

"I thought the chain bracelet would be our way of refilling that promise. So I had Cartier design them specifically for us."

 

"That's very clever. Strange, but clever and amusing," Jennifer comments, impressed at Jonathan's idea. She takes the bracelet out. "But the inscription says, 'As long we both have our chain bracelet,'" Jennifer reminds Jonathan while staring at the inscription. Finally, she glances up at her husband. "Where's your chain bracelet?"

 

Jonathan chuckles before holding his right hand up for Jennifer to see. "Right here," Jonathan replies, showing off his matching bracelet.

 

Jennifer bursts out hysterically, laughing as Jonathan joins in. Jonathan takes the bracelet from Jennifer and places it around her right arm. "Now, it's a guarantee we won't get involved," Jonathan says, clicking on the bracelet to make sure it stays on.

Jennifer smiles while Jonathan takes her in his arms. "We are just going to enjoy the cruise, just relaxing and sightseeing," Jonathan promises with a smile.

 

"Is that a promise I can hold you to?" Jennifer asks with a hint of skepticism.

 

Jonathan embraces her. He starts to kiss Jennifer.

 

"Yes, darling. No murders, no intrigue, no mysteries," Jonathan replies between kisses.

 

"No danger, no dead bodies," Jennifer adds with a smile and twinkle in her eyes, pausing between each kiss.

 

 

A white and extravagant cruise ship, The Jewel Princess, is docked in the harbor with its horn blazing as thousands of passengers start to board. The terminal is bustling with activity as passengers and crew prepare to set sail. 

Taxi cabs are pulling up. The Harts' Rolls Royce Concierge is approaching the terminal. The couple sits in the backseat while Max is driving. Jonathan is wearing a black flannel suit with a classic silk striped tie. 

Jennifer’s clothing choice for the first day out to sea is a Chloe red silk blouse with ruffled cuffs and collar and Karl Lagerfield black wool pleated pants. Max has dressed in his usual chauffeur’s uniform: a gray suit and a black cap.

 

 "Jonathan, just how did you arrange this cruise?" Jennifer asks, turning to Jonathan. "I read the travel brochures. It mentioned there are no cruises to Alaska during this time of the year."

 

"I called the travel agency. It seems in every couple of years, the liner arranges a special Valentine's Day cruise to Alaska."

 

"I thought maybe you used your connections to make arrangements yourself."

 

"Are you accusing me of taking advantage of my wealth?" Jonathan asks, turning around in his seat to face Jennifer. He is pretending to be appalled and hurt by her accusation.

 

"No, but you are a romantic at heart. I thought maybe you had made a deal with the head of the liner," Jennifer replies with a smile.

 

"You thought that about me, huh? It just so happens I am a romantic at heart like you said. However, every once in a while, success comes my way. It's one of my gifts."

 

"One of your many talents, darling," Jennifer says with a wink.

 

Jonathan smiles, touched and moved by his wife's compliment regarding their sexual life. He wraps an arm around Jennifer just as she wraps an arm around him. They smile as they look at each other. They are wearing the chain bracelet Jonathan purchased.

 

"It's such a shame we won't be able to see any wildlife during this time of the year," Jennifer comments with a bit of disappointment.

 

"Why do you think I asked Max to make inquiries about activities in the winter?" Jonathan asks with a smile. "It just so happens you may view wildlife after all. The weatherman is predicting a week without snow."

 

"Sounds like a sales pitch to me, Mr. H," Max mumbles doubtfully, looking up from the mirror in the front seat.

 

"No, Max. I double-checked with the National Weather Service and the owner of the liner myself. It's supposed to be an unusual week of no snow," Jonathan replies, turning to face him.

 

"I hope you packed an electric blanket, Mrs. H," Max remarks with a tone of disbelief as he returns his eyes to the road.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances after hearing the remark.

After waiting in what seemed like a sea of people checking in before boarding, the Harts and Max walk onto the cruise ship from the gangway. Jonathan and Jennifer are holding hands while Max's hands are filled up with some of their luggage. There is a lit cigar in his mouth. 

 

Some crew members, dressed in uniform, stand around, welcoming the passengers aboard and assigning them to their cabins. The crew gathered are an attractive female cruise director and a handsome young male ship's purser. In his late thirties, a dashing ship photographer stands nearby, taking photographs of every passenger coming aboard. The Harts are the last to board.

 

"Whoa!" Max exclaims, placing the luggage down. He looks around in awe at the grandeur and size of the ship. "Get a load of this boat. Makes me feel like I'm on The Love Boat!" He has a wide grin as he looks around the ship. Max looks like an excited kid who had never been on a cruise ship before, even though he had sailed with Jonathan and Jennifer twice in the past while they were undercover.

 

 "Ship, Max," Jonathan and Jennifer both remind him in a union as they turn around to face him.

 

"Yeah, whatever," Max replies, dismissing their reminder. He is oblivious to the fact that there is a difference between a boat and a ship.

 

They approach the crew, who are still directing the remaining passengers to their stateroom. Max takes the cigar out of his mouth. "Oh, one thing, Mr. and Mrs. H," he says, addressing the couple who are admiring the ship. A thought just came into his mind. "They were almost booked when I made the reservations a month ago. The only way I could manage to get you a cabin was to sign you up as dance instructors. Two of their hired instructors had a minor accident. Ain't nothin' for you to concern yourselves with."

 

Jonathan and Jennifer, shocked by the news, stare at Max speechless. "Bon voyage. I'll see you in two weeks. Have a nice cruise." He places the cigar back into his mouth.

 

 Max does a few dance steps as his grand exit. Then, he starts stepping off the ship while humming The Love Boat theme.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer stare after Max, still adjusting to the announcement they have been signed up as dance instructors.

 

"Dance instructors?!!!" Jennifer exclaims in shock and a bit of annoyance.

 

"It's a good thing I had Max press my tuxedo before we boarded," Jonathan replies, accepting the situation and focusing on the positive side.

 

Jennifer turns to glance at Jonathan with a look of disappointment.

 

 

Soon after boarding, a door to a stateroom opens. Jonathan, holding the door open, steps aside to allow Jennifer to enter. Jennifer gasps upon looking around the elegant room. Her breath is taken away by all the expensive arrangements her husband made to make their cabin romantic and memorable for Valentine's Day. Jonathan quietly shuts the door with a grin, noticing the expression on his wife's face. Jennifer walks around. She is taking in everything set up for just the two of them to enjoy.

 

The room contains numerous red roses spread about the room without being cramped. Along with two glasses, Champagne awaits on a dresser by the door along with a basket of fresh fruit. Jonathan stands by the door watching his wife admire the surprises that awaited her. Jennifer is admiring one of the roses and smells it.

 

"Awe, red roses, my favorite," Jennifer says with delight. She turns to face a still smiling Jonathan. "Oh, you thought of everything, darling," Jennifer tells him with a pleasant grin. She walks over to her husband, who takes her in his arms.

 

"Don't I always?" Jonathan asks with their arms wrapped around each other's throat. "Wait until dinnertime comes around, darling. I plan for us to have a quiet and romantic dinner by candlelight in our cabin together. The only interruption will be room service."

 

"That interruption I can handle," Jennifer replies with a smile, shooting Jonathan a wink.

 

Instantly the cruise director's voice comes over the speaker system.

 

"Attention all passengers!" her loud and professional voice announces. "The ship will be departing in ten minutes, so be sure to say your goodbyes before the gangway goes up. Remember, all visitors must return to shore before the ten minutes are up. In the meantime, enjoy your time with loved ones seeing you off."

 

Jennifer's eyes happen to notice the basket of fruit, which comes with a card sealed in a small envelope. "I wonder who sent us the fruit," Jennifer says, heading over to the dresser.

 

Jonathan walks over to join Jennifer, who by now is opening the card.

 

"It's from our captain," Jennifer informs her husband, looking at his signature, Captain Grant, at the bottom of the card.

 

"That was thoughtful of him," Jonathan replies, flattered by the gesture. "I'll have to send a bottle of Champagne to his cabin as a thank you."

 

"Uh oh!" Jennifer exclaims, reading the message on the card. "I highly doubt you want to send him Champagne with our compliments after you hear what he wrote on the card," she explains with disappointment. Jennifer turns to stare at Jonathan with disapproval.

 

Jonathan looks at his wife with curiosity.

 

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hart, welcome aboard! I send you this fruit with my compliments. I'm delighted you'll be taking the place of two of our dance instructors. You came highly recommended. Your servant couldn't say enough about how well you and your husband dance. I'm looking forward to meeting you and hearing all about your past experiences on stage. I would appreciate it if you would do me the honor of joining me for dinner at the captain's table tonight. You and Mrs. Hart will be dining side by side on my right. Thank you! See you tonight promptly at six o'clock," Jennifer reads aloud. Her eyes are on the card.

 

"That certainly puts a damper on my plans for this evening. Tonight is our first night out to sea, and we'll be dining at the captain's table. That certainly isn't the dinner I had in mind," Jonathan confesses with disappointment.

 

Jennifer places the card back in the envelope and turns to face her husband. "I'm disappointed too. I was looking forward to enjoying our first night aboard with just the two of us together here in our cabin," Jennifer replies, placing the envelope on the table. "But it's an honor to be invited to sit at the captain's table. Not everyone aboard the ship has that privilege," she adds while placing her arms around Jonathan's neck. "We'll have our table for two tomorrow night, darling," Jennifer says with reassurance and warmth.

 

Jonathan smiles and once again takes Jennifer in his arms. They embrace.

 

"I have a surprise in store for you," Jonathan tells Jennifer.

 

"I'm all ears," Jennifer replies coyly. "I just know it is going to be something unexpected and special."

 

"I'm not going to tell you. It wouldn't be a surprise then," Jonathan insists slyly.

 

"Oh, you know I can never wait!" Jennifer exclaims with a frown and disappointment evident by her tone of voice. "Surprises turn me on," she explains coyly. "Why don't you just tell me what the surprise is?" Jennifer asks, trying to coax Jonathan into revealing his surprise.

 

"No, I want it to remain a surprise," Jonathan replies firmly but with gentleness and understanding.

 

"All right. How about just one little hint?" Jennifer asks, playing around with his collar.

 

"How about you just wait until Valentine's Day, darling?" Jonathan asks with a devious smile. "I planned to give it to you then, so you'll just have to be patient."

 

Jennifer looks at Jonathan and pretends to be pouting. "Oh, you just love tormenting me!" she exclaims.

 

Jonathan chuckles and kisses her. The couple is interrupted. Without warning and to their shock, a brawl is brewing from the cabin adjacent to theirs. Voices are being raised to the point where they turn into yelling. The couple can hear every single word being shouted. It's two men who are engaging in an overbearing argument.

 

"OH, STOP OVERREACTING! YOU'RE CARRYING ON LIKE A CHILD!" The first man is yelling at the other.

 

"SHUT UP!!! YOU KEEP AWAY FROM MY WIFE! I WILL NOT PERMIT HER TO BE USED BY SCUM LIKE YOU!!! SHE HAS ENOUGH TROUBLE CONTROLLING HERSELF WITHOUT YOU TEMPTING HER!" the second man shouts back heatedly. "YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU!!!"

 

"ARE YOU THREATENING ME?" the first man asks, his temper rising. "IF SO, I'LL REPORT THE THREAT TO THE CAPTAIN!"

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange nervous glances. They are still docked, and already they are facing an unpleasant circumstance beyond their control. Then, all of a sudden, the fight takes an unexpected and shameful turn. 

 

It is apparent from the disturbance next door that the disagreement has become physical. It sounds like items are being thrown about to the Harts. Glass is now being heard shattering into millions of pieces and blows exchanged by the two hot-headed and angry men.

 

"Someone ought to report their behavior," Jennifer says with distaste, taking a seat on a couch by the portholes. "They are disturbing other passengers."

 

"And beating each other senseless," Jonathan replies with a bit of impatience. Finally, he sighs and takes a seat next to Jennifer.

 

They stay silent, hoping the fight will come to an end before sailing.

 

 After a few moments of ongoing physical violence, it comes to an abrupt end. The shouting continues, however.

 

"I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN SEDUCING MY WIFE!!! I WITNESSED YOU TWO FLIRTING!!! YOU KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF HER! NOW GET OUT OF MY CABIN! GET OUT! GET OUT!" the husband yells.

 

Now Jonathan and Jennifer hear what sounds like a wrestling match taking place on the floor. More glass can be heard being shattered. The Harts race toward their door, concerned the two men will cause serious bodily harm to each other. Jennifer is ahead of Jonathan and throws open the door. 

 

They step out into the corridor. All of the additional staterooms' doors are open. Couples stand about, troubled and upset by all the fighting and shouting happening. The argument is occurring in the cabin on the Harts' left.

 

As if on cue and before anyone can take action to stop the brawl, the cabin's door is flung open by a medium height and well-dressed man in his forties. His face is red with anger. He looks as if he could bite someone's head off if someone dared to speak up about his behavior. His name is Dr. Wright Dziedic. 

 

The Harts and the other uncomfortable-looking passengers watch the husband. The cruise director's voice once again comes over the speakers.

 

"Attention, passengers! It's time for all visitors to go to shore! Last call before we depart!"

 

The lady no sooner ended her announcement when Dziedzic shoves the other man out of his cabin. He pushed him out with such force he almost sent the disheveled man flying to the wall near a stateroom across the way. The man has some fresh bruises on his face, and his hair badly needs to be combed. 

 

Other than his bruised face and untidy appearance, the man looks fine. He is a tall, dark, charming, handsome, and devious-looking man in his mid-sixties. The gentleman gives the impression with his eyes and mouth that he can be witty on occasion. He is wearing a black tuxedo that now definitely needs to be pressed and cleaned. By his looks, it appears he is a member of the crew-the bandleader. His name is Jayden Schmidt.

 

He isn't at all rattled by the other man's behavior and attitude towards him. Jayden is calm despite his ordeal. Dziedzic storms out of the cabin and steps up toward his face as he attempts to straighten his bow-tie. He, still fuming with rage, looks as if he is trying to harm the other man once again right there in the corridor. 

 

Instead, Dziedzic stares harshly at the handsome and older man who is focused on straightening up his appearance. The attractive gentleman isn't concerned that he is facing a confrontation with an outraged and jealous husband by now. Dziedzic, infuriated by the man's response, suddenly grabs him by the neck, taking him off guard.

 

Jonathan stands ready to intervene if necessary. Jennifer is watching Dziedzic nervously, fearing they will be witnessing an attack right there along with the other passengers.

 

"STAY AWAY FROM MY WIFE, OR I'LL KILL YOU WITH MY BARE HANDS!" Dziedzic shouts out bluntly, wrapping his hands around the other man's neck with such a tight grip. He looks as if he is contemplating strangling him. From the expression on his face and eyes, he seems angry enough to kill.

 

Jayden stares at him, uncertain how to respond to the chilling threat. Jonathan and Jennifer look stunned and deeply disturbed. Finally, Dziedzic releases his grip and just stares at the man, longing for a response. Jayden just laughs, reaches into his pocket, and takes out a comb. He begins combing his hair and starts to walk down the corridor as the doctor stares after him. 

 

Dziedzic looks around the hall. He notices the assembled passengers' reaction to his shocking and frightening violent behavior. Dziedzic looks troubled and embarrassed by his behavior and threatening words. He has calmed down but is mentally exhausted and angry. The man, sighing wearily, looks away from the people nearby. He returns to his cabin and shuts the door. His door is heard being locked from inside.

 

All the passengers breathe a sigh of relief at the fight finally over and return to minding their own business. They go back into their staterooms, shutting the door behind them. Jonathan and Jennifer, however, linger on for a few moments, still in shock. They exchange worried glances and walk back into their cabin. 

 

Jonathan, sighing, shuts the door. The couple is speechless. Jennifer, who is recovering from the argument and threat they just overheard, turns to look at Jonathan.

 

"Darling, are we still docked?" Jennifer asks, her eyes glancing toward the porthole.

 

Jonathan is about to answer when they hear the sound of the ship's horn. They exchange glances.

 

"Oh, this cruise is certainly off to a bumpy ride. I hope we won't have to fasten our seat-belts for the remainder of the trip," Jennifer remarks thoughtfully.

 

Jonathan walks over to Jennifer and takes her in his arms gently. He looks into her eyes before replying with the same solemn tone, "One thing we can be certain of, darling, this cruise will be anything but smooth sailing."

 

Jennifer nods in agreement. Jonathan is about to kiss Jennifer, taking over from where they left off when the cruise director interrupts with another announcement.

 

"Attention, all dance instructors! Please report to the ballroom just as soon as we complete our lifeboat drill, which will begin on deck shortly. Passengers, your lifeboat jackets will be found in your closet by your cabin door. Please be sure to put them on securely and proceed to the deck in ten minutes. Remember, this drill is merely an exercise in case of an emergency, so there is no immediate danger or cause for alarm. Thank you, and thank you for choosing The Jewel Princess to participate in our special Valentine's Day cruise to Alaska! Welcome, aboard and happy Valentine's Day! Bon Voyage!"

 

With that unexpected announcement Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, knowing that their cruise will not be the romantic trip, they had hoped. The ship begins moving, setting sail to Alaska.

After dining and socializing with the captain at his table along with the purser, cruise director, and doctor, Jonathan and Jennifer stand backstage. 

 

Jonathan is wearing his tuxedo while Jennifer is wearing a black and fancy dress under a black Faux fur winter coat. There is a diamond necklace around her neck, and she is wearing earrings that go with the dress. She had worn the same dress on a ship they boarded at Puerto Vallarta almost six years ago when she and Jonathan went undercover on a cruise ship owned by Hart Industries. Their purpose of the trip was to catch jewel thieves aboard.

 

They stand facing two tall and dark distinguished gentlemen in their late thirties. The two men are also wearing a tuxedo. The cruise director, Mandi Bisgayne, stands next to Jennifer, introducing the couple to the men. The gentlemen are the other hired dance instructors.

 

"And I would like you to meet the new dance instructors for this cruise, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart," the cruise director says after greetings have been made.

 

The two men extend their hands to the couple. "Welcome aboard," they reply.

 

"Thank you," Jonathan and Jennifer reply in unison, managing to hide their displeasure at being put into this position. Instead, they shake the two gentlemen's hands.

 

"Jonathan Hart?" the second man asks inquisitively. "Aren't you the industrialist?"

 

"Yes, but I did go through a period where I wanted to be Gene Kelly," Jonathan replies good-naturedly.

 

Before the man can question the couple's position aboard The Jewel Princess any further, Jayden appears. 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange nervous glances after witnessing the fight between him and the jealous husband that afternoon. The man went to great lengths to conceal his bruises with makeup without much success. His hair is neatly combed now, and he is wearing a tuxedo.

 

"Oh, Jayden Schmidt, I would like you to meet Jonathan and Jennifer Hart," Mandi says to the bandleader after eying him coldly. "They'll be replacing our other dance instructors for this cruise."

 

"Charmed, I'm sure," Jayden replies, greeting the Harts with a smile. He winks at Jennifer, who is caught off guard and annoyed by his unexpected pass at her. 

 

Jonathan stares at the man harshly, tempted to speak up, but restrains from acting on his desire.

 

Mandi shoots him a disapproving stare. "You better get on stage, Mr. Casanova," she informs the man with a harsh tone.

 

Jayden smiles deviously at her and makes his way toward the stage. Mandi stares after him with a look of distaste and pure hate. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, sensing the bandleader is a womanizer, especially after the Casanova remark their cruise director just made. She returns her attention to the couple.

 

"Now, your duties are to see to it that each passenger has a partner to dance with. You will be expected to dance with the passengers if they are alone and see that they enjoy themselves. The following night the band will be playing the Tango as part of Valentine's festivities for this cruise. I advise you to be on your toes. Simply be graceful, and if the passenger is new to dancing, you will be required to teach them. As you know, the Tango can be a tricky dance," Mandi explains. "Now, are there any questions?"

 

"Only one," Jonathan replies. "When do I get to have a dance with my wife?"

 

Mandi grins. "Only when all the passengers have a dancing partner, Mr. Hart, but don't worry. We have plenty of attractive and single women on this cruise." She turns to Jennifer. "The same goes for the single men, Mrs. Hart. You'll have no trouble teaching passengers how to dance. I'm sure for such an attractive couple like yourselves will have no trouble whatsoever finding a suitable and charming partner," the lady insists reassuringly just as the band begins to play with Jayden leading his orchestra.

 

A short time later, Jonathan and Jennifer are on the dance floor with their partner dancing. Jayden is conducting the orchestra who is playing a slow and romantic tune. Jonathan is struggling to tolerate teaching a heavy and older blond fat lady in her sixties who can't seem to get the hang of Jonathan leading. He feels like the lady is going to crush him to death and looks uncomfortable. She suddenly presses her cheek next to his, still leading.

 

"I just love the way you dance!" the lady exclaims with enthusiasm. "You are so graceful!" She is having the time of her life and unaware of Jonathan's plight.

 

"Thank you!" Jonathan manages to reply while feeling suffocated. "I could dance with you all night," he adds, faking a smile. Jonathan intends to be polite. He has no words to describe this lady's dancing style.

 

 

Meanwhile, Jennifer doesn't have any better luck. She stares after her husband and dance partner, feeling pity for Jonathan. Jennifer is stuck with a male passenger who can't seem to stop stepping on her toes. The man, an attractive gray-haired man who appears to be in his late seventies, has a mustache and a cane, which is on his arm at all times. He is the only male on the floor not wearing a tuxedo. 

 

He is wearing a well-designed but ordinary black suit with a regular tie. The man also has a half-single eyeglass and is limping his way through the dance. Jennifer is amazed that this older man in his condition can even succeed walking, let alone tempting typical dance steps. The gentleman's name is Richard Rowling III.

 

"We have been dancing for quite some time. Don't you want to rest?" Jennifer asks with concern while eager to give her weary feet a rest.

 

"No, I never felt better in my life," Rowling insists with eagerness and a thick accent. "Dancing is the exercise I need," he adds as Jennifer continues leading. Rowling once again steps on her feet. He is clumsy on his feet.

 

Jennifer stops dancing abruptly, her feet in agonizing pain. She is wincing but remains speechless.

 

"Anything wrong?" the older man asks, noticing her expression.

 

"No, just giving my feet a breather," Jennifer replies with a half-smile, shaking her feet which she is staring at.

 

Jonathan notices the man's mistake and looks after his wife with concern while his partner is in heaven. She is smiling and is resting her head on Jonathan's chest. He is finally succeeding in leading. Jonathan decides to check up on his wife, quickly leading his companion over to Jennifer's direction.

 

"Darling, are you all right?" Jonathan asks, keeping his voice above a whisper.

 

"Fine," Jennifer replies through gritted teeth. "Remind me to get Max for this when we get back if I live long enough," she whispers back with a half-smile.

 

Jennifer's dancing partner leads her around the floor, leaving Jonathan alone with his partner. Jennifer shrugs and waves goodbye to her husband. 

 

Jonathan shoots her with a look of apology before returning her wave.

 

Finally, after a painful hour of teaching passengers how to dance, the Harts, at last, is taking a break. Jonathan is seated in one of the chairs while Jennifer slowly makes her way to him, still wincing. The other passengers have taken a break and are sitting around relaxing or ordering a drink. The orchestra continues to play romantic songs, but the bandleader is missing from his post. 

 

The bar waiter places the cocktails Jonathan ordered for them down on the table along with napkins. Jonathan rises to his feet. He helps his wife into the chair opposite him.

 

"I ordered us cocktails," Jonathan says sympathetically. He retakes his seat.

 

"Oh, good. Now, how about some Aspirin?" Jennifer asks, taking off her black stilettos. "I don't think I'll dare dance for a while after this cruise is over."

 

"I'm sorry, darling. I should have made the reservations," Jonathan replies with guilt in his voice.

 

"It's not your fault, darling," Jennifer replies gently, placing her hand on his.

 

Before they can resume their discussion or take a sip of their drinks, Jayden charges into the ballroom, making an obnoxious entrance that attracts the attention of everyone in attendance. His breath smells of strong alcohol, and his tuxedo is disheveled. The crew, including the captain, cruise director, purser, bartender, and ship's doctor, stare after him with strong disdain and embarrassment. 

 

He clumsily makes his way through the room and onto the dance floor. Jonathan and Jennifer pick up their drinks just as Jayden notices her. He stumbles over to Jennifer, interrupting the couple's discussion.

 

"How about a dance, pretty lady?" Jayden asks, his words slurred.

 

"No, thanks," Jennifer replies with annoyance while remaining calm and ladylike.

 

"You must not have noticed that the passengers are no longer on the dance floor," Jonathan says with his drink in hand. "Shouldn't you be conducting the orchestra?" he asks, attempting to get the man away from his wife as quickly as possible. He feels his temper boiling up but remains calm and polite.

 

Jayden ignores Jonathan. He is too intoxicated to notice his presence. "Once the dance resumes, I'll have to have the honor of your presence," Jayden says slyly, determined not to take no for an answer.

 

"I appreciate your offer, but I am taken. I'm married," Jennifer replies with a smile, nodding her head toward Jonathan. She picks up her cocktail and gulps down some of her drink to calm her nerves.

 

"I have no objection to you being taken! I just want to dance with you! Not become involved or engaged!" Jayden exclaims, losing his patience. The alcohol is affecting his temper and behavior. He offers his hand toward Jennifer, who stares at him with annoyance and uneasiness.

 

Jonathan, by this point, has had enough of the bandleader attempting to seduce his wife. He rises to his feet. "Look!" Jonathan exclaims with annoyance. "My wife doesn't want to dance with you, and she has made that quite clear! Leave us alone, or I'll report your behavior to the captain!" He glares at the man, hoping he will back off.

 

Jayden stares at Jonathan harshly. Luckily an attractive woman comes to the rescue. She taps on his shoulder, taking him by surprise.

 

"May I have this dance?" the female passenger asks with a hopeful smile. The woman is none other than Amanda Dziedzic. She is a sexy young blond in her late thirties with a sexy figure.

 

Jayden, turning towards the woman, smiles at her wickedly and immediately takes her in his arms. Jonathan stares at the man with contempt before sitting back down. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances. 

 

Jayden, despite his drunken condition, manages to lead Amanda around the dance floor. The captain, the purser, cruise director, doctor, and the ship's photographer stare after the man with fear and awkwardness. Jonathan and Jennifer watch the two dance partners for a few moments before returning their attention to their cocktails and discussion.

 

Fifteen minutes later, Jayden and Amanda are still dancing together. The Harts and the crew members have forgotten the unfortunate drunken entrance and scene earlier. They are relaxing and engaging in a conversation. 

 

Unfortunately, Dziedzic barges into the ballroom. Seeing Amanda and Jayden flirting with each other while dancing, he becomes enraged to the point he could commit murder. 

 

His face becomes red, and Dziedzic storms over to them. He tabs the bandleader on the shoulder from behind firmly.

 

"LET GO OF MY WIFE!!!" Dziedzic yells loud enough for the entire ballroom to hear.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer instantly turn in the direction in which his loud voice is coming. The captain looks disturbed by the husband's reaction to his wife dancing with his bandleader.

 

"We are just dancing," Jayden insists impatiently. "And your wife is over twenty-one." His words are still slurred. "Why don't you go find yourself a partner?" he asks boldly and rudely.

 

Dziedzic, enraged by Jayden's reaction to his jealous and possessive behavior, looks as if he will lose his self-control. Dziedzic, losing his temper, forces the man to turn around to face him. Jonathan, sensing he is about to attack Jayden again, acts quickly. He hurries over to the two men. Jennifer jumps up, afraid Jonathan may end up being hurt in the fight. 

 

Just as Dziedzic is about to take a swing at Jayden, Jonathan is forced to interrupt. He gently grabs the husband by the hand and leads him away.

 

"Easy now. Just take it easy," Jonathan replies soothingly, patting the troubled husband on the shoulder.

 

He leads him over to a seat with a table nearby. Dziedzic sighs and sinks into the chair, defeated and worn out. Jonathan looks at him with sympathy and compassion. He retakes his seat next to Jennifer. They are about to continue their drinks when they are interrupted again.

 

Jayden, infuriated by Dziedic's attitude, starts yelling and boasting obnoxiously. "You think I'm a jerk, don't you? You think I am a low-class pompous, ignorant good for nothing scoundrel, don't you? Let me tell you something, you all good passengers and crew aboard The Jewel Princess: I may be an obnoxious and arrogant man, but I'm smarter than any of you!!! You don't know how mistaken you are!!! I'm clever and wise enough to know how always to get what I desire in life!!! My blessings I have lies within the niche of a form made by only inhabitant of the final bounds."

 

His behavior catches the attention of everyone in the room. The ballroom becomes silent almost instantly. The bartender stops serving passengers who had enough drama being played out. Most of the other passengers decide to call it a night and start leaving the room together at once. The Harts exchange uncomfortable glances.

 

"He certainly loses his charm once he gets too much alcohol in his system," Jennifer remarks to Jonathan quietly.

 

"The liquor certainly turns him into Mr. Hyde," Jonathan agrees, turning to face Jennifer.

 

The bandleader is still carrying on when Captain Grant storms over to him. The ship’s captain is a tall, well-built, distinguished-looking man of dominant and robust leadership. Grant is in his late fifties. Despite his charismatic charm, the years have not been kind to him. His hair has become gray in his later years. He is annoyed and furious at his behavior and treatment of other passengers.

 

"That is enough!" Captain Grant exclaims firmly, shooting the man a cold stare. "I will not have you drinking on my ship, especially when you are on duty! Your behavior tonight was unforgivable! Thanks to you, our passengers have lost their interest in dancing and decided to return to their cabin!"

 

"What's the matter? Afraid I may spill some secrets when I'm drunk?" Jayden asks slyly. "Don't want our past to be revealed to all aboard?" he asks loud enough for the remaining passengers.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer look at each other after the bandleader's reaction to the captain.

 

"If you don't sober up and get your act together by morning, it will be your last cruise!" the captain exclaims. "I've had enough of you coming on to every female passenger on The Jewel Princess and becoming intoxicated in the bar. You were hired to conduct the orchestra! The alcohol makes you impossible to communicate with, and I will not tolerate drunk and disorderly conduct on my ship! Go to your cabin and sleep it off, or you're fired!!!" Grant orders, pointing toward the exit.

 

The ship's doctor becomes between the two men. Doctor Gavin is a tall, slender, handsome, and intelligent-looking physician who appears as a tender and loving man in his early fifties.

 

"Come on. I'll help you to your cabin and brew you some coffee," the doctor says with disdain. It's apparent from his attitude and tone he is accustomed to sobering up Jayden. 

 

He impatiently sighs as he leads the man by force away from the ballroom. The captain stares after the bandleader with contempt and hatred.

 

Dziedzic, now that the rude and arrogant bandleader has been ordered to retire to bed, walks over to his abandoned wife, who is still on the dance floor. The incident shakes up Amanda. Dziedzic takes her by the hand and leads her out of the ballroom gently.

 

The orchestra continues to play romantic ballads as the remaining passengers resume dancing. The overweight blond again leads Jonathan while Jennifer's feet are being stepped on frequently by the gray-haired passenger. Doctor Gavin, behind Jennifer, is dancing with an attractive gray-haired female passenger in her early seventies. They start to engage in a conversation.

 

“That rat never even recognized me,” the woman says with bitterness. ”And after what he did to me all those years ago, I wanted him to see the damage done to my life and career. I could kill Schmidt!!!” she exclaims with rage in her eyes.

 

“I don't think anyone aboard The Jewel Princess would be heartbroken if he were found strangled to death in his cabin,” the doctor admits bluntly.

 

“Or stabbed to death with a dagger. That would be poetic justice!!! If you were going to kill Schmidt, how would you go about it?” the woman asks, looking at Doctor Gavin, intrigued by the possibility.

 

“I don't think we should be plotting a murder out in the open,” Gavin says, lowering his voice, fearful their private conversation could be overheard.

 

“I was just speaking hypothetically, of course. I personally think a dagger would make a perfect murder weapon. Or Cyanide,” the lady replies with a mischievous grin.

 

“As a physician, I would choose a method that wouldn’t attract attention. I have plenty of drugs locked up in the infirmary. Wouldn't it be fitting if his cause of death was listed as insulin poisoning? He is a diabetic. Too much insulin and alcohol can cause death quickly if a fatal dose is taken. I am surprised he hadn’t killed himself years ago with the amount of alcohol Schmidt’s body absorbs every day. Too bad he doesn't inject himself with insulin when under the influence,” Doctor Gavin comments as if he just got a taste of bad liquor.

 

“You could always inject insulin into his bloodstream and then force the booze down his throat. As a doctor, no one would suspect you of foul play or staging an accidental overdose. Set him up in his bed with an empty bottle in his hand and place a syringe and empty insulin on his bedside. Some people attempt suicide by injecting themselves with a lethal dose,” his lovely dance partner continues playfully.

 

“I have heard about those suicides.”

 

“What about an overdose of a Glucagon? He does have low blood sugar,” the woman ponders with a tone of satisfaction.

 

“I’m afraid we have a limited amount of medicine on board, and Glucagon is one of them,” Gavin replies seriously.

 

They smile and chuckle at their fantasy of plotting murder with the two of them in cahoots. Doctor Gavin smiles, leading the woman down the dance floor.

 

Jennifer has overheard their discussion of numerous methods of how they would like to kill the bandleader. She finds chills going down her spine and stops dancing. Jennifer is in shock and stands frozen upon hearing their eerie conversation. She fears for the bandleader's life and remains speechless. 

 

Jennifer stares after Doctor Gavin and the woman who disappear out onto the deck with a look of fright. How many times has she overheard a murder plot now???

 

The couple has finally concluded in teaching passengers how to dance for the night. Jonathan and Jennifer are together on the bed, talking. They are beyond exhaustion. Jennifer is lying face down with her feet stretched out towards her husband, who is sitting up. Jonathan is patiently and more than willingly massaging his wife's worn-out and aching feet. They are in their pajamas.

 

"I’m afraid we have a limited amount of medicine on board, and Glucagon is one of them,” Jennifer concludes upon finishing telling her husband everything she overheard the passenger and doctor say. "Jonathan, I think they are planning to kill Jayden Schmidt," she adds with fear and concern.

 

"Oh, darling, I think you are over-reacting," Jonathan replies gently but with understanding. He opens up a bottle of soothing lotion beside him and starts to apply it to Jennifer's feet. "Did they say they were planning to kill him?" he asks, looking at Jennifer for her reply.

 

"No, darling, but they seemed to take great pleasure in discussing how they would murder him," Jennifer insists.

 

"I wouldn't stress over their discussion. If they were planning to commit murder, it's unlikely they would go over the grim details around people who could easily overhear them," Jonathan reminds Jennifer as he continues massaging her feet gently.

 

Jennifer sighs wearily. "I wonder if I should report my suspicions to the captain," she wonders aloud.

 

"I'm sure after Schmidt's behavior tonight on the dance floor, he is contemplating his method of murder," Jonathan remarks.

 

"Yes, along with Dziedzic," Jennifer comments. "Oh, I needed that massage! I thought I was going to collapse on the dance floor," she tells her husband with a sigh of relief.

 

At that moment, the timer on the clock Jonathan set on the table by their bed goes off. He willingly shuts it off. "All right, darling. Now it's your turn to massage my feet," he says with a cheerful smile. He hands her the bottle of lotion.

 

"Oh no! My time is not up just yet!" Jennifer insists with a naughty grin.

 

"It's been ten minutes."

 

"Let's make it fifteen," Jennifer replies, taking pleasure in making him massage her feet a bit longer. "My feet are still sore." She reaches over and sets the timer for five minutes. "Better get started before your time is up."

 

Jonathan glances at the timer and smiles at Jennifer's playfulness. "That fifteen-minute is going to cost you extra," he replies teasingly.

 

"I'll be certain you receive a good tip," Jennifer replies coyly.

 

"I'd settle for a kiss," Jonathan replies coyly, reaching down to kiss Jennifer on the ear.

 

Jennifer chuckles. She turns her body around and positions herself to be facing her husband. Jennifer wraps her arms around him and kisses him on the lips. She shuts her eyes as Jonathan wraps his arms around her neck. 

 

Jonathan, taking advantage of his wife's closed eyes, turns toward the clock. He reaches over quietly and turns off the timer. He smiles deviously.

 

"I'm glad to see you are generous, giving customer," Jonathan replies seductively as Jennifer pulls out of the kiss.

 

She chuckles as their arms are still locked around their necks. 

 

At that moment, they hear footsteps from outside the corridor. It is followed by what sounds like someone chanting.

 

"What's that?" Jennifer wonders aloud, surprised by the intrusion. She listens attentively, curious as to who is making the sound.

 

"Sounds like someone reciting," Jonathan replies, baffled.

 

Jennifer, anxious to know who is walking in the hallway at this hour, rises from the bed. She starts toward the door. Jonathan places the bottle of lotion on the table by the bed. He rises from the bed and joins his wife at the door. Jennifer opens their cabin door, and they take a peep from where they are standing behind the door. 

 

To their confusion and worry, they witness the female passenger, who was dancing with the doctor, walking in her sleep. She is wearing her pajamas and is carrying a dagger in her hand, which arouses the couple's suspicions. The woman appears to be muttering some Shakespearean dialogue.

"Jonathan!" Jennifer whispers, stunned. "That's the woman who was discussing different methods of killing Schmidt with the doctor!" She is shocked to find the woman walking in her sleep with a dagger.

 

"In their sleep?" Jonathan asks skeptically, turning to face Jennifer with that look of doubt.

 

"No, of course not!" Jennifer exclaims with a bit of impatience. "The woman is suffering from somnambulism."

 

"What is she whispering, darling?" Jonathan asks with curiosity. "It sounds like Shakespeare."

 

"It is. It's the dialogue from the sleeping walking scene in Macbeth."

 

Jonathan rolls his eyes at the woman's strange and abnormal behavior. "I recall in the play Lady Macbeth is holding a candle in that scene. It looks like she needs to reread the script."

 

"She looks familiar to me," Jennifer replies, trying to recall where she has seen her from. "I'm certain I saw her on stage in New York years ago."

 

The woman continues walking down the hall in her sleep, still chanting. Jennifer stares after her, trying to remember what play she saw her perform in and who the woman is.

 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are dancing with their previous and awkward partners. Jayden is cold sober and is leading the orchestra, which is playing the Tango. He is in good spirits. The bandleader is shaking his Maraca to the music with a smile on his face. Jonathan and Jennifer are struggling to get their partner to learn the Tango properly. 

Once again, Jennifer's feet are being stepped on by the clumsy elderly man. Jennifer is forcing herself to smile, grinning and bearing the pain her poor feet are in. Jonathan is also controlling himself and smiling as the older woman is once again leading him.

 

At one point during the dance, Jonathan and Jennifer attempt to introduce their partners to the other dance instructors. They long to have an opportunity to dance together. However, their dance partners refuse to dance with another instructor. 

Jonathan and Jennifer, carrying on tutoring these passengers the Tango to the best of their ability, reluctantly sigh. The rest of the passengers have no difficulty in mastering the dance.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer turn to look at each other after struggling to break free of their partner. They shrug their shoulders; Jonathan, nodding his head toward the bar away from the dance floor. Jennifer nods in agreement. Jonathan points to his wristwatch and makes movements with his hands, indicating to meet up at the bar when the dance comes to a break within fifteen minutes. Jennifer, smiling, signals okay with her hands behind her partner's back.

 

Jonathan smiles and blows a kiss to Jennifer. Jennifer shoots her husband a wink and returns the kiss. The Tango continues as the heavy woman leads Jonathan around the entire dance floor, passing Jennifer and Rowling on the way. Jonathan conceals his discomfort. 

Jennifer whispers, "OUCH!" to herself when her partner steps on her feet. 

He doesn't notice her reaction or suffering.  

"Some Valentine's Day cruise," Jennifer mumbles under her breath.

 

Fifteen minutes later, Jonathan, who already ordered cocktails for himself and his wife, sits at the bar waiting for Jennifer. The orchestra is taking a break as the passengers break up to take an intermission from the dance. Jennifer's feet are sore again. She is carrying her golden stilettos in her hand while her evening bag is in the other. Jennifer, limping, finally succeeds in joining her husband. 

 

Tonight Jennifer is wearing an evening jacket over a goldish sleeveless dress. The coat has stripes with a matching gold color among the black texture. In addition, she is wearing another comfortable Faux Fox fur coat; only this coat is gray and long, concealing most of her evening clothes.

 

"How is it going, darling?" Jonathan asks, feeling pity for his wife's predicament. He helps her onto the stool next to him.

 

Jennifer shoots Jonathan a look as she takes a seat. Then, she begins to rub her feet. "Let me put it this way, darling. If it weren't for the fact that we are already out to sea and this cruise is a Valentine's Day present, I'd insist on a refund."

 

Jayden, who has once again neglected his post, is walking up the steps leading toward the bar. He has a smug look on his face and steps up to Jennifer, who has her back to him. The bartender places their drinks down as Jayden again decides to make a pest out of himself.

 

"Pardon me. How about we dance together during the break?" Jayden asks, once again attempting to seduce Jennifer. He is staring at her with a sly and devious smile. He pats Jennifer on the behind.

 

Jennifer, shocked and incensed at his rude pass at her, almost chokes on her cocktail. Jonathan has lost his patience once and for all with the bandleader. He won't tolerate him seducing his wife or his harassment. 

 

Jonathan, stepping down from his stool, turns to Jayden. He stands back and delivers such a heavy blow to the man's face that he is knocked off his feet. The crew, who witnessed the exchange, cheer him on. The bartender applauds Jonathan for having the guts to stand up to Jayden Schmidt.

 

Jennifer, the bartender, the captain, the cruise director, the doctor, the purser, and the ship's photographer watch nervously, afraid things will get out of control like the previous evening. The passengers also have turned their attention to the drama playing out at the bar.

 

"Stay away from my wife, or you'll live to regret it!" Jonathan shouts out to him heatedly.

 

Jayden is embarrassed and shocked that Jonathan had the nerve to knock him down in front of all the crew and passengers in the room. He glares at Jonathan before lifting himself to his feet. The annoyed and humiliated man walks off in a huff as Jonathan and Jennifer watch him disappear out of their sight.

 

"I can see why anyone would be attempted to murder him," Jonathan confesses to his wife quietly and calmly.

 

"This certainly isn't The Love Boat, darling," Jennifer comments as they sit back down.

 

Just as Jennifer resumes drinking her cocktail, she notices a crew waiter sitting down next to her. 

 

The man is a tall, dark-haired, well-built, and sinister-looking man in his mid-fifties with a mustache. He looks like a bodyguard type, but more threatening looking. Jennifer sees a gun concealed in his dinner jacket. Jennifer's eyes grow wide in fear. She is shocked at witnessing the gun after all the distressing circumstances she and Jonathan have seen unfold with their very own eyes during the last two days. 

 

Jennifer takes a huge sip of her cocktail. Richard Rowling III approaches the bar and sits down to her on the left. He is about to order a drink when a tall and young assistant purser comes towards him after entering the room.

 

"Pardon me, sir, but you have a ship to shore call. You can take it at the purser's desk in the lobby," he informs the man.

 

"Thank you," Rowling replies, stepping down from his seat. He reaches into the side pocket of his jacket and takes out a hundred-dollar tip. He hands the money to the purser.

 

 The purser smiles. He starts to lead his way to the purser's desk, with Rowling following behind. Jennifer returns her attention to her drink and Jonathan. They begin to chat together.

 

Finally, over thirty minutes later, Jonathan and Jennifer have a chance to dance together for the first time. The orchestra is playing, but they are looking around for the missing bandleader. Mandi steps up to them. She is in a panic and is foaming with fury.

 

"Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Hart, but have you seen our bandleader? He wandered off, as you undoubtedly noticed. The assistant purser is looking around the ship. I sent him searching for that scoundrel almost fifteen minutes ago. No word yet. It's as if he disappeared from the ship. Schmidt has never been this late before," Mandi says with anger and impatiently. "If he doesn't show up soon, the captain is going to hand him a pink slip."

 

"I wouldn't worry," Jonathan replies as he and Jennifer take a break from their dance. "Schmidt is probably off on another bender."

 

"If he is, the captain is going to kill him, and I wouldn't mind a front-row ticket!!" Mandi exclaims with a look that would send chills down one's spine. She walks off.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange uncomfortable glances and resume their dance.

 

Soon after, Jonathan and Jennifer are back to teaching passengers how to dance on the dance floor. Fortunately for Jonathan, he is having better luck with his partner. Jonathan is dancing with an old and pleasant white-haired lady. On the other hand, Jennifer is dancing with the seventy-year-old Rowling, who still isn't light on his feet. 

 

Jennifer, by now, has lost her patience and feels her feet are developing blisters from the man constantly stepping on her toes. She smiles wearily. She gives up, trying to get him off of her feet.

 

Suddenly out of nowhere and from the shadows, Jayden is coming towards the dancing passengers. He appears from behind the stage. The man is staggering forward. At first glance, he seems to be only intoxicated. However, if you notice his appearance and behavior, something is seriously wrong. 

 

The man, breathing rapidly, looks to be in pain, dizzy and suffering from a headache. He slowly staggers toward Jennifer, who notices him and senses immediately something is amiss. The other passengers are too preoccupied dancing to see his appearance and the condition he is in. Jayden has a strange expression on his face. 

 

Jennifer watches as he approaches her and suddenly collapses at her feet on his stomach. A dagger, covered with a bit of blood, is sticking out of his back.

 

Jennifer is too shocked and speechless to react. She stares frozen in terror at the deceased bandleader dropping dead at her feet. There are chilling and horrifying screams from passengers nearby who finally noticed him and the dagger. 

 

Jennifer glances up at Jonathan, who stares at the lifeless body, before glancing up at his wife. They exchange nervous glances as the dance and music come to an abrupt stop.

 

 

 

Jayden Schmidt's body has been removed from the dance floor. The dance floor is empty now after the unexpected and ill-timed murder. Jonathan, Jennifer, the other two dance instructors, and the passengers sit around in chairs away from the dance floor. The orchestra members are sitting nearby. They are shocked that Jayden was killed and dropped dead near Mrs. Jonathan Hart's feet. 

 

Jennifer is still in shock and speechless at the thought of a murdered man falling at her feet in a room full of thousands of people. The passengers are disturbed by the homicide. The only exception is the woman who was sleep-walking with a similar dagger in her hand the night before. 

 

The captain and his crew are agitated by the unpleasant event but seem relieved by the band leader's death. Their reaction was not at all a surprise for the Harts, considering his outlandish behavior. The captain and the purser stand about, ready to take charge of the murder investigation while the doctor is away in the infirmary overseeing the autopsy on the victim.

 

Captain Grant and the purser are whispering to each other across the room. While watching their body language and private conversation, Jonathan and Jennifer sense that they are uncertain about investigating a homicide. They exchange glances as if to say, "We are aboard ship with a crew who are clueless to how to investigate a murder."

 

The captain clears his throat and turns to everyone in the room. "The purser and I will be overseeing the murder investigation. There has never been a murder aboard this ship!" Captain Grant declares with a tone of uneasiness while remaining calm and in authority.

 

Jennifer stares at the captain along with her husband, their thoughts the same: apparently.

 

"Please stay in this room until we can figure out how to take charge of this dreadful situation," the captain continues.

 

"Is there a police officer or detective in the house?" Jennifer asks, attempting to be helpful while anxious to return to the cabin with Jonathan to soak her feet in a steaming hot and bubbling bath.

 

The captain appears offended by the question and turns to look at Jennifer. He is pale and seems disturbed. "No, Mrs. Hart, I'm afraid not," Captain Grant replies shortly before adding, "I will contact the Alaska State Troopers once we reach Anchorage. Doctor Gavin has a degree in pathology, so he'll be performing the autopsy before we turn the matter over to the police."

 

The captain is now in such a bundle of nerves that Jonathan and Jennifer glance at each other. They are wondering if something else is bothering him other than a killer aboard. The couple sigh, reluctantly deciding to lend the captain and purser a hand with their sleuthing skills.

 

"If I may suggest, captain, have your photographer take pictures of where the body fell and of the Schmidt's cabin," Jonathan suggests politely.

 

The captain, the purser, and the photographer look at Jonathan blankly. "Why, Mr. Hart?" the purser asks.

 

"It's standard police procedure that occurs once a homicide has been reported," Jennifer explains, astonished that the crew hasn't any knowledge of how a murder investigation began. "You should seal off the deceased's cabin and have a guard posted outside his door at all times. It's a precaution taken to prevent the risk of tampering with what could be considered evidence. Also, be certain no one touches the murder weapon with their hands. It will smear the killer's fingerprints if there are any."

 

"If I were you, I would interview the orchestra and passengers," Jonathan says, staring at the purser. "Maybe they noticed something peculiar when Schmidt dropped dead at my wife's feet or before his absence," he explains.

 

"The authorities would want to be contacted immediately," Jennifer says bluntly. "And all the suspects gathered one at a time in the captain's cabin."

 

"Write down notes accounting what everyone saw, may be heard, and the suspects' whereabouts at the time of the murder."

 

"One last thing, captain," Jennifer adds to the captain's frustration and reluctance. "It would be best if the ballroom is closed for the rest of the night. No one must go near where Jayden Schmidt collapsed. The lab from the Alaska state police will want to examine the crime scene." She is silent for a few seconds before addressing the captain and her husband. "Just after the disappearance, I saw a waiter concealing a gun in his uniform."

"Someone should inquire why he carries a gun. That is suspicious," Jonathan replies seriously, looking at the captain for a reaction.

 

"A lot of people carry firearms," Captain Grant says in a matter-of-fact manner, crossing his arms.

 

"Who carries a gun miles away from shore and aboard a ship full of passengers and crew?" Jennifer asks, raising an eyebrow.

 

The captain doesn't respond and just stares at the couple, finding out a crew member carrying a gun irrelevant to a murder committed by a knife.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, finding his silence very strange and out of character for a man in charge of overseeing the passenger's welfare. They both have a look that shows they wonder if the captain has something to hide or was in on the murder?

 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are walking down the corridor, heading toward their stateroom. They are both beyond exhausted after a long night of dancing, unexpected murder, and advising their captain and his crew on solving a murder. Jonathan is helping Jennifer around, who is limping after her ordeal with the bumbling passenger. She carries her stilettos in one hand with her evening bag in the other.

 

"What a night!" Jennifer exclaims with a heavy sigh, feeling as if she will fall asleep right there in the hall. She is now drowsy and only half-awake. "All I want to do now is take a hot bubble bath and soak my feet," Jennifer tells her husband with a yawn. She takes off her earrings which hurt from time to time.

 

"You should have talked to our cruise director about that passenger. That is two nights in a row now he stepped on your feet," Jonathan replies with concern. He is now sleepy and half-awake himself.

 

"I was afraid if I did, we would find ourselves sleeping on the deck or in one of the lifeboats," Jennifer says as they reach their cabin.

 

"I won't let that happen. I'll talk with the captain and cruise director tomorrow. Surely after our experience, they will be willing to make an exception in our case."

 

"Speaking of the captain, I don't think he'll have any luck solving the murder."

 

"His attitude certainly leaves much to be desired," Jonathan agrees as they come upon a cabin on their left.

 

The cabin is opened halfway. The Harts can see from their position that it's the sleep-walking lady's stateroom. Once again, she is holding a dagger in her hand and quoting Shakespeare. Only tonight, the lady is wearing a Juliet costume fitting for the period Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet. 

She is reenacting the final scene from the classic Shakespeare play. The bizarre-looking woman is in character tonight, reciting the dialogue as if she is in a dramatic acting class or on stage. Jonathan can understand what she is saying clearly.

 

"Oh, happy dagger, this is thy sheath! There rust, and let me die!" the lady exclaims before pretending to stab herself with the dagger. She closes her eyes, pretending to be dead. She falls backward onto the carpet with the dagger in her hand. Strangely enough, the dagger is identical to the one that was used to stab the bandleader.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, suspecting she may have committed the murder or was an accessory. Or was the dagger in her hand merely only an odd coincidence?

 

Jennifer is alone in the empty stateroom. It's silent. The bathroom door is shut. Jonathan slowly and quietly opens the door. He peeks his head in. The coast is clear. 

Jonathan, noticing Jennifer is in the bathroom, sneaks into their cabin. He is still wearing his tuxedo. He is concealing a box of assorted chocolates he purchased from the gift shop shortly before it closed up for the night. The box is under his arm.

 

"Jonathan, is that you?" Jennifer calls out loud, causing Jonathan to stand frozen like a naughty child caught in the act by his mother.

 

"Yes, darling. I was just taking a walk on the deck," Jonathan replies, making an effort to hide the nervousness in his voice.

"I'll be right out," Jennifer says with assurance.

 

Jonathan, darting across the room, heads straight toward the table by his side of the bed. He must conceal the chocolate before Jennifer catches him in the act. Jonathan opens the drawer and places the box in it in a hurry. He barely could close the drawer just as the door opens, and Jennifer steps out of the bathroom. She is wearing a silk robe over her pajamas.

 

"I was just hiding your Valentine's Day gift," Jonathan replies, looking up at her with an innocent look. "How are your feet feeling, darling?" he asks, covering up his relief of not being caught.

 

"Other than blisters, they feel better," Jennifer replies, eying her husband suspiciously. "Jonathan, what are you up to?" she asks, sensing he hid something behind her back.

 

"I'm not up to anything. I just wanted to be certain you didn't see your gift," Jonathan replies, looking baffled by her question.

 

"Is that why you have that look?" Jennifer asks, crossing her arms, still suspicious.

 

"What look?"

 

"That look like I just caught you red-handed sneaking a cookie out of the cookie jar."

 

"I don't have any idea what you are talking about," Jonathan insists, taking off his bowtie and jacket.

 

"Uh-huh," Jennifer replies with mistrust.

 

"I think I'll take that hot bubble bath myself now, darling," Jonathan replies with a smile, heading toward the bathroom. He kisses her on the lips.

 

Jennifer, wondering what Jonathan sneaked in the drawer, walks over to the table. She opens the drawer. Just as Jonathan opens the door to the bathroom, Jennifer gasps upon finding a box of candy stashed away.

"Jonathan!" Jennifer exclaims with annoyance and disappointment, picking up the box of chocolates. She turns around to face him.

 

Jonathan, turning back towards her, with a hand on the doorknob, stares at Jennifer blankly. "I don't know a thing. Perhaps Cupid left it there," he replies innocently.

 

Jennifer stares at him before examining the price tag. "Oh, really?" she asks, staring up at Jonathan. "I never knew Cupid purchased candy from a cruise ship gift shop."

 

"I just wanted something to satisfy my sweet tooth's craving. I only planned to have two pieces of chocolate."

 

"Well, tell your sweet tooth you are on strike. Jonathan, you know, during Valentine's, we never indulge in sweets! We always agree to eat healthily and stay on our diets."

 

"I'm sorry, darling. I never did have much willpower when it comes to chocolate. Besides, no one ever died from eating a little chocolate."

 

"Someone is going to die from chocolate if they ever pull a stunt like this again," Jennifer replies, shooting her husband a look of warning and disapproval. Now promise me you will keep the box in the drawer without so much daring to think about candy."

 

"I promise," Jonathan replies with reassurance. He walks into the bathroom and shuts the door.

 

Later Jonathan and Jennifer are sound asleep in their stateroom's bed with the lights off. Jennifer is sleeping on the left while Jonathan is sleeping on the right. Jennifer, suddenly feeling the uncontrollable urge to eat a piece of candy, looks at Jonathan, who is asleep. 

She turns around and opens the drawer. She quietly unwraps the box and opens it. There are different assortments of chocolate. Jennifer stares at the chocolate debating whether to swallow one. She is about to pick up a piece when she sighs, disgusted with her temptation.

 

"Jennifer!" Jennifer exclaims silently, scolding herself. "Remember what you told Jonathan about willpower."

 

She sighs, giving in to her temptation.

She puts the chocolate into her mouth and quietly starts to chew it. Jennifer covers up the chocolate. She places the box back in the drawer before closing it. Jennifer turns around and starts to go back to sleep.

 

Jonathan, who overheard Jennifer sneaking a piece of chocolate out of the box, grins. His face is turned away from her. "Did the chocolate taste good, darling?" he asks smugly.

 

Jennifer turns around and stares at him with annoyance before replying, "I was sampling the chocolate for Freeway."

 

"I'm sure Freeway would appreciate that."

 

"Oh, Jonathan, let's go back to bed!" Jennifer exclaims, turning around to sleep on her side.

 

Jonathan chuckles, still smiling, amused from his side of the bed.

 

"Stop chuckling! Go to sleep!"

Sitting side-by-side in deck chairs, Jonathan and Jennifer are seated with the view of the ocean in front of them. 

 

Jennifer wears a white turtleneck sweater, blue stretch jeans, and a cream faux fur coat today. Jonathan’s attire is a red Gucci’s Men Cashmere sweater with brown jeans. His jacket is suede and shearling-lined. Made out of sheepskin, the coat contains a button front and low front fur-lined with warm patch hand pockets. 

 

Jennifer has her eyes closed and is enjoying the sun while Jonathan is contemplating the murder. She starts talking about activities she is looking forward to participating in aboard the ship.

 

"How do you feel about participating in a game of shuffleboard?" Jennifer asks with her eyes still closed.

 

"What is going on?" Jonathan asks aloud, his mind a million miles away.

 

"I was talking about a game of shuffleboard."

 

"That arrest was quick and convenient," Jonathan continues, puzzled. "He is not the least likely person you would suspect. I have a hunch he didn't commit murder though he had a strong motive."

 

Jennifer instantly opens her mind after realizing Jonathan didn't hear a word she said. She knows her husband all too well when he starts talking about a murder suspect. She turns to look at Jonathan with disappointment. 

 

"What happened to our promise of not becoming involved?"

 

"I know we took a vow not to get caught up in a murder investigation, but I have a strong feeling the captain has the wrong suspect in custody. He seemed all too sure and anxious just a minute ago to put Dziedzic locked away in the brig. A strong motive and opportunity are not considered enough evidence to place someone under arrest. Grant even told us himself he doesn't have solid proof the husband committed the murder. Besides, the Alaska Police hasn't even been contacted just yet. First, they need to examine the knife for fingerprints," Jonathan explains, turning to face Jennifer.

 

 "I hate to say this, but the captain was hasty in making an arrest. And why would he wait until Anchorage before contacting the authorities?" Jennifer wonders, thinking over everything her husband just told her.

 

"Exactly, darling. We won't even reach that stop until after Glacier Bay which is three days away from now. Tomorrow we will reach Juneau. He could contact the troopers there."

 

"And why would he refuse to question the crew member about carrying a gun in his uniform? Or better yet, why did he not seem to think that was strange?" Jennifer replies, turning around to face Jonathan. "Darling, I think something fishy is going on, and it's not the fish in the ocean," she says with suspicion and reluctance.

 

"Yes, you are thinking along my lines now. The crew is too incompetent to handle a murder investigation."

 

"And it is our civic duty to see to it that justice is done," Jennifer adds. "I guess if we are going to break our vow, an incompetent crew attempting to solve a murder aboard ship is as good as of an excuse as any. So where do we begin our investigation?"

 

"The ballroom when we meet up with the other dance instructors and cruise director to practice our dance steps. The first thing is first. We need to interview other suspects to see how strong their motives are and if they had plenty of opportunities to commit the murder," Jonathan replies seriously, putting his sleuthing skills to work without hesitation.

 

"And see if they have solid alibis," Jennifer concludes.

 

"Now, how about that shuffleboard before we reach Ketchikan?" Jonathan asks with a smile, taking Jennifer's hand, which he kisses.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are on the dance floor rehearsing the dance steps with the other dance instructors for tonight. The Harts are no longer wearing their coats. The cruise director informed them of the songs that the orchestra would be playing tonight and oversee the practice. 

 

Meanwhile, the orchestra plays while a young man, the replacement for the deceased bandleader, is leading the orchestra. The location of where the victim made his final steps is sealed off. A white chalk line had been drawn around where the body collapsed.

 

"All right. Let's take a break. We'll resume rehearsal in ten minutes, and that'll be all for the day," Mandi announces after consulting her wristwatch.

 

"Time to make our move," Jonathan whispers to Jennifer as they stop practicing along with the other dance instructors. "I think it would be better if we split up so as not to attract too much attention."

 

Jennifer nods in agreement as they split up. Jennifer walks over to the cruise director while Jonathan decides to question the band, taking a break. Mandi is standing nearby as she oversees the latest edition of Valentine's Day decorations.

 

"A little more to the right," Mandi orders politely, standing back as the decorators are hanging up huge heart-shaped flower decor.

 

"Oh, those are lovely," Jennifer remarks with a smile, admiring the decorations.

 

"Thank you, Mrs. Hart," Mandi replies without turning around to face Jennifer. "I hope the captain will agree with you. You and Mr. Hart could teach dancing for a living."

 

"Thank you. I'm flattered," Jennifer says with sincerity. "I suppose if Hart Industries ever goes under Jonathan and I could see about teaching dance," she adds with a bit of humor. Jennifer pauses. "I'm still in shock over last night."

 

"I'm not. The man had it coming," Mandi replies sharply and with anger.

 

"You mean because he was a womanizer?" Jennifer asks, trying to act casual in her questioning.

 

Mandi suddenly turns around and stares at Jennifer, speechless. "How do you know that?" the cruise director asks coldly and with a tone of suspicion in her voice.

 

"You called him Mr. Casanova backstage the first night out to sea," Jennifer replies, caught off guard by her reaction. "And Schmidt did make advances towards women on this ship. The captain even mentioned it after Dziedzic came close to blows with him for dancing with his wife."

 

"Oh, I forgot about that remark. It's been a very hectic cruise," Mandi explains, her tone becoming cordial. "As for Dziedzic, there is always a husband who is the jealous type. I'm just glad the captain will be handing him over to the authorities."

 

"You sound as if you are positive he committed the murder," Jennifer replies in surprise. "I got the impression there are others on this ship who had stronger motives."

 

"I don't know where you got that impression, Mrs. Hart, but you are way off course. Of course, the captain, myself, and the rest of the crew on The Jewel Princess hated the man. You saw what a fool he made of himself. He could be very charming when he was sober, but once Schmidt had got too much alcohol in his system, he became a monster. Who would want to tolerate a mean drunk, especially out in the middle of the ocean? But just because he had an unpleasant personality doesn't mean any of us had a motive to kill the man," Mandi insists politely.

 

"Then you won't mind telling me where you were when Schmidt was killed."

 

"Uh, I notified the captain that Schmidt was missing. I was searching around the ship. If you recall, he was supposed to be conducting the orchestra," Mandi replies offensively and with a tone of nervousness.

 

Jennifer is about to inquire more when the cruise director speaks to her.

 

"Pardon me, but I have to get on with my duties," Mandi says, turning around to continue organizing the decorations.

 

Jennifer feels as if she struck a nerve. She walks away, pondering the conversation. She is optimistic the cruise director was annoyed by her questioning and was concealing the truth regarding her feelings towards the victim.

 

Meanwhile, Jonathan is interviewing the other dance instructors. Jennifer sits down in one of the chairs to rest her feet. Just then, the captain enters the ballroom. Captain Grant, noticing Jennifer, approaches her with a smile.

 

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Hart. Enjoying the cruise so far?"

 

"It's certainly been quite some cruise, I assure you," Jennifer replies, forcing a smile.

 

"I just came down to see how the rehearsal for tonight is going. I hope you and Mr. Hart are adjusting to your position during your vacation."

 

"Being dance instructors on a cruise ship is an experience we'll never forget," Jennifer says politely. "Your cruise director thinks my husband and I could teach dancing for a living."

 

"That is quite a compliment. After witnessing you dancing with our passengers, I think you and Mr. Hart would make fine dance instructors," the captain replies, sounding impressed. "Excuse me. Duty calls," he says, tipping his hat to Jennifer.

 

Captain Grant walks away, leaving Jennifer alone once again. Mandi has just finished organizing the decorations. 

 

"How is it going? I came down to see how the rehearsal is coming along."

 

"It's going fine," Mandi replies with a tone of uneasiness. "Except the Harts are making inquires about the murder. They don't believe the husband killed that rat. Mr. Hart is questioning our dance instructors now. I saw him ask the orchestra questions. They believe one of us had stronger motives, and Mrs. Hart had the nerve to ask me where I was at the time of the murder."

 

The captain frowns after hearing about the couple interrogating his crew. "Thank you for telling me. It seems Mr. and Mrs. Hart don't believe we know how to handle a murder investigation aboard this ship. I'll handle the matter at once. Passengers are disturbed enough without Mr. and Mrs. Hart interrogating the crew," Captain Grant replies calmly.

 

He storms over to the stage. Jonathan has just finished questioning the orchestra and is stepping down the stage.

 

"Good afternoon, captain," Jonathan greets the ship's captain.

 

"Good afternoon. Mr. Hart, I would like to have a word with you and your wife at once," the captain replies firmly. "Let's step out of the room. I would like to talk with you in private."

 

"Certainly. Does this discussion have anything to do with the murder?"

 

"In a manner of speaking, yes," Captain Grant says, shooting Jonathan a cold stare.

 

Jonathan looks at the captain, sensing the reason for his attitude towards him and Jennifer. They walk over to where Jennifer is seated. Jonathan is behind the captain.

 

"Darling, the captain, would like to have a word with us privately," Jonathan says calmly as he and the captain stand facing Jennifer.

 

Jennifer rises to her feet. The captain walks on ahead as the couple starts to follow him. Jonathan, taking Jennifer by the hand, exits the room. They head out towards the corridor.

Jonathan shuts the door behind them as Captain Grant is already standing waiting for them.

"Is something wrong?" Jennifer asks, noticing the grim expression on his face. "Have there been any developments?"

 

"The only development that I have learned from our cruise director, Mrs. Hart, is that you and your husband have been questioning my crew. I can't believe you had the nerve to ask Mandi her whereabouts during the time of the murder," the captain replies with a bit of annoyance. "Why were you interrogating my crew? All of their statements have been taken down the night before, as you suggested. I already have the suspect in custody, and he will be turned over to the authorities once we reach Anchorage."

 

"Don't you think the arrest was too premature?" Jonathan asks. "Dziedzic is too obvious of a suspect. You don't even know if his fingerprints will be found on the dagger. There is no concrete proof he committed the murder."

 

"You said you don't have solid evidence that Dziedzic killed Schmidt," Jennifer reminds the captain.

 

"I don't have to remind you that Dziedzic was jealous of him flirting with his wife and is possessive. You had to come between them to prevent him from attacking the victim, Mr. Hart, and he threatened Schmidt publicly. I order you to stop cross-examining my crew. My job is not to be the judge or the juror. I merely see to my duty to protect each passenger and crew aboard. There is already enough talk about the murder. Some of the passengers are considering never taking a cruise on The Jewel Princess ever again. I don't want to risk getting into trouble with the liner's owner for scaring the passengers away. I would have to answer to him for your interference. Leave the murder alone. It's an open and shut case far as I am concerned. You just need to stick to teaching passengers how to dance," Captain Grant declares, crossing his arms. He is speaking in his voice of authority.

 

"I think you should be aware that Jonathan and I witnessed a female passenger reenacting the last scene from Romeo and Juliet in her cabin last night after the murder. She was holding a dagger that is similar to the murder weapon," Jennifer replies.

 

The captain stares at Jennifer for a moment, not at all phased by what they witnessed the previous night. He finally clears his throat before speaking. 

"What the passengers do is none of your concern. Her actions were peculiar, I admit. It sounds to me like she is just eccentric. Perhaps she will be performing the part of Juliet on stage. As for the dagger, the same as the murder weapon, it's just a coincidence. Now, I ask that both of you do not disturb any of my passengers with your questioning. I order you not to meddle in their business. Good day," Captain Grant replies seriously with a warning look. 

He storms off, leaving the couple alone in the deserted corridor.

 

"We certainly struck a nerve," Jennifer replies, turning to Jonathan. She is speechless at the captain's behavior towards their investigation.

 

"It looks like Captain Grant doesn't want anyone questioning his rash decision. He is acting like he is concealing something. Perhaps he killed Schmidt himself."

 

"Perhaps to protest himself or someone. Schmidt did make that remark about a secret regarding their past."

 

"You know what they say about the past coming back to haunt you," Jonathan comments seriously. "It appears it may have in the captain's case. It's up to us to find out what the secret is before the wrong suspect ends up in prison for a murder he never committed."

Jonathan and Jennifer, holding hands, are taking a stroll on the Promenade deck. Other than the sounds of the ocean waves, it's silent. They are exchanging information regarding the alibis the suspects they questioned gave them. 

Jonathan’s attire is his black tuxedo and a brown double-breasted coat. Jennifer wears a black evening dress along with a black, gold, and brown sequins jacket. The jacket contains short puff sleeves and an open front. Tonight she wears a Faux Leopard Fur Swing Coat with a hood and Gold Quilted Lining over her evening clothing. 

It begins to drizzle a bit which is typical for Alaska weather.

 

"Mandi told me she was letting the captain know about his absence and searching the ship at the time of the murder," Jennifer informs her husband.

 

"She told me she didn't get to talk to the captain. He was preoccupied. The story she gave me was that she went to Schmidt's cabin and knocked, but he didn't answer." 

He exchanges glances with Jennifer. "That's not all. One of the dance instructors saw a passenger to her cabin when he saw Mandi fleeing the cabin with a pale look on her face. She brushed past them. That was only a short time before Schmidt dropped dead," Jonathan adds.

 

"All the crew had given us both a different alibi," Jennifer remarks in disbelief. "And none of them were willing to talk to us except for the orchestra and dance instructors."

 

"Sounds to me just about everyone aboard this ship has something to hide," Jonathan says after realizing they had been set up.

 

"And all of them are suspects," Jennifer concludes. "But every one of those people couldn't have committed the murder unless they were all in on it."

 

"We'll just have to wait for the autopsy report. We'll know more about the cause of death then. Maybe something in that report will help us make sense out of this murder."

 

"If the captain will allow us to have access to it, darling," Jennifer replies, shooting her husband a look. They continue walking on ahead. "Here's a scenario. What if the reason all of the crew gave us each a different alibi is they are being threatened?" Jennifer asks, pondering the possibility.

 

"Blackmail," Jonathan says, nodding in agreement. "I wonder if any of the crew's bank accounts have suddenly decreased during the last twenty-four hours. You know there are some things about this murder, darling, that doesn't make sense."

 

"It would help if we could find out the motives, especially the captain's," Jennifer adds.

 

"Think back to the other night. Was there anything unusual you saw that might have slipped your mind?"

 

"Other than the waiter concealing the gun in his jacket, darling, I didn't witness anything else out of the ordinary," Jennifer replies reluctantly.

 

Before Jonathan can reply, the clumsy passenger leaning on his cane is limping towards the couple from the other direction of the deck. The Harts are too occupied looking at each other that they don't notice his presence. Rowling bumps into Jennifer, his foot stepping on hers once again. Jennifer conceals a groan but fails to cover up the pain on her face.

 

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm just not light on my feet anymore," Rowling says with a tone of awkwardness. "Please forgive me." He tips his hat and continues walking as Jonathan and Jennifer stare after him.

 

They exchange glances and resume their walk. They are approaching where the lifeboats are stored above deck. Suddenly someone, who is wearing dark gloves, is holding a knife in his hand. This person starts to cut the cable, holding a lifeboat in place.

"We need to try to remember which member of the crew was present in the ballroom during the murder," Jonathan comments as they approach the lifeboat above their heads.

 

The couple starts to walk under the boat when unexpectedly, the cable breaks loose. 

 

The boat instantly starts to drop below where Jonathan and Jennifer are standing. 

 

Jennifer is about to reply to her husband's remark when Jonathan happens to glance up. He notices the lifeboat speeding towards their heads. 

 

Jonathan at once grabs Jennifer by the arm. They seek shelter just as the lifeboat collapses on deck just inches away. They are lying on the ground on their hands and knees. Jennifer is in shock that they were almost killed!!! She stares at the motionless lifeboat that nearly crushed them to death.

 

"One thing is now clear. We're making someone very nervous," Jonathan says seriously as they lift themselves to their feet.

 

Jonathan stares at the lifeboat before glancing up at the deck above, where he hears the sounds of footsteps. 

 

"Stay put," he orders calmly, rushing towards a stairway leading to the upper deck. He is moving swiftly, hoping to catch up to the culprit.

 

Jonathan starts to dash up the stairs. Jennifer hurries after her husband, concerned he may be attacked after that close call with the lifeboat. Jonathan reaching the upper deck, sighs, disappointed that the deck is deserted. The broken cable is still hanging over the rail. 

 

Jonathan notices it and walks over to examine it. A frown comes over his face after seeing the cable was deliberately cut. Jennifer is out of breath from attempting to catch up to Jonathan as fast as possible. She rushes up to his side.

 

"This cable was cut," Jonathan says, pointing to the tear in the cable.

 

"What's this?" Jennifer asks out of curiosity after noticing some items on the ground next to Jonathan's feet.

 

Jennifer bends down and sees the belongings are a knife and a captain's ring. She picks them up and returns to a standing-up position.

 

"It's a captain's knife and ring," Jennifer says in shock, holding out her hand to show Jonathan the personal things she discovered.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange nervous glances, now suspecting Captain Grant is the murderer.

Jonathan and Jennifer are walking down a corridor heading on their way to their cabin. They are holding hands. They are both shaken up by their previous harrowing experience. Jennifer has the personal belongings they discovered on deck in her hands.

 

"First thing tomorrow after breakfast, I'm reporting our narrow escape from a lifeboat to our captain," Jonathan declares with frustration.

 

"I'd like to show him what we found on the upper deck," Jennifer replies, placing the ring and knife into her evening bag.

 

"We better put them someplace safe in our cabin, darling, in case he realizes they are missing."

 

They turn a corner and come upon a cabin. It's the deceased bandleader's cabin, evident by the sealed-off tape used during crime scene investigations. Jennifer, taking off her stilettos, looks up to see they are approaching the victim's stateroom. A look of concern comes over her face.

 

"Darling, shouldn't there be a guard posted outside the door?" Jennifer asks, nodding her head toward the cabin door.

 

The couple stops walking, and Jonathan turns to look at the cabin. He is stunned to see it deserted.

 

"Yes, there should be a guard posted. Grant assured me he would be posting one," Jonathan answers with astonishment. "Something else I'll need to discuss with him," he adds with annoyance.

 

Just at that moment, the door quietly opens, and a man peeps his head out. Jonathan and Jennifer duck behind a corner to avoid being seen. 

 

The man is a tall, slender, good-looking dark-haired gentleman in his late fifties. He is wearing a cabin steward's uniform. The Harts watch as he cautiously exits, turning to see if anyone is around. He has the room key in his hand. 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances. The man turning around locks the room securely with the key just as if the stateroom were his own. He places the key into the pocket of his uniform and walks down the hallway, disappearing out of sight. The couple comes out of hiding.

 

"What was a steward doing in the cabin?" Jennifer questions aloud. They are staring down the path the strange gentleman took to make his exit.

 

"Certainly not changing sheets," Jonathan comments. He stares at Jennifer before adding, "I think the time to pay the captain a call requires an earlier visit than planned. He has a lot of explaining to do."

Captain Grant is having a heated discussion with an attractive long-haired brunette who happens to be the lounge singer. She is in her early forties and breathtakingly beautiful. The woman is standing facing the uniformed officer who is seated behind his desk. Her name is Melinda.

 

"The purser has just informed me of all those ship to shore calls you've been making the past few months. I want an explanation on why you have been placing those numerous calls without my permission, especially the last one on my phone before we set sail," the captain says firmly and impatiently. He is frowning at the woman and looks at her with an expression that shows he demands an explanation.

 

"I can explain, darling," the woman says calmly and with a touch of nervousness in her voice. "You were up on the bridge when I made the previous call."

 

"That still doesn't answer my question! You can't place countless ship-to-shore calls without my approval even if you are the captain's wife!" Grant exclaims, almost on the verge of losing his temper. "I want the truth! And I want it now! Why were you placing calls to San-?" he starts to ask when the door opens before he can finish his question.

 

The captain and singer, startled by the intrusion, turns to see Jonathan and Jennifer standing in the doorway.

 

"I apologize for the intrusion at this hour, captain, but Jennifer and I have something to report. It can't wait till morning," Jonathan explains with a bit of awkwardness.

 

"I knocked, but you didn't respond," Jennifer adds as she and her husband notice the tension.

 

Captain Grant nods, usher them forward with his hands. The couple walks up to his desk. The captain, turning to his wife, shoots her a look of frustration.

 

"We'll continue this discussion later, Melinda. You are dismissed," Grant informs her calmly.

 

Melinda nods and walks briskly out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

 

"We came to report a break-in," Jonathan starts to say.

 

"In your cabin?" the captain asks, shooting the couple a look of disapproval, sensing their investigation is still ongoing.

 

"No, the break-in was at Schmidt's stateroom. We saw a steward walk out with a key in his hand," Jennifer explains.

 

"And there was no guard posted at the door as you promised," Jonathan mentions.

 

Captain Grant looks at them, taken aback by the news. Yet, he doesn't look genuinely concerned or shocked. 

"I'll look into it. Perhaps the motive was robbery," he replies, lack of worry showing by his tone. "The steward may have thought Schmidt had something worth risking getting caught stealing. The guard probably took a quick coffee break."

 

The couple look at each other, stunned at the captain's reaction.

 

"A robbery committed in a sealed-off stateroom that was locked and sealed off?!" Jennifer exclaims in exasperation. "And supposed to be heavily guarded?!!! And wouldn't that look suspicious to anyone who may be passing by? There are over a thousand passengers aboard. Someone most likely would have witnessed his exit! The man didn't even have any stolen items on him!"

 

"Maybe he stole a watch or a wallet that he could conceal in his pocket, Mrs. Hart," the captain insists with reassurance. "Theft is common on cruise ships."

 

"Out of all the cabins nearby, it certainly is strange he would choose to break into a murder victim's," Jonathan says, a tone of suspicion at the captain's behavior in his voice.

 

"We were almost crushed to death tonight on deck courtesy of a lifeboat," Jennifer says with annoyance.

 

"I checked the cable, captain. It was cut. Someone wanted to be sure we were the next murder victims."

 

"I'll certainly have the cable checked thoroughly," Captain Grant replies with sincere concern in his voice. He looks shocked by the incident.

 

Jennifer, exhausted and fed up with trying to reason with the captain, decides to wander around. She sighs as Jonathan continues to reason with the captain over the break-in. Jennifer notices a locked and glass-built cabinet full of old-fashioned ship weapons on the left side of the room near the desk. She walks over to examine the collection.

Pistols, rifles, swords, knives, a model of a cannon, grenade, bow and crossbow, an ax, and daggers are on display. Jennifer, looking deeper into the cabinet, notices a dagger appears to be missing among the others. Her eyes grow wide upon the discovery. 

She also sees a ship's wheel statue with the words "The Grand Vikings Princess" engraved. The captain's full name, "Captain Stewart Grant," is also carved under the ship's name. Jennifer is startled to find a different cruise ship's statue in the cabin. Why was the captain keeping a figure of a ship he once sailed?

 

Grant notices Jennifer's interest in the statue before returning her attention to where a missing dagger once stood among the others in the collection. His face becomes pale upon seeing the look of suspicion on her face. He suddenly becomes agitated and nervous.

 

"Uh, thank you for coming by to report the unfortunate attempt on your lives, Mr. and Mrs. Hart," the captain says, muttering his words which Jonathan and Jennifer notice. He reaches into a drawer in his desk and takes out a folder. "If it will put your mind at rest, here is the list of the statements the purser took," the captain says, handing Jonathan the folder with a weak smile.

 

Jennifer returns to her husband's side as they exchange glances, wondering why the captain suddenly chooses to cooperate a bit in their investigation.

 

"You may keep the folder until I contact the state troopers," Grant adds as the couple stare at the folder. "If that will be all, I need to continue my discussion with Melinda. I have an urgent matter with her that requires my attention. Be sure to be on guard and be careful." He shoots the couple a look of severe warning.

 

"We'll be careful, I assure you," Jennifer replies with assurance as Jonathan stares at the captain with suspension.

 

Jennifer takes her husband by the hand, and they head towards the door. 

The captain stares after the couple with a look of fear. He waits until he hears the door shut upon their exit before breathing a sigh of relief.

Jonathan and Jennifer stand outside the hall at the door. They are looking at the folder together.

 

"I noticed two strange things while you were engaging in conversation," Jennifer says as they start to walk down the corridor. They are heading in the direction of their stateroom. "The captain has an extensive collection of old ship weapons. There are several daggers in that glass cabinet, and one appears to be missing. All of them are different, but I have a sinking feeling the missing one could be the murder weapon."

 

"That makes two people on this ship who own a dagger. The eccentric who appears to be in love with Shakespearean drama and believes she is Juliet. And the captain with impressive antique ship weapons. That is quite some coincidence," Jonathan replies, impressed.

 

"You haven't heard the most interesting thing yet, darling," Jennifer says, taking him aside. "There's a ship's wheel statue with the name of The Grand Vikings Princess engraved on it. That's not all. The captain's name, Stewart Grant, is also carved under that name," she adds with a tone of suspension.

 

"What is so peculiar about a statue containing the name of another cruise ship, darling?" Jonathan asks.

 

"If you had looked around the captain's cabin, you would have noticed that The Jewel Princess's name is nowhere in sight."

 

Before Jonathan can respond to Jennifer's explanation, they hear footsteps coming from the other side of the corridor. The sounds are coming their way. It's the steward heading to the captain's cabin. Jonathan and Jennifer quickly duck behind a corner. 

They peek their heads out and watch the man's activities. Jonathan is watching from his post while Jennifer is standing behind Jonathan observing. They witness the steward knock on the cabin door. 

A few moments pass before the door is opened, and the captain appears. A smile of delight crosses his face upon seeing the steward. He shakes the man's hand, ushers him into his cabin, and shuts the door behind them after the steward enters.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer come out from hiding and exchange glances. They are convinced the captain and steward are in on the murder.

 

"No wonder he was hesitant to report the break-in," Jennifer says, speechless, breaking the silence.

 

"And we now have another suspect," Jonathan adds, turning to face his wife. "The captain and the steward must have conspired to kill Schmidt and blame Dziedzic."

 

"We got more questions than answers. Why would two men conspire to kill the bandleader and hope to frame a passenger?" Jennifer wonders out loud.

 

"Nothing is what it seems to be on this cruise ship," Jonathan replies as they exchange curious glances at each other.

Taking a romantic moonlight stroll, Jonathan and Jennifer are walking hand in hand together sometime before midnight. 

 

Jonathan has on his tuxedo under a black Cashmere double-breasted coat. Jennifer wears a Monique Lhullier Midi dress with pink Polyester and a pink faux fur coat that keeps her warm. Jennifer, holding her pink stilettos in one hand and her evening bag in the other, holds a flower. She is chuckling and quite tipsy from the bottle of Champagne that she and Jonathan had indulged in before coming on the terrace.

 

"Oh, what a day!" Jennifer exclaims gayly. "What a night! What a beautiful blue, uh, um,"-she struggles to say in her condition. She grins, closes her eyes, and can't stop laughing uncontrollably.

 

"What's so funny?" Jonathan asks with a smile, amused at his wife's behavior.

 

"I can't pronounce the word I was going to, uh, say," Jennifer replies. She continues having the irresistible urge with the laughing fit. "Why do I feel like I'm suffering from laughing gas?" she asks, wrapping an arm around her husband's neck.

 

"Maybe it's because you are tipsy from Champagne," Jonathan replies with a smug look, struggling to conceal his amusement.

 

"Ah-ah-ha!" Jennifer exclaims, slurring her words. "That's the explanation. I drank too much Champagne." She snickers and rests her head on Jonathan's shoulder. "A few glasses do it every time! You know, darling, I was going to say something, but I can't recall. Could you possibly refresh my memory?"

 

"You want me to refresh your memory, huh?" Jonathan asks coyly and innocently, letting go of her hand, and stops walking.

 

Jennifer also ceases their stroll. Jonathan, turning around, stands facing Jennifer. He wraps both arms around her waist and looks into her sparkling green eyes. "You know, darling, it's a good thing I'm your husband. I'm in the mood to take advantage of your condition," Jonathan confesses with a sly and devious smile.

 

"Oh? What's stopping you?" Jennifer asks, shooting her husband a devious wink.

 

Jonathan grins and leans over. He takes Jennifer in his arms tightly and kisses her with such a passionate kiss it leaves both the couple yearning for more romance. He pulls out of the embrace. 

 

"How about we continue this romantic moment in our cabin? You know you fall asleep not too long after getting that much Champagne in you, and I wouldn't want to risk anyone catching sight of me taking advantage of this lady," Jonathan replies with a seductive tone.

 

"Oh, that sounds quite r-o-ma-n-t-ic-," Jennifer struggles to pronounce before she hiccups. "Oh, no! I got the hiccups! Oh, darling, I always get the hiccups when I'm t-i-p-s-y," she adds in disappointment while roaring with laughter.

 

"You know I could turn off the lights after we get into bed and scare the hiccups out of you," Jonathan replies, holding his wife close to him.

 

"But first, let's take a stroll in the moonlight," Jennifer insists, pulling out of the embrace and taking a step toward the railing.

 

"We are taking a stroll in the moonlight," Jonathan replies with a half-smile, walking over to the railing to join Jennifer, who is still staring out into the night sky and admiring the moon.

 

"Oh, did I say that?" Jennifer asks with a chuckle. She bursts out laughing. "Oh, silly, me! The Champagne really is a-f-f-e-c-t-i-n-g my m-e-m-o-r-y." She grins with another snicker. "Now, I was trying to say something earlier, and you were going to refresh my memory, I believe," she adds, staring up at Jonathan. She places a loving hand around his shoulder.

 

"I believe you were going to comment on the blue sky," Jonathan reminds her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

 

"Oh, yes, the sky. Quite the night for romance here on the high seas with the moonlight, -s-t-a-r-s, the sounds of the ocean, silence, and you," Jennifer replies, managing to say a complete sentence without slurring her words. "Let's go find the pool, darling," she says with a wink.

 

"Don't you think it's too late to take a swim?"

 

"Uh-huh," Jennifer replies, nodding her head with a devious grin. "I wasn't referring to swimming. I was talking about dancing with you in the moonlight where we could be alone in the fresh air on this romantic ship. We haven't had one dance together with just the two of us since we boarded," she adds with disappointment.

 

"Are you sure you are in the condition to dance?"

 

"Let's just say I wouldn't mind a trip to the infirmary," Jennifer replies seductively and with a bit of wit in her voice. "If we're lucky, we'll both spend the night in the infirmary."

 

"All right. Let's have this dance," Jonathan replies, taking Jennifer's hand gently and lovingly. He leads her in the direction of the pool.

 

A few moments later, they approach the swimming pool, which is completely deserted. Jonathan and Jennifer are holding hands as Jennifer rests her head on his shoulder. 

 

Jennifer suddenly notices the flower she has been holding the entire time. "Oh, what a lovely flower! Where did this come from?"

 

"Our stateroom. I had it filled up with flowers before we boarded," Jonathan replies with an affectionate grin. "You wanted to take a rose with you. You thought it would be romantic walking on the deck in the moonlight with a rose in your hand."

 

"I did?" Jennifer asks, holding the flower up to admire and smell with appreciation. "How clever of me! You know that trip to Juneau today was fantastic!" Jennifer exclaims, overjoyed as they reach the swimming pool. "We should take another cruise to Alaska-" she starts to say when Jonathan glances over at the pool. A grim expression comes over his face. 

 

"What's with the grim face, darling?" Jennifer asks, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

 

"Excuse me, darling. I'm afraid our moonlight dance is going to have to be postponed," Jonathan replies, rushing to take off his jacket and wristwatch, which he hands to Jennifer.

 

She takes the items and stares at them in wonder. Jonathan dashes toward the pool in alarm.

 

 

"Jonathan, this is no time for a moonlight swim! You are wearing a tuxedo!" Jennifer exclaims with annoyance. She suddenly turns and gasps upon seeing the unpleasant sight that caught Jonathan's attention.

 

The body of a man is lying face down in the swimming pool. Jonathan quickly takes one huge dove into the pool to examine the man's condition. His tuxedo and hair are now soaking wet after plunging right in the water. Jennifer rushes over to her husband's side. The sight of a motionless body causes her to sober up and regain her senses. 

 

Jonathan hastily reaches the gentleman and turns his body over. It's the dark-haired, good-looking man they saw exiting the cabin the previous night. A similar dagger, matching the other murder weapon, is sticking out of his back. It's a bit of a grim sight. This homicide was committed to making a statement from the condition of the victim's neck and mouth. 

 

Moist Chocolate Raspberry Cake, which is damp, is stuffed into his mouth. A broken heart-shaped balloon that the Harts had witnessed being hung up in the ballroom their first night out to sea is wrapped tightly around his neck. Jonathan, positive the man is dead, but just for verification, checks his pulse. He sighs upon finding no pulse.

 

"It's our cabin steward!!!" Jennifer gasps in shock, looking the dead man over. She and Jonathan look at each other stunned. 

 

They are puzzled at this twist in the mystery they have become embroiled in. Jennifer notices one of the victim's fingers has what looks like what is left of wet and dissolving theater makeup.

 

"And he's dead," Jonathan adds, still holding onto the body. "Stabbed to death with a dagger. Are you beginning to notice a pattern here, darling?" he asks with frustration upon them discovering another murdered victim on what was supposed to be a romantic and no mystery-solving cruise.

 

Jennifer nods her head nervously. She is still speechless. Moist Chocolate Raspberry Cake and a broken heart-shaped Valentine's Day balloon forced upon a murder victim is an unsettling way to remember a romantic holiday. The couple feels uneasy at finding another crew member, the victim of a homicide. They exchange glances and continue to gaze at the lifeless body of the steward.

After reporting the latest homicide to the captain and ship’s doctor, the couple attempts to recover from the shock. Jonathan is taking off his wet bow-tie in front of the mirror at the bureau drawer by the door. He is changing out of his tuxedo. Jennifer can be heard in the bathroom preparing for bed. Suddenly there is a soft knock on their door.

 

“It’s the ship’s doctor,” Doctor Gavin calls out from the corridor outside their cabin.

 

Jonathan, struggling to get his bow-tie off, walks over to the door to let the doctor in. He holds a folder in his hand.

 

“I’m sorry for barging in on you so late, Mr. Hart, but I just completed the autopsy report on Schmidt. The captain thinks you’ll want to look it over. He asks you to keep the steward’s murder hush-hush. He doesn’t want any of the passengers to know about the latest homicide,” Doctor Gavin replies wearily and calmly while entering the room. He closes the door behind him.

 

“Speaking of the latest victim, what are you going to do about his body? Has the police been notified?” Jonathan asks, still attempting to untie his tie.

 

“I’m keeping his body on ice until we reach Anchorage. Captain Grant will report the murder before we dock,” Gavin answers anxiously, appearing unwilling to answer Jonathan’s second question.

 

Jonathan stares at the doctor in surprise upon hearing about the captain’s orders to wait until Anchorage before reporting the homicide.

 

“Here’s the autopsy report,” Gavin says, handing Jonathan the file. “Goodnight.” He walks out of the cabin abruptly. He is apparently in a hurry to leave before any more questioning.

 

The doctor almost slams the door shut after exiting.

 

Jonathan stares after the doctor with suspicions and views regarding the second murder aboard The Jewel Princess. He opens the folder and starts to look over the autopsy report, hoping to find a clue to the murder. Jennifer comes out of their bathroom wearing her pajamas.

 

“Was that the doctor I heard you talking to?” Jennifer asks, switching the light off. “What are the captain’s orders regarding this murder?”

 

A look of confusion and astonishment comes over Jonathan’s face as he reads the report.

 

“Darling, what’s wrong?” Jennifer asks, noticing the expression on his face. He hands her the autopsy report.

 

Jennifer looks it over carefully before gasping. 

 

“What?!! The stabbing was a coverup for the real cause of death?!! A large dose of alcohol and insulin!!!” Jennifer exclaims, thunderstruck, exchanging glances with Jonathan.

 

“We were set up. It looks like we have been chasing a red-herring,” Jonathan replies with frustration and curiosity, longing to get to the bottom of both murders more than ever.

 

A while later, Jonathan can be heard getting prepared for bed in the bathroom. Jennifer is staring out at the ocean through a peephole when a knock comes at the door.

 

“Room service,” the man says.

 

Jennifer walks over to the door and opens it to find a middle-aged and average-looking man who has two mugs of hot coffee on a tray that he hands to Jennifer.

 

“Here you go, Mrs. Hart,” the man tells her politely as Jennifer takes the tray.

 

“Thank you,” Jennifer replies as the man nods. He walks away and heads down the corridor. 

 

Jennifer turns her back towards the door and shuts it with her foot. “Jonathan, the coffee is here,” she announces to her husband.

 

Jennifer walks over to a table and places the tray down. Two cups of sugar and milk are situated on the tray, along with several fancy laced napkins and spoons.

 

“Be out in a minute,” Jonathan replies.

 

There is another knock at the door. Jennifer walks over and opens it to find their new cabin steward standing outside with a laundry basket full of dirty clothing. He has two clean white high-dollar towels over an arm which he hands to Jennifer. The steward is a tall, white-haired gentleman in his early seventies with a mustache that matches his hair.

 

“Here you go, Mrs. Hart. Two fresh towels as you requested,” he says as Jennifer takes the towels.

 

“Thank you,” Jennifer replies politely. “Just a moment, please.” She walks over to the bathroom door and picks up Jonathan’s soaking wet tuxedo on a hanger. “Here you go.”

 

Jennifer hands him the hanger.

 

The steward stares at the condition of the tuxedo. “What happened? If Mr. Hart went swimming, I suggest he not wear his tuxedo in the water next time,” the steward replies, alarmed.

 

“Jonathan didn’t take a swim,” Jennifer assures him, struggling for an explanation. “He took a bit of a tumble, but nothing to be alarmed about. He showered and will call the doctor in the morning,” she adds with a sweet smile.

 

Her eyes instantly notice a handkerchief in the laundry basket. It has a stain of what appears to be the same makeup that she saw on the latest victim’s hand. The handkerchief is also covered up with a good deal of blood. 

 

“Do you remember whose cabin you picked up that handkerchief from?” Jennifer asks, pointing to the cloth.

 

“No, I can’t say I do. I’m sorry,” the steward replies with a look of surprise upon her inquiry over a handkerchief.

 

“That's all right. Goodnight,” Jennifer replies with a smile as the man places the tuxedo in the laundry basket. She shuts the door, her mind thinking back to the makeup on the deceased’s hand and now on a handkerchief.

 

A minute later, Jonathan and Jennifer go over all the facts of what they have learned so far. Jonathan, in his pajamas, is pacing the floor. He is drinking a cup of coffee while Jennifer sits on the edge of the bed staring at an FBI identification card in her hand. She has her cup of coffee in her other hand.

 

“I forgot to mention that when I went to the masseur today, I learned something about the first victim’s past,” Jennifer says, staring up at Jonathan. “The woman recently signed on for the job, not realizing he was on the same ship. Schmidt was her long-estranged brother. The only other information I could get out of her was that she is not surprised that he was murdered. She was only shocked it took that long to get his comeuppance.”

 

“Do you think she could have murdered Schmidt?” Jonathan asks, taking a sip of his coffee.

 

“If you had your nails painted by her, darling, you would know at once she wouldn’t have to use a dagger for a weapon. She has strong hands that could have killed her brother using them. The armed forces could find a job for a woman like her,” Jennifer replies, also taking a sip of her coffee.

 

“Let me get this straight,” Jonathan says, placing his cup on the saucer, his mind returning to the mysterious events over the past few days. 

 

“First, we almost got killed by a falling lifeboat. Then we found a captain’s knife and ring on the deck above; we witnessed the latest victim coming out of the band leader’s cabin. Next, we reported the break-in to the captain, who didn’t seem at all bothered; you noticed a dagger missing from his collection. Then, we witnessed the captain welcoming whom we assumed was our cabin steward into his cabin as if he was a life-long friend. Now we found the steward’s body floating in the pool with a dagger sticking out of his back.”

 

“Only we discovered, in reality, the position of a steward on this ship was only a cover. He was an FBI agent,” Jennifer concludes.

 

“Yes, one of the good guys whom we suspected was involved in the death of the bandleader along with our charismatic captain.”

 

“Only the agent ends up with a dagger sticking out of his back, and the captain is still very much alive. Why do I have a feeling we’ve been down this road before?” Jennifer asks, looking at Jonathan. She places her cup on her saucer.

 

“We have three times now, darling, and the captain is still very nervous and acting suspicious,” Jonathan adds. He stops pacing and takes a seat next to Jennifer.

 

“I can’t imagine what an FBI agent would be doing undercover on a cruise ship. If Schmidt were a wanted man, he wouldn’t have to resort to killing, darling. The agent could have just arrested him,” Jennifer replies, turning to face Jonathan.

 

“Not if he didn’t have enough evidence and was hired by Captain Grant to investigate.”

 

“How do we find that out? No one on the crew is willing to confide in us, and the captain made it clear he doesn’t want us interrogating anyone on this ship,” Jennifer replies as a thought comes to her. “Unless,” she says, her voice trailing off. 

 

Jennifer turns to look off into space, the wheels of her mind spinning.

 

“Unless what?” Jonathan asks, noticing the familiar tone and expression on her face when Jennifer puts her thinking cap on.

 

Jennifer returns her attention to her husband. “Whom do passengers usually confide in when they are facing a personal problem?” Jennifer asks, waiting for Jonathan’s response.

 

Jonathan ponders a moment before replying and nodding at Jennifer in agreement. “The bartender. You know I might casually wander into the bar tomorrow and order a cocktail.”

 

“You know the lounge singer certainly is a thoroughly attractive woman. The bandleader was a womanizer. If anyone knows something we don’t, she may,” Jennifer comments, her mind elsewhere again.

 

“I think that’s a good idea. While I talk with Mr. Charlie Cathy, you see if you can form a bond with the singer.”

 

“I may just do that,” Jennifer replies with a pleasing smile. She turns to face Jonathan. “I wonder if they are looking for more entertainment onboard.”

 

“Just don’t try your Barbra Streisand imitation,” Jonathan says with a naughty grin. “I don’t think our cruise director is looking for any comedians.”

 

Jennifer stares at Jonathan with annoyance. “Funny! Funny! I’ll remember that the next time you do your Cary Grant impersonation,” Jennifer replies, placing her cup and saucer on the table by the bed. 

 

She takes Jonathan’s empty cup and saucer, which she sets down.

 

“Oh, darling, why didn’t you tell me? If it had to happen to one of us, why did it have to be you?” Jonathan bursts out, flinging his arms around Jennifer. 

 

He is speaking in his Cary Grant accent again and reciting a line from the finale scene of An Affair To Remember. He looks disturbed and concerned as he braces Jennifer with both arms wrapped around her tightly. “Yes, darling, yes,” Jonathan says, kissing her on the lips, completing his re-enactment.

 

Jennifer rolls her eyes and stares at Jonathan, shaking her head. She finally bursts out, chuckling. “Goodnight, Cary,” Jennifer replies with affection, giggling. She turns to the lamp and switches off the light. The room is surrounded by darkness.

 

“Goodnight, Deborah,” Jonathan replies jokingly in his normal voice.

 

By now, the couple is laughing hysterically.

 

Early that morning, Jonathan wanders into the club bar on the fifth deck. A brown suit with a matching tie and shoes, Jonathan holds his brown double-breasted jacket over his arm. 

A distinguished and friendly-looking black bartender, in his early forties, stands behind the bar cleaning a cocktail glass with a towel. The bar is empty. Jonathan, appearing to be in a somber mood, takes a seat on one of the stools facing the bar.

 

“Good morning,” the bartender greets Jonathan with a smile.

 

“Hmm,” Jonathan mutters, appearing to be in a foul mood. “Scotch on the rocks,” he orders, acting distracted. He tosses the coat onto a stool on his left in disgust.

 

“Yes, sir,” the bartender replies, startled by Jonathan’s attitude. “Isn’t it too early to be drinking, Mr. Hart?” he asks with concern as he prepares Jonathan’s drink.

 

“Not after the night I had it isn’t,” Jonathan replies with bitterness. “I may just need a second.”

 

“You certainly are not in a good mood. I would think you would be with the ship arriving in Skagway this afternoon. It’s one of Alaska’s popular tourist attractions during this time of the year,” the bartender says with sympathy, placing a cocktail glass down in front of Jonathan. “What happened? A rough night with your wife?”

 

“That is an understatement,” Jonathan mumbles, picking up his glass. “Women!”

 

Before the bartender can inquire what the marital problem he is facing with Jennifer, Jonathan gulps down the glass. Then he places the glass down firmly before he starts venting. 

“I had our houseman, Max, book us a reservation on The Jewel Princess a month ago as a Valentine's Day present. Jennifer was thrilled we would be sailing to Alaska. She is really into nature and wildlife. 

Anyway, last night Jennifer decided without warning, she hates Alaska. She starts nagging me about going to Acapulco. I told her it was too late, and I couldn’t cancel this trip. Do you know what Jennifer told me? She said with all of my millions, I could have us airlifted off of this ship,” Jonathan grumbles. 

“Another scotch on the rocks, please,” he sighs with frustration. “I can’t understand it. Up till last night, Jennifer had always been level-headed and easy to please.” 

He shakes his head in exasperation. “That’s not the worst of it. Jennifer told me that I could spend the rest of the cruise on deck unless I get us off this ship. I was forced to sleep in one of those chairs.”

 

The bartender picks up his glass and refills it. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hart, that your wife isn’t enjoying the cruise. Maybe she just had a change of heart. If you don’t mind, I think I can offer you some tips on how to make up with Mrs. Hart,” he suggests, placing the glass down in front of Jonathan. “As a bartender, I have heard plenty of marital problems between couples over the years. The husband or the wife always decides to drown their sorrows in alcohol.”

 

“Up till last night, I didn’t think I’d ever take to drinking to forget my troubles,” Jonathan confesses, picking up his glass. “If you can suggest how I do makeup with Jennifer, I’ll be indebted to you.” He begins to drink the scotch slowly.

 

“My suggestion may or may not get you and your wife on speaking terms, but as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Here’s a thought. Why not tell Mrs. Hart you are sorry she is not enjoying this cruise, but you’ll make travel arrangements to Acapulco just as soon as possible. Then, if she still takes her frustration out on you, I’d see about making arrangements with the captain about flying back to Los Angeles.”

 

“And if she still isn’t willing to be reasonable?” Jonathan asks, finishing the scotch.

 

“You better get plenty of blankets to keep you warm at night,” the bartender says with regret he can’t offer Jonathan better advice. “Have another scotch?”

 

“No, thank you,” Jonathan replies, placing the glass down. “I told Jennifer I’d meet her in the purser’s lobby in a few minutes,” he says, glancing at the time on his wristwatch.

 

“The purser’s lobby?” the bartender asks, looking baffled.

 

“Yes, she is trying to convince the ship’s purser to have a talk with the captain about turning this ship around and sailing back to Los Angeles. Right now, she is on the phone with our travel agent,” Jonathan replies with annoyance.

 

The bartender rolls his eyes and shakes his head in disbelief. 

“Women can be so unpredictable!” he exclaims with a sigh of frustration.

 

“Speaking of unpredictable people, Jennifer and I were in shock over Schmidt’s drunken behavior the night before his death,” Jonathan replies, trying to make his statement sound casual so as not to arouse suspicion.

 

“You and the rest of the passengers were the only ones,” the bartender informs Jonathan with a tone of disdain and hate. 

“That man came into the bar with a different woman on his arm every night. That last night Schmidt was drinking more alcohol than usual, and something bizarre happened. I didn’t think anything of it until just now. I just thought he was going to meet up with a woman.”

 

“And did he?” Jonathan asks nonchalantly.

 

“I don’t know. Schmidt was so intoxicated I had to help him down from the stool. Schmidt refused to let me take his glass away from him. I saw him head toward the door. I remember because it was half-opened by someone wearing black gloves and closed the door just as soon as he left the bar. The person was standing out of sight like they didn’t want to be seen,” the bartender replies with a shrug, choosing to forget the incident. 

“Anyway,when you take advantage of people the way Schmidt did, your poor choices in life will eventually catch up with you. I know so much gossip involving him, the captain, and the rest of the crew I could make a fortune if I wanted to.”

 

“Such as?” Jonathan asks, handing him back his cocktail glass.

 

“How much time do you have?” the bartender asks with a grin.

 

While Jonathan is trying to learn more about all the suspects from the bartender, Jennifer is entering the lounge to find out information from the singer. 

 

Jennifer is wearing a taupe, black sweater. Today's comfortable warm coat is a tan and light brown wool faux fur coat with a belt, buttons, and front side pockets. She wanders in just as Melinda and the orchestra prepare for a rehearsal. 

 

Jennifer, noticing the woman is busy at the moment, sits down in one of the chairs in the empty room. She has just taken a seat when Melinda starts singing “The Very Thought Of You” with intense emotion. Tears stream down her face. Jennifer stares at the singer, wondering why the song is so painful for her to sing.

 

Doctor Gavin is sitting across from Jennifer nearby and notices her presence. He looks at Jennifer with worry. The song reaches its conclusion. Melinda and the orchestra stop for a brief break. 

 

Jennifer rises from her seat. She starts to walk over to the stage to introduce herself when the doctor approaches her.

 

“Good morning, Mrs. Hart,” Gavin greets graciously. “I never suspected to see you here. What are you doing here in the lounge? I’m certain your presence isn’t just to watch a rehearsal.” He looks at her, expecting an explanation.

 

“You have such a keen observation, doctor,” Jennifer replies with a smile, impressed. “I just came to see if they are looking for any more entertainment for the remainder of the cruise,” she says, hoping to sound convincing.

 

“I doubt Melinda is looking for any backup singers. However, if the ship is looking for more entertainment, you should consult our cruise director, Mandi,” Doctor Gavin replies, coming off as attempting to keep Jennifer away from Melinda.

 

“Thank you, but I think since I’m here, I’ll speak to Melinda. I want to congratulate her on her singing.” She smiles at the doctor before walking past him.

 

Doctor Gavin looks after Jennifer with a look of fear and frustration.

 Melinda wipes off her tears while looking herself over in the mirror, sits at her table in the dressing room backstage. She sighs, trying to control her emotions and calm herself down after her near breakdown on stage. 

 

A small handheld purse is on her dressing stand. Melinda, opening her purse, rummages through her bag until she finds a postcard. She takes it out to look at the front. It’s a postcard of Alaska. Melinda turns the card around. 

 

There are no postmarks or a signed date on the back. She is about to look it over when a gentle knock comes at the door. Melinda, startled by the unexpected sound, jumps. She looks as if someone just scared the life out of her.

 

“Who is it?” Melinda asks, managing to regain her composure.

 

“You don’t know me, but we sort of met in the captain’s cabin the other night. I’m Mrs. Jonathan Hart,” Jennifer answers from the other side of the door.

 

“Come in,” Melinda responds with a tone of annoyance. Melinda tensed, hurries to place the postcard back into her purse.

 

The door opens, and Jennifer enters. Melinda places the card back into her purse, which she zips up shut. Then, she turns around to face Jennifer.

 

“I know who you are, Mrs. Hart, and I know why you came into my dressing room,” Melinda says with coldness in her voice. “Our ship’s doctor told me all about you and your husband looking into Schmidt’s death. I don’t want to be rude, but I prefer not to talk about the murder. I wish you would leave me alone.”

 

Jennifer is taken aback by Melinda’s reaction upon her entering her dressing room. “It’s all right. I came to inquire if you are looking for any backup singers,” Jennifer replies in a friendly manner. "I wanted to congratulate you on your singing. You put so much feeling and emotion into your song.”

 

Melinda shoots her a look. “Why? Isn’t dance instructing and acting as detectives not taking up enough of your time during this voyage? You and Mr. Hart really should focus your attention on all the wonders and beauties of Alaska.”

 

“Jonathan and I have every intention of exploring Alaska. I just thought you might need a backup. I have singing experience.”

 

Melinda continues to give her the cold shoulder and looks at her with annoyance. “I suggest you talk to Mandi regarding amateur talent.”

 

Jennifer is offended by the remark. She is speechless for a few moments before finally able to respond. “Thank you.” She turns around and starts to exit the room, wondering why Melinda was so hostile towards her.

 

Jennifer opens the door and shuts it behind her. She turns around and is surprised to find the doctor standing outside the corridor. He looks embarrassed. Jennifer’s instincts tell her he overheard her encounter with the singer. 

 

Doctor Gavin offers her his hand, which she accepts, and he starts to walk her away from the backstage.

 

“You’ll have to forgive Melinda, Mrs. Hart. She is still recovering from her ex-husband’s death. I had to give her a sedative the night of the murder. She was very distraught when I found her in the infirmary,” Gavin explains with sympathy as they enter the lounge from backstage.

 

Jennifer, startled by what the doctor just confessed about Melinda regarding her relationship with the bandleader, stops walking. She looks at Doctor Gavin, stunned by the revelation. “He was her ex-husband?!!!”

A few minutes later, Jennifer enters the casino, bursting with activity as passengers enjoy the slot machines and other gambling activities offered to passengers only aboard the ship. She looks around for Jonathan in the crowded room. 

 

She finds him standing near the Black Jack Table, standing behind a group of people playing. Jennifer walks over to her husband. She stands beside him. Jonathan has on his jacket, which is not buttoned up since they are indoors.

 

“The purser gave me your message,” Jennifer says, raising her voice to be heard over the noise. “Why did you leave a word to meet you here?” she asks, looking around at all the faces gathered at the table.

 

“I’ll explain soon,” Jonathan replies, whispering in his wife’s ear so they won’t be overheard. “Did you get on friendly terms with Melinda?” he asks hopefully.

 

“I had as much chance of getting on friendly terms with her as an iceberg,” Jennifer replies with disappointment.

"I’m sorry about the cold shoulder, darling, but the bartender could have given Walter Winchell a run for his money,” Jonathan replies as a lot of the passengers break up and walk away from the Black Jack Table.

 

He walks over with Jennifer. They stand by the front of the table. Richard Rowling III, standing across from the couple, is playing the game. Rowling, successful, is on a winning streak. He collects his winnings with a wide grin on his face. Jennifer notices his presence.

“You cheated!!!” one of the male passengers standing at the table shouts out.

 

Everyone, including the Harts, turns to face the passenger who made the accusation. He is an older white-haired gentleman in his early eighties. In her late seventies, his gray-haired wife stares at her husband, embarrassed at him, calling out the other man loud enough for people at the table to hear.

 

“I’ve been playing this game every day since we set sail, and so far, I haven’t had any luck. I have seen you in the casino twice now. You were in here the second night out. I recall your presence here very well. I remember because it was shortly before that jerk of a bandleader dropped dead. Don’t tell me you are just lucky at this game!” the husband retorts in anger and resentment.

 

His wife places her hand on his arm to calm her husband down. “Honey, please. Blackjack is just a game,” she pleads in a whisper.

 

Before the husband can respond, Rowling stares at him calmly. “Let’s just say I’ve always been lucky at cards,” he replies with a bit of sympathy. “Maybe Lady Luck will come your way. Excuse me.” 

 

Rowling walks off as he counts his winnings.

 

“Yeah, luck be a lady tonight,” the infuriated man mumbles to himself, quoting lyrics from a song from Guys And Dolls. He tosses his cards onto the table with frustration and storms out, his wife following behind, more than relieved to be leaving the casino.

 

“How about a game of Black Jack, Mr. Hart?” the dealer asks with a smile.

 

“Yes. I think I’ll give it a try,” Jonathan replies. “It’s been years since I played, but what can I lose?”

 

After being persuaded to play, the couple takes a seat. Rowling notices Jonathan playing the game. He is curious to know if Jonathan will have any success at Black Jack, so he returns to the table and stays out of the way, watching. 

 

To Jennifer’s surprise and relief, Jonathan is lucky at cards.

“I think I’ll stop before my luck runs out,” Jonathan tells the dealer, rising from his seat along with Jennifer. He is handed his chips.

 

“At least I have proven I may be lucky at love, but I’m also lucky at cards,” Jonathan remarks, impressed.

 

“Don’t keep me hanging, darling. Tell me what the bartender revealed to you,” Jennifer replies, anxious to be filled in on all the gossip.

 

The couple is roaming around the casino, passing occupied passengers trying their luck.

 

“To begin with, I learned The Jewel Princess has so many dark secrets and motives to fill up this ship. Even the bartender himself had a motive,” Jonathan starts to say before plunging into all the details. "First off, I found out why the captain has the statue with the name of The Grand Vikings Princess engraved. It was another cruise ship he was in charge of years ago. And you won’t believe what all those suspects have in common.”

 

“They were all on The Grand Vikings Princess,” Jennifer guesses.

 

Jonathan nods before continuing.

 

“Jayden Schmidt held the same position on that ship. He was a con artist and gangster. There was a scandal that broke out, which affected so many of the crew’s lives. I tried to find out what the scandal was, but the bartender thought it would be imprudent to reveal all the facts.

 

Grant was swindled out of his retirement money. He had to rebuild his life. He became the captain of The Jewel Princess to avoid becoming broke. The bartender did inform me that the man we knew as Schmidt went into the witness protection program after giving names of so many of his criminal friends. He even changed his appearance.”

 

“But somehow, the crew found out his real identity after he was hired to lead the orchestra on The Jewel Princess,” Jennifer replies, sensing what her husband was going to say next.

 

Jonathan nods again before continuing once more. “As I mentioned, Schmidt was a con artist. He would cheat at cards and craps. He always wanted the finer things in life. Here’s where things get interesting. Melinda once left the captain and filed for divorce after falling for Schmidt’s charms. She was abandoned after only one year of marriage.”

 

“That much about Melinda’s relationship with Schmidt I did learn. Doctor Gavin told me he was her ex-husband. She was so distraught he had to give her a sedative the night of the murder.”

 

Jonathan stares at Jennifer before carrying on from where he left off.

 

“That doesn’t surprise me. Schmidt cheated on her with two of her friends. Melinda even gave up her career to marry him. She returned to singing to support herself. Melinda and Grant secretly remarried after he became captain of this ship. 

 

Melinda blamed Schmidt for corrupting her brother. He taught him how to cheat people and take advantage of women. The captain came close to killing Schmidt on several occasions. He even almost fired him. Melinda attempted to kill her former husband with a knife. Gavin managed to calm her down and talked her out of murder. The poor woman almost suffered a nervous breakdown. 

 

And here is some interesting news on Melinda’s past. Before she chose singing as her profession, she went into nursing. She and Doctor Gavin went to the same college together. He was her boyfriend those days. Gavin got into a nasty argument with Schmidt. He even threatened to kill him if he continued to lead Melinda on and didn’t break up their relationship.

 

The captain graduated to become a doctor before discovering his love of the sea. His father was a collector of antique ship weapons. He once gave his son a sword. Schmidt also seduced the gift shop’s saleswoman. He swept her off her feet by buying her countless gifts such as flowers and expensive presents. The man even gave her a diamond wedding ring. Schmidt broke off their engagement the same day he left the doctor’s mother at the altar. 

 

Gavin was also a victim of Schmidt’s cheating at cards. Our cruise director once dated our ship’s photographer, another victim of his cheating. The photographer once caught Mandi in bed with Schmidt. She is a Karate expert. She also has an impressive knowledge of weapons, mainly knives."

 

Jennifer is speechless. “I hate to think how things could get worse for Schmidt’s victims,” Jennifer replies, trying to take in all her husband learned from the bartender.

 

“Our ship’s purser probably had the worst luck, darling. His uncle was cheated out of his life’s savings. He was double-crossed. The bartender has probably the least unlikely motive to kill Schmidt. He always lost the women he had crushes on all those past cruises to Schmidt’s fatal charm.”

 

The couple is reaching the front of the casino where the slot machines are located.

 

“Did the bartender know anything about the FBI agent posing as a steward or notice a man carrying a gun in his uniform, darling?”

 

“No, that was news to him. He was shocked as you and I were over an FBI agent undercover,” Jonathan replies, turning around to face Jennifer.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer stop walking. Instead, they stand face to face as they continue discussing all they learned about the suspects and their motives.

 

“No wonder Melinda came close to having a nervous breakdown. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!” Jennifer exclaims, feeling pity for her. “What about that passenger who I think I saw on stage in New York?”

 

“She was Schmidt’s first flame. It was after she took the cruise he became a womanizer. The woman sailed on the first cruise on The Grand Vikings Princess. The bartender couldn’t recall her name. At the time, she wasn’t acting on stage. He believes she became an actress to forget all about the affair. The only time he has seen her in the bar was shortly before the murder, and she mentioned she was auditioning for the role of Juliet.”      

 

“Norma Cornell,” Jennifer says with sudden realization. “I remember now. I saw her perform on stage in Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. She was so breathtakingly beautiful it's no wonder she caught Schmidt’s eye. I read in the paper a few years back that Miss Cornell retired. She was showing early stages of Dementia. It's such a shame. The article mentioned Cornell studied with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio. Strasburg once referred to her as the American Sarah Bernhardt of the 19th century New York stage,” she adds with deep admiration for the once-great dramatic actress.

 

Norma Cornell the Harts have just mentioned by a pure or strange coincidence is standing at one of the slot machines. The woman had just placed a coin in the machine. She overheard them discussing her. The couple starts to pass Cornell as they continue their conversation. The woman begins shaking and trembling with fear as Jonathan and Jennifer walk past her without noticing her.

 

“This murder feels like a plot from The Days Of Our Lives,” Jennifer comments.

 

“Yes, it’s apparent you can’t tell the players without a program,” Jonathan agrees. “At least now we can narrow down the suspects. After what we discovered on the autopsy report, the killer had to study medicine.”

 

“Which leaves only Melinda, Captain Grant, and Doctor Gavin,” Jennifer concludes. “I doubt it was the doctor. He had to have known that the insulin would have shown up on the autopsy report.”

 

“Considering the captain and the doctor both have a history with Melinda, and Grant locked up Dziedzic without giving it a second thought, I’m sure our first suspicion was correct. So Grant is protecting Melinda,” Jonathan replies.

 

“We still don’t have a clue as to why the FBI agent ended up in the pool with a dagger in his back.”

 

“He could have started blackmailing Grant or found out something about the murder.”

 

“Or found out something that Grant didn’t want to be revealed,” Jennifer says just as the captain enters the casino with a look of self-satisfaction.

 

Captain Grant, noticing the couple at once, walks over to the Harts. 

 

“I’m glad I found you, Mr. and Mrs. Hart. I have been looking all over the ship for you. The purser finally told me you came into the casino. I just thought you should know you have been barking up the wrong tree and wasting time.”

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, wondering what he meant by that remark.

 

“What do you mean?” Jennifer asks certain she and Jonathan are in for another shock.

 

“I just spoke to Dr. Dziedic. He just confessed to the murder and will sign a confession as soon as we reach Anchorage,” the captain explains, quite pleased with himself and positive the Harts will stop investigating.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer stare at each other stunned.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer stand outside Dziedic’s jail cell, referred to as a brig on ships. A security guard stands nearby to be sure that the doctor remains in custody.

 

“Did you murder Jayden Schmidt, or are you covering up for your wife?” Jennifer asks, confident what the reply will be.

 

“Of course, I murdered Schmidt. Why would I confess to a murder I didn’t commit?” Dziedzic replies as if Jennifer just asked him an absurd question. "If only I hadn't stabbed him," he says, shaking his head in shame.

 

“To cover up for your wife committing the crime,” Jonathan answers. “It happens a lot when someone dies under mysterious circumstances.”

 

“Jonathan and I never believed you killed Schmidt even after we witnessed the fight, and you threatened his life. You are the least likely person aboard this ship to have murdered him. Everyone who is a member of the crew, including the captain, had stronger motives than you to resort to murder,” Jennifer says. “And you waited until today to confess.”

 

“Jennifer and I are not buying your confession unless you can explain how you killed him and had access to the infirmary,” Jonathan replies.

 

“What are you talking about?” Dziedzic asks, startled. He stares at the couple blankly. “I stabbed him to death with a dagger. You and your wife saw the murder weapon yourselves.”

 

“If you sign a confession to a murder you never committed, you will be in deeper trouble than you are now,” Jennifer tells the troubled Dziedzic.

 

“Jennifer is right. You need to level with us before the captain turns you over to the state police. Once we find out who killed Schmidt, you can be set free and not face being arrested. Once the police have you in their custody, you will stand trial and most likely face years in prison or receive the death penalty,” Jonathan says seriously in a manner to be certain Dziedzic realizes how serious trouble he is in.

 

“The autopsy revealed the real cause of death. The stabbing was a coverup to conceal the truth. Since you are a doctor, you know what drug could be fatal. And you would have to find a way to sneak into the infirmary to steal the drug. How did you get hold of that drug, and what is it called?” Jennifer asks, waiting for a response.

 

Dziedzic’s face turns pale, and he stares down at the ground, looking defeated. He looks up at the Harts but remains speechless. The disturbed man sighs before replying. 

 

“You are right. I confessed to the murder to protect Amanda. As for the drug, medicine is not my specialty. I’m not a physician. I’m a licensed therapist.”

 

Jonathan and Jennifer turn to face each other stunned. 

 

“You are a psychologist?” Jonathan asks in shock.

 

“Yes, and I’m a disgrace to my profession after my behavior. I hired a hit man to kill Schmidt. He got aboard undercover to conceal his identity. I couldn’t go through with the hit. My reputation as a therapist would be ruined if we got caught. The scum wasn’t worth killing. My wife is impulsive. She almost gave Schmidt most of our income. I’m ashamed to say Amanda has been unfaithful to me since our marriage. It’s a mental disorder. Amanda experiences compulsive sexual behavior. I pleaded with her to let me counsel her myself, but she refused to let me help overcome her nymphomania. I finally came to the realization I couldn't stop Amanda from continuing to commit adultery. Her indiscretions became too much to tolerate. I lost control. I couldn’t tolerate her behavior, and I began to lose my temper. If you can prove someone working on this ship committed the crime, I’ll force Amanda to seek professional help. I’ll also finally consent to seek anger management. I never once laid a hand on my wife during our marriage not once. I love Amanda too much to divorce her,” the doctor confesses as tears stream down his face. “She made a reservation to take the cruise by herself, but I was adamant she wasn’t going without me.”

 

Jonathan and Jennifer, both sympathetic to Dziedic’s marital troubles, place a comforting hand on him. 

 

“Are you certain Amanda killed Schmidt?” Jennifer asks.

 

“No, but I have a strong feeling she did and a reason for suspecting her.” 

 

Dziedzic reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a receipt which he hands to Jennifer.

 

The couple examines it as the therapist explains how he came to suspect his wife. 

 

“A receipt for a dagger,” Jennifer says, reading the receipt aloud.

 

Dziedzic continues with his explanation. 

 

“The night of the murder, when I returned to our cabin Amanda was nowhere in sight. The time was half an hour before Schmidt met his fate. I found that receipt lying around in our stateroom. The assistant purser stopped by and told me Schmidt was missing. He wanted to know if I had seen him. I panicked, and I went searching for Amanda. I never did find her aboard the ship. She returned after one o’clock. I demanded to know where she had been. For the first time, Amanda snapped at me and told me I was becoming paranoid. I told her about the murder, but she just looked blankly at me and went to bed without ever saying a word. Amanda hasn’t spoken to me since,” Dziedzic says with a tone of regret and sadness in his voice.

 

“Did you show the captain the receipt?” Jonathan asks as he and Jennifer look up at him.

 

“Yes, but Grant insisted harshly that I could have purchased the dagger myself.”

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances. 

 

“We’ll get to the bottom of the murder. And when we do, the captain will have a lot to answer to,” Jonathan replies with a tone of anger in his voice that he would throw an innocent man into the brig without concrete evidence.

Jonathan and Jennifer have just boarded a steam train that travels back in time to the period of The Gold Rush. The Jewel Princess docked at the pier where passengers could just jump on a train alongside the ship. 

 

Four years ago, a highway, at last, had been built. Sadly, the business of the railway decreased, forcing White Pass to cease operating. However, thanks to the occasional cruises during Valentine’s Day, business began booming. The railroad was earning enough money to run when the ship came into town.

 

The train is pulling away, ascending to White Pass. Both wearing a backpack and comfortable and warm hiking clothing, Jonathan and Jennifer make their way through each rail car until they reach their reserved seats. They come to the third car and find two empty seats. The second one is next to a window with a lovely view.

 

Jonathan stands aside, allowing Jennifer to sit down first. They take off their backpacks which they place by their seats. Jennifer sits down in the chair near the window. Jonathan sits down across from her; the couple makes themselves comfortable. 

 

Jennifer is carrying a camera bag around her shoulder. She places her purse under her seat before leaning back and enjoying the ride.

 

The train, departing Skagway, comes upon The Gold Rush Cemetery where Soapy Smith and other old-timers like Frank Reid from its past, their final resting place, is located. The Harts have the best seats aboard and can see the names on the tombstones clearly.

 

 

 

 

Soon as the conductor has collected most of the tickets, two men walk into the car. The conductor is a pleasant-looking gentleman in his late sixties with white hair. He walks over to the gentlemen and requests to see their tickets and passports. They oblige. After examining the passports, he exits the car, having completed his duty.

 

The two men are the captain and the man dressed up as a waiter, concealing a gun. They have changed into their civilian clothes and are making their way to the seats when Jonathan and Jennifer notice them. The two men are whispering to each other and so preoccupied that they don’t realize the Harts are aboard. 

 

They take their seats behind the couple. The hit-man is carrying a mysterious-looking black carry-on bag with a shoulder strap and two pockets. Jennifer, recognizing the other man, turns to Jonathan. She is speechless, afraid the hit-man may be carrying a gun in that bag.

 

"Jonathan, that man is the one I saw concealing the gun in his uniform. He must be the hit- man Dziedzic hired to kill Schmidt,” Jennifer whispers while eying the men.

 

Jonathan turns to look up at the men before turning back to face Jennifer. He watches as the hit man releases the strap around his shoulder and places the bag under his chair. 

 

“A hit-man and a ship’s captain on a train. Why am I not surprised?” Jonathan whispers back.

 

“Makes me question his real intention of locking up the therapist. Hit-men don’t use knives to carry out a contract,” Jennifer replies with a tone of suspension.

 

“The hit-man is probably thinking of taking on our captain as a new client. He must be mad as a grizzly bear for Dziedzic calling off the hit. It looks like the brig is the safest place for him at the moment.”

 

The Harts stop discussing the mysterious circumstance involving the murder. Captain Grant and the mysterious stranger cease their silent conversation. The hit man takes out a deck of cards from the pocket of his jacket.

 

“I’ll shuffle,” he tells the captain loud enough for the couple to hear. Then, he begins shuffling the cards and handing the captain his share.

 

They are playing Gin Rummy without gambling since it is illegal on dry land in Alaska. The hit man takes out a cigarette which he lights while the men pick up their cards.

By now, the train is approaching a river valley where waterfalls and rock ledges lay. Jennifer, almost always the photographer, picks the camera to take pictures. The captain and hired killer are the only people aboard not interested in the sights. 

 

The train eventually moves its position from sea level to over two thousand feet at the summit. By this point in the excursion, passengers can witness Glacier Gorge.

The men have finished their game and are continuing their private discussion. They are still whispering but speaking loud enough for Jennifer to hear. Jennifer, looking to see how much film is available in the camera, eavesdrops while Jonathan gazes out the window.

 

“Are you sure about this?” Grant asks with a look of doubt. “I didn’t come aboard so that we would be participating in a wild goose chase.”

 

“From examining the item the FBI agent discovered in Schmidt’s cabin before he was killed, we are definitely on the right track. It’s the lead you need to pursue to recover the money that the snake swindled from you in his gold scam.”

 

At the mention of a gold scam, Jennifer’s attention is now entirely on the conversation. She leans back in her chair so she hears the discussion better without the men discovering her interest.

 

“I waited for years to recover the money. It’s about time I reclaim what is rightfully mine. The authorities were completely incompetent to find the stolen cash. So I had to hire that federal agent with what little money I have left,” the captain replies with disgust and anger. “I’m not sorry that scoundrel is dead. He paid too high a price for being a con artist,” Grant adds in a tone of pure hate and contempt, which makes Jennifer suspect the captain of being the killer even more. “His death is poetic justice,” he says coldly, which causes chills to go down Jennifer’s spine.

 

“Don’t worry. I am determined to help you find the gold. You just keep your end of the deal. I get fifty percent in return for my generous offer. Regretfully Dziedzic bailed out on me at the last minute. Coward! After his weak wife cheats on him daily and had an affair with Schmidt during their engagement, you’d think he would want the jerk to get what he had coming.”

 

“Dziedzic may be temperamental and possessive of Amanda, but he certainly isn’t a killer. He was my therapist after Melinda and I separated. I probably would have become an alcoholic if it weren’t for his guidance and understanding. I hated to lock him up in the brig, but I had no choice. He will be turned over to the authorities once we reach Anchorage. If only Mr. and Mrs. Hart weren’t so inquisitive. They almost ruined my arrangements. I just hope they realize they are way in over their heads.”

 

“You certainly thought about the murder thoroughly before locking up your former psychologist.”

 

“Just be certain that word doesn’t get out about him hiring you to make the hit! If the Harts find out your true identity and trace me back to you, I’ll certainly be their number one suspect. They already know too much and are suspicious of me,” Grant warns sharply.

 

“I carry out contacts, captain. I normally make it a rule not to discuss my business with anyone, especially outsiders. I just make the hit and collect my money,” the hit-man replies sternly and with a tone of seriousness. “What you and I discuss remains private.”

 

“Are you sure you know the way around Skagway?”

 

“I know the way around Skagway the way you know the way around your ship,” the hit-man assures him with a sly grin. “It just so happens Soapy Smith, and I are related. He’s an ancestor of mine. All there is to know about the Gold Rush I have learned from my family. Relatives came over here to Alaska to search for gold during that era. I always longed to have to search for the gold and stake a claim,” he assures the captain with a tone of arrogance. “Let’s take a look at that paper.” 

 

He points to the bag under the captain’s chair. “I want to examine it again before we reach our destination.”

 

The captain reaches into his carry-on bag. Jennifer and Jonathan watch as he takes out an old and worn-out torn newspaper. The two men lower their voices to the point Jennifer can no longer hear them. The captain and his traveling companion examine the back of the newspaper.

 

The train is crossing into the abyss. 

 

Jonathan turns to face his wife, who has taken out her makeup powder from her purse. Jennifer, pretending to be applying it to her face. In reality, she looks through the mirror to see what the two men behind her are staring at.

 

“Jennifer-” Jonathan starts to say quietly, attempting to revive his wife’s interest in their train ride.

 

Jennifer, not wanting the captain and hired killer to become aware of their presence, instantly signals Jonathan to be silent. She stops applying the powder routine and is now acting as if she is fixing up her hair. 

 

Jonathan is taken aback at his wife, drawn to the conversation occurring behind them since her desire for their trip was to be all pleasure. He leans back and crosses his legs while going back to admiring the scenery.

 

“Wait until we reach our destination,” the hit-man says to the captain in an audible but low voice.

 

Jennifer decides she better put her makeup back before drawing attention. 

 

Grant and the hit-man are still whispering to each other while examining the newspaper.

 

“Let’s stretch our legs, darling,” Jonathan suggests now that Jennifer returned her makeup to her purse. “We’ll take in the scenery from the outside.”

 

“I could do with a breath of fresh air right now, darling,” Jennifer agrees, picking up her purse to take with her. The camera is now dangling around her neck.

 

Just as the couple starts to rise from their seats, Rowling starts to rise from his chair. He has seated himself several rows away from the Harts, the captain, and the hit-man. 

 

The train makes an unexpected jerk in movement, almost causing the Harts and Rowling to lose their balance. 

 

By now, the passengers have reached Tunnel Mountain, plunging them into darkness briefly before Jonathan and Jennifer catch hold of their seats to steady themselves. 

 

 

Rowling is thrown from where he is standing and bumps into the captain and hit-man. The newspaper falls out of the men’s hands. They frown upon the intrusion. 

 

Rowling winces in pain while holding onto his arm with the cane in his hand. The train is ascending into Inspiration Point, where the sight of Lynn Canal can be seen from the top of the mountain.

“Look where you are going, old man!!!” the hit-man shouts with exasperation out loud enough to catch the attention of all the other passengers in the car.

 

They turn in his direction and stare at the man, wondering why he is fired by a bit of an accident. Jonathan and Jennifer stare at the hit-man. The newspaper lands under Jennifer’s seat. 

 

Jennifer, having witnessed the old newspaper landing near her feet, leans over. She picks up the newspaper. She notices a headline that reads, “Longtime Gambler And Con Artist Accused Of Cheating And Swindling Numerous People Out Of Money Involving Gold Scam Is Finally In Police Custody.” 

 

An old date at the top of the page also catches her attention. Jennifer’s eyes detect a code of some kind scribbled backward across the article about the capture and arrest. The code is written in blank ink, fading with the rest of the typed written headlines and articles on the paper. She starts to read the code.

 

The captain instantly snatches the newspaper away from her as if she is committing an invasion of privacy.

 

“Please, Mrs. Hart, if you don’t mind. Go purchase your newspaper in Skagway,” Grant orders with uneasiness and a bit of panic in his voice.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances after witnessing the condition the old newspaper is in. 

 

Just as they rise from their seats, Rowling almost collide with Jennifer. His eyes are on the door leading to the other car on the other side of the train.

 

“That man certainly gets around,” Jennifer comments as she watches the man limping in pain as he makes his way out of the car with his cane.

 

“He isn’t the only one, darling,” Jonathan replies, glancing over at the captain and the hitman still looking over the newspaper.

 

The couple starts to exit the car and shut the door behind them as they head toward the observation car. 

 

As they pass a restroom, the door opens slowly. An unseen stranger watches as Jonathan and Jennifer exit. They pause to allow other passengers to pass by them. 

 

The stranger cautiously opens Jennifer's purse dangling from her arm. With black gloves on, the person places a postcard of Alaska into her purse before shutting the handbag. 

 

The Harts continue to make their way toward the back of the observation car. The stranger turns to spy on the captain and hit-man before coming out of hiding. The door is shut, and the person follows the Harts out. His footsteps move softly and slowly, conscientious of not making his presence known.

Jonathan and Jennifer enter the observation car. Once approaching the platform, Jonathan holds the door open for his wife. He stands aside. Jennifer, stepping onto the deck, walks over to the railing. Jonathan shuts the door behind them. He walks over and stands by Jennifer’s side. They can see the treetops and mountains that are below.

 

The Lynn Canal and Dead Horse Gulch can be viewed from the platform. It’s a perfect place to witness the sight below. Jennifer picks up the camera and returns to the role of photographer. 

 

As the couple stands by to admire the scenery, the stranger watches from a safe distance in the observation car. The person keeps his eyes on Jennifer's handbag, anxious for her to discover the postcard.

Then, the train begins to cross over the Steele Bridge before coming to the side of a cliff where the famous Trail of 98 can be sighted quickly. 

 

A camera snapping photos are heard as the next destination, White Pass Summit, is passed. 

 

The mountain pass is on the border of Alaska and the province of British Columbia.

Jonathan and Jennifer are hiking towards Upper Reid Falls after making it back to town on the train. They had passed The Gold Rush Cemetery. The falls are fifteen minutes away on foot, and the lower falls are near the cemetery. Since it was the most accessible place to hike and more like a trail, it is a popular tourist attraction. 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer had decided to walk to the Icy Lake and Upper Reid Falls instead. Fortunately for the couple, their hiking spot is tranquil and deserted. They have reached the south end of the lake. A trail heads uphill to where there are a series of waterfalls.

 

“How about lunch?” Jonathan asks, a bit out of breath.

 

“We are hiking in Skagway where the Gold Rush broke out in the 1890s, and you are thinking of food? Jonathan, the walk up from the cemetery has been only ten minutes,” Jennifer replies in disbelief.

 

“Look at it this way. Once we eat, we can burn those calories off,” Jonathan says with a sly smile, wrapping his arms around Jennifer.

 

“Besides, we got the rest of the afternoon before we have to head back to the ship.” He kisses her on the lips.

 

“I’m beginning to wish I had the chef pack us lunch instead of purchasing food in town,” Jennifer replies. “All right. We’ll have our picnic now,” she says with a grin. She turns to face Jonathan to return the kiss.

 

The couple, taking off their backpack, lie back on the grass to rest. While Jonathan and Jennifer face the lake, Jennifer reaches into her backpack to take out their lunch. The Reindeer Dogs the couple purchased in town are hotdogs with sausages cooked with caribou, pork, and beef. 

 

The bun contains onions, mustard, cream cheese, ketchup, and relish. Jennifer takes out the Alaskan hotdogs wrapped in foil and hands one to her husband. She then reaches into her backpack again to take out two plastic cups of fresh hot coffee. Jennifer removes the lids and hands a cup to Jonathan. 

 

They begin to eat their picnic lunch in silence for a few moments, enjoying the solitude and scenery.

 

“Remember the first time we had our picnic?” Jonathan asks, turning to face his wife.

 

“I sure do. It was soon after we became engaged. That was quite some lunch Max packed for us.”

 

“Yes, hotdogs and fries.”

 

"I thought you were going to tell him to pack a romantic meal,” Jennifer says with a chuckle.

 

“I seem to recall it was when I learned you don’t cook that I offered to provide lunch.”

 

“Hot dogs and fries?” Jennifer asks in amusement.

 

“You told me not to go to any trouble packing us lunch and told Max to pack something simple,” Jonathan insists adamantly, turning to stare at Jennifer in response to her reaction. He takes a sip of coffee.

 

“Hot dogs and fries are simple enough,” Jennifer admits, turning to look at Jonathan. “And the atmosphere was romantic enough.” She picks up her cup of coffee to sip.

 

“Yes, right there in upstate New York.”

 

“I have to admit Max makes good hot dogs and fries.”

 

“And we did have dinner on our last day in New York at Tavern On The Green,” Jonathan adds. “It was our first time in NYC together. We went to the Rockefeller Center and Radio Center Music Hall. Remember?” he asks with a pleasant smile as they reminisce about their past engagement.

 

“Yes, skating at Rockefeller Center. That trip was our first Christmas in New York,” Jennifer replies with a smile. “And we still eat hot dogs and fries from time to time on picnics.”

 

Jonathan smiles as he looks at Jennifer with adoration. “You know I would have been just as happy on that picnic if you had just made us peanut butter sandwiches.”

 

“You would?” Jennifer asks with a delighted smile.

 

Jonathan nods reassuringly. Jennifer smiles, deeply touched by his honesty and generosity towards her lack of skill to cook. At times she found her husband teasing her about her inability to make a meal.

 

Just as the couple is about to continue to eat their lunch, they hear men's voices coming from a distance. It sounds as if they are walking up from the cemetery. Their footsteps get louder as they get closer to where the Harts are trying to eat their meal. 

 

A look comes over Jennifer’s face as she stares off into the distance.

 

“Is something wrong? We can always continue with our hike and picnic someplace else.” Jonathan asks, noticing the disturbed look on his wife’s face.

 

“Jonathan, we have to find a place to hide. It’s the captain and the hit-man coming this way. I can recognize their voices.”

 

“We better get out of here, darling,” Jonathan replies reluctantly, helping Jennifer place their meal back into her backpack, mindful not to spoil the hotdog and cups. Jennifer puts the lids back on the coffee.

 

He helps Jennifer up to her feet and places his backpack on his back. Jennifer quickly places hers on as well.

 

 They start to rush out of Icy Lake without causing any attention to their presence. The Harts head up the trail, walking briskly up the hills, leading them in the northwest direction.

Finally, they reach Upper Reid Falls, out of breath from the fifteen-minute hike. Just as the couple begins to walk over the rocks by a waterfall, Jennifer trips on a rock. Jonathan grabs her by the hand, preventing her from falling. He is about to lead her on their way when Jennifer happens to look down and notices something hidden under a rock.

 

“Darling,” Jennifer says, getting down on her hands and knees. “I think we just uncovered the gold,” she explains as Jonathan turns to look at what caught her attention.

 

They exchange glances. Just as Jonathan bends down to examine whatever is concealed under the rock, he almost trips over a few along the way. Jennifer grabs him by the hand to keep him from losing his balance. The couple jumps off of the rocks and stands back, facing the waterfall. They know they only have a matter of time before the captain and the hired killer show up and discover their presence.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer instantly get down on their hands and knees. Jonathan turns over the few rocks he almost fell over. A dirty gold pan is lying in the water under the rock. He picks up the pan only to find it empty. 

 

He turns over another rock which reveals tweezers used to pick up the gold. Turning over the third rock, Jonathan finds filthy dirty rubber gloves and the remains of a small magnet.

“Schmidt must have buried the equipment in a hurry while running away from the law,” Jennifer says, observing Jonathan’s discoveries.

 

Jonathan looks into the waterfall to find what is left of a damaged magnifying lens with no glass and small glass vials. The rocks and water have destroyed the lens and vials to the point that it would take a good eye and close-up examination to reveal what the items were.

 

“And judging by the broken tree branch, he must have been running in that direction,” Jonathan replies, pointing to the branch nearby, a reasonable distance away from the waterfall.

 

Jennifer is about to overturn her rock in an attempt to discover if the gold is hidden there. The captain and the hit-man’s heated discussion can be heard from behind them. 

 

Jonathan quickly places the pan where he found it and turns the rocks over to their normal position. Knowing they are about in viewing distance, Jonathan and Jennifer grab hold of each other’s hands. They look around for a place to take cover.

 

“You better be right about the gold being hidden up here,” Grant says with a sigh and sound of exhaustion. “I’m not as young as I used to be.”

 

Jonathan, seeing they have no other options, leads Jennifer to behind the waterfall. He climbs ahead of her while still holding onto her hand. He helps Jennifer up after reaching the top overlooking the waterfall. 

 

Jennifer looks at Jonathan, who is studying their climate. Jonathan sees more rocks a short distance behind them. They duck behind the rocks just as the men come into sight.

The captain looks around, uncertain of where they should hunt for the gold first.

 

“Here. Let’s look under these rocks. This metal detector should save us the trouble of overturning each of them.”

 

They walk over to the fall. Jonathan and Jennifer look up just enough to see what the men are up to. 

 

The hired killer walks over to the rocks as if he is on a quest for gold. He turns on the detector and runs it over the rocks. The detector, locating something, makes a noise, alerting the two anxious men it picked up something. 

 

The captain smiles as he stands over and watches the other man turn over some rocks. The second man overturns the rocks Jonathan almost stumbled over. 

 

They find the pan, the tweezers, gloves, magnets, and the broken lens and vials. They exchange glances of excitement and are satisfied they have finally uncovered the gold. 

 

Grant, noticing the rock Jennifer turned over seems to be out of place, turns it around. Just as the hit-man is examining the equipment, the captain discovers two nugget bags.

 

“At last!” Grant exclaims, picking up the bags.

 

He frowns upon realizing the bags don’t seem to weigh anything. He fears the worst and unties the bags. Just as Grant expected, the bags are empty. The captain sighs in disgust and tosses the bags into the waterfall with frustration. 

 

“Empty bags!!! I should have known that scoundrel was too clever to hide the nuggets where anyone could find them if they looked hard enough. Let’s get out of here. I want to get back to the ship,” Grant says with annoyance and looking as if recovering his losses is hopeless.

 

He starts to walk off when the hit-man grabs him by the arms firmly. 

 

“Just a moment. I want my money,” the hit-man says with a scowl. He takes out his gun from his holster and aims it at the captain, who is shocked.

 

“How can I pay you? We didn’t find the gold!” Grant exclaims in a panic.

 

“Someone is going to pay me one hundred grand before the trip is over, or I’m going to carry out a contract with no charge! You got a price on your head, captain. I got hired to assassinate someone, and I always carry out my instructions. I don’t expect any last-minute cancellations. I’m a hired killer. Not a salesman who accepts refunds! It’s either you or Dziedzic. You have until we reach Anchorage to reach a decision. I’m sure someone on your crew is loyal enough to lend you the cash without any questions asked. Give me the money before you hand the therapist over to the Alaska State Troopers, and I’ll forget we even know each other!!!” the hit-man insists calmly, staring at the panicked captain with a stern look. “One Hundred grand, or you are a dead man!”

 

The captain sighs and nods in agreement. “Hundred grand it is. I’ll get your money somehow.”

 

“Good. Let’s go back to The Jewel Princess then. See what happens when you cooperate, captain?” the hit-man asks with a sly grin, placing the weapon back into his holster.

 

He stands aside and lets go of Grant’s arm. The hit-man follows the captain away from the Upper Reid Falls by the path they came. 

 

The Harts wait until they are out of sight before making a sound.

 

“We better find that gold, darling, or our captain is going to end up on ice along with the federal agent,” Jonathan states calmly as they come out from behind the rocks. He has a look of concern on his face.

 

Jennifer is contemplating when suddenly a look comes over her face. 

 

“Jonathan,” she starts to say, an expression on her face that looks like she just recalled something. 

 

Jonathan turns to face her. 

 

“I think I know where the gold is hidden.”

 

“Where?” Jonathan asks in surprise.

 

“The cruise ship,” Jennifer replies, turning to face her husband.

Soon after returning to the ship late that afternoon after their trip in Skagway and uncovering the gold scam, Jonathan and Jennifer are in the main lobby. Jonathan opens the door for his wife, and they enter the gift shop. The saleswoman is waiting on a customer who turns out to be Richard Rowling III. He is inquiring about purchasing a Totem pole.

 

The pole stands behind the register facing the entrance to the shop. It’s a tall and unique native-designed Haida mortuary Totem pole. The monument carving is one of a kind and stands out. The size is twenty-four inches, and not one of the Totem poles found displayed in tourist shops. This particular pole makes you feel as if you were going to participate in some kind of ritual. The mortuary pole is locked up in a glass shelf by itself.

“Where did you purchase that interesting Totem pole, my dear?” the gentleman asks with a pleasant smile. He is staring at the pole behind the counter as if it is a piece of art that took his breath away. “I’m a collector of Alaskan art, particularly Totem poles. Would you be interested in selling it?”

 

“I didn’t purchase the Totem anywhere, sir. It was given to me as a present,” the saleslady replies with a friendly smile. “It is unique, so that is why I have it on display. I’m afraid it’s not for sale.” 

 

The gift shop sales lady is a relatively attractive and friendly white-haired woman in her late sixties. Her name tag reads, ”Bonnie McCambridge.”

 

“I can see why. However, if you change your mind, I’d be more than willing to give you a more than a fair offer for it,” Rowling says with a tone of understanding. “I have always been intrigued by Totem poles. I taught art at a university in Los Angeles for many years.”

 

“I’m afraid I’d never sell it. It has a personal value to me. I’m sorry.”

 

“No apologies necessary. Don’t give my offer another thought. More than anyone I can appreciate the sentiments regarding presents. Good day,” Rowling replies in a manner of understanding.

 

“Good day, sir,” Bonnie replies with a nod of her head as the gentleman turns around.

 

Jennifer is standing right behind the older man with Jonathan behind her. Rowling, appearing not to have noticed her presence, steps on her foot once again. Jennifer rolls her eyes but remains silent. She manages a weak smile despite the pain she is suffering from. 

 

Jennifer moves her foot around, hoping to relieve the pain. However, she has the urge to scream. Jonathan looks at his wife with a look of uneasiness and pity. Jonathan, taking her by the arm, looks down at her foot. Her foot appears to be in good shape despite being repeatedly stepped on throughout the cruise.

 

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Hart! My eyes aren't what they used to be. I need to schedule an appointment with my optometrist when I return to Los Angeles,” Rowling replies, looking down at Jennifer’s foot. 

 

He looks as if he is feeling remorse for his mishap. The man is holding onto his arm again, which is still in pain.

 

“It’s all right. I only need one foot to walk around on,” Jennifer replies good-naturedly, refraining from commenting on his remark about seeing his optometrist.

 Rowling gives Jennifer a friendly but ashamed smile. He mutters an apology before exiting the shop. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances.

 

“I don’t know what I’m looking forward to the most, darling, solving this mystery or returning home if I don’t end up in the infirmary before the cruise is over,” Jennifer whispers.

 

“I’ll massage your foot when we return to our cabin, darling,” Jonathan replies.

 

The couple approaches the front of the counter, where Bonnie is ready to wait on them.

 

“I’m sorry about the mishap, Mrs. Hart,” she says with sympathy, staring down at Jennifer’s foot. “How may I help you? Are you looking for anything in particular?”

 

“You can help us uncover the gold your former boyfriend concealed right here in this shop,” Jonathan replies, placing his hand on the counter. “Jennifer and I know all about the gold scam.”

 

Bonnie looks at Jonathan and Jennifer, turning red in the face. She is appalled and offended by the accusation. “If he hid the gold somewhere in this shop right under my very nose, he didn’t confide in me!” Bonnie exclaims, raising her voice. “Schmidt never confided in me about anything.”

 

“We are sorry for upsetting you. My husband and I are not making any accusations. It’s just that we know how many of the crew he swindled and could get their money back if they claimed the gold,” Jennifer explains gently.

 

Bonnie’s angry expression dissolves, and her temper calms down. The friendliness returns to her voice. “I apologize for losing my temper. It’s just I haven’t been the same since that snake dumped me. I thought he gave me that Totem pole as a present to make amends.”

 

“What did he say when he gave it to you?” Jonathan asks.

 

“He was honest with me for once. Schmidt told me frankly to my face that the Totem pole was not a present and was to be picked up the moment we returned to port in Los Angeles. I should have been suspicious then, but after he conned the crew all those years ago, it never occurred to me he would strike it rich by pure accident. I just thought Schmidt wanted to be sure the Totem pole was someplace safe. I told him to hand it over to the purser to be placed in cargo, but he refused. I thought he didn’t want to have any interaction with the purser. They hadn’t spoken after swindling his uncle.”

 

“Jonathan and I remembered something that Schmidt said. At first, his words didn’t mean anything until we deciphered their meaning,” Jennifer explains.

 

“All we want is to take a look at the pole. If we are wrong about the nuggets being hidden in it, then you can keep it. If not, Jennifer and I will have no choice but to report the gold to the captain.”

 

“Be my guest. The captain more than anyone deserves to receive the gold, ” Bonnie replies with a smile, sounding eager and more than willing to cooperate after being informed of the couple’s theory.

 

Shortly after, Jonathan holds the one-of-a-kind Totem pole in his own hand after Bonnie unlocked the cabinet.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are standing in the back of the shop, out of sight. A “Closed” sign has been placed on the door, which is bolted locked. Some passengers, wondering why the shop has been closed up and what the couple is up to, glance in their direction. The purser stands at his desk with Mandi as they look on, curious about what is going on.

 

Bonnie and Jennifer watch with anticipation and curiosity as Jonathan reaches down to open the compartment in the back of the mortuary pole. At first glance, it would seem the reconstruction of the Haida had been built without a secret hiding place. But the back appears to be solid instead, unlike real Haida poles used for burial. 

Jonathan, examining the texture thoroughly, notices that there is a portion of the wood loose. The very bottom of the pole is where he made the discovery. He runs his hands over the location, which results in the concealed compartment opening. 

Once it opens all the way, a box big enough to contain gifts can be seen stored in its hiding place. Jonathan instantly opens the lid. The Brentwood case, which is revealed to be filled up with gold nuggets, compares with the same design of an actual wooden box which purpose was for containing human ashes.

 

Bonnie stares at the discovery dumbfounded. She is speechless, taken aback at the gold being hidden nearby the entire cruise. Jennifer watches with a smile as Jonathan opens the box and stares at the gold.

 

“If this gold were rightfully ours, I’d say we struck gold,” Jonathan says, picking up the gold so Jennifer and Bonnie can see the nuggets up close.

 

“I wonder what the Totem pole would have sold for if the proprietor of the shop knew it was being used to smuggle gold,” Jennifer remarks, impressed at the clever scheme.

 

“How did you ever realize that the gold was hidden in that pole the entire time?” Bonnie asks, taking the gold out of Jonathan’s hand to admire it.

 

“My wife deserves the credit. We found the gold pan and some other mining equipment under rocks in the waterfalls at the Upper Reid Falls,” Jonathan explains as the nuggets are returned to his hand.

 

“I stumbled upon two empty bags under one of the rocks. The night Schmidt was intoxicated, he boasted in his drunken stupor. At the time, Jonathan and I didn’t think his slurred words meant anything. We thought his ranting was a symptom of alcohol consumption. Then today, it suddenly occurred to me that he was revealing the nuggets’ hiding place. Schmidt was so drunk he probably didn’t realize he was revealing where he stashed the gold if anyone could decipher the meaning of his words,” Jennifer replies before continuing to explain. “He said, ‘My blessings I have lies within the niche of a form made only inhabitant of the final bounds.’ He was saying his riches were hidden in the compartment of the sculpture made by only the natives of the last frontier. Blessings meaning treasures or riches, niche a similar word for a compartment, form meaning sculpture, inhabitant a similar meaning to native, and final bonds referring to one of the nicknames of Alaska, The Last Frontier. Schmidt was using similes as a secret message.”

 

“He returned to reclaim the gold after leaving it behind before the authorities caught up to him,” Jonathan says. “It is most likely he chose the Haida totem knowing the compartment was once used for containing ashes after cremation.”

 

“Which he was paid handsomely for, I’m sure,” Jennifer adds. “Since Schmidt went back and forth on these cruises regularly, he surely knew the history of Totem poles. Jonathan and I saw a Haida pole with a hollow compartment on display at a museum in Sikta.”

 

“I still am at a loss to know how you figured out Schmidt was referring to this particular Totem pole,” Bonnie admits, confused.

 

“I recalled Jonathan mentioning seeing it on display the day after the murder,” Jennifer explains, shooting her husband a look of disapproval of his purchase of candy. “This particular pole seemed like the logical place to conceal the nuggets. It was, after all, the only sculpture on display. Who would think he would have hidden the gold in the compartment of a Totem pole in a gift shop aboard this ship where he was employed and right in plain sight? Schmidt could have gone through customs without the authorities ever being the wiser to the smuggling.”

 

As the couple and Bonnie continue discussing the discovery of the gold nuggets, Mandi, Melinda, the purser, the ship’s photographer, and Doctor Gavin are peeping through the shop's glass windows from the other side. They are speechless and exchange looks of wonder at witnessing the find. 

Meanwhile, while the crew is secretly staring at the gold with looks of envy and excitement, the same stranger, who was on the train and above deck several nights ago, is standing at the bottom of the stairs wearing the same black gloves. He anxiously rubs his hands together as he witnesses the purser go into the shop after being notified by Jonathan and Jennifer about the gold.

 

A romantic dinner for two has been set up in their stateroom along with candlelight, Champagne glasses, and a bottle of Champagne chilling in the ice bucket. Jonathan is lighting the candles while Jennifer has her back towards him. She is standing in front of the table by their bed, talking to someone on the telephone. 

 

Jonathan is once again wearing his evening tux while Jennifer has slipped into a satin off-the-shoulder dress.

 

“Any idea how that could have happened? Can they be prepared? Did you place the Totem pole in the cargo area?” Jennifer listens to the other end of the conversation. “I hope you can contact the local authorities and customs soon. Jonathan and I are getting ready to sit down to a quiet dinner in our cabin so that I won’t keep you. Thank you for calling, captain.” She hangs up the receiver and takes off her earrings.

 

Jonathan has just picked up the Champagne and is opening the bottle. “Someone attempted to steal the gold nuggets?” he asks.

 

“No, but someone wants to be sure the captain doesn’t contact the local authorities about our discovery. His and his crew’s telephones are not working, and the ship’s radio is out of order. Grant couldn’t even get a signal. Someone aboard the ship tampered with their only communication systems,” Jennifer replies, walking over to the table. “The captain ordered the purser to place the Totem pole in the cargo area,” she adds as Jonathan starts pouring the Champagne into their glasses.

 

“Someone could get the urge to break into the cargo area,” Jonathan says, handing his wife a glass.

 

“If they do, all they’ll find is an empty Totem pole. The purser placed the nuggets in a safe in his office,” Jennifer informs her husband as he pours himself a glass.

 “I suggest we put the murder and gold aside for the time being and concentrate on for the reason I had Max book us reservations,” Jonathan replies, picking up his glass. “Tomorrow is officially Valentine’s Day. I would like to spend the remainder of the night celebrating it with the woman I love.”

 

“You just took the words right out of my mouth, darling,” Jennifer replies with a smile and twinkle in her eyes, lifting her glass as if she were going to make a toast.

 

Jonathan smiles and lifts his glass up. The couple takes a sip of their Champagne. They are gazing at each other with love and appreciation for being alone in their cabin all to themselves. 

 

They walk over to the table. Jonathan pulls his wife’s chair out for her. Jennifer, smiling at him, takes a seat. He then walks over to his side of the table. White fancy-lace napkins cover up their meal. High-dollar silverware is by their empty plates waiting to be filled with delicious baked food cooked by the chef. The couple takes out a napkin and places it on their lap.

 

“You look beautiful, by the way,” Jonathan comments, admiring her satin dress. “I don’t remember seeing that dress before.”

 

“I purchased it on Rodeo Drive a few days before the cruise,” Jennifer replies with a smile. “What did the chef prepare for us for dinner?”

 

“I put in a request, darling.” He takes off the laced napkins and reveals their meal: Pacific Cod and salad. “Since we are on a diet, I told him not to prepare a dessert.”

 

“Don’t worry, darling. After dinner, I have a special dessert in mind for just the two of us,” Jennifer replies with a wink and coyly.

 

“One that doesn’t have any calories or requires jogging on the deck?” Jonathan asks with an innocent smile.

 

“No, but it’ll be stimulating nevertheless.”

 

“I think my sweet tooth is craving the dessert already,” Jonathan says with a sly smile.

 

“Jonathan,” Jennifer says in a tone to catch his attention.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Please pass me the salad,” Jennifer replies seriously with a half-smile.

 

Jonathan grins and hands her the bowl containing the salad. Jennifer places a good amount of salad on her plate and is handing Jonathan the bowl back when a knock comes at the door, interrupting their meal. 

 

The couple exchange glances.

 

“If there is another corpse, we’re not in,” Jonathan replies seriously, but in good humor. He dips into his plate and starts to eat the salad.

 

Another knock comes at the door. “Didn’t you place the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and lock it?” Jennifer asks, glancing over Jonathan’s shoulder to stare at the door.

 

“Yes, if we just ignore the knock, the person will go away,” Jonathan replies reassuringly, forcing himself to eat the salad.

 

Jennifer shrugs her shoulders and gives in to Jonathan’s suggestion. She dips into her plate and starts to eat her salad when the knock comes at the door again. The couple continues to ignore the knocking for a few more moments until the knocking turns to a loud banging. 

 

Jennifer looks over at Jonathan.

 

“So much for ignoring the knock theory,” Jonathan comments with a disapproving sigh.

 

“I think I better let the person in if we're ever going to get through the main course,” Jennifer replies with the same disappointed sigh. She places the napkin and fork on the table. “Who is it?”

 

“It’s me,” Norma Cornell replies with a tune of fear in her voice. “Norma Cornell.”

 

“Juliet is on the loose again,” Jonathan remarks, picking up the glasses and Champagne.

 

“What are you doing?” Jennifer asks, staring at Jonathan in disbelief.

 

“If she waltzes in and re-enacts the entire last scene from the final act, I will lose my appetite. Let me know when the curtain goes down,” Jonathan explains. He starts toward the bed.

 

“Are you in, dear? I need to talk to you,” the woman insists with desperation.

 

“Yes, coming,” Jennifer replies, walking over to the door. She has opened the door to find the woman standing outside the corridor while Jonathan ducks under their bed with the bottle and glasses.

Norma enters as if she is in a daze or trance, which Jennifer notices. She is wearing her Juliet costume. Only this time, there is no dagger in her hand, which puts Jennifer at ease. The woman is on another planet that she doesn’t even take in the sight of the table set up for dinner for two. 

 

Norma appears if she is disillusioned; suffering from Delusional Disorder. The lady starts pacing up and down the room, ranting irrationally about how Jayden Schmidt mistreated her years ago.

 

“Oh, that man was a charming and handsome devil who had the charisma of our President Kennedy!!!”

 

“Kennedy was assassinated back in 1963,” Jennifer says, correcting her. “Our current president is Ronald Reagan.”

 

Norma has not even heard Jennifer. She continues pacing the floor, which causes Jennifer to become dizzy. Jennifer takes a seat on the edge of the bed. Jonathan places the glasses down and tickles her feet from underneath.

 

“Jonathan!” Jennifer whispers, looking down at the bottom of the bed.

 

“I was to meet the man on deck after the dance the night he was killed, but that brute stood me up!!!” Norma exclaims, her voice now becoming angry and hostile. 

 

She walks over to the bureau drawer with her back towards Jennifer. She starts to open Jennifer's purse in her dazed state.

 

Jonathan, seizing the opportunity, quickly picks up the glasses. He starts to come out from hiding when Norma turns back to Jennifer.

 

Jonathan ducks back under the bed again.

 

“At times, I suffer from blackouts,” Norma continues. “I am afraid I may have murdered Schmidt without remembering or realizing I committed the crime,” she explains, her voice trembling with fear. “I once misplaced my dagger. I had to go out and purchase another one. I’m currently rehearsing for the role of Juliet in Shakespeare’s classic on Broadway.”

 

“I know. Jonathan and I witnessed you rehearsing the other night in your cabin,” Jennifer replies sympathetically.

 

Norma smiles, coming out of her disillusioned state for a moment. “Did you like my performance?”

 

“Uh, yes, it was fascinating,” Jennifer replies, struggling to find the words to conceal her true feelings.

 

Jonathan, who overheard her reaction, rolls his eyes from underneath the bed.

 

“I hate that man! Jayden Schmidt was my first flame, and he had the gull to dump me as if I was yesterday’s trash!” Norma Cornell exclaims, shaking her fist. “His rejection was as if he had struck a knife in my chest! He might as well have because he caused me such unbearable pain! I went on to study acting to forget him!”

 

“Why are you telling me all this?” Jennifer asks, trying to make sense of the famous Norma Cornell spilling her guts to a stranger.

 

“I overheard you and your husband talking about me in the casino. I thought you might convince the captain I didn’t kill that scum.”

 

“Miss Cornell, if you suffer from blackouts and can’t recall where you were when he was murdered, the captain has no reason to have the authorities take you into custody. He’s already got Dziedzic locked up in the brig. The captain was convinced the day after the murder, he killed Schmidt without any solid evidence. I doubt he is thinking of releasing him and locking you up instead. There are too many suspects to confine to the brig. Did you threaten the man?”

 

“Yes, I did. I vowed to end his life the way Juliet ended hers! Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!” Norma exclaims dramatically, returning to her dazed state. “You and your husband must help me find out if I am responsible!” the woman pleads, turning her back towards Jennifer again.

 

Just as Jonathan once again starts crawling out from under the bed, there comes a knock at the door. Jonathan ducks back under the bed with the Champagne and glasses. 

 

The knock has startled Norma, who has swung around to face Jennifer. There is a look of dread coming over her face.

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll find out who is at the door,” Jennifer says gently and with reassurance. She rises from the bed and pats the woman on the shoulder before approaching the door calmly.

 

The actress’s face comes pale as her hands start trembling. She turns to face the door. 

 

Jonathan manages to crawl out from under the bed, starts to head to the closet to hide out.

 

Jennifer opens the door to find an attractive, tall, and skinny brunette in her late twenties. The woman is wearing a nurse’s uniform.

 

Jonathan dives back under the bed.

 

“Forgive my interruption, Mrs. Hart. My patient went missing. The purser informed me he saw her come toward this cabin.”

 

“Oh, do please come in,” Jennifer replies with relief, gesturing toward the room, holding the door open.

 

The nurse walks over to Norma. “Now, come on with me back to our cabin, please. It’s time for you to take your medicine.”

 

Norma once again quotes a line from Shakespeare. “How all occasions do inform me against me and spur my dull revenge!” she exclaims, raising her voice as if she is on stage at this very moment. The line is from Hamlet.

 

The nurse gives Jennifer a glance acknowledging her patient is out of touch with reality.

 

“Is this where intermission comes in?” Jonathan asks himself quietly, losing his patience.

 

The nurse gently grabs Norma by the arm and leads her toward the door. The woman still is reciting Shakespeare, and a look of pure hate comes across her face. Jennifer takes a seat on the edge of the bed.

 

“The croaking raven doth bellow revenge!!!”

 

Jonathan silently applauds her performance as he and Jennifer are more than anxious to have Norma Cornell escorted out of their cabin. But, just as the nurse is escorting the lady out of the cabin, Jonathan makes an unexpected movement. 

 

Jonathan, bored, places the cold bottle of Champagne against Jennifer’s feet, dangling over the bed. The cold and icy bottle causes Jennifer to burst out a chuckle.

 

The nurse, startled by Jennifer’s sudden behavior, gives her a look of bewilderment.

 

“Oh, I felt a chill going on!” Jennifer exclaims with a half-smile, concealing her embarrassment. She is rubbing the back of her feet.

 

The nurse stares at her as she forces Norma out of the cabin. She shuts the door on their way out. Jennifer rolls her eyes and jumps down from the bed. She gets down on her hands and knees to look at Jonathan.

“Jonathan! That was no time to play games!” Jennifer scolds, shooting him a look.

 

“Sorry, darling. I got bored listening to the melodrama,” Jonathan replies with a naughty grin.

 

“The melodrama has just reached its final scene. You can come out now.”

 

Jonathan obliges and has just risen to his feet when another knock comes at the door.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer shoot each other a look.

 

“I’m not hiding under the bed again,” Jonathan insists with a sigh of frustration.

 

“Are you in there, Mrs. Hart?” comes a soft voice from outside the door. It’s Amanda.

 

“Yes, just a moment, please,” Jennifer replies, grabbing Jonathan by the arm and pulling him towards the bathroom.

 

“Since when did people start mistaking you for Dear Abby?” Jonathan asks in disbelief.

 

“Quick, darling, hide out in here,” Jennifer says, opening the door and pushing Jonathan into the bathroom, almost causing him to trip. 

 

She shuts the bathroom door and walks over to the door to find Amanda in tears, holding a handkerchief up to her eyes.

 

“Amanda, what’s wrong?” Jennifer asks with concern.

 

“May I come in? I need someone to talk to,” she confesses with a look of a lost child.

 

“Yes, of course. Come in,” Jennifer asks, gesturing the distressed wife into the room.

 

“Have I interrupted anything?” Amanda asks, noticing the table.

 

“Uh, that’s okay. Jonathan had an unexpected phone call he had to take at the purser’s desk,” Jennifer replies, thinking quickly. “What can I do for you?” she asks as Amanda heads toward the bathroom door, making Jennifer wary. 

 

She is about to say something when Amanda turns her back toward the door.

 

Jonathan is standing in the bathroom with his back towards the door, his hands containing the Champagne and glasses. He tries to open the door but realizes that Amanda must be standing against it to his frustration. Jonathan sighs, not able to come out from hiding.

Jonathan, noticing a razor and bottle of shaving cream he neglected to put away the previous night, decides to shave with nothing else to do. Jonathan tiptoes to the sink and places the glasses and bottle down. He silently turns the faucet on, shakes the bottle of cream, applies the cream to his face, puts the razor under the cold water, and starts to shave his face.

 

“What’s that?” Amanda asks, wondering where the noise is coming from.

 

“What’s what?” Jennifer asks innocently. “I didn’t hear anything.” 

 

She no sooner has said that when Jonathan quickly turns the faucet off and resumes shaving. “What do you know? The faucet is working now again,” Jennifer says with a pleasant smile. “Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”

 

“I want to confess. I murdered Jayden Schmidt,” she announces with tears streaming down her face. “Will you come with me to the captain's cabin?”

 

Jennifer is shocked by her sudden announcement. She looks at Amanda before replying. “Your husband already confessed to the captain he committed the murder.”

 

Amanda is stunned and speechless at the revelation. She breaks down in tears. “If only I hadn’t stabbed him.”

 

Jennifer realizes Amanda confessed to the murder for the same reason Dziedzic did earlier that day. 

 

“Interesting comment considering the stabbing was only a coverup to conceal the real cause of death,” Jennifer says, waiting for a reaction. “Your husband said the same words when Jonathan and I visited him in the brig. Did one of you kill Schmidt, or are you trying to protect each other because you believe one of you committed the crime?”

 

“I lied. I don’t know whom to believe,” Amanda says, regaining her composure and wiping away her tears.

 

“Your husband told me you were missing, and he found a receipt for a dagger in your cabin. Where were you at the time of the murder?”

 

“It’s true I purchased the dagger intending to kill Schmidt. I just don’t have the courage to commit cold-blooded murder. I threw the weapon overboard shortly before the man died. I was with Grant at the time of the murder.”

 

Jennifer looks at Amanda, shocked. Jonathan, who overheard the confession, is also stunned.

 

 “It’s not what you think,” Amanda explains, reading Jennifer’s thoughts. "The captain and I are long-lost brother and sister. Our mother had us out of wedlock and never told me about my brother until she passed away a month ago. Mom was so ashamed she wasn’t married when she became pregnant she couldn't tell anyone she carried another child.”

 

“Why didn’t you tell your husband?”

 

“I was afraid Wright wouldn’t believe me. That’s why I booked this cruise to travel alone. I didn’t want him to know about him meeting my brother. I never told Wright the truth about my parentage, even though I know he would never have thought less of me. I guess that is why I can never stay faithful to him. I never really felt good enough for Wright or any man. I’ve always been ashamed that I never had a father in my life, and he ran out on my mother when she was pregnant with me. But I hurt Wright too much and too many times. If you can prove who killed Schmidt, I’m going to seek professional help. I can’t do this to my husband. He had been accused of murder and willing to confess to protect me. Now that the truth is out, I can find some peace,” Amanda confesses with a tone of sadness and regret in her voice.

 

“Amanda, I suggest you pay a call on your brother and see if he will allow you to see your husband. He should know he has your moral support,” Jennifer replies gently and with sympathy, walking over to the distressed woman. “You should never confess to a murder you never committed. That will only complicate the situation,” she adds, leading Amanda to the door.

 

“Thank you. I’ll take your suggestion. I’m going to see if the doctor will give me a sedative first to calm me down.”

 

Jonathan, his face shaved, slowly and quietly sticks his head out to see if the coast is clear, is carrying the Champagne and glasses. 

 

Amanda opens the door to exit, which she closes on her way out. Jonathan, walking out, shuts the door behind him. Jennifer turns around and walks over to her husband.

 

“Did you hear Amanda’s confession?” she asks.

 

“Yes, I did. At least we know now that Amanda didn’t kill Schmidt anymore than her husband.”

 

Just then, there is a knock at the door. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances. They glance around, wondering where Jonathan can hide now.

 

“The closet,” Jonathan says, noticing the closet by the door.

 

“One moment, please,” Jennifer answers with a frustrated sigh as Jonathan dashes toward the closet.

 

“Our cabin Union Station again,” Jonathan mumbles.

 

Placing both the bottle and glasses in both hands, Jonathan silently opens the door to the tiny closet. It’s so tiny Jonathan has to squeeze into the closet that he can barely breathe or be comfortable. 

 

Jennifer, hurrying towards the door, abruptly shuts the closet door on her way. She hears glass shattering as she opens the door. Jennifer is shocked to see Amanda outside again so soon.

 

“Pardon me, but I just remembered something about the night of the murder,” Amanda explains, walking into the cabin without waiting to be ushered in.

 

Jennifer shuts the door as Amanda wanders over to the closet. Once again, she has her back toward the door. 

 

“I witnessed Melinda stealing insulin from the medicine cabinet in the infirmary. She was about to exit the room when Doctor Gavin caught her. He frowned and appeared to be just as shocked as I was. However, instead of demanding why she broke into his cabinet to steal the drug, the doctor stuck it into his pocket. Gavin then embraced her, and they kissed.”

 

Jennifer stares at Amanda, shocked by what she witnessed happening between the doctor and the lounge singer. 

 

“You should have told our captain what you saw,” Jennifer says quite frankly.

 

“I did after my husband was taken into custody,” Amanda replies calmly and adamantly. “Grant refused even to discuss the matter. He didn’t believe me.”

 

“I believe you, Amanda,” Jennifer says with a smile, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Now, you better wipe away your tears and ask the captain if he’ll allow you to see your husband.”

 

“Thank you for listening. I knew out of all the people aboard this ship; you would be understanding, Mrs. Hart.”

 

“It’s Jennifer, and you are welcome. Goodnight, Amanda.”

 

Jennifer walks Amanda out of the cabin and shuts the door, breathing a sigh of relief. 

 

She rushes over to the closet. She opens the door only to find the Champagne bottle broken, and Champagne has spilled all over Jonathan’s jacket. The glasses are turned over, and Champagne is all over the carpet and Jonathan’s shoes. 

 

Jennifer has to stifle a laugh as Jonathan is soaked with the Champagne. Jonathan looks very uncomfortable.

 

“Now, may I come out?” Jonathan asks with a look of frustration. “I was beginning to think I would have to ask room service to serve breakfast here.”

 

“Yes. You can come out,” Jennifer replies with a chuckle, helping a stiff Jonathan out of the closet. “Oh, darling, I’m so sorry you ended up wearing the Champagne instead!” Jennifer exclaims with a laugh.

 

“That’s all right. We’ll order another bottle. There’s never a waiter around when you need one.”

 

Jonathan and Jennifer burst out laughing hysterically. Jonathan, still soaked with Champagne, takes Jennifer in his arms and kisses her.

 

Jennifer, sound asleep in the bed in her and Jonathan's cabin, is resting peacefully alone. Jonathan, dressed, silently opens the door. He tiptoes into the room before shutting the door behind him. Jonathan makes his way over to the foot of the bed. 

 

He continues to watch his wife sleep for a moment. Not wishing to take Jennifer by surprise, Jonathan quietly walks over to her side of the bed. He smiles. Jonathan leans over and kisses Jennifer on the ear. 

 

Jonathan waits for her to wake up. He doesn't have to wait. Jennifer wakes up to find a smiling ear-to-ear Jonathan standing up, looking at her.

 

"Good morning," Jennifer replies with a smile, delighted to find her husband already dressed and prepared for their sightseeing at Glacier Bay. "Did I oversleep?"

 

"No, darling, we haven't reached Glacier Bay just yet, but I wanted you to receive your surprise before getting out of bed," Jonathan replies with a twinkle in his eye.

 

"That's right. You said I had to wait until Valentine's Day to receive my surprise," Jennifer says innocently while she sits up in bed. "Where is it?" she asks, glancing around the cabin anxiously.

 Jonathan starts back toward the door with a sly grin. "First, I have asked the chef to prepare you breakfast."

 

He opens the door, and just as he expected, a silver trolley stands outside in the corridor. A tray containing napkins, a glass of fresh orange juice, silverware, and some dishes covered up, including a bowl, is on the trolley. Jonathan enters the foyer and wheels the trolley into the room.

"Oh, breakfast in bed on Valentine's Day!" Jennifer exclaims, touched by the gesture.

 

"It's just no ordinary breakfast in bed," Jonathan explains, wheeling the trolley over to Jennifer. "It's your low-fat diet breakfast in bed."

 

Then, he turns around and shows Jennifer what the chef whipped up. First, he uncovers a bowl that contains oatmeal with fresh blueberries and strawberries. "Oatmeal with blueberries and strawberries," Jonathan says, gesturing toward the bowl. Next, he uncovers another dish which reveals to contain fresh scrambled eggs. "Eggs scrambled."

 

Jennifer smiles, impressed and proud of Jonathan for ordering her a  low-fat breakfast.

 

"And the last item on the menu we have is grapefruit," Jonathan continues, uncovering the dish containing the fruit. He motions toward the glass. "Of course, you have a glass of fresh orange juice." He reaches down to the bottom of the trolley and takes out a small Valentine's Day wrapped package. "And your surprise." 

 

He walks over to Jennifer, who is now sitting close to the edge of the bed, waiting with anticipation. Jonathan hands her the gift. 

 

"Happy Valentine's Day, darling," Jonathan says with affection. He reaches over and kisses her on the lips.

 

"Happy Valentine's Day, darling," Jennifer replies with a smile, kissing him on the lips.

 

"Now open your present," Jonathan says with a smile, crawling into bed next to her.

 

Jennifer more willingly and happily obliges. She starts tearing off the wrapping paper as fast as possible as Jonathan watches with a smile, patiently waiting to witness her reaction. Once all of the paper has been torn off, her present is revealed to be a perfume bottle. The name "Jennifer" appears engraved on the bottle.

"Oh, Jonathan, you finally had the perfume named after me commissioned!" Jennifer exclaims in surprise. She starts to take off the cap to sample the 3.4 oz. Perfume.

 

"I finally had all that legal matter concerning Beaumond cleared up after all this time. Even though Claria and Alex conspired to kill her husband, and Henri had decided not to retire, the court thought it would be in the best interest that Hart Industries take over Beaumond as originally planned. So I had one of our best chemists working alongside Alex's replacement so the perfume could be ready to be on the market. This perfume is just a sample, but Jennifer will be selling in every department store across the United States after this week. The chemist tried several scents before finally discovering one that represents everything you are. The perfume should be just as successful as Chanel No. 5 and White Diamonds. Macy's and Neiman Marcus are already lined up to sell Jennifer in their perfume department."

 

Jennifer sprays some of the expensive perfume on her arm and smells the scent. "Oh, this perfume does smell like me! I can't wait to get back home and show Jennifer to all our friends!" Jennifer exclaims with excitement. "I hope it is a success. You worked so hard for two years to have it designed and sold," she says, turning to face her husband.

 

"Look at this way. If Jennifer doesn't make enough of a profit, at least you had the honor of owning the first bottle before it hit the stores," Jonathan replies, placing his arms around her and kissing her on the cheek.

 

"I'm so flattered!" Jennifer exclaims, still staring at the bottle. “Jennifer. It's so original and unique."

 

"No, darling, you are the original and unique," Jonathan replies, taking Jennifer into his arms, holding her close to him, and kissing her.

Jonathan and Jennifer have just finished getting prepared for their sightseeing tour of Glacier Bay. They are bundled up for Glacier Bay. Jennifer chose to wear a black turtleneck sweater for today’s outing, a brown winter classic trench coat and cuffed pants complete with a scarf, a Faux Fur winter hat, brown wool gloves with Faux Fur cuffs, along with mid-California winter genuine leather boots.

 

As for Jonathan, he chose to wear a camel background sweater with long sleeves, a brown wool winter jacket, a scarf, a western wool cowboy hat, and beige leather gloves with matching boots. In addition, he is carrying an umbrella. 

Jennifer picks up her purse, and the couple starts to exit the room. Jonathan, feeling his pockets, realizes he misplaced something.

 

"Darling, do you have our room key? I somehow misplaced mine."

 

"Yes, it's in my purse," Jennifer says, walking over to the bureau drawer. She places her small traveling purse down and opens it. She starts searching her purse before finding her room key.

 

"I must have dropped mine when our cabin became a terminal last night," Jonathan says as Jennifer's eyes notice something in her purse that doesn't belong to her. It's the Alaska postcard.

 

"What's wrong?" Jonathan asks, noticing her expression.

 

"There's an Alaska postcard in my handbag that doesn't belong to me," Jennifer explains, picking it up and turning it around for a clue."There is no address or postmark. How strange!" 

Her eyes detect the name of a tourist shop in Juneau where the postcard was purchased. She then notices a message written on the back in handwriting that is familiar to her.

 

The message reads, "Tonight he'll get his comeuppance. Meet me in the lounge after our appointment in the infirmary. They'll be playing our song. I have something to take care of before I get off duty. It's just the very thought of you, my love."

 

"I think we now narrow down the suspects. Read the message," Jennifer says, handing Jonathan the postcard.

 

Jonathan starts to read the handwriting. 

"The handwriting and signature look familiar," Jonathan replies, his eyes still on the message. "But where have we seen it before?" 

Suddenly it dawns on the couple where they have seen similar handwriting recently.

 

"It's Doctor Gavin’s handwriting we saw on the autopsy report," Jennifer says as they exchange glances.

 

"I don't get this: the very thought of you comment," Jonathan replies, trying to make sense of it.

 

"I do," Jennifer says to his surprise. "Yesterday, when I went into the lounge, Melinda was rehearsing The Very Thought Of You. She was singing as if her heart was going to break. Remember what Amanda mentioned to me last night? I recall Gavin admitting himself he found Melinda in his infirmary. I saw the same postcard when I went to pay her a call in her dressing room. Melinda was returning it to her purse when I walked in on her. It didn't look like she was planning to mail it. Interesting considering that the postcard didn't have any stamps or postmarks on it either."

 

Jonathan turns to Jennifer. 

"Didn't the captain ask why she made a long-distance call to San before boarding?"

 

"Yes, darling. It looked like he could have murdered her, but why would she have used her husband's phone, and what San was he starting to say when we walked in on them?" Jennifer ponders.

 

They exchange glances as they suddenly realize.

 "San Quentin!!!" Jonathan and Jennifer exclaim at the same time.

 

"It looks like it's time to pay a house call on the good doctor," Jonathan replies, still staring at the message at the back of the postcard.

Melinda and Doctor Gavin are standing in front of her dressing table, wrapped in a firm and loving embrace. They can't keep their hands off of each other. The door opens, and the Harts walk in.

 

"Sorry to intrude on your Valentine's," Jonathan says as he and Jennifer look on in shock.

 

Melinda and Doctor Gavin, startled by their unexpected presence, almost lose their balance. They are embarrassed about being caught kissing. Melinda, without hesitation, pushes the doctor away. She is panicked and speechless.

 

"Please don't tell my husband about us!" Melinda pleads with desperation.

 

"Jennifer and I don't give away people's secrets unless they are involved in a homicide," Jonathan replies, walking over with Jennifer by his side, her purse in hand.

 

"Or in this case, darling, two homicides," Jennifer says, staring at the singer and doctor harshly along with her husband. "It's such a shame the doctor and his mistress had to give the bandleader a taste of his own medicine."

 

Melinda and Doctor Gavin are shocked by their accusations. Melinda is still speechless, but the doctor still dares to speak up as the singer collapses into her chair.

 

"You made a slip-up when you told Jennifer you gave Melinda a sedative the night of the murder and found her in the infirmary," Jonathan explains. "I never thought a singer would have a degree in medicine."

 

"Now, wait a minute!" Doctor Gavin exclaims defensively, turning on Jonathan.

 

"I would save it for the jury," Jonathan says firmly. "The medicine cabinet was broken into and insulin stolen." He turns to Melinda. "A fatal dose of alcohol and insulin caused Schmidt's death. You stabbed him to cover up the real cause of death."

 

"You contacted Schmidt's partner in the gold scam. That's what all those numerous calls to San Quentin were about," Jennifer continues.

 

"And your purse contains the exact Alaska card I stumbled upon in my purse by pure accident this morning," she says, pointing to the purse on the table. "The postcard contains a secret message." She reaches into her bag and takes out the postcard. "I saw you quickly return the card to your purse when I walked in here yesterday. But, like yours, this one doesn't have a postmark or a stamp."

 

"And I'm sure the owner of the tourist shop can vouch for you purchasing those two cards in Juneau," Jonathan adds. "The name of the shop is on the back of the card in plain sight."

 

Melinda, realizing the Harts caught onto her secret, and there is no way of denying the truth, decides to confess. "It's true, but I only purchased one postcard in Juneau months ago to write a message."

 

"You did what?!!!" Gavin exclaims in genuine shock. He stares at his lover, speechless. "Why would you contact the man responsible for swindling you, the captain, and so many of the crew in the gold scam?!!" he asks, looking at Melinda as if he doesn't recognize the woman before him.

 

Before Melinda can respond, Jennifer hands Gavin the postcard in her hand. 

 

"Recognize the handwriting? You might have gotten away with murder if you hadn't left the postcard lying around and handed us the autopsy report you wrote up yourself."

 

"I never wrote this message! It's a forgery!!! I'm a doctor!!! I had never taken a human life, and I had no intention of taking one even if it was that sleazeball's life!!! I had motive, opportunity, and means, but I swear by the grace of God who is my witness I did not murder Jayden Schmidt!!!"

 "He's telling the truth, Mr. and Mrs. Hart," Melinda says, reaching into her purse. "I only purchased one postcard in Juneau, but I never bought one intending to use it as a message in a conspiracy to commit murder."

 

"What about the insulin you stole from the infirmary? And your lover slipped into his pocket after catching you in the act? Dziedzic's wife confessed to Jennifer last night she saw you with the insulin and you two in an embrace," Jonathan replies.

 

"That's why I gave her a sedative, Mr. Hart," Doctor Gavin explains calmly. "I knew what she was planning to do after I caught her breaking into the medicine cabinet and stealing the drug. I slipped the insulin into my pocket before returning it to the cabinet. I then comforted Melinda before giving her a sedative to calm down. Anyone could have stolen the insulin afterward. Unfortunately, I forgot to lock up the cabinet."

 

"Here's my postcard, Mrs. Hart," Melinda says, turning it around so the couple can read for themselves the message.

 

In dark and bold letters, the message reads," Dial J For Tickets."

 

"Dial J for Tickets?" Jennifer asks, wondering what the message was supposed to be deciphered as.

 

"It's a code my ex-husband's partner came up with when I visited him in prison. It was a reminder to book his passage on this cruise."

 

"What does he look like?"

 

"I don't know. I hadn't seen that man since before he was paroled. So I just arranged for Mandi to book him a cabin using an alias. He told me he would introduce himself to passengers under a different name to play it safe."

 

"Why the captain's phone?"

 

"As luck would have it, my phone was out of order and was being repaired. I was afraid he wouldn't make the cruise. He was running late. He wanted to come aboard before anyone else boarded to avoid suspension. My husband was needed on the bridge, so I was certain he wouldn't catch me placing a call. I might have gotten away with it if he didn't dial the operator to find out whom I called. Fortunately for me, that was after we set sail and the murder took place. He forgot about the call and had other things on his mind. That is until the purser mentioned I had made previous calls to San Quentin. Grant was furious, but we both soon received threatening letters, so he decided to forget the calls. The partner swore to me that he just wanted to see him face to face after all these years he took the rap and to torment him. I couldn't believe he contacted me out of all the crew on the ship and after what he had done to us. I never dreamed it would resort to murder. The only reason I agreed to meet up with him and discuss plans for his future once he got out was the hope my husband would retrieve the money lost all those years ago on The Grand Vikings Princess. I didn't know then Grant had hired an FBI agent to track down the money, and so when he told me you found him dead in the pool, I knew then I made an error of judgment. It shocked me that he locked up Dziedzic without hesitation. My husband was only trying to protect us. He didn't want to risk word about hiring an agent from the government to track down the money to spread out. There had been enough publicity after the scandal, and Grant feared with all the passengers aboard The Jewel Princess someone might be tempted to retrieve the money themselves."

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are stunned by this latest twist and turns in this case. 

 

They both take the letters from Melinda and the doctor. The couple examines the letters that look to be legitimate.

 

"Just about everyone on the crew received threatening letters. At least we can be grateful none of us are being blackmailed," Melinda says with a sigh. She looks at Gavin, who nods his head, permitting her to confess. "Since I am making confessions, you might as well know Gavin, and I have been having an affair for months. We didn't want to rekindle our old feelings for each other, but we did. Grant and I have been drifting apart after that scoundrel returned to our lives. He was no longer the loving and attentive man I fell in love with. I can't blame Grant after I walked on him and treated him. But I thought we had moved on. We both saw a counselor before we remarried at city hall, and my husband seemed to recover from old wounds. Ever since Schmidt re-entered our lives, Grant became obsessed with recovering the money to the point he could no longer show love. I did all I could to try to get him to forget about the scam, but he just couldn't let go," Melinda confesses as tears stream down her eyes. "Grant was missing during the band leader's absence. My husband told me he was up on the bridge, but from the way he was acting towards me, I got the impression he had done something horrible."

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances. "Now we have a confession to make," Jennifer replies gently. "The captain was with his sister."

 

Melinda looks at Jennifer as if she didn't hear her words correctly. "Mrs. Hart, my husband is an only child."

 

"No, he isn't, Melinda," Jonathan says. "Amanda told Jennifer last night she was with Grant in his cabin at the time. They are long-lost brother and sister. Their relationship is the reason Amanda made the reservations for the cruise. She was afraid to tell her husband. It looks like your husband is protecting more than one woman in his life."

 

"I don't understand why he didn't tell me," Melinda finally says, still in shock over the revelation Amanda Dziedzic is her husband's sister.

 

Before the Harts can respond, the next port of call is announced over the speaking system by Mandi.

 

“Good morning, passengers! We have now arrived in Glacier Bay. Be sure to take advantage of the wonderful scenery, and if you are lucky, you may catch sight of wildlife,” Mandi announces in a friendly manner.  “We recommend that you get in the sights of the glaciers before we head on to our next destination. Be sure to be back in time before five o’clock to catch the ship. If it's on your itinerary to view the wildlife, have your cameras on hand. You can catch a ride on one of the seaplanes or floatplanes that will fly you directly over the glaciers. For more information, please stop by the information desk in the main lobby. Rangers, as always, are stationed to answer questions from our passengers. Have a wonderful day in Glacier Bay, and Happy Valentine’s Day!”

 

Jonathan and Jennifer hurry off, leaving Melinda and Doctor Gavin alone.

A few minutes later, Jonathan and Jennifer are about to embark the ship docked at Bartlett Cove, the headquarters of Glacier Bay. Normally enormous cruising ships were prohibited from dropping anchor. However, it was allowed for the cruise ship to dock there during the occasional Valentine’s Day cruises. The Jewel Princess is empty as most of the passengers have already gone ashore. 

 

Rowling, coming in the opposite direction from the right, accidentally stumbles into Jennifer. The couple didn't see him coming. Jennifer trips on the man's cane and lands on the floor before Jonathan can prevent her fall. Jennifer sighs, fed up with stumbling into Richard Rowling throughout the cruise. Jonathan reaches down and starts to lift his wife from the ground.

 

"I'm so sorry!!!" Rowling exclaims and appears to be in shock and alarmed by his bumbling. "Please forgive me!!! I'm so sorry!!!" he continues to apologize, appearing to show genuine regret. 

 

Rowling notices he dropped the cane on the floor by Jennifer's feet. He rushes to retrieve it with his other hand before Jennifer can retrieve it for him. "Again, please accept my sincere apologies. I made an appointment with my optometrist. I'm going to go directly to his office as soon as we reach Los Angeles."

 

"It's all right. No harm done," Jennifer and Jonathan assure him at the same time.

 

Rowling is wincing and cringing in pain again. He is holding his arm in a position as if it were in a cast. "I slipped on the floor of the Lido deck during the rain the night of the murder. I bruised my arm."

 

"Did you see our ship's doctor?" Jennifer asks.

 

"No!" Rowling says shortly before regaining his composure. "I'll be fine. I've been taking some Aspirin. I'm certain the pain will go away in a few days. I'm accustomed to falling in my old age." He notices the binoculars around Jennifer's neck, the travel brochures in her hand, and a camera dangling from a bag around Jonathan's shoulder. "Are you planning on visiting the glaciers? I'm going to view the wildlife."

 

"Yes, we are," Jonathan replies.

 

"We are flying over Glacier Bay by seaplane," Jennifer mentions.

 

"I'll catch up. I have reserved a ride, but I need to purchase binoculars before the excursion." Rowling walks on past them.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, glad he is finally out of their sight and anxious to start on their journey. Jonathan, holding Jennifer's hands, starts to exit the ship by the gangway.

Jonathan and Jennifer are standing by the airplane, waiting for their pilot. The couple had made their pre-trip introductions and received a map before participating in an orientation. Their pilot was about to escort the Harts to the plane when he was notified that he received a call. Jonathan and Jennifer are examining the map while patiently waiting for their flight adventure. They are looking over specific places that Jennifer had asked the pilot to fly them over during the one-hour ride. 

 

While the couple is alone and all to themselves, an unseen person lurks nearby out of sight. He is watching the Harts with a pair of binoculars. 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer turn their attention away from the map and look into the sky, thinking how lucky they are that the weather is cooperating for their journey.

 

With their attention elsewhere, the unknown person tiptoes silently to the cockpit side of the plane. The stranger quietly opens the door and looks directly into the cockpit, searching for a specific personal belonging. The mug of steaming hot and fresh cocoa is found in the cup-holder by the pilot's seat. 

 

Without wasting a precious moment and risking his chances of being caught, the unseen person takes out a bottle containing a knockout drug. He pours the drug into the coffee without even picking up the mug. After just a moment of watching the drug resolve itself into the cocoa, the stranger silently shuts the door and hurries far away from the tiny state-owned and public airport. He has just fled just in time to avoid being seen. 

 

In his early thirties with brown hair, the average-looking pilot is walking up to Jonathan and Jennifer.

 

"I apologize for the wait, folks," the pilot says, acknowledging his new awaited passengers. "I received a phone call from a cruise ship director inquiring about my services from some passenger. It was last-minute notice, so I had to recommend another charter service."

 

"That's all right. It gave Jonathan and me a chance to look over the map some more," Jennifer replies with a friendly smile, not at all impatient about the holdup.

 

"Let's get going. I don't want you to miss out on the Glaciers up here," the pilot says with a smile, a tone of excitement in his voice. He starts to walk towards the cockpit.

 

"Does the last-minute notice happen often?" Jonathan asks with normal curiosity, holding onto Jennifer's hand as they walk over to the plane's passengers' side.

 

"Nope, but first time for everything," the pilot replies with a shrug, thinking nothing of the call.

 

Holding the door open for Jennifer, Jonathan waits for her to enter. He climbs into the passenger seat next to her. He shuts the door as the pilot starts the engine and prepares for takeoff. Jonathan takes the map from his wife and hands her the camera bag. Jennifer instantly and with much enthusiasm removes the camera from its bag. 

 

She prepares the lens for snapping photographs. The seaplane takes off from the ground, heading into the sky, the pilot and his two passengers, clueless to the heart-pounding and life-threatening situation that awaits them.

It is not too long after takeoff the pilot is flying the happily-married and romantic couple to the Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve. They had passed Glacier Bay Park and Wilderness just near Gustavus soon after flying into the sky. Jennifer is having a ball snapping numerous photographs one after the other. From the smile on her face, you would think she had died and gone to heaven. Being a vivid lover of nature and wildlife, Jennifer is enjoying every moment of experiencing the view from up above. 

 

Jonathan is meanwhile looking through a pair of binoculars, searching for any wildlife. He is also grinning ear to ear. Jonathan takes in the wonders of the glaciers and all it has to offer.

 

Jonathan notices a whale. 

 

"Darling, look over here," Jonathan says, pointing down below. 

 

He hands Jennifer the binoculars and decides to take pictures while his wife witnesses the whale in its natural habitat. He snaps plenty of photos as Jennifer is gazing through the binoculars with wonder and contentment.

The pilot, who remains silent, is gazing through the window carefully and cautiously navigating the plane. It's apparent from the altitude and how he controls the wheel he had plenty of flying time and experience flying tourists back and forth. The routine has become second nature to him. His mug remains untouched. 

 

The seaplane, getting closer to approaching Glacier Bay, the glaciers can be seen down below. Jonathan and Jennifer take turns sharing the binoculars while each rotates to continue taking pictures. The couple remains silent, their only desire to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife.

 

The pilot, finally, after minutes of driving the Harts to their desired destination, is thirsty. He keeps an eye on the clouds as he picks up his still fresh cocoa. The young man starts to sip his coffee slowly, mindful not to spill any of his hot drink on himself or the controls. He returns the mug to the holder after only a few sips. 

 

Instantly the drug starts to take effect, but the pilot just assumes he is sleepy. 

 

He blinks and forces himself to sit up straight. He won't permit himself to fall asleep and be responsible for the deaths of two passengers aboard his craft. 

 

The young man continues navigating the plane. 

 

He decides he better not risk falling asleep, so he picks up the hot chocolate and takes a big sip in the hopes the caffeine will keep him wide awake and alert.

 

The knockout drops' symptoms are increasing each passing second. 

 

The mug is now only half-full. 

 

The pilot sets the cup down and returns to keep both hands on the control wheel. 

 

Just as the plane reaches Glacier Bay, the pilot picks up his mug and drinks the remainder of the glass. 

 

Jennifer is looking through the binoculars. Jonathan has taken a break from taking pictures. He lets the camera hang around his neck and just sits back to enjoy the ride, leaving Jennifer to enjoy the view from the binoculars for a while. 

 

Jennifer is noticing more humpback whales and now a few bears in the area. Her attention is now only on them for the present.

 

Just as the pilot is about to place the mug back in the cup-holder, in a split second, he loses consciousness. 

 

The cup falls out of his hands, cocoa spilling all over his clothing and ground. Some of it has spilled onto the controls. 

 

The plastic mug lands on the floor, the Harts unaware he is unconscious. 

 

They continue to look out the window, their attention on the wildlife. Jennifer has just noticed a mountain goat on the mountainside. 

 

The couple turns to look at the glaciers as the plane naturally loses control without a pilot at the helm.

 

The plane starts losing altitude, which immediately catches Jonathan and Jennifer's attention. 

 

They turn to look at their pilot, thinking there is a problem with the controls.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer gasp upon seeing the pilot lying in the cockpit slumped over. 

 

They notice without any thought that something is seriously wrong. 

 

The plane loses more altitude to the point of danger.

 

The couple remains calm as Jonathan instantly takes charge of the situation. 

 

Jonathan carefully reaches over and feels for a pulse.

 

"He's alive, but he's knocked out cold. So we’ll have to get him to a hospital," Jonathan says seriously and with grave concern.

 

“Heart attack?" Jennifer asks, wondering what caused the collapse.

 

Jonathan reaches over and picks up the mug, suspicious of their pilot's sudden loss of consciousness. 

 

He smells the remains of the hot chocolate, his fears confirmed.

 

"No, someone slipped our pilot a mickey," Jonathan replies, not wasting words. 

 

He glances up at Jennifer with a look of fear and dread on his face.

 

The plane continues spinning out of control, leaving the couple helpless and doomed. 

 

By now, the aircraft is heading toward the water and glaciers.

 

"I'm going to take over the controls," Jonathan says calmly, his Navy pilot training and past commanding officer experience showing by his tone of voice. 

 

He is now acting as if he is once again navigating a plane for his former outfit. 

 

"Help me get him out of his seat." 

 

Jennifer acts at once, helping her husband get themselves out of their fatal predicament. 

 

Jonathan reaches over and starts to lift the pilot out of his seat with Jennifer's assistance. 

 

They carry the motionless young man over to the other seat. 

 

Jonathan cautiously climbs into the cockpit, ready to take action. 

 

He starts to take over the controls at once. His first step is to steady the plane, getting it back in the altitude the pilot was flying in before it lost control. 

 

There is no time to radio for guidance. 

 

Each passing second is critical for survival. It's only a short matter of time before the plane crashes.

 

Unfortunately, the plane is spinning completely out of control by now, that Jonathan doesn't have a chance of getting it back on course. 

 

Jennifer is glancing over Jonathan's shoulders, her fear for their lives increasing. Her heart is pounding, but she is confident her husband can save them. It's not the first time they have faced a life-threatening situation. 

 

The plane is not losing more and more altitude. 

 

Jonathan attempts to get the seaplane back into the sky, but it's hopeless even with all of his experience. 

 

Finally, the plane makes a nose dive toward the water, the couple's fate not showing promise.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer brace themselves for impact instantly before it is too late.

 

A look of terror crosses over Jennifer's face as she witnesses their plane crash into the cold and icy waters below within seconds before she can even blink an eye.

 

Jonathan, Jennifer, and the pilot are trapped inside the plane at Glacier Bay!!!!

"We need to evacuate now!" Jonathan exclaims as Jennifer is speechless and terrified for their lives. "There should be some life-jackets around here somewhere."

 

He quickly climbs out of the cockpit seat and starts rummaging through the plane, looking for three life-jackets. 

 

The couple, taking out a handkerchief that is on them, cover up their nose and mouth.  The Harts stay low to avoid coming into contact with fumes or fire.

 

Jennifer is also participating in the search. They find three just as the plane begins sinking into the freezing water.

 

"Jonathan, we are going to drown! We can't last long more than a few seconds before Hypothermia kicks in," Jennifer says with fear as Jonathan fastens a life jacket around her.

 

"Not if we don't panic and lose our heads. We have to remain calm and focus on survival," Jonathan replies firmly but gently and with reassurance. 

 

"Put the life-jacket on our pilot," he orders, handing Jennifer a life-jacket.

 

He starts to fasten a life-jacket securely around himself as Jennifer attends to their unconscious and helpless pilot.

 

"We have fifteen minutes before we lose consciousness," Jonathan explains. "Trust me."

 

Without telling Jennifer what they need to do next, Jonathan starts to carefully lift the pilot towards the door of the wrecked plane together. 

 

The aircraft is nearly close to disappearing into the water altogether. 

 

To their reluctance, the couple is forced to vacate the plane. 

 

Now that they are alone in the freezing water that is thirty-two degrees, they start to lift the pilot out. 

 

Jonathan is carrying the pilot by the legs while Jennifer is carrying him by the shoulders. 

 

The couple, inflating the life-jackets, move five-hundred feet away from the aircraft as  a precaution. The plane could at any moment explode or catch fire.

 

They look around for anyone nearby, such as tourists, locals, boats, helicopters, cruise ships, kayaks, and other charter planes. 

 

No luck. There is no one around. It's deadly silent.

 

Jonathan knows to survive and overcome Hypothermia, they have to think positive. He had learned they need to remain calm. If they don't panic, it will keep their breathing down and increase their chances of survival. He and his wife need to fight against lethargy, confusion, and longing to fall asleep. If they do, they could live and seek medical attention. 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer huddle with each other, attempting to give each other warmth as much as possible.

"Help me look for emergency equipment," Jonathan orders politely. "We need to find something that floats."

 

Jennifer, carefully carrying the pilot with just one hand, follows Jonathan over to the back of the plane, where the emergency equipment is stored. Emergency transportation is the only option for survival now. They keep a sharp look out for flames.

 

Jonathan throws back the door to the compartment. The back is loaded with emergency equipment. 

 

Without wasting one second or a moment, the couple begins rummaging through the plane, tossing aside anything they can't use for transportation. 

 

They find a first-aid kit in a container, a flare gun, a fire extinguisher, a crash ax, megaphones, flashlights, and a portable battery radio transmitter.

 

Their time is running out, but the Harts are determined to get out of the dangerous and deadly waters of Glacier Bay alive one way or another. 

 

At last, they find a dusty and old inflatable raft. It has two oars. 

 

Jennifer helping Jonathan push the raft out of the door is shivering and freezing. 

 

Jennifer is trying to keep herself warm by wrapping her fake fur coat around her clothing and life-jacket. 

 

She rubs both her hands together as she watches Jonathan pull hard on the string. Nothing happens.  

 

Jennifer looks frightened but trusts Jonathan to come through as before countless times during their adventures. 

 

Jonathan is not about to give up. He takes hold of Jennifer's hand as she takes hold of his. 

 

Jonathan pulls the string a second time. Again nothing happens.

 

"At least we'll die together," Jennifer comments, looking on the bright side should they not survive.

 

Jonathan doesn't reply, his mind on saving them. He is on a mission. They continue holding each other's hands tightly. 

 

Now more than ever, Jonathan is more determined to get the raft to inflate. Time is more critical than ever. It's been probably ten minutes since the crash, and they exited the plane. 

 

He pulls the string a third time with all the strength he has. 

 

The raft doesn't inflate. 

 

Jennifer and Jonathan exchange glances, not even bothering to think how much time they can stay in the water before losing consciousness. They are both thinking the same thing as they look at each other. 

 

The couple, at the precise moment, turns to kiss each other on the lips.

 

Suddenly and to their relief, the raft finally inflates, saving the Harts from death. 

 

Jonathan helps Jennifer onto the raft before carrying their pilot aboard. 

 

He picks up the oars and prepares to paddle. 

 

Just then, they witness the seaplane descending deep into the water until it is no longer visible. 

 

The couple exchange glances, relieved and happy they found transportation before the plane sank into the cold and unbearable waters.