Craig sat down next to her. “What I’m about to tell you is in confidence,” he began. “I just got off the telephone with my superiors at Interpol. Have you heard of us?”
Nancy was stunned. She sat up and looked at Craig. “Of course I’ve heard of Interpol. It’s the International Criminal Police Organization.”
Craig nodded. “Most of the countries in the world are member states,” he said. “The national police groups of the different countries share information about worldwide crimes. We help one another catch criminals who cross borders.”
“What are you doing on this ship?” Nancy asked.
“Before I tell you that, I also need to tell you that I discussed with my superiors the idea of asking you to help,” Craig said. “In other words, I checked you out. And it looks like you’re as famous as your father, the great Carson Drew.”
Nancy smiled. “Why do you need my help?”
“I can’t tell you everything right now,” Craig said. “You’ll just have to trust me.”
“Do you have any identification on you?” Nancy asked.
Craig looked around to see if anyone else was watching them. When he felt the coast was clear, he pulled his credentials out of his pocket and opened them up for Nancy to examine.
“Looks real,” Nancy said.
“They are real,” Craig assured her.
“What’s the gist of the problem?”
“What I told you earlier was true. Interpol is involved because this ship’s final port of call is in Canada,” Craig said, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Basically, we’re trying to catch a fugitive who has robbed jewelry stores in Mexico and the United States of millions and millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds.”
Nancy cocked an eyebrow. “So you think that this fugitive is on this ship?” she said.
“If he’s not now, he’ll probably come aboard at one of the ports of call,” Craig said. “We received a tip that the fugitive would be trying to escape to Canada this way. It made sense. Who’d think of using a cruise ship? I mean, after all, it’s not the fastest way to get to Canada.”
“You’re right about that,” Nancy said. She thought for a minute. “How do you know it’s a he? Couldn’t it just as well be a she?” she asked. “You know what they say: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
Craig shook his head. “This time the song doesn’t fit,” he said.
“You seem to have a good part of this mystery figured out already,” Nancy said. “How can I help you?”
Craig hesitated for a moment. “Well, some of this concerns Amber, whom I’m very much taken with, whether she believes it or not,” he began. “I know now that it was a mistake to bring her along, but… well, I made the offer because I really do want to get to know her better. I think something very good can come out of this relationship. I’ll admit it: I was being a bit selfish. I knew that I’d be working on this case, but I didn’t want any other guy moving in on her.”
“I guess I can understand that,” Nancy said, “but, yes, asking her to come with you on a cruise and then ignoring her isn’t the best way to start a relationship.”
Craig smiled. “You don’t have to beat me up about it, Ms. Drew,” he said. “I’ve already been doing that myself.”
“It’s Nancy,” Nancy said. “What do you want me to do?”
“Okay, Nancy. I’d like for you and your friends to continue to include Amber in your activities. Try to keep her attitude toward me positive. I’ll do my part too. I’ll try to spend more time with her,” Craig said. He leaned over closer to Nancy’s ear. “But when I’m with Amber, I need you to help me find the person responsible for stealing all those diamonds.”
“Nancy?”
Nancy looked up to see George standing in front of her, holding a plate piled high with food. Craig had moved back away from Nancy, but she realized how strange it must have looked having him that close to her face.
“Great—you got something to eat,” Nancy said.
“Yes,” George said. She was looking at Craig. “Is this Amber’s boyfriend?”
Craig stood up and nodded at George. “I sure am,” he said, “and Nancy here has been giving me an earful!”
“Really?” George said.
Craig nodded. “She’s been telling me how badly I’ve been treating Amber, and I’ve told her that’s going to stop.” He looked at his watch. “My colleagues will be wondering where I went.” Looking directly at Nancy, he added, “I’m sure this is going to work out just fine.”
Nancy returned his look. “I hope so,” she said.
As Nancy watched Craig disappear it suddenly hit her: Someone on the ship could be an international jewel thief.
4
Nancy Investigates
Nancy took a piece of cheese from George’s plate. “Let’s see if Bess is up,” she said.
As the two of them started toward the elevator George turned to her friend. “Is there something you’re not telling me, Nancy?”
“Not exactly. Bess needs to be in on this too,” Nancy replied. “I’ll tell you two as much as I can.”
There was a line at the elevator, so Nancy suggested they take the stairs. “It’s just one deck down. We can get some exercise. Not that you really need it, after all those laps!” She smiled at George.
They found Bess in bed, doing her nails. “Well, I’m ready for another fabulous evening,” she told them. She held up one hand. “Do you like this color?” she asked.
