A Perfect Likeness (11 page)

‘Promise,’ said Jackie and waited for Joe to greet his new customers. ‘What do you make of all that, Trish?’ continued Jackie, the colour beginning to return to her face.

‘Remember that one of the Maxfords girls had said the man was tanned as if he’d worked at sea all his life. Looks like another question has been answered. Could be that things are beginning to fall into place. Look, I need to get as much information as possible about the marina and its occupants, starting with the commercial operators.’

‘Trish, slow down will you. You’re making me nervous. What’s going on in your head?’

‘I’m thinking how right you were not to screw up Michael’s letter and toss it in the bin. I’m beginning to feel we
could
be close to making some interesting discoveries.’

‘What do you mean? Do you think he is innocent?’ Jackie was getting herself fired up.

‘Calm down, Jackie. Take some deep breaths. At the moment I think it is just a possibility and no more. I still need to know some more about our two friends before we decide to go back to Inspector Deckman.’

‘Do you fancy a glass of wine, Trish? I could do with one.’

‘Yes, but be careful, you know what drink can do. You could end up like me and Draycliffe couldn’t possibly cope with the two of us.’

They were laughing as they left the café, but knew the drink would have to be put on hold until after they had visited the marina. And Jackie was happy the need to obtain information was stronger than Trish’s craving for a drink, at least for the moment.

*

Jackie parked in the marina’s main public car park and they walked to the promenade overlooking the harbour. It was one of those beautiful English autumn afternoons. A cloudless sky, a gentle breeze and a warmth of sun that had you guessing as to whether it was alright to leave your jacket or jumper at home.

Draycliffe Marina was one of the largest in the UK with almost 1,400 berths available and twenty-four hour access to the sea. A five star hotel was opened six months ago at the eastern end of the harbour straddling the lock that allowed access to the boatyard located in the inner harbour. The remainder of the inner harbour area had yet to be fully developed, although construction had already commenced on the apartment blocks.

‘I love the atmosphere of the marina,’ said Jackie. ‘It’s like an airport, both have that something very different and very special. I envy those people who are lucky enough to work here.’

Trish made no comment, she was busy reading the ‘Vacancies’ list in the Security Office window. One vacancy in particular had caught her eye:

‘Temporary Marina Security Officer.’

Required to cover maternity leave.

Five day week, six hour shift.

Flexibility necessary.

Details from Marina Reception on the main jetty.

‘Jackie, take a look at this. Could be just what I’m looking for; a better
cover would be impossible to find. I’ll go and see if it is still available.’

*

‘Yes, we still need someone,’ said the man at the desk, ‘but I’m afraid the job has only two months left to run. The last relief decided to leave a week ago, saying she’d got enough money in her pocket to take a holiday and was off to Ibiza to try and get a bit of winter sun. Left us right in the cart she did. Who’s going to take on a job for two months?’

‘I might. Look, I’ll be honest with you. I was a private investigator with my husband, but when he ran off with a client I took it rather badly and have been out of action for six months. My friend, here,’ she pointed towards Jackie who was leaning on the railings daydreaming of how it would be to own one of the more luxurious boats in the marina, ‘has got me back together again. It is certainly worth thinking about as it might be a good starting point for me if you are willing to give me a chance.’

‘Don’t see why not. Here, take an application form just in case you decide to give it a go. It’s not difficult and the people are super. One of the jobs I need doing is a survey of how berth holders feel about the marina and its security. Other work includes manning the radio and telephones as required and acting as relief receptionist. Quite varied and interesting.’

‘Sounds great, I’ll think about it overnight and let you know. Thanks for your time.’

‘You look happy,’ said Jackie, ‘have you got the job?’

‘If I want it. Told him I’ll think about it.’ They turned to make their way back to the promenade when Trish grabbed hold of Jackie’s arm. ‘Look, over there on the next jetty, it’s her. It’s the ‘twin’,’ Trish whispered.

Both women froze. The hairs on Jackie’s arms and neck stood on end.

‘This is unreal. It is a perfect likeness, but my Victoria would never wear such expensive clothes.’

‘Let’s just watch where she goes,’ said Trish.

From their raised vantage point outside the office it was possible to view the whole harbour. ‘It’s like the control tower at an airport,’ said Jackie. She was nervous and found it impossible to remain silent.

‘Shh, Jackie. Just watch for the moment.’

The woman walked from the main jetty on to the pontoon used by the larger craft.

‘She’s going towards that big cruiser, what a beauty. Jackie, I’m going to have that job. It’s a golden opportunity to find out things. Wait here while I arrange for an interview.’

‘Made your mind up already?’ said the man as Trish shut the door behind her.

‘Well, standing outside and looking around was enough. What a wonderful place to work, even if it is a little on the quiet side and only for a few weeks. Who do I see to arrange for an interview?’

He smiled. ‘Yes, it is quiet today, but don’t be fooled. The summers are frantic and weekends, even at this time of year can be very busy. With regards to the interview, I’m Greg, the manager and you are having it now. If you wish to, that is?’

Trish nodded. ‘Please. I’m Trish Lister.’

‘As it is for such a short time my directors have told me to go ahead on my own. Under normal circumstances we wouldn’t bother to employ for two months, but the survey is becoming an urgent issue. I was going to an agency next week, but looks like you saved me the bother; the job is yours if you want it? I’ve got one question though, can you start tomorrow at twelve?’

‘Wow. The best interview I’ve ever had, and the quickest. Yes, but I do have an appointment at 7. 30 tomorrow evening.’

‘Great, no problem, you’ll be finished at six.’ He looked down at her feet. ‘Not the best shoes for walking on the pontoons. Flat shoes and trousers are the order of the day. Clothing needs to be practical here, not necessarily elegant.’

‘Not a problem, my wardrobe is full of practical clothing. See you tomorrow at twelve and thanks. By the way, the big boat over there, is it private? It’s gorgeous.’

‘No, it’s commercial. Owned by Star Boats. It’s Red Star, and is used for luxury cruises. They have a smaller boat, Blue Star, which is used for fishing and diving trips etc. Red Star is a dream, best boat in the harbour by a mile. Been out on her several times, she’s fantastic.’

‘Thanks, Greg, see you tomorrow.’

‘From the smug look on your face,’ said Jackie, ‘I would say you have got yourself another job.’

‘I start tomorrow at twelve, but I finish at six so no problem with the AA meeting. Got my first piece of information already. The large cruiser is Red Star and is used by its owner, Star Boats, for luxury cruises. They have a smaller boat, Blue Star, for other work such as fishing trips and diving excursions. When we get home I’ll get on to the internet and see what I can find out about them. Companies House is always a good place to start.’

‘Be careful, Trish, are you sure you should be doing this? They could be nasty people. Isn’t it better to go to the police?’

‘No. Like I said before, we don’t have anything definite to give them yet and we don’t want to end up with egg on our face do we? Just be patient and we will get what we are after.’

‘Okay, but please be careful. Anything I can do while you are working?’

‘Good point, can’t have you loafing around doing nothing. Can you make a list of all travel agents in the area? Use the Yellow Pages, local paper and the internet. I’ll divide a local map up into areas and you can mark where they are. It’s important I know whether Victoria’s passport has been used.’

‘How will you do that?’

‘Every copper’s nightmare. Footslogging, door to door stuff. We need to visit all agents to see if they recognise the photo of Victoria and find out if a Victoria Campbell has purchased tickets within the last two years.’

‘Hard work,’ said Jackie not relishing the thought.

‘Yes and most of the time you draw a blank. But it’s necessary and you never know, we might be lucky. And I’ll tell you something, Jackie, I have the strongest feeling that we
are
going to be lucky.’

Chapter 8

Trish’s first day at work was not accompanied by the weather of the day before. It was overcast and cold. She had no thoughts about leaving her coat behind.

The formalities were minimal. Temporary, part-time and cash payments. She was introduced to the day-staff member and given her ID card.

‘Don’t remember having my photo taken,’ said Trish looking at her picture.

‘You didn’t,’ said the young radio operator. ‘Our security system catches everyone who enters the harbour area. Greg pointed you out and we used it. It’s a good one, looks as though you were posing for it.’ She chuckled.

‘Big brother working overtime. Best watch my step; don’t want my new manager catching me creeping home early.’

‘Pity the weather is not like yesterday, but it will improve as the afternoon progresses,’ assured Greg. ‘Here are the questionnaires, one for each berth. The berth number is in the top right hand corner. Should only take about five minutes to complete. Mind you they do enjoy a bit of a chatter. There will be a great number who are not here, but don’t worry, we’ll catch up with them another day. Weekends are always good and you’ll be surprised at the number of owners who come along and spend a few hours just sitting aboard their boat without a thought of taking it for a spin. I suggest you start from this end,’ he pointed to the pontoon where the larger cruisers berth. ‘It will give you a chance to get a closer look at Red Star. I’m sure Sylvia Page will be there and you might even catch sight of her other half. Can’t stand him myself, far too handsome. Actually he’s a great guy. Good hunting and any problems, give us a call on this.’ He handed her a two-way radio hanging from a long shoulder strap. ‘Just press the ‘transmit’ button to call us. It works well everywhere, except where the hotel straddles the access to the lock. Now you know where to hide should you fancy a bit of peace.’

‘He seems a nice boss?’ Trish said to the radio operator as Greg disappeared into his office.

‘Very nice,’ she said, ‘but the company takes total advantage of his good nature. They pile so much work on to him and now this wretched survey. He’s really getting himself worked up about it. I hope you will be able to get it finished.’

‘I’ll do my best.’

Trish had spoken to six berth holders by the time she reached Red Star. She took a discreet glance across to her dream boat. The ‘twin’ was there, watching Trish and waiting her turn to be approached.

Trish walked towards Red Star, so much bigger now she was standing next to it. ‘Hello, I’m Trish Lister, Marina Security.’

‘Hi, I’m Sylvia Page from Star Boats. I noticed you wandering around chatting to various folk. Thought you might get around to me sooner or later. How can I help?’

Trish considered her likeness to Victoria was even more remarkable now she was only a few feet away from her. The navy blue two-piece looked appropriately nautical although her perfectly styled hair suggested something more formal than lounging on a boat. ‘I only started this morning and the boss has suggested I make myself known to as many berth holders as possible and see whether they could spare a few moments to answer a question or two on security within the marina.’

‘I see, well, welcome to the marina and I hope you enjoy working here. It’s always good to have security staff about. Having said that, we have never had a problem although I believe some people have had the odd piece of equipment go missing. Come aboard, Trish, for a moment or two. I know Greg, he won’t mind, he’s a decent sort. Good customer relations I call it and then I can answer your questions.’

‘Thanks,’ said Trish receiving a steadying hand from Sylvia Page. She made a hasty scan of the boat and couldn’t refrain from commenting. ‘Wow! This is beautiful, there are definite advantages to having money.’

‘Yes there are, but this is a company boat and has to work hard for a living. It’s not sitting around doing nothing very often. Fancy a coffee? Just made it and I always make a pot rather than a cup.’

‘Would be most welcome, but I don’t want to upset him on my first day, do I?’ Trish was uncomfortable, but couldn’t understand why. She was friendly enough, but… ?

‘Come on, take a seat. I’ll sort Greg out if he should complain. Sugar?’

‘Thanks, just one please. Can’t give it up altogether. It seems most of the smaller craft are owned by weekenders so I’ll need to go around again on Saturday. It is going to take an absolute age to speak with every berth holder and I suspect I won’t be able to catch them all. It must be wonderful working with boats, especially when they are like this one. I just adore everything about the sea. You are so lucky.’