The Ghost from the Sea (5 page)

D
anielle silently considered all
that Walt had told her. Finally, she asked, “Do you know why he's here?”

“I don't care why he's here. I told him to leave.” Walt turned back to the window.

“What about the people who died on the boat? You never answered my question. Were they friends of yours?”

Walt sighed wearily. “Some were. But what does that have to do with anything?”

“There must be some reason your boat washed up on shore. Some reason Jack showed up when he did.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“I don't know. Maybe listen to Jack the next time you see him. Find out what he has to say.”

“I doubt I'll see him again.”

Danielle studied Walt for a moment. “If he came back, would you talk to him? See what he has to say?”

Walt shrugged. “I suppose. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so abrupt with him. It was just a shock. He was the last one I expected to see.”

“Okay then.” Danielle started walking toward the door.

“Where are you going?”

“Where do you think? Back to the boat of course. If he's still lingering around, my bet is he's down by the boat.”

M
ax was walking
toward the attic stairs when Danielle reached the second floor landing. She paused a moment and picked up the cat, giving him an affectionate snuggle.

“Where've you been hiding out?” Danielle rubbed the side of her face against Max's fur. She could hear his loud purr. After giving the top of his head a quick kiss, she set him on the floor and told him, “Walt's in the attic.” With a swish of his tail, the black cat sauntered up the attic stairs, not looking back. Danielle watched him for a moment, noticing the way the white tips of his ears twitched slightly.

Danielle continued on her way downstairs. She stopped at the coatrack in the front hall and grabbed a light jacket, slipping it on. Just as she opened the front door, her cellphone began to ring. She pulled it from her pocket and looked at it. Chris was calling.

Before answering the phone, she glanced up at the ceiling, wondering if Walt was still standing at the attic window waiting to watch her walk down the street. Answering the phone, she stepped outside, closing the door behind her.

“How's Chicago?” she asked as she started down the walkway toward the street.

“Hectic. I was wondering, find out anything about the mystery boat?” Chris asked. The night before Danielle had talked to Chris on the phone, telling him about the wreckage not far from his house and about the spirit she had seen.

“You could say that.” Holding the phone to her ear, she glanced up at the attic. Walt stood by the window, watching her.

Continuing down the street, Danielle turned her back to Walt and proceeded to tell Chris all that she had learned about the Eva Aphrodite.

“I wish I was there to help you,” Chris said after she finished.

“I wish you were too.”

“Do you?”

Danielle could imagine Chris' teasing grin as he asked the question.

“I could always use help with this new spirit.”

“You could ask Heather for help,” Chris suggested.

“Now you're just being mean. She was down there, by the way.”

“Yeah, you mentioned she was there.”

“As was everyone from our street. Almost looked like a block party.”

Danielle heard another voice on the phone. Someone was calling for Chris.

“I'm sorry Danielle; I have to cut this short. The meeting is about to start; they need me in there.”

“Next time, why don't you just send them a check?” she suggested.

Chris laughed again. “That might be a good idea.”

By the time Danielle was off the phone, she was by Chris's house. She noticed there were two police cars parked on the side of the road. When she stepped onto the beach, she saw Joe Morelli, Brian Henderson, and Police Chief MacDonald. She also noticed the crime tape continued to encircle the yacht.

Joe and MacDonald's backs were to her, but Brian saw her coming.

“Office meeting at the beach?” Danielle called out. Joe and the chief turned toward her.

“Afternoon Danielle,” the chief greeted.

“Did you talk to Marie yet?” Danielle asked when she reached them.

“Yes. I was just telling Joe and Brian about it,” MacDonald explained.

“So I guess this boat is your problem.” Brian chuckled.

Danielle frowned. “My problem? How do you figure?”

“You're basically Walt Marlow's heir. So it stands to reason, his yacht now belongs to you—along with the cost of hauling it off.”

Danielle looked at the chief. “Is that true?”

MacDonald shrugged and flashed her a grin. “I've no idea. But it makes for interesting speculation.”

“And then there's the matter of the human remains,” Brian went on.

“Now wait a minute!” Danielle started to laugh. “I knew you'd find some way to drag me into this!”

“Considering your history, can you really blame me?” Brian teased.

“I don't know why any of you find this funny,” Joe snapped.

“Oh lighten up, Joe,” Brian told him. “You have to admit, it's rather amusing.”

“I don't think those poor people found it terribly amusing being executed,” Joe snapped.

“How long ago, almost a hundred years?” Brian countered. “Even if they all died of old age they'd be dead by now.”

“What are you talking about?” Danielle interrupted. “Who was executed?”

The three officers exchanged knowing glances.

The chief sighed and said, “We'd rather this not get out right now.”

“What are you talking about?” Danielle asked.

“The people we found, who died on that boat—”

“What's left of them,” Brian interrupted the chief.

“True,” the chief continued. “But they didn't drown. They were murdered.”

“How could you tell that? If there's only skeletal remains, you can't do an autopsy, can you?” Danielle asked.

“We haven't gone through the entire boat yet, but yesterday we removed what remains we found, which mostly amounted to seven skulls. Each one had a bullet lodged in it,” the chief told her.

Danielle frowned. “That's impossible. According to Wa…Marie…the boat went down in a storm. Everyone drowned.”

Brian shook his head. “Maybe there was a storm, but the remains we took off that boat—those people were murdered.”

“What are you going to do now?” she asked.

“We're making arrangements to have some lighting brought down, so we can do a more thorough search. In the meantime, we're going to have another look inside, see what we're going to need,” the chief explained.

Danielle looked at the wreckage. “Is it safe?”

“I think so.” The chief looked at Brian and Joe. “Why don't you two go ahead and start without me. I'd like to talk to Danielle, alone.”

“I expected to find half of Frederickport crawling all over the boat when I got down here,” Danielle told the chief when they were alone on the beach.

“We had a guard on the boat all night.”

“Guard?”

“We didn't want anyone tampering with the evidence. A few people showed up this morning, but after they realized they couldn't go beyond the tape, most just took a few pictures before moving on.”

“Evidence?”

“Technically speaking, it's a crime scene.”

“You think I might really be responsible for hauling that thing off?” Danielle asked.

“Don't worry about that now. I'm more concerned about you living in the same house with Walt.”

“Walt? What are you talking about?”

“After Marie called, I went down to the museum and had a little talk with Ben Smith and looked through some of the old Frederickport papers they have on file for that era.”

“What does this have to do with Walt?”

“Smith seems to think Walt Marlow may have had those people killed.”

“What are you talking about?” Danielle asked angrily.

“Obviously, Walt is dead. You might say, out of my jurisdiction. But that doesn't mean I can't be worried about you, living under the same roof with his spirit.”

“Chief, you know Walt, he's a good guy.”

“I can't say I know Walt. I've been witness to his levitations—”

Danielle couldn't resist giggling. “You saying you've seen him fly?”

The chief flashed her a rebuking frown. “I meant the way he skillfully levitates objects. I'm concerned for your safety. When Stoddard decided to haunt you, he wanted nothing more than to physically harm you, but thankfully he hadn't been able to—what is it you call it? Harness his energy. But Walt, he's rather adept at harnessing his energy. I remember how he almost killed Renton.”

“Yes, to save my life.”

“But what happens if something provokes him? Jealousy, perhaps?”

“Jealousy?”

“From how Chris talks, I get the impression he and Walt tend to compete for your attention.”

“This is ridiculous,” Danielle said impatiently.

“Is it? If Walt Marlow was capable of executing those people—or having them executed—who's to say he might not do something like that again? What happens if he gets jealous of Chris and decides to bring you to his side?”

“Are you suggesting Walt might kill me—so I can join him as a ghost?” Danielle didn't know if she should laugh or get angry at the chief's suggestion.

“I just think you and Lily should consider staying somewhere else until we figure this thing out. For your own protection.”

“How is that going to help?”

“You told me yourself, Walt can't leave Marlow House. And once you suggested if he ever managed to, he probably wouldn't be able to harness his energy as he can there. So what would it hurt? You can afford it. Stay somewhere else while we investigate the murders.”

“I don't believe for a moment Walt killed those people. I know Walt. I trust him. And I know he cares about me…about Lily.”

“Then you won't even consider my suggestion?”

“No.”

“Don't you think you at least owe it to Lily to give her the option to stay at a safe place while we investigate the murder? She could stay with Ian.”

“Why would Walt hurt Lily? I thought you just said I was in danger because he might go into a jealous rage over Chris,” she snapped.

The chief wore an expression devoid of humor. “If he was capable of executing those people—he is capable of anything.”

Angry, Danielle turned from the chief and looked at the wreckage. Walking on the top deck of the Eva Aphrodite was Walt's old friend, Jack.

“There's someone who might be able to shed some light on the situation,” Danielle said angrily.

The chief looked at the ship. He didn't see anyone. Joe and Brian were already inside the boat, out of sight. “What are you talking about?”

“
T
he Eva Aphrodite
came with a ghost,” Danielle explained.

“You see something?” the chief asked.

Danielle pointed to the top deck. “He's up there. Of course, I don't expect you to see him. But he's wearing a dark blue pinstripe suit, circa 1920. His name is Jack.”

“You've already talked to him?”

Danielle shook her head. “No. I noticed him yesterday morning, when I first saw the boat. He was up where he is now, and then vanished. According to Walt, he was at the house yesterday. They talked briefly, and then he disappeared.”

“I wonder if other spirits are here, considering the remains we found onboard. Or perhaps they went to the coroners' office,” MacDonald suggested.

“According to Walt, Jack wasn't aboard the Eva Aphrodite when it went down. He and Walt were partners in a business venture. They used the yacht to ferry people out to the booze ships during prohibition. Jack took off around the time the ship went down—taking all the money from their business venture with them. Walt believes Jack's spirit is drawn to the Eva Aphrodite. When the boat landed onshore it might have lured Jack's spirit out from wherever he was previously haunting.”

“Perhaps Jack was the one who did the hits for Walt?”

“Would you stop saying that!” Danielle snapped. “Walt didn't kill those people. And as far as I know, Jack's only crime was embezzlement and betraying his best friend.”

“I'd rather you communicate with the spirits of those poor souls who were murdered on that boat. I imagine they'd be able to tell you what really happened out there, and who was responsible.”

“I don't believe they're here. I think I would have seen something already. And since I don't do séances, Jack will have to do.”

“As long as Joe and Brian are on the boat, you can't very well go up there and introduce yourself.”

Looking back up to the upper portion of the wreckage, Danielle narrowed her eyes and studied Jack. He paced the upper deck, as if agitated. For a brief moment, she contemplated waving at him, seeing if she could coax him off the boat and onto the beach with her. Then she thought of Brian and Joe and feared they'd exit the boat at an impromptu time.

“How long do you think Brian and Joe will be in there?” Danielle asked.

“You want to wait until they leave so you can talk to your ghost?”

“His name is Jack. And he's not my ghost. But yeah, I'd like to do that.”

“I tell you what. Why don't you go home, and let me get to work. When we're done, I'll send Joe and Brian back to the station. I'll give you a call, let you know when they're gone. It will be at least an hour.”

“Are you planning to leave anyone down here to keep guarding this thing?”

“Until we're done, yes. But I'll make some excuse and stay down here while you have your conversation.”

Danielle glanced briefly back to the upper deck of the wreckage, and at the ghost now looking down at her.

“Okay. I just hope he's still there when I come back.”

When Danielle started to walk away, the chief called out, “Danielle, please be careful.”

Pausing a moment, she looked back at the chief and flashed him a frown. “I'll be fine. I don't know what Ben told you, but he was wrong about Walt.”

G
ripping the flashlight
, MacDonald moved its beam along the interior of the dismal cabin. The scent of seawater and rotting wood filled his nostrils. Joe explored the adjacent cabin, while Brian stood just a few feet from MacDonald.

“None of the theories on this thing make any sense,” Brian said.

“What do you mean?” the chief asked.

“According to one of the guys I talked to from the Coast Guard, this thing was probably a ghost ship, floating around for almost a hundred years until it landed back here.”

The chief continued to move his light around the small space. “I've heard of ghost ships.”

“What about that hole in the stern? Looks like someone took an axe to it. I don't see how water wouldn't have come in that way. And where are the rest of the skeletal remains? I would assume being underwater and exposed to sea life would assist in their decomposition, but would that be the case for a ship floating around for almost a hundred years?” Brian asked.

Focusing his light on a brass lamp still attached to the wall, the chief said, “By the looks of those barnacles, I'd have to agree with you. I'm no expert, but it seems as if this ship was once under water and for a long time.”

“I suppose it could have landed somewhere and been swamped, virtually underwater, and then somehow got unstuck and ended up here. But that still doesn't explain that hole.”

Before the chief could respond, they heard Joe shout out from the adjoining cabin, “I found something!”

When Brian and MacDonald joined Joe, they found him kneeling on the floor, shining a light on what appeared to be a metal box. What they didn't see was Jack, who leaned against the sidewall, his arms casually crossed, watching the three officers.

“You going to open that thing?” Jack asked. “I've been wondering what was in it.” He watched as Brian and MacDonald gathered around Joe, while Joe fumbled with the box's latch.

“I sure would like a cigarette,” Jack groaned. “I wish I knew how Walt did that. I'm not much for cigars, but I'd even take one of those.”

“Is it locked?” Brian asked.

Joe's fingers persistently worked on the latch. “I don't think so.” The next moment its lid popped open and Joe redirected the beam of his flashlight into the box's interior. To his surprise, its contents glittered and sparkled.

Jack leaned toward the now open box. “What do we have here?”

“Damn,” Joe muttered as he reached inside and pulled out what appeared to be a diamond necklace. He handed the necklace to MacDonald and then reached into the box and pulled out a pearl necklace, which he then handed to Brian.

Brian began to laugh.

Jack stared at the diamond necklace. “I recognize that.”

Joe paused and looked up to Brian. “What's so funny?”

“Danielle Boatman, every time she turns around she either trips over a dead body or falls into a pot of money.”

Jack leaned closer to the open box, his body moving through Joe's. Peering into the metal container he spied more treasure—precious gemstones and gold.

Joe shook his head, looking seriously at Brian. “I don't get it.”

The chief began to chuckle. “I see what you mean. If Danielle is Walt's heir—through her aunt's will—then this boat would belong to her.”

Jack jerked his head up and looked at the chief. “Who is Danielle? Why would she own the Eva Aphrodite?”

Brian handed the pearl necklace back to Joe and stood back up, no longer kneeling by the metal box. “You have to admit; it's pretty damn funny.”

“There's no reason to believe this treasure belonged to Walt Marlow,” Joe said. “It probably belonged to the passengers, and they put it in the box for safe keeping.”

“What, right before someone blew their brains out?” Brian asked.

Jack stepped away from the three men.

MacDonald handed the diamond necklace to Joe. “Put it back in the box and let's take this to the station so we can have a better look. Impossible to see anything in here.”

Thirty minutes later, the chief sat alone in his squad car, calling Danielle on his cellphone.

“Can I come down now?” Danielle asked when she answered the call.

“I'm sorry; your talk with the ghost will have to wait. Something came up and I want to head back to the station with Brian and Joe. I'm waiting for someone to get here, to keep an eye on the wreckage.”

W
ith the back
of his hand, MacDonald swept the pile of papers and random pens, and paperclips to one side of his desk, making room for the metal box they had brought back from the Eva Aphrodite. Joe set the box on the cleared space, as MacDonald took a seat behind the desk. For a few moments, the three men, Joe and Brian standing, MacDonald sitting, stared at the metal box.

MacDonald spoke first. “What's the first thing you notice?”

“Looks pretty good for being in that boat for such a long time,” Joe said.

“Not a single barnacle,” Brian noted.

“Something else. I didn't notice it until Joe set the box down.” MacDonald pointed to the cabinet in the corner of his office. “Joe, on the bottom shelf of the cabinet, bring me the metal box.”

Joe frowned, but did as the chief instructed. He walked to the cabinet, opened it, and then looked on its bottom shelf. To his surprise, there was a metal box—it appeared to be identical to the one they had found on the boat. He reached down and picked it up, bringing it to the chief. He set it on the desk next to its twin.

“Damn, you have a box just like it!” Brian said in surprise.

“I picked it up a few weeks ago at Walmart.” The papers stored inside the chief's box shifted to one side as he turned the box upside down, making a rustling sound. On the bottom of the box the words “Made in China” was stamped into the metal, and next to it was the Walmart price sticker. It hadn't been removed.

After setting the box aside, the chief retrieved a pair of latex gloves from a drawer and slipped them on. Joe and Brian watched as he opened the box Joe had found. Gingerly, the chief removed the items from the container, setting them on the desktop. There were four necklaces, which included the diamond and pearl ones they had seen while still on the boat. There was also a pair of diamond cufflinks, a woman's ruby ring, and a man's ring. After placing all the items on the desktop, the chief picked up the man's ring again and had a closer look.

“It's a wedding ring,” he said. Tilting it to one side, he studied it for a moment. “Looks like initials and a date engraved inside. But I'll need a magnifying glass.” Setting the ring back on the desktop, he turned his attention to the metal box.

After closing the box's lid, MacDonald turned it upside down. His attention riveted on the bottom of the box, he said nothing. Also speechless were Joe and Brian, who each moved closer to the desk to have a closer look.

“I guess this means Danielle doesn't necessarily have a claim to this particular treasure,” Brian muttered.

“What does this mean?” Joe asked. Simultaneously, he and Brian stood straight, no longer hovering over the desk.

MacDonald leaned back and studied the upside down metal box. “I'd like to know how this got on board that boat.”

Brian sat down. “For a brief moment I started to wonder if maybe the remains we found weren't the original passengers and crew of the Eva Aphrodite, but considering the level of decomposition, I'd have to say, what was in that box has nothing to do with the human remains we found on board.”

“We need to get someone in here to look at this,” the chief said. He looked up at Joe. “Maybe that jeweler we brought from Astoria who looked at the Missing Thorndike?”

“You mean the Fake Thorndike,” Joe corrected.

“Good bet this is stolen,” Brian said.

“Makes me wonder,” Joe pondered. “Is it possible the Eva Aphrodite was brought to shore by whoever left this box on board? And for whatever reason, was forced to leave the box behind?”

“Not sure how, since it doesn't have a working engine,” Brian reminded.

The Chief leaned forward, studying the metal container. “We know one thing. Whoever left this on board, didn't do it back in Walt Marlow's day.” MacDonald reached for the box, his fingertips lightly touching what remained of the water faded Walmart price sticker, still affixed next to the “Made in China” stamped into the metal.