“That’s a possibility. We know there’s a Craig Oliver who works for Interpol,” Nancy said. “And there’s a Craig Oliver who’s a petty thief? It’s too much of a coincidence. It must be something like you’re suggesting, Bess.”
“This is confusing, Nancy,” George said. “What do you plan to do?”
“Whatever I can. With or without Craig Oliver—whoever and wherever he is—there really is an ongoing investigation,” Nancy said. “I’ll just turn over any information I uncover to Interpol.”
Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder shook their suite.
George walked over to the porthole and looked out. “Where did those storm clouds come from?” she said. “They look really bad.”
Nancy and Bess joined George at the porthole.
Nancy frowned. “I hope we pass through this storm before we reach Lake Erie,” Nancy said. “These Great Lakes storms are as dangerous as storms on the high seas.”
“We must already be in Lake St. Clair,” George said. “We still have to go through the Detroit River before we reach Lake Erie.”
A brilliant flash of lightning startled them away from the porthole.
After a moment Nancy returned to the porthole. “I think the storm is heading to the southeast,” she said. “That’ll take it over Canada and then onto Lake Erie.” She turned away from the porthole and looked at Bess and George. “Maybe it’s moving faster than we are.”
“I hope so,” Bess said. “I don’t like to think about getting seasick.”
“Should we try to eat while our stomachs are still in good shape?” George asked.
Bess and Nancy agreed that that was the right idea.
As the girls started to leave the room Nancy said, “Maybe we should call Amber to see if she wants to join us.”
“It might make her feel better,” Bess said.
“She also might remember some more details that would help Nancy with the investigation,” George said.
“True,” Nancy agreed. “It would help if she could remember something that might lead us to the Craig Oliver who was on the ship.”
Bess went over to the telephone and dialed Amber’s cabin. She let it ring several times. “She must not be in,” she said, hanging up the phone.
“Well, I guess she’s not too upset to leave her room,” George said.
“She might not be answering,” Nancy said. But somehow Nancy felt that George was right—Amber wasn’t there.
Nancy locked the door to the suite, and they headed for the elevator.
When they got to the restaurant, they saw Amber sitting at her table. She seemed engrossed in her food and wasn’t paying attention to anyone else.
Laura Houston and the Lowes, on the other hand, were engaged in an animated conversation when Nancy, Bess, and George walked up to the table.
“We were just talking about the storm,” Mrs. Lowe said. “Do you think the captain will try to ride it out?”
“I doubt it. He may dock somewhere in the Detroit area if it gets too bad,” Mr. Lowe said. “Laura here says she hopes he doesn’t, so we won’t be delayed.”
“I need to get to Canada as soon as possible,” Laura said. “I have some business to take care of.”
“I’m sure the captain will do what’s best for the passengers,” Nancy assured Mr. Lowe. “I imagine he’s looking at weather maps right now.”
“Let’s change the subject,” Bess said. “I get seasick just talking about storms.”
“Good idea,” Laura said. She picked up her menu. “What am I going to have tonight?”
For the next several minutes they discussed what was available for the evening meal. Their waiter appeared just as the last person was making her choice.
Soon the conversation shifted to what was happening on the ship. Nancy was surprised that Laura and the Lowes had heard that Craig had not reboarded.
“I understand that his girlfriend is now stranded,” Mrs. Lowe said. “I think that’s really awful!”
“So do I,” Laura said. She looked at Nancy. “Tell us again, how do you know her?”
“We met her at a new boutique in River Heights,” Nancy said. “She had never gone on a cruise before, and she wanted some help picking out some clothes.”
“Well, this will probably be the last cruise she ever goes on,” Mr. Lowe said. “I can’t imagine that it’s been a pleasant experience for her.”
Nancy was trying desperately to think of a way to shift the subject away from Amber, since she didn’t want to answer too many questions. She didn’t have to worry, though, because just at that moment the ship’s horn sounded.
“What’s that for?” George asked.
“We’ve entered Lake Erie. We have one more stop before Toronto: Lake Erie Beach,” Laura said. “There are several wonderful small candy factories there. I’m really looking forward to picking up some boxes to take back with me to New Orleans.”
“I don’t think that any candy can beat those New Orleans pralines,” Mr. Lowe said. “They are absolutely delicious.”
That started a long discussion of candy. It lasted for almost an hour and made everyone hungry for something sweet.
