It's Murder, On a Galapagos Cruise: An Amateur Female Sleuth Historical Cozy Mystery (Miss Riddell C by P.C. James (easy novels to read txt) 📕

“You will think us odd, I dare say,” Ruth said. “We look different, but you should understand that you people have always looked and seemed odd to us. We’re trying to overcome our suspicions about you and bridge that gap for our children and those who come after.”

Pauline smiled. “I’ve often thought Isaac finds us amusing. There’s often a twinkle of laughter in his eye and his voice when he speaks to us. Does he find us very silly?”

Ruth laughed. The first time Pauline had heard her laugh. “He does find outsiders silly,” she said, “but he isn’t really laughing at you. Please believe me. It’s just sometimes he hears himself telling the story to our people back home and imagining their reaction. You see, even though it is Isaac leading our small group to a closer understanding of your world, he still finds it hard sometimes to take your world seriously. None of you seem to show true reverence for the lives you’ve been given.”

“I feel that way sometimes too,” Pauline said. “Even I put my spiritual beliefs into a compartment so I can work and investigate when it should be those things that are in boxes.”

“I think that’s why we feel safer talking to you, Miss Riddell,” Ruth said. “And probably why people tell you things they wouldn’t tell others. They feel you will do what is right.”

“I try to but it is often hard knowing what is right and what is not.”

“Sadly, what is right and what is fun to do are often at opposite ends of the teeter-totter, don’t you find?”

Pauline nodded but was saved from replying with the excursion party once again forming around Pedro to hear more about the Galapagos and its unique environment.

Her conversation with the usually uncommunicative Ruth had, for a time, taken Pauline’s mind off the pressing desire to hear what Freda had learned from Betty. But the moment they were back on the ship, she grabbed her sister by the arm and practically marched her past the welcome aboard champagne and back to their cabins.

“I want to freshen up before we eat, Freddie,” she said, when Freda protested.

“Well,” Pauline demanded, once they were safely out of hearing, “tell me what you learned.”

“Rod is a fool,” Freda said. “He married money and only days after the wedding is throwing it all away.”

“I don’t care if Rod is the world’s greatest court jester, Freddie. What did Betty say about that evening?”

“Oh, that,” Freda said with a shrug. “Ow! Don’t pinch! All right, all right. He wasn’t with Betty as she’s said until now. She doesn’t know where he was and,” she paused for dramatic effect, “he did have an argument with Jose.”

“What about?”

“Jose was trying to extort money from Rod.”

“To do that, Jose must have known of some wrongdoing on Rod’s part. Does Betty know what?”

“If she does, she isn’t saying yet,” Freda said. “Maybe, if Rod hasn’t come to his senses today and doesn’t behave better tonight, she’ll tell me tomorrow.”

“Then here’s hoping he’s too far gone to care,” Pauline said.

“And I hope not. I feel horrible for Betty.”

“She must have been out of her mind to marry him,” Pauline said flatly. “She could have had what she wanted by keeping him as a bit on the side. If people behave foolishly, they deserve what they get.”

“Pauline,” Freda cried, shocked to the core.

“Sorry, Freddie, but you know I’m right. Even if you won’t admit it.”

“I’m not going to be your spy tomorrow,” Freda said, icily. “I’ve had enough.”

“You’re not my spy, you’re my detecting partner so stop this nonsense and get on with your work.”

“I will never work for you again.”

“Think of all the fun you’ll miss,” Pauline said.

“It’s not very nice, doing this.”

“We’re all different, I suppose,” Pauline said. “You find snooping on people not nice, I find it infinitely preferable to changing bedpans.”

“You carry on then, Pauline. I think you’ll discover people really have had enough.”

“Oh dear,” Pauline said, grimacing. “I’ve been reduced to ‘Pauline’ have I?”

“Until you come to your senses,” Freda replied, smiling. “And if you don’t look out, you’ll be Miss Riddell!”

Pauline laughed. She was still chuckling when she went in search of witnesses. Someone who would admit to being on the deck at the time of Jose’s death. She found Freda was right. In the past day, the passengers’ mood had changed. Many wouldn’t even speak to her and those that did communicate, didn’t tell her about their movements. Many were happy to tell her where her movements should take her. It seemed the mystery’s novelty had worn off.

When they met for tea later that afternoon, Freda lost no time in asking, “Do you see what I mean now? People are tired of us endlessly badgering them with questions. They can’t be comfortable with me or you or even each other, while we’re trying to turn them into snitches.”

“I do understand,” Pauline said. “But you must understand, I’ve been doing this for years. You develop a thick skin eventually.”

“It’s all right for you. While you and Somerville are carousing with the captain, I’m in the lounge with the other folks on the outside and these past days I’ve been hearing a lot of opinions about this investigation and the detectives. That’s why I have to stop. I’m handing in my notice, Pauline.”

Pauline nodded. “That’s wise, I think. They can’t take it out on me or Somerville because we were asked to investigate but you are in a strange position. For your own peace of mind, we should make it clear you’re no longer a part of this – and by your choice.”

“I’ve already done that,” Freda said. “Everyone I talked to today, I told them I’m not taking part anymore. They were pleased to hear it. It means I can converse with them like a normal human being.”

Pauline laughed. “I think you’ll need time to win their trust after the past week or so,” she said.

Freda grinned. “You’re right,”