High Sea Murder Read online

  High Seas Murder

  A Kit and Kat Mystery

  Volume 2

  by

  Chuck Antone, Jr.

  © 2012 Chuck Antone, Jr.

  Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

  Hearten Publishing

  P.O. Box 4404

  Kailua-Kona, HI 96745

  United States of America

  [email protected]

  Contents

  Preface

  Dedication

  About the Author

  Books by Chuck

  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

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Epilogue

  The Prayer

  Preface

  Hi there,

  This is Kit here. At the end of Paul's Island I mentioned that someday I would tell about our honeymoon cruise in the Mediterranean, and how we were involved in a robbery and murder aboard our ship. Also, how Kat and I helped solve the crime.

  Well, that day has finally arrived. I can remember all the details as if it happened only yesterday. I'm not quite sure where to start though, but like all good stories it's best to start at the beginning.

  So, I guess I'll start the day Kat and I were packing and getting ready for the unforgettable journey. I remember Kat asking me . . .

  Dedication

  As always to my wife, Doni, for her love and encouragement.

  To our two children, Chuck Antone III and Kim Cordery. You both were truly a gift from the Lord.

  To Jesus Christ who came to this earth to die so I could live.

  From the Author

  Aloha Dear Reader,

  This book you are reading is volume 2 of the Kit and Kat Mysteries.

  Our next book in the series is going to be called, "P.O. Box Hawaii." It will involve the two sleuths in blackmail and murder in the beautiful state of Hawaii.

  My next book to be published, however, will take place back in the time of Jesus, and is called, The Centurion and the Crown of Thorns. More about that at the end of this book.

  As always, my books are written for the whole family, from mom and dad to the teenager who enjoys reading.

  Many thanks; I would love to hear from you.

  Mahalo,

  Chuck

  [email protected] or

  P.O. Box 4404

  Kailua-Kona, HI 96745

  About the Author

  Chuck and Doni have been missionaries since 1981. They live on the Big Island of Hawaii.

  They have two children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

  They have helped start churches in the Philippines, Hong Kong, So. Africa and also Taiwan where Chuck ministers four months each year.

  They have also done outreaches in Japan, Indonesia and in the mainland USA. They have smuggled Bibles into mainland China and have hiked up mountains in the Philippines while being watched by the New Peoples' Army, a Communist group that lives and hides in the mountain areas.

  Chuck was also arrested in a third world country and faced a year in prison for teaching a seminar on how to be a witness for Christ. After three weeks he was deported and sent back to his home in Hawaii.

  He says, "Being a Christian is only boring when one makes it be boring."

  Chuck is the Pastor of the Kona Coast Chaplaincy on the Big Island of Hawaii, and he along with Doni are the Directors of Go Spread His Word Ministries, Inc. founded in 1990.

  You can contact Chuck at:

  [email protected]

  or write

  P.O. Box 4404, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745

  Chuck's paperback books can also be purchased through major Internet sellers, and some titles are available as e-Books..

  Acknowledgements

  Again, as always to my wife Doni for the many proof readings of this book. I love you. Many thanks to MBW.

  To Chris Wright, my editor on my last three books. Many thanks for all your work and suggestions.

  Books by Chuck Antone, Jr.

  Lord, Send Me

  The author’s feelings and emotions while facing a one year prison sentence in a third world country.

  Paperback only

  You’ve Got to be Kidding, Lord. You want me to tell WHO about You?

  Share the Gospel? Does the thought make you want to hide in bed with the blankets over your head? If it does, you’re not alone, but help is at hand. Here is what Chuck Antone, Jr. says in this exciting book written with great humor and much understanding:

  Are you ready to experience sharing Christ with the lost? Does one name keep popping into your mind? Has God been whispering in your ear? If so, be challenged, make that contact and see what God can do.

  Be encouraged by just being available. Just be the instrument, the tool. Let God do the work. He is much better at it than we are, for He has had a lot more experience in bringing someone to His Son, Jesus Christ. After all, He is God, the Mighty One, the Powerful One, the Creator, Our Savior, Our Father, the One and Only God.

  Paperback ISBN 978-1-9350-7934-7

  Also available as an e-Book in most formats

  You’ve Got to be Kidding, Lord

  (See previous book for details)

  This edition is in Chinese.

  Paperback only ISBN 978-1-4818-2238-1

  You Can’t Be Serious, Lord. You want me to love WHO?

  This book is written to encourage you to love one another. Not always easy, but it’s a command from our Lord Jesus Christ. Has God ever told you or commanded you to love someone you find hard to love? Have you ever heard yourself say, "You can't be serious, Lord, you want me to love who?" And then when you give in and love that person, he or she can become your very good friend.

  This book will help you to understand God's special love that He has for each of us. By reviewing 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, and Galatians 5:22-23, the Fruit of the Spirit, we not only see His love, but the love we should have for one another.

  At the end of each chapter you will be challenged to do just that. So have your writing instrument and a notebook ready and be honest with yourself.

  Paperback ISBN: 978-1505514629

  Also available in most e-Book formats

  Paul’s Island

  Fiction. Volume 1. A Kit and Kat mystery. A mystery about eight university graduates who spend five days on the island. When one of them is murdered, the others help the Inspector so
lve the case. The two main characters are Christians with criminology degrees.

  Paperback ISBN 978-0-6154-7577-6

  Also available in most e-Book formats

  High Seas Murder

  Fiction. Volume 2. A Kit and Kat mystery. Kit and Kat have just set up their own private detective agency, and are ready to go on a Mediterranean cruise before they open up their doors for business. The cruise is meant to be a time of relaxation, but the onboard theft of a necklace worth over $3,000,000 needs their investigative skills. Soon it’s not just stolen jewelry that Kit and Kat are involved with, as theft turns to murder on the High Seas.

  Paperback ISBN 978-1-4681-2356-2

  Also available in most e-Book formats

  Barcelona Jones

  Murder on Broadway

  Fiction. Barcelona Jones is a Broadway star. Her new play, Murder on Broadway is a big hit with people waiting months to buy a ticket to see it.

  At one evening performance, at the end of the first act, real bullets are put into the prop gun killing one of the cast players. Were the bullets meant for him or one of the other players?

  Soon, another murder occurs, as well as two attempted murders: one of them on the star, Barcelona Jones herself.

  Barcelona hires a private detective to investigate the crimes, and he completely falls in love with her on their first meeting.

  Will her feelings for Sam, the detective, be the same? And who is the murderer? Could it possibly be Barcelona’s friend and stage actress, Brenda Summers? That’s up to you, the reader, to find out.

  Paperback ISBN 13: 978-1-4949-6945-5

  Also available in most e-Book formats

  The Centurion and the Crown of Thorns

  A fictional story about the Centurion who, at the foot of the cross, said, "Truly this was the Son of God."

  As people leave the scene of the crucifixion, the Centurion, known in this book as Marcus, stays a little longer. While he’s looking up at Jesus who is still nailed to the cross beams, a small earthquake happens. The crown of thorns falls off Jesus’ head and rolls to the feet of Marcus, where it stops.

  As Marcus bends down and touches the crown he senses a strong power coming from it. He immediately feels clean and new, and a great peace comes over him. He doesn’t understand it but he enjoys the feeling.

  He takes the crown home to share his story with his wife, who wants nothing to do with it. After all, she was one of the many who were in the courtyard yelling for Jesus to be crucified. On the other hand, his ten-year-old son is fascinated by what his father tells him, and is intrigued by the crown and wants to learn more.

  Marcus and his son Antony become believers, and Marcus searches out ten Bible prophecies that Jesus has fulfilled. He wants to teach his son many things about their new Messiah.

  The crown not only gives Marcus strength and peace, but it also has healing powers that bring him and his son Antony closer in their walk with the Lord.

  As the story unfolds, Marcus learns how each of the ten prophecies was fulfilled. And because of this, he is now ready to completely give his life to his new God, especially after he has an opportunity to meet with the risen Jesus face to face, who tells him it is time to give up the crown of thorns.

  Paperback ISBN 13: 978-1-4812-9390-7

  Also available in most e-Book formats

  Ava Montez -- Her Life and Death

  Fiction. Who killed Hollywood legend Ava Montez, once known as the most beautiful woman in the world? The murder has been unsolved for over forty years. But that’s about to change, when the New York Reader’s reporter, Rae Collins, is assigned to do a story on the life and death of Ava Montez.

  The murderer, who has felt safe all these years, is now threatened by Rae’s interviews with the four original suspects. And she’s already getting too close. The only way to prevent being caught and sent to prison for life is to murder again. And Rae is to be the murderer’s next victim!

  Paperback ISBN 978-0-6154-4522-9

  Also available in most e-Book formats

  Barsabbas

  Fictional love story between a man and a woman, and their love for Jesus, as He teaches them from the book of Mark.

  Paperback ISBN 978-1-6157-9058-6

  Paperbacks books and e-Books (where done) are available from most online retailers.

  For paperback order form and information on books and CDs:

  P.O. Box 4404

  Kailua-Kona, HI 96745

  United States of America

  Chapter 1

  "Kit, do you have room in your suitcase for two pairs of my shoes?"

  Kat was in the bedroom packing, while I was in the living room doing the same thing.

  "Yes, I think so. How many pairs of shoes are you taking?" I hollered back.

  "I'm not sure. Maybe six or eight, depending on how much room you have." Kat's voice had a humorous sound to it. "How many pairs are you taking?" she shouted back.

  "Three. One black, one brown and a pair of thong slippers to wear going back and forth from the pool to the hot tub."

  "Oh, I forgot my slippers. Thanks for reminding me!"

  Kat and I were getting ready for our three week cruise on the Mediterranean, plus three days in Barcelona in Spain, and four days in Lisbon, Portugal.

  It was a belated wedding gift from our parents. My folks gave us the three week cruise which ended in Spain, and Kat's folks gave us the three days there and the four days in Lisbon. They also gave us five thousand dollars each to spend on whatever we wanted.

  We were excited. Our six month wedding anniversary was coming up soon and we were going to celebrate it on the ship.

  Of course, this wasn't our first big time away together. After our wedding we went on a five day honeymoon to the Big Island of Hawaii. We stayed at one of the beautiful hotels in the area called Waikoloa. The trip was short, as we had many things to return to. And knowing in six months we were going on the cruise, we were ready to return to open our detective agency. I believe you know by now that we call it "The K and K Detective Agency."

  We had bought a great place to start our new adventure. The building has ten floors and each floor contains a business. There are lawyers, a dentist, real estate firms, a travel agency and such. We're also trying to talk our friends Paul and Erica Webster to move their law firm there, so at times we can work together if needed. There's one space still available on the tenth floor.

  We're on the third floor, which has three rooms plus a reception area and a bathroom. Each floor has around 1400 square feet and they're all laid out the same. But because each one is decorated differently, they don't look the same.

  Kat and I have some good ideas for the suite, so we're in the process of remodeling. We each have our own office, just in case a woman or man client wants to talk to each of us alone. In between our offices is a large lounge-like space. Kat has some great ideas on how we should decorate this area, as this is where we would do most of our consulting with our clients. She wanted them to feel comfortable, but still have it businesslike. A double office so to speak, with a desk, two couches and two chairs with a coffee table in between. Kat's ideas as, I said, are great, and I totally agree with her.

  We had envisioned great things happening in this space. And we wondered what type of clients we would have.

  Before we moved all the furniture in, we wanted to do some painting. We were hoping we would have it all done before we left, but we weren't able to make it.

  Our fathers said they'd take care of the painting and for us not to worry. Just to go on the cruise and have a great time!

  So we picked out the colors, and on each can of paint we marked what rooms they were to go to. Plus we went over with our fathers, three of four times, which room got which color. Then to make sure there would be no mistakes, we even put the right cans of paint in the rooms where they belonged!

  We were sure our Dads didn't think we trusted them. They scooted us out and said, "Don't worry, it's only paint."

 
; "Kit," the voice came again from the bedroom, "are you taking tennis shoes?"

  "Yes, definitely," I called back. "Thanks for reminding me. You're taking a pair too, aren't you? We'll be doing a lot of walking at most of the ports when we dock."

  "I don't know" Then another of her little chuckles. "It depends; do you have room for them?"

  The day finally arrived. We were headed for the airport from where we'd be flying to Athens, Greece, and staying there for two nights. We planned do some sight-seeing and then head for the ship.

  Our first stop would be Turkey, and then we were going to many small countries like Croatia and Malta. And then to Italy, France and Spain, ending in Portugal. In total we were to visit eleven different countries.

  This wasn't our first cruise though. When Kat and I were about fifteen our parents took us on a cruise on the SS Independence around the Hawaiian Islands. It was built in 1950 and is one of the oldest cruise ships still afloat. Although it doesn't take on passengers any longer, it can be seen at Pier 70 in San Francisco. Its sister ship, the Constitution, where the great movie An Affair to Remember was made in 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, had a more tragic fate. It was eventually sold for scrap in 1997 and subsequently lost in the Pacific while being under tow to the Far East.

  Kat and I loved our time on the Independence and always said we'd go on another cruise someday. It's just that we never imagined that we'd be going together on our belated honeymoon. Whenever we're in San Francisco we go to Pier 70 and relive our memories. If she ever carries cruise passengers again, we will be the first to sign up.