She hesitated for a moment, then raised her eyes to his. “Chief,” she said, “I don’t want you mixed up with that woman! Helping Belle was all right. I hate to see you mixed up with the mother.”
Mason laughed. “Good Lord, Della! Don’t let the captain’s attitude prejudice you. Frankly, I don’t know just what he’s trying to get at, but if he had an idea she carried her husband up to the deck and tossed him overboard, he’s having a pipe dream.”
She smiled. “Okay, Chief, let’s go to your stateroom and you can buy a drink.”
“Sold,” he told her, “and you’ll get over this silly prejudice against Mrs. Newberry.”
“As a client,” Della said, “I’m simply crazy about her. But... if she hadn’t been a client... Oh, well, skip it.”
Chapter 6
Monday morning found the ship slowly throbbing its way toward the docks, while representatives of the sheriffs office held mysterious conferences with the ship’s officers.
The passengers, hushed by the tragedy, whispering bits of gossip which were magnified and distorted with each surreptitious repetition, stood huddled in groups about the deck.
Roy Hungerford sought out Perry Mason.
“Look here, Mr. Mason,” he said, “I don’t pretend to know what this is all about. But I want you to know where I stand.”