Crime of Their Life by Frank Kane Read Free Book Online

a social call. You see, I pulled a couple of strings to get on board and apparently he doesn’t like the idea of people trying to go over his head. He wanted to let me know not to expect any special treatment just because a vice president of the line is a fraternity brother.”
    “It’s easier to get vice presidents than captains,” Ingrid observed. “Then you know he can be a pretty rough character.”
    “I got that impression.”
    “That’s why it would be better for me to point out the ones that are available, where you won’t be stepping on some husband’s toes. Last cruise he had a passenger confined to his stateroom until we got to La Guaira, had his baggage carted out onto the dock and kicked him off the ship.”
    Liddell frowned. “He could do that?”
    “While this ship is out of New York, the captain can do anything and make it stick. And the company would back him up, vice president a fraternity brother or no fraternity brother.”
    Liddell managed to look impressed. “I’ll watch my step,” he promised her solemnly.
    The blonde studied the backbar mirror, smiled. “Don’t look over there now, but the third officer has just come on duty. He and Fran will start with cocktails and finish the night dancing in the Grand Salon.” She shook her head. “The third must be getting ready to settle down. I’ve seen him operate before but the way he stays close to Fran it looks like he means to stake a claim on Eldridge’s private Fort Knox.”
    Liddell glanced over to the white-haired man’s table. Eldridge stood talking to a tall, broad-shouldered man in an officer’s uniform, while the girl sat simpering in her chair. The third officer wore his hair in a short crew cut, his teeth were startlingly white against the deep tan of his face. Eldridge bobbed his head at something he said, started for the bar. The man with the crew cut slid into the chair across the table from the girl. She started talking animatedly.
    The white-haired man walked over to where Liddell stood with the blonde. “Ingrid, I don’t mean to interrupt, but how much time will we have on Grenada tomorrow?”
    “First tender leaves at 8:30. Last tender from shore at 2:30, Mr. Eldridge.” She turned to Liddell. “Have you met our new passenger, Mr. Liddell? He came aboard this morning. This is Mr. Eldridge, Mr. Liddell.”
    Eldridge turned a speculative glance on Liddell. His skin was like dark parchment, his lips thin and colorless. The only thing alive in his face was his startlingly blue eyes. He had the expression of a man who had been badly disappointed in life and was reproachful rather than bitter. “Liddell? Have we met before, Mr. Liddell? Your name sounds familiar.”
    Liddell considered it, shook his head. “I don’t think so, Mr. Eldridge. But it’s a pleasure.” He indicated the almost empty glass on the bar. “Would you join me?” He turned to the blonde. “Ingrid?”
    The girl shook her head. “I’ve got too much to do. Don’t forget there’ll be dancing in the Piccadilly Lounge for first-sitting passengers at 7:30 and a movie at 8:30.”
    “And the Midnight Sun at twelve?”
    “It’s been a long day,” the blonde countered. “I don’t know if I could keep my eyes open that long. Anyway, I’d better help them get set up for the dancing. I’ll probably see you both later.”
    She turned, headed across the bar. Both men watched wordlessly until she had disappeared into the companion-way. Cyril was polishing the bar in front of them with a damp rag that left oily circles. “All woman, that Ingrid,” he commented.
    “How about making Mr. Eldridge a drink, Cyril?” Liddell asked.
    “The usual, Mr. Eldridge?” the bartender wanted to know.
    The white-haired man nodded. While the bartender headed down the bar for the ingredients for a Bloody Mary, Eldridge turned, cast an appreciative eye on Liddell. “You don’t waste much time, do you, Liddell? Only on board a few hours and already you’re