Ghosts of the Queen Mary

Ghosts of the Queen Mary

Karen Truesdell Riehl

I found myself enjoying a long afternoon reading this heartwarming novel. It reminded me at times of the madcap movies of the '40s and the old television series Topper.

Jack Magnus, for Readers' Favorite

BOOKS BY KAREN TRUESDELL RIEHL

Love and Madness: My Private Years with George C. Scott

The Ghosts of Fort Ord

Saturday Night Dance Club

Freedom's Sins

Hello Again

Bad Girl: A Play

Helga: Growing Up in Hitler's Germany

Ghosts of the Queen Mary

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Copyright 2014 Karen Truesdell Riehl

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. This is a work of fiction. Certain actual locations and characters are mentioned, but all other persons and events are in the imagination of the writer.

Cover design by Ronnell D. Porter

For Richard

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

Prologue

The Queen Mary set sail on her maiden voyage May 27, 1936. She was a troopship nicknamed the Grey Ghost during WWII, travelling nearly 600,000 miles with an average of 15,000 soldiers aboard per trip across the Atlantic. Her final luxury vacation cruise, on December 9th, 1967, terminated in Long Beach, California, where she's docked today, a hotel and historic landmark.

After abdicating the crown as England's King Edward VIII, Prince Edward, dubbed the Duke of Windsor, married American divorcee Wallis Simpson, who became his Duchess. The two made several crossings on the Queen Mary.

The Duke died in 1972. The Duchess passed away in 1986. Time Magazine listed the Queen Mary among the top ten most haunted places in America in 2008.

Chapter 1

Long Beach, California, aboard the Queen Mary

Spring 2014

Oh, my darling Max! What a thrill. Toots's voice came in breathless spurts. Our first cruise. And on the Queen Mary!

Max placed a protective arm around his wife’s shoulders to keep her from falling as she stood on the seat of the cabin chair. Toots had a habit of showing her excitement by performing dramatic leaps off chairs and footstools. So far she’d had the good sense to stay away from stepladders.

Her husband kissed the top of her head. Darling, I hate to burst your bubble, but you do know this isn’t a real cruise. We won't be leaving land. The ship's been anchored here since 1967.

Please, dearest, don’t ruin my fantasy. It’s much more fun to imagine we’ve set sail for some exotic destination. Now, please help me down. I haven’t had a chance to unpack, and I need to dress for dinner.

Six-foot one inch Max lowered his five foot wife to the floor. He dutifully lifted their two bags to place them on either side of the king bed.

May I be of help with the unpacking?

Toots gave her husband a pained smile. Thank you, no. Although you are very good at many things, my dearest, unpacking is not one of them. But how about pulling out one of those CDs we brought along? Let’s play some 1920s music to put us in the mood to explore this wonderful old ship.

While Max waited for Toots to unpack, he looked more closely around the cabin. Smooth, light-brown colored wood paneling on all walls. Two portholes, wood desk next to the bed, wardrobe closet, locked door to the adjoining compartment, bathroom next to the door to the hall. The fixtures, lamps, and two side tables were vintage 1920’s. The room had the feel of history and spooky elegance. It made Max dizzy. He had to sit down, which he did quickly, nearly missing the seat of a chair.

Toots witnessed the episode, giggled and said, "I see you don’t have your sea legs yet. Or have you been tipping back the Vodka while my back was turned?

No, it’s…

It’s what?

She thought he looked a bit ashen. But Max did have naturally pale skin. On the other hand, he’s probably hungry. I know I am."

She looked at him closely again. Droplets of sweat rolled down from his hairline. Max, are you ill?

No. At least I don’t think so.

What do you mean, you don’t think so?

I suddenly felt…

Felt what? Max, you’re scaring me.

No need for alarm. I just had the strangest feeling, that’s all.

Oh Max! How wonderful! I think they are here with us right now.

"I suppose you’re referring to some characters in your latest novel?’

No, darling, ghosts. The ship is haunted, you know.

In the first place, I do not believe in ghosts. And second, I think that is a made up story to attract tourists.

Well, believe what you want...Oh, look...the chair moved by itself.

What?

Ha! Gotcha, Mister Skeptic. Toots stepped to him and kissed his cheek. But you’d better be careful. The ghosts will get ya if you don’t look out.

She kissed him again and giggled.

Well, the feeling is gone now anyway, he lied. I think I’ll change for dinner. Have you unpacked my tux?

Dressed in his tux two hours later, Max felt himself again. Toots, in her mother’s black and gold beaded flapper dress, stood beside him in front of the full-length mirror on the closet door.

Max, we’re beautiful! Do you think anyone would believe we’re long-time members of the AARP?

Not a chance, my darling. We look half our age. And I love the peacock feather in your hair. Is it well anchored?

I hope so. It was one of mother’s treasures. I found it near the bottom of the costume trunk in the attic at home.

Max pulled out his grandfather’s gold pocket watch. It’s going on five-thirty, my dear. Our reservation is for six-thirty. Maybe we’d better move on so we’ll have time for a promenade and cocktail before dinner.

Have you got the camera? Toots asked.

You know me better than that. Have I ever forgotten the camera? You know how I love taking photos of my gorgeous, trophy wife. He held the cabin door open for her, Shall we?

Toots took a final peek in the mirror and smiled. I’m ready to face the world.

She felt a chill the moment they stepped out of the room into the narrow, carpeted hallway. The shiny tan walls and their ceiling high border lights produced mirror-like images, reflecting shadows and movement. She began to feel tired and heavy. As they continued walking down the tunnel-like hallway, she heard footsteps behind her. Close behind. She turned to make room for the person to pass. There was no one there.

For a ship filled with hotel guests the halls were eerily empty. She covered her nose against a smell of decay and turned forward. A man walked a few feet ahead of them, clad in a black cape and wearing a fedora. He took the next left turn in the hallway. As they passed that place, Toots stopped to look for him. He and the foul odor were gone. In just a few seconds he had simply disappeared. She turned back to Max, taking his hand in hers. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. She felt better now. Just the imaginings of this silly romance writer. I won’t bother Max with it.

Anything wrong? Max asked.

No…why?

For a minute there, you looked a bit peeked. Feeling okay?

O course! She smiled at Max and squeezed his hand. But I am in need of a drink and some food. Let’s get going before they drink all the wine.

The evening was warm. The view of the water and city lights inspired Max to take several artistic photos from the promenade deck. He then took several more of the interior, with its glossy floor and windowed wall.

Max, how many photos are you going to take? You seem to be in another world.

I feel as if I were in another world. This same one, but another...I can’t seem to describe it.

I feel the same way, Toots agreed. We may as well be walking on a movie set. I love all those huge old photos of film stars who once traveled on this ship. Glamour and wealth! What a time they must have had.

There’s one of Bob Hope and Loretta Young. Max, stop here a minute. Look at that photograph of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. They seem to be walking straight toward us. Oh, how I wish they were!

Max took a step closer, examining the photo. They were a handsome couple, all right.

They surely were. If I didn’t love you so much, I’d be drooling over the Duke. But as much as I love seeing them, I’m starving and need to eat.

I’m sorry, old girl. I’ve neglected you. Let’s get some food right now, before I find another captivating subject for a photo.

An hour later Max swallowed the last drop of his Merlot. Looking around again at the elegant Sir Winston’s dining room, he set his glass down reverently, dabbed his mouth, smiled, and leaned back in his chair. Now that, my dear, was a meal! One of the finest I’ve had in...I think...years. Superb in every way. Puts my cooking to shame.

Toots leaned across the table. Max, don’t turn around, but there are two people seated at the corner table near the door who look just like...Max, look quickly. No...don’t look. Oh, my God!

Who do they look like? Max whispered.

Toots didn’t answer.

Dearest, have you turned to stone? Max spoke louder. Toots! Speak to me. Are you having a stroke!

Continuing to stare at the corner table, Toots held her napkin to hide her face. They look like...OH, Max!

She was taking short, shallow breaths now. Her hands shook.

Toots! If you’re trying to scare me, it’s working. What on earth is wrong? Speak to me, or I’ll have the waiter call the ship’s doctor.

Toots lifted her water glass to her lips, took a large gulp, and held the glass to her forehead.

That’s better. Max, please look at the man and woman sitting at the corner table next to the door. Try to be casual, and tell me if I’m loony tunes.

Max looked, but not casually. He spent a minute squinting at them.

"If you’re loony tunes, old girl, I am too. I believe the folks at that corner table are the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. How the hell did they get here? I mean...they’re dead! Have been for years. He squinted in their direction again. That’s them! I could swear to it. My God! They don’t look any worse for wear, do they? I mean, they don’t look dead, if you know what I mean."

No, darling. They don’t look dead. What should we do?

What do you mean, What should we do?"

I’m not sure what I mean. Should we go over and speak to them?

Toots, they’re dead. They’re ghosts. And, most probably, are just figments of our imagination. After all, you are a writer. You must have conjured them up and passed the thought to me.

But Max… Toots bit her lip and wrinkled her brow, a signal she was about to cry.

All right, old girl. Here’s an idea. When we get up to leave, we’ll pass close by their table. We’ll nod and smile. If they nod and smile, we’ll know they see us.

What good will that do? Toots whined.

Max shrugged his shoulders. Well...then we’ll speak to them.

But what will we say? I’m not going to greet the Duke and Duchess of Windsor with, ‘Hi. Where are you folks from?

Well, then...how about, ‘seen any good movies lately?’ Or, 'how are things back at the castle?' Or…

Max, be serious!

To tell the truth, Tootsy, I’ve never greeted royalty before. I haven’t the slightest idea what to say.

Do you think I should curtsy? No. I’m sure not. Max, I’m terrified. What if they answer? Do you think other people can see them?

Toots was whispering very fast. Max couldn’t hear her, so he just kept nodding as he rose. Well...are we ready?

Yes. No! How do I look? Any smudges or food on my face? How is my hair? I feel disheveled. Oh, Max, I’m scared to death! We’re about to carry on a conversation with ghosts. Royal ghosts.

Yes, I know, dear. Now let’s do it!

I can’t. Toots sat down again.

My dear, in twenty- eight years I’ve never seen you turn away from a difficult situation, and this one ought to be fun.

Well, you’re right about not turning away. But I hardly think of this as fun. I’m nervous as hell.

So am I, old girl, so am I. Hold my hand, and let’s go.

Max took a step toward the corner table, stopped and turned to make room for Toots to pass. Ladies first, he said with a smile.

Max! That’s not fair!

It was your idea. I’m just along to watch. And we’d better hurry this up, or everyone in the restaurant will see us talking to an empty table.

Toots took a deep breath. Holding her shoulders back and chin up, she headed toward the corner table.

Good evening, she said. She tried to smile, but the corners of her mouth kept twitching.

The Duke stood up and smiled warmly. The Duchess also smiled warmly. Neither said a word.

My name is Antoinette Rawlings and this is my husband, Maxwell. The suspected royals nodded wordlessly.

It’s a lovely evening, isn’t it? Toots continued.

More nodding.

We saw your photo posted on the promenade deck.

More nods and smiles.

I don’t mean to be rude, but...are you the Duke and Duchess of Windsor?

The Duke and Duchess nodded and smiled.

Toots leaned closer. I’m afraid my next question will sound a bit strange. Actually, intrusive, but...are you dead?

They nodded once again.

How did that happen. I mean...Max, say something.

I think you’re doing quite well without my help, darling.

Max, please!

I’ll help.

The voice came from the Duchess.

You...spoke?

Yes, said the Duchess.

Your voice is lovely. Not at all like...Oh, dear...

Like the husky, manly voice those reporters say I have? the Duchess inquired.

Toots was stumped for an answer, so she smiled and curtsied. Oh, no, I didn't mean to say…

Max noticed the Duke stifle a yawn. That was either a sign the interview was over, or the Duke really was tired. Either way, it was time to end the conversation.

Well, this has been a wonderful talk, Max managed. Thank you, and good evening. He began to move Toots toward the door.

The Duke rose suddenly. Will you be available tomorrow?

Available? Max asked.

Yes, I know this seems sudden…But we’d like to escort you around the ship...a tour, if you will.

That would be very kind. But we wouldn’t want to trouble you.

"No trouble at all old man. We don’t have much else to do. We don’t get to converse with many people. So, why don’t