The Singing Sleuth Crosses the Pond

The Singing Sleuth Crosses the Pond

D.B. Barton

The Singing Sleuth Crosses The Pond

by D.B. Barton

Copyright 2011

Revised Edition 2021

Smashwords Edition

Cover by Marv Conn

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

The Singing Sleuth Print Series:

The Singing Sleuth (2005, 2012)

The Singing Sleuth Returns (2007, 2014)

The Singing Sleuth Goes Home (2009, 2017)

The Singing Sleuth Crosses The Pond (2011, 2021)

The Singing Sleuth Does Vegas (2013)

The Singing Sleuth Takes A Bow (2016)

The Singing Sleuth Meets His Matches (2020)

The Singing Sleuth Runs a B&B (2022)

The complete series can be ordered directly from

www.singingsleuth.com.

To the three men in my life

who have inspired me:

Andrew Hocking, my son,

who blessed me with two beautiful grandsons,

Timothy Pavlenko, my husband,

who reads all my books and corrects my spelling errors,

and

Daniel Seidman, my beloved dad,

who smoked a pipe, drank Scotch, and sang

whenever the spirit moved him.

Centaurus Repositioning Cruise Itinerary

22-Day Mediterranean Odyssey

From Venice to Fort Lauderdale

Tuesday, 24th of November: Venice, Italy

Arrive: 8:00 AM

Wednesday, 25th of November: Venice, Italy

Depart 5:00 PM

Thursday, 26th of November: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Arrive: 11:00 AM, Depart: 7:00 PM

Friday, 27th of November: Corfu, Greece

Arrive: 8:00 AM, Depart: 5:00 PM

Saturday, 28th of November: Messina, Sicily

Arrive: 8:00 AM, Depart: 2:00 PM

Sunday, 29th of November: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Arrive: 7:00 AM, Depart: 5:00 PM

Monday, 30th of November: Livorno (Florence), Italy

Arrive: 7:00 AM, Depart: 8:00 PM

Tuesday, 1st of December: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Arrive: 6:00 AM, Depart: 4:00 PM

Wednesday, 2nd of December: Barcelona, Spain

Arrive: 8:00 AM, Depart: 5:00 PM

Thursday, 3rd of December: Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: 9:00 AM, Depart: 5:00 PM

Friday, 4th of December: Gibraltar, British Territory

Arrive: 9:00 AM, Depart: 8:00 PM

Saturday, 5th of December: Cadiz (Seville), Spain

Arrive: 8:00 AM, Depart: 8:00 PM

Sunday, 6th of December: At Sea

Monday, 7th of December: Funchal, Madeira

Arrive: 8:00 AM, Depart: 5:00 PM

Tuesday, 8th of December: At Sea

Wednesday, 9th of December: At Sea

Thursday, 10th of December: At Sea

Friday, 11th of December: At Sea

Saturday, 12th of December: At Sea

Sunday, 13th of December: At Sea

Monday, 14th of December: At Sea

Tuesday, 15th of December: Coral Cay, Bahamas

Arrive: 8:00 AM, Depart: 4:00 PM

Wednesday, 16th of December: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Arrive 7:00 AM

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE

Chapter 1: Que Sera, Sera

Chapter 2: Goldfinger

Chapter 3: Charade

Chapter 4: The Look of Love

Chapter 5: Nobody Does It Better

Chapter 6: Something’s Gotta Give

Chapter 7: Live and Let Die

Chapter 8: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Chapter 9: That’s Entertainment

Chapter 10: The Second Time Around

Chapter 11: The Rainbow Connection

Chapter 12: Everybody’s Talkin’

Chapter 13: Long Ago (And Far Away)

Chapter 14: Ready To Take a Chance Again

Chapter 15: As Time Goes By

Chapter 16: So Close

Chapter 17: Windmills of Your Mind

Chapter 18: Go the Distance

EPILOGUE

Copyright Acknowledgements

PROLOGUE

Sunday Afternoon

29th of November

4:50 PM CET

Alec DunBarton was very irritated. Upon landing at Fiumicino Airport in Rome with Paige Anderson, his bride of one day, and Dr. Douglas Abbot, his coworker and good friend, Alec was beset with a number of problems.

The baggage claim area was highly disorganized, a customs inspector had manhandled Alec’s wedding cake, and the Centaurus was set to sail in ten minutes. Since the drive from the airport to the Port of Civitavecchia was at least an hour away, Alec grunted, We’ll never make it in time.

Paige was the first to sight a mustached man among a wall of people waiting for new arrivals and pointed, Look! There’s a chauffeur holding a sign with our name on it.

As Paige waved to the gentleman, Alec’s cell phone rang. Before answering the call, he took a moment to instruct Paige and Douglas to go with the driver.

After listening to his employer, Collin Woodward, for a few moments, Alec replied, That’s good news. It should reduce the number of suspects to a manageable level.

When Alec hung up, a hint of a smile formed on his lips. Beginning to relax for the first time since arriving in Rome, he headed to the building’s exit.

The sun was beginning to set when Alec emerged from the stifling airline terminal. He breathed in the cool, crisp air that was mixed with diesel fumes and waited for the car to pick him up.

Despite being on the lookout, Alec was caught unaware when a black Mercedes V Class sedan stopped inches from him. Donning a chauffeur’s cap, the limousine driver quickly stepped from the vehicle and opened the back door where Paige and Douglas were seated.

Graciously, the guide declared, My name is Aldo Rossi, and I am with Euro Tours. I speak a very good English, and I’ve been told to take you to the big boat. Si?

Now smiling broadly, Alec slid in beside Paige and took her hand, That would be wonderful.

As Aldo maneuvered the car from the crowded lane, Alec thought about the last twenty-four hours. One moment, he and Paige were celebrating their wedding in Scotland with friends and family. The next, Collin Woodward, honored guest and president of Flagship Cruise Line, was informed that the ship’s doctor on the Centaurus was discovered in the art gallery—dead, nude, and covered in bronze paint.

Within minutes, the newlyweds’ plans had been altered. Instead of honeymooning in Paris as planned, the DunBartons found themselves dashing to Rome to join the cruise ship and investigate the murder. Since the victim, Meryl Priestley, could no longer perform her duties, Dr. Abbot was ordered to go along and take the physician’s place.

Douglas, weary from all the traveling, admitted, I’ve been feeling my seventy-odd years lately, and I don’t know how much I’ll be able to assist you while I care for my predecessor’s patients. I hate to let you … down.

Before Douglas could finish his sentence, Paige patted the doctor’s knee. "You’re not to worry. I helped Alec find out who decapitated that horrible book critic in Scotland. I know how to dig up clues and be a Dr. Watson to Alec’s Sherlock. In fact, now that I’m Mrs. DunBarton, I’d like to be compared to Nora Charles from The Thin Man movies. Myrna Loy was a lot smarter and sexier than Nigel Bruce."

I wholeheartedly agree, Alec grinned. Now, to update you both, I spoke to Woodward and he ordered the captain of the Centaurus to wait for us. Collin also said that a motion-picture crew is currently filming a movie on board the ship. It seems that Priestley used to work for several production companies as an ‘on-call doctor’ before taking a position with the cruise line and could have been killed by a former associate.

While the threesome watched the growing darkness descend upon the A12/E80 road to Civitavecchia, Paige mused, I wonder what the movie is going to be about. Do you think any of the actors are famous?

Aldo took a moment to turn to Paige. Excitedly he raved, "I think that Hollywood studio just finished filming in Venezia. For three months, all of Italia speaks of this. Me and my cousins went to a famous art museum where they were shooting. The direttore gave us permesso to be extras. We met Zita Mancini. She was a bella donna!"

Emphasizing the point, he loudly kissed his fingers and flung his right arm into the air. In a more subdued manner, he added, I had to sign a paper. It was in Inglese. I’m not sure what she says. Do you want to see it?

After Paige declared she’d be delighted, Aldo pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his suit pocket, keeping one eye on the road. Alec and Douglas looked over Paige’s shoulder as she read aloud:

Personal Release

Motion Picture: The Crook and the Contessa

Director: Sydney Clayton

Production Company: Calliope Pictures

I, the undersigned, hereby grant permission to Calliope Pictures (Production Company) to photograph me, to record my voice, performance, poses, acts, plays, and appearances, and use my picture, photograph, silhouette, and other reproductions of my physical likeness and sound as part of the Motion Picture tentatively entitled The Crook and the Contessa (the Picture) and the unlimited distribution, advertising, promotion, exhibition, and exploitation of the Picture.

I agree that I will not assert or maintain against you, your investors, assigns, and licensees, any claim, action, suit, or demand of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to, those grounded upon invasion of privacy, rights of publicity, or other civil rights, or for any reason in connection with your authorized use of my physical likeness and sound in the Picture as herein provided.

I have read the forgoing and fully understand the meaning and effect thereof and, intending to be legally bound, I have signed this release.

Aldo Rossi

22nd of September

Agreed and Accepted to by:

James Edison

Second Asst. Director

Wow, that was a mouthful. Before Paige could make another comment, Alec began to ask Aldo a slew of questions.

Despite the language barrier, Alec and his traveling companions learned what Aldo had witnessed earlier in the day while waiting to pick up three movie executives from the Centaurus.

Using broken English, he excitedly explained. "First, the Carabinieri turned up. I could tell by the color of their vehicles. They drive a dark blue Alfa Romero with a red strip. Then, the Guardia di Finanza drew up to the pier. The GDF control public safety, immigrazione and, how you say, territoriale waters. While I was watching them, the Polizia di Stato arrived, blaring their sirens. It was a circo."

Alec gathered that a circo was a circus. With all of Italy’s police forces responding to a possible homicide off the coast of Italy, Alec had no problem imagining the chaos that ensued.

Douglas, evidently concerned about the victim, asked Aldo whether he had noticed anyone remove Dr. Priestley’s corpse from the ship. According to the driver, a forensic police van from the Criminal Police Centrale Directorate arrived around seven, followed by a coroner. No passengers were allowed to disembark the Centaurus until 10:00 AM, and Alec wondered what they were told about the delay.

Aware they were nearing Civitavecchia and would not be able to question Aldo further, Alec hurriedly inquired about the VIP’s he had picked up from the port.

From Aldo’s vivid facial expressions, which were captured on the car’s rearview mirror, Alec gathered that the VIP’s had missed their flights back to Los Angeles. Like Alec, the movie moguls had experienced the less pleasant aspects of international travel.

CHAPTER ONE

Que Sera, Sera

Words & Music by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

1956 Academy Award Winner

(from The Man Who Knew Too Much)

Sunday Evening—29th of November

At the door to the penthouse verandah suite, Alec turned to Paige and asked, May I carry you over the threshold, Mrs. DunBarton?

To prepare, Paige placed her right arm over Alec’s shoulder. While he scooped her up and struggled to simultaneously insert the plastic keycard into the lock, Paige beseeched, Please, don’t drop me!

Even though Alec had a strong hold on his bride, he nevertheless let her down clumsily, startled by the sheer size of their quarters. On regaining her equilibrium, Paige rushed out of the foyer and into the living room.

Breathlessly, she uttered, It’s twice the size of the penthouse on the Pegasus. I had no idea that Flagship Cruise Line’s newest ships were built on such a grand scale.

Alec was half listening to Paige as he drew open the floor to ceiling drapes that concealed the sliding door to the balcony and whirlpool tub. Speaking with a heavy Scottish brogue, which became noticeable whenever he was excited, Alec called, Come here, Lass. The view is amazing.

Paige joined her husband and from their private terrace, they watched the port lights grow dim. The night sky was a velvety black, and the air was becoming decidedly cooler.

When Paige shivered, Alec immediately opened his jacket to allow her to lean against his warm chest. Wrapping his arms around his bride, Alec began to kiss her slender neck with the desire he had tried to fight off since their arrival in Italy.

Just as the couple reentered the suite to examine their bedroom, they heard a loud knock at the door. Hoping their luggage had arrived, Alec hurried to the foyer while Paige stepped into their ultra-modern bathroom.

Instead of seeing a steward with their bags, Alec was greeted by two men. One was obviously the captain, sporting the traditional four-star, white uniform and a scowl. Using Oxford English, he said briskly, My name is John Morse, captain of the Centaurus. I’m with my junior officer Benjamin Tucker III, Chief of Security. I’m sorry we weren’t able to welcome you aboard personally. As you know, we’ve recently experienced … some difficulties. I would like to discuss them with you now. May we come in?

Alec escorted his guests to the living room. Morse, walking with a slight limp, sat down on a brown leather club chair and told his younger and taller subordinate to take the other seat. Slightly worried that Paige would emerge from the bathroom wrapped in only a terrycloth towel, Alec called out, We have visitors.

A moment later, Paige joined their guests. After the introductions were made, she asked the officers whether they wanted a beverage from room service. With a southern drawl, Tucker replied, I’m sure your bar is fully stocked, ma’am. May I be of service?

In response to Paige’s thankful smile, the security officer rose and walked over to the wet bar in the corner of the room. As he was setting out the beverage glasses and a variety of soft drinks and sparkling water, Tucker alerted Paige to a large basket of fruit and a bottle of chilled Dom Perignon that was sitting on the polished oak counter.

While Tucker was handing out the beverages, Paige collected the gift basket’s note and said, It’s from Collin Woodward. He has every expectation that we’ll be successful in catching the killer and wishes us bon voyage.

With the topic now uppermost in their minds, Alec and the captain began to discuss Dr. Priestley’s death. The three men were engrossed in their conversation when there was another rap at the door.

When Paige escorted Douglas into the living room, his mouth dropped open, and he stammered, I’m terribly sorry. I had no idea you were entertaining. I’ll return at a more suitable time.

Nonsense, Captain Morse asserted. You’re Dr. Abbot, aren’t you? My superiors at headquarters told me that you’re going to fill in for Priestley.

Resuming where he left off, Morse continued, Many of the passengers got wind of the doctor’s ‘accident’ and were annoyed when their tours to Rome were delayed three hours. During all my years of service with the Royal Navy and Flagship Cruise Line, I’ve never seen such incompetence and petty squabbling among law enforcement agencies. The officials could not decide which police division should handle the Italian side of its investigation.

Grimacing, Morse stared down at his glass and then at Alec. I understand that a homicide detective from Florida was a guest at your wedding along with the president of the cruise line.

Alec shook his head, trying to hide an inappropriate smile from the captain. Officer Dan McGill had been less than pleased to learn there had been another murder on a FCL cruise and made some uncomplimentary comments about its passengers. Since McGill and his wife had plans to vacation in Ireland, the detective made arrangements for his junior partner, Garret McHale, to take the lead on the case until his return to Fort Lauderdale.

Still in the dark about the Italian police investigation, Alec asked the captain for further details. With growing distain in his voice, Morse told Alec that an official with the Central Criminal Police Directory summoned a coroner and a forensic team to make sure that Dr. Priestley did not have a communicable disease that could pose a threat to Italian citizenry.

Morse signaled Tucker