Page 81 of Millie's Cruise Ship Mysteries
Disgruntled crew member? Possibly.
Mischievous prankster? Maybe.
A spoiled and unappreciative yacht passenger? More than likely, at least in Millie’s mind. Her gut told her that not only had Jeremy Manning stolen her keycard and cash, but the troublemaker was also behind the vandalism on boardandthe bomb threat.
Unfortunately, hunches and conclusive evidence were two entirely different matters. Although the voyage was winding down and they were on their way back to Miami, there was still plenty of time for a mischief-maker to continue causing trouble and engage in destructive behavior.
The expenses of the vandal, thief and culprit behind the bomb threats were starting to add up. Returning to Grand Turk’s port cost Majestic Cruise Lines lots of money. Because of the late departure, the ship would have to travel full steam ahead, wasting precious fuel to make up for lost time.
“Juji’s shop is right there.”
Oscar made a wide turn and pulled alongside the curb.
“I’ll make sure she’s still here.” Cat bounded up the steps and trekked into the store. She popped back out a few seconds later and waved them in.
Millie crossed the street, studying the main drag, a mixture of single story and two-story buildings. Spacious sidewalks meandered past British colonial and Bermudian-style architecture with wide verandas and covered porches, offering shade from the intense Caribbean sun.
“Good day, mum.” A thin woman with inquisitive brown eyes, welcomed Millie and the others. “You brought the whole crew, Cat,” she observed in a clipped tone. “I heard your ship left and returned to port.”
“Not by choice. Someone called in a bomb threat.”
Juji’s hand flew to her throat. “You had a bomb on board?”
“Thankfully, no.” Cat explained that bomb-sniffing dogs had thoroughly searched the ship. “Nothing was found. We’re waiting for clearance to depart. Because the call came in froma 649 number, Dave Patterson, our head of security, is here to inquire about burner phones.”
“We sell a few.” Juji slipped her reading glasses on. “I am not sure if we sold any today.”
“Could you check?” Cat asked.
“Of course.” Humming under her breath, the store owner adjusted the computer screen and reached for her mouse. “I did not sell any phones today.”
“I’m wondering if you have any idea how many other shops on the island sell cell phones,” Millie said.
“A handful.”
Patterson twirled his finger. “Here in town or in other parts of the island?”
“It ‘twould only be in Cockburn Town. I know all the other store owners who sell similar products. It will take some time to stop at every store.”
“The one thing we don’t have a lot of,” Oscar said.
Millie opened her purse and began counting her money. Thirty-seven dollars. Not nearly enough cash for Juji’s time.
Patterson elbowed her. “What are you doing?”
“I was thinking if we offer Juji some cash, she might be willing to do the groundwork for us.”
“Excellent idea.” He pulled his wallet from his pocket. “We are very much interested in finding out if the phone used to place the call was purchased in Grand Turk. Would it be possible for us to compensate you for your time and have you do a little checking around?”
“Possible?” Juji smiled widely. “I would certainly be able to help.”
“I have some cash, too.” Cat dug into her backpack and pulled out a small stack of money.
Oscar removed several bills from his wallet.
Pooling their funds, they came up with a little over a hundred dollars.
“Will a hundred and ten American dollars be worth your time?”
