White Nights - Ann Cleeves [41]
Perez had an urge to defend Shetland, to say it had a beauty of its own, that there were visitors who loved the low horizons and big skies, the huge bare hills, but he could tell that the purser would never be a convert. ‘Why are you here so long this trip?’
‘A problem with one of the engines. It’s fixed now, thank the Lord, and we can be on our way.’
‘You’re not missing any of your passengers then?’
‘No one’s reported one missing. Have you any evidence to suggest your dead man is one of ours?’
‘There was nothing to identify him at all.’
The purser seemed relieved. He stood up.
‘They could leave the ship if they wanted to?’ Perez said. ‘I mean you don’t lock them in?’
‘Of course not. But most of our passengers are elderly. They prefer to stick to the organized trips.’ He sat down again. ‘Look, if they wanted adventure they wouldn’t choose a cruise with a bunch of geriatrics.’
‘Where did you take your passengers the day before yesterday?’
‘They had a free morning to look round the town and in the afternoon we took them on a bus trip, down to the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head for puffins. Tea in Scalloway.’
‘I’m surprised the exhibition at the Herring House wasn’t on the schedule. Bella Sinclair’s a big name. I’d have thought some of your customers would have enjoyed meeting the artist.’
‘A couple of them mentioned it. When we had to stay the extra night I considered fixing up transport for them to go, but in the end it was cancelled, wasn’t it?’ He gave the impression he was pleased he’d avoided the bother.
‘Who told you it was cancelled?’
‘Nobody told me. Not the people organizing the exhibition, at least. But there was a guy handing out flyers at the gangplank when they went down for the trip into town.’
‘Did you see him?’ Perez demanded.
‘No, I wasn’t on duty just then.’
‘Could I get to talk to someone who did?’
The purser looked at his watch and sighed.
Perez sat where he was and said nothing.
The purser stood up and gestured for Perez to follow him. An elderly couple leaned against the rail on the upper deck looking out at the town. The mist was already starting to clear, so at least there was something to look at. They were thin and brown and they were holding hands.
‘Honeymooners,’ the purser said as they approached. ‘You’d think at their age they’d have more sense.’ His tone changed when they were within earshot. ‘Come and meet Dr and Mrs Halliday, inspector. I think they might be able to help you.’ For the first time since Perez had entered his office he smiled.
Perez found the sudden transformation in his attitude and body language disturbing. But this was the man doing his job. It was all about playing a role.
The Hallidays were from Phoenix, Arizona. They were collectors of contemporary art. They even owned a small Bella Sinclair. ‘We were so disappointed that the exhibition opening was cancelled, inspector. George here had fixed up a taxi to take us and bring us back.’
‘Can you describe the man who gave you the flyer?’
The couple looked at each other. ‘It would be helpful,’ Perez said. He wondered why they hesitated.
‘I guess it’s hard to say,’ the man said, ‘because of the fancy dress. That was all I noticed.’
‘Fancy dress?’
‘Well, yes. He was dressed like a clown. Not the sort with a red nose and bright clothes. This one was all in black and white. Classy, you know. Like something from the commedia dell’arte.’
‘Was he wearing a mask?’
‘That’s right. A mask. I remember because our kids always used to find them kind of scary.’
By the time Perez reached the police station, the sun was shining. Taylor had been on the telephone to say that they were already at the airport at Dyce and scheduled on the first available flight out. ‘You’ll meet me and take me straight to the scene.’ No question.
In his office Perez looked at his watch. He only had half an hour before he’d have to set off for Sumburgh. He wandered into the incident room. Sandy was on the phone and didn’t notice him. It was