Murder Under a Honey Moon, page 1
Mona Moon and her new husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth, are on their honeymoon at last. They have just boarded the RMS Majesty ocean liner. The couple are looking forward to visiting Robert’s ancestral English home, Brynelleth, and then off to Paris before winding up on the Italian Riviera. After a romantic evening of dancing until the wee hours of the night, Mona and Robert discover their suite has been ransacked and Mona’s jewelry, supposedly secured in their stateroom, has been stolen.
Mona is horrified, as some of the jewelry belongs to the Brynelleth Estate and were cherished pieces of Robert’s mother. The ship’s crew searches the ocean liner, and a gold brooch turns up in a bartender’s cabin. It is the same bartender who served Mona earlier in the evening. The only problem is the bartender has been murdered and the rest of the jewelry is still missing.
Murder Under A Honey Moon
A Mona Moon Mystery
Book Twelve
Abigail Keam
Worker Bee Press
Copyright © 2024 Abigail Keam
Kobo Edition
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission of the author.
The history is documented.
The Moon family, Moon Manor, and the Moon associates,
family, and friends are fabrications of my imagination
unless otherwise stated.
So is Robert Farley—’tis a shame though.
Author’s photograph by Peter Keam
Book cover design by Peter Keam
Edited by Dorothy Nguyen
Special thanks to Melanie Murphy, Jesse Coffey, and Liz Hobson
ISBN 978 1 953478 15 3
22024
Published in the USA by
Worker Bee Press
P.O. Box 485
Nicholasville, KY 40340
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Table of Contents
Cover
About the Book
Title Page
Copyright Page
Books By Abigail Keam
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
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Glossary
About Murder Under A Cold Moon
Other Books By Abigail Keam
About The Author
Books By Abigail Keam
The Josiah Reynolds Mysteries
Death By A HoneyBee I
Death By Drowning II
Death By Bridle III
Death By Bourbon IV
Death By Lotto V
Death By Chocolate VI
Death By Haunting VII
Death By Derby VIII
Death By Design IX
Death By Malice X
Death By Drama XI
Death By Stalking XII
Death By Deceit XIII
Death By Magic XIV
Death By Shock XV
Death By Chance XVI
Death By Poison XVII
Death By Greed XVIII
Death By Theft XIX
Death By Betrayal XX
Death By Envy XXI
The Mona Moon Mystery Series
Murder Under A Blue Moon I
Murder Under A Blood Moon II
Murder Under A Bad Moon III
Murder Under A Silver Moon IV
Murder Under A Wolf Moon V
Murder Under A Black Moon VI
Murder Under A Full Moon VII
Murder Under A New Moon VIII
Murder Under A British Moon IX
Murder Under A Bridal Moon X
Murder Under A Western Moon XI
Murder Under A Honey Moon XII
Murder Under A Cold Moon XIII
Prologue
Two men, dressed in dark wool overcoats, leaned on the promenade deck railing and watched the crowd gathering below on the dock. Many hugged and kissed their loved ones before marching up the ramp of the RMS Majesty leaving New York for Southampton.
“Do you see them?” the taller of the two men asked, while all around them travelers were trying to squeeze next to the railing in order to wave goodbye to well-wishers. The deck was noisy and chaotic with people milling about.
The ocean liner broadcast one long blast from its foghorn.
“That tears it. The ship just gave the signal that it will be leaving soon. All non-passengers are to depart,” said the shorter man, blowing on his hands.
“They better hurry or they are going to miss the ship,” the taller companion answered, watching his compatriot warm his hands. “I told you to wear gloves. This winter wind will cut right through you.”
“I left them in our cabin.”
“Don’t do you any good there.”
“Righto,” replied his friend, good-naturedly. “Won’t make that same mistake again.”
The taller man straightened. “There they are!”
“Where?”
“Getting out of that taxi. See?”
The shorter man said, “They sure are cutting it close.”
“Let’s get closer to the ramp. I want to hear what cabin they are in.”
His companion argued, “We already know the number of the stateroom.”
“That might change at the last minute. It could be switched. Come on. Let’s go.”
The two men worked their way to the check-in area and tried to look inconspicuous. One of them took out his handkerchief and waved to the crowd below while furtively glancing at the couple racing up the embarkation ramp.
The two men were so busy eyeing the late couple hurrying that they failed to notice a blonde man in a gray overcoat, gray fedora, and gray felt gloves observing them with the utmost curiosity.
The man in gray followed the eyes of the two men. They were watching a young couple being interrogated by the first mate and several policemen. The man smiled to himself before drifting back into the crowd, where he bumped into a matron wearing a fox stole. Tipping his hat, he said, “Lovely day.”
The woman glanced at the sky threatening another rain shower. “Is it?” When she turned, the man was gone. Oh, well. What an odd duck, the woman thought.
1
“Mona! Hurry up, or we’re going to miss the boat!”
“Yes, Robert,” Mona answered her husband of just one month. He escorted her up the ship’s long ramp, slick with downpour, and showed the ship’s first officer their tickets.
“May I see some ID, please?” the officer asked, crossing a name off the manifest.
“This is bloody irregular,” Robert protested.
Three men stepped out of the shadows and flanked the officer. One of them flashed a police badge and said, “Sorry, sir, but we insist. We will not let you board without identification.”
Mona pushed Robert aside and took out her wallet. She handed the men her passport, driver’s license, library card, bank ID, and membership card to the Ladies Auxiliary Club. The men checked the name against the manifest.
The first officer said, “Maplewood does not match any name on the manifest.”
“Now see here . . . !” Robert objected.
Mona pressed her hand against Robert’s chest. “Remember your blood pressure, Lord Bob.” She turned to the men looking suspiciously at her. “I realize you must be looking for someone. A criminal, perhaps? I am Mona Moon and this is my husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth. We are traveling incognito under the name of Maplewood because we are on our honeymoon and wish to be anonymous. We just wanted some privacy.”
“I’m not buying this,” said one of the policemen. “Let’s detain them downtown.”
“Look,” Mona said frantically, handing them a business card. “We just want to go to our stateroom. You can wire my lawyer, Dexter Deatherage, at this address and phone number before the ship leaves, and he will vouch for us. Surely, you’ve seen our name and pictures in the newspapers—Mona Moon and Robert Farley? We are the Duke and Duchess of Brynelleth.” Mona pointed to Robert. “He’s in line to the throne of Great Britain.”
“Never heard of you,” one of the policemen huffed.
The first officer cautioned, “We’d better check this out. They have one of the better staterooms on board, and it has been paid in full. We do have passengers giving false names all the time. It’s not unusual.”
The policeman, who seemed to be in charge, said, “Take them to their stateroom and lock them in until we verify their identities.”
“Now s
“It’s all right, dear. These men are looking for a person of interest and from the sound of it—someone very dangerous.” Mona turned to the small knot of men. “Of course we will cooperate. Take us to our cabin, please.”
The officer snapped his fingers, whereupon a steward led the couple to their stateroom accompanied by several lads from the ship’s security detail.
Upon entering their stateroom, Mona and Robert heard the twist of the key in the door before footsteps receded down the hallway. They stared at each other.
“This gets curiouser and curiouser,” Robert muttered.
Mona looked about the suite. “I don’t see our trunks. They were supposed to be shipped early. At least there is a fruit basket and flowers. We won’t starve.”
Robert teased, “Not for several days to be sure. We can always beg for food from passersby out the portholes.”
Mona pulled off her black wig and fluffed her platinum hair. “I hope they have a good hairstylist onboard. I’m going to need one. My hair feels all smooshed.”
Pulling Mona close, Robert kissed her on the nose. “You look ravishing to me, darling.”
“You know, Lord Bob,” Mona said, “we wanted to be alone on this trip and have managed it. Let’s not waste time worrying about our less-than-usual boarding of this liner. We would have locked the door—the door is locked. Let’s not waste time, darling.”
Robert picked up Mona, who clung to his neck. Robert leaned down and kissed her. “That’s tickety-boo. I want more of those sweet kisses. Which door is the bedroom, you think?”
“Let’s try that one.”
Robert hurried over and lowered Mona, so she could turn the door knob. Inside was a beautiful, gold and white art deco bedroom with rose petals scattered on the coverlet, a vase of red roses on the dresser, and a gold-foiled box of candy on the nightstand. He lay Mona carefully on the bed. “Do you need time?”
“No, darling.” Mona reached up for Robert and pulled him to her.
They didn’t even feel the ship pull away from the dock or hear the whistles and goodbye calls from well-wishers on the dock—because they were, eh hem, occupied.
2
Hours later, Mona was seated at the vanity fixing her hair, when Robert strolled in holding a note. “What’s that?”
“It seems to be an invitation to dine with the captain tonight. I think the powers that be have decided we are indeed the Duke and Duchess of Brynelleth on our honeymoon.”
“They must have talked with Deatherage and deemed us eccentric but not dangerous. We can’t go, though. All my evening clothes are in our trunks.”
“The trunks were delivered while you were taking a shower. They were consigned to someone else’s stateroom by mistake.”
Mona was relieved. “Very good the staff got that straightened out. Let’s attend dinner, by all means.”
Robert tossed the invitation on a nightstand and nuzzled the swan neck of his bride. “We can order room service and stay in tonight.”
“Aren’t you curious about whom the police were searching?”
Robert looked at their reflection in the vanity. “Not in the slightest. I wouldn’t care even if they discovered the identity of Jack the Ripper.”
“Well, I am curious. Besides, I have the most daring evening gown to wear. Don’t you want to show me off?”
Robert cried emphatically, “NO, I DON’T! I want you all to myself for the next four days—no servants, no Pinkertons, no cables, no work, no idiotic social climbers trying to be introduced. Just us.”
“We can’t stay shut up in this cabin for four and a half days. Everyone would talk,” Mona said.
“Let them. I don’t give a fig. I want time alone with my bride. Now I went along with your trip to Montana right after our wedding. I’m putting my foot down now.”
“Robert, we live off the money made from Moon copper mines. It helps to support Brynelleth, Mooncrest Farm, and all our employees. Surely, you don’t hold that against me.”
“No. No. I didn’t mind shacking up with Rupert Hunt in a freezing rundown hut during a mining strike, having little food, no bathing water, being caught in an avalanche, being shot at, solving a murder—no, I didn’t mind being there instead of a comfy stateroom with plenty of hot water and French cuisine.”
Mona glanced at Robert’s reflection in the vanity mirror. “Robert, it will only be for an hour or so. Besides—you may not want to show me off, but I want to show you off—and I want to go dancing.”
Robert threw his hands up. “I forget how women love to dance.”
“You’re a very good dancer. I love when you hold me in your arms and swirl me around the dance floor. It gets me in the mood.” Mona gave Robert a provocative smile.
Delighted, Robert agreed, “You win, my pet. I’ll inform the staff that we will join the captain’s table. Dinner is at eight.”
Mona peeked at her watch. “That doesn’t give me much time, but I’ll be ready.”
Robert muttered, “I better get my tux out of the trunk and have it pressed.”
“Is the door unlocked?” Mona asked.
“Yes, so we are free as birds.” He kissed the top of Mona’s platinum head. “I’ll dress in the other room. I shan’t bother you as I know you enjoy your privacy when dressing.”
“Come for me at seven-thirty. I want to stretch my legs before dinner.”
“Yes, my queen.”
Mona watched Robert leave and shut the door. Staring at herself in the vanity mirror, Mona could not quite believe her fortuitous marriage to Robert Farley. She was extremely happy and light of heart.
Little did Mona know that she and Robert were in for a rocky sea voyage.
They had been watched and followed since New York, and now aboard the ocean liner with them were those with ill intent. It did not bode well for our love birds.
3
Mona entered the dining room and heard people gasp. She was wearing a golden metallic dress that exposed her pale back. With her platinum hair, golden eyes, and the yellow and white diamond bracelets circling her wrists, Mona cut quite a figure.
Everyone whispered, staring.
“Steady, old girl. Head held high,” Robert whispered.
Mona clutched onto Robert’s arm as the steward escorted them to the captain’s table. She had always commanded attention because of her coloring, but now she heard judgmental whispers from other passengers as she moved through the dining room.
Her hair must be dyed—it looks so unnatural. Her dress is that of a harlot. She looks haughty. She looks smashing. I wish I had a figure like that. I wonder if she’s ill—she looks so pale. I hear he’s a duke, but she is lowborn. The paper stated she has yellow eyes. You know she’s one of the richest women in the world. So that’s why he married her. The duke is awfully good-looking. I’ve got to meet her. I’ve got to meet them. Maybe I can ask her to dance with me. They don’t seem very friendly. She’s not even smiling.
The comments went on and on.
Mona looked straight ahead without giving any indication she heard their comments, even though she was miffed. Mona couldn’t help her white hair and pale skin, but she’d be damned if she were going to be criticized about her clothes. She liked the way she dressed.
The captain immediately rose and came toward them. He gave a quick nod of his head. “Your Grace. Your Grace. May I personally apologize to both of you for the appalling behavior of my staff this afternoon.”
Dressed in a black tux with a white waistcoat and bow tie, Robert answered, trying to remember the captain’s last name—ah, it sprang into his head. “There is nothing to apologize for, Captain . . . Captain Fox. We were late and then came aboard under assumed names. It is only natural your officer and the police were suspicious. No harm done, old chap.”
“We shall put the matter behind us then,” the captain suggested.
“Yes, do,” Mona said. “Let’s look forward.”
The captain appeared relieved. “Very well. May I present you to the others gracing my table tonight?”
Robert nodded, looking eagerly at the guests.
