Francis Durbridge - Paul Temple and the Madison Case

‘Say we meet in the Princess Bar at seven o’clock? I’ll bring Mrs Portland along. How’s that?’

‘Fine.’

‘And don’t forget to bring Mrs Temple.’

‘Well,’ said Temple, laughing. ‘I will if she can make it.’

‘She’ll make it all right.’

Sam was lighting another cigar as he moved away in the wake of George Kelly. Temple gave him a minute’s start then made his own way to the door that led to the Midships Lounge. He was less interested in the bouillon than in locating the ship’s Business Centre with its telex, fax, up-to-date financial reports and secretarial facilities.

The Princess Bar, adjoining the Princess Grill, was on the Boat Deck, conveniently placed for the occupants of the prestigious suites just aft of the signals and communications tower. By seven o’clock it was already well filled and virtually everybody there had already changed into evening dress. The sun was sinking towards the horizon and the orange glow of its reflection on the sea cast a warm light on the ceiling of the bar. There was little movement on the well-stabilised ship. The tremor of the nine diesel engines in the belly of the liner was hardly detectable. Already they had thrust Princess Diana seven hundred miles out into the Atlantic.

Temple was shepherding Steve towards an empty table by the window. She was walking gingerly, not too sure of her sea legs. More than one pair of eyes rested on them with frank appraisal. They were a striking couple. With his tall build, clean-cut features and the confidence with which he wore his London tailored clothes, Temple looked as British as the ship they were travelling on. Steve always turned heads, for she kept her figure in marvellous trim.

‘Are you feeling all right, Steve?’

‘Yes, I’m all right now, Paul.’

‘You certainly look better than you did this morning.’

‘I certainly feel better!’

They settled into low armchairs facing the colourful gathering. At once a waiter in the ship’s grey and green livery materialised before them.

‘What can I get you, madam?’

‘What would you like, darling?’ Temple enquired. ‘Have a champagne cocktail.’

‘Is that a good idea?’ She looked at her husband doubtfully.

‘It’s a very good idea. Two champagne cocktails.’

‘Yes, sir.’

The waiter hurried towards the bar. Steve’s eyes were checking over the men in their black and white tuxedos.

‘I don’t see Mr Portland.’

‘No, he hasn’t arrived yet.’ Temple had hardly spoken when he saw George Kelly coming in with a woman. The secretary’s wiry body had been crammed uncomfortably into a black jacket and trousers. He and his companion were ill-matched. She was a good looking blonde in her forties, with a generous, full figure and slightly florid face. Her dress was obviously a model from a top designer. ‘But here’s his secretary!’

‘Who’s he with?’

‘I don’t know, unless it’s Mrs Portland.’

‘She’s not that young, surely.’

George Kelly quickly spotted Temple. He pushed his way through the tables, clearing a passage for Stella Portland.

‘Excuse me, Mr Temple. Have you seen Mr Portland?’

‘No.’ Temple had stood in expectation of being introduced to the lady. ‘We arranged to meet here at seven o’clock but I am afraid he hasn’t shown up yet.’

‘I’m beginning to feel very worried, George.’ said Stella, biting her lip.

‘There’s nothing to worry about,’ Kelly reassured her. He added with his cracked laugh, ‘He’s probably found a quiet corner somewhere and fallen asleep.’

Stella shook her head. ‘That’s not like Sam. He doesn’t do that sort of thing.’ Then she turned her baby-blue eyes on Temple. ‘Are you Mr Temple?’

‘Yes.’

‘I’m Stella Portland,’ she said, holding out her hand.

‘I’m glad to meet you, Mrs Portland.’ Temple took the hand which was held for a moment in her warm grasp. ‘This is my wife …’

‘How do you do, Mrs Temple?’ Wisely, Steve did not stand up. ‘I hope you’re feeling better now, my husband told me that you were not too good this morning.’

‘I’m much better, thank you.’

‘Seasickness must be really dreadful,’ Stella said, with earnest sympathy. ‘I always feel frightfully sorry for anyone who suffers from it. Fortunately, I’m a very good sailor.’ She turned to the secretary who was staring at Steve with undisguised admiration. ‘George, I do wish you’d go and look for Sam. I’m really dreadfully worried.’

‘O.K.’ Kelly was reluctant to be banished from the party. ‘O.K., Stella!’

With unconcealed ill-humour the secretary departed, fidgeting his shoulders in his jacket.

‘I don’t know what’s happened to Sam.’ Stella was too worried to take one of the vacant chairs. ‘No one seems to have seen him since lunch time.’

‘Have you looked in the gymnasium?’ Temple too had remained standing.

‘My husband’s hardly the sort of man to spend an afternoon in the gymnasium.’

Her tone was sharp but Temple put it down to tension.

‘Well, what would you like to drink, Mrs Portland?’

‘May I have a scotch? On the rocks.’

‘Yes of course.’

Temple was trying to attract the attention of the waiter when one of the ship’s officers came into the bar. He had his cap under his arm and his sleeve was braided with gold. His eyes searched the assembly and quickly spotted Mrs Portland and Temple. Her back was turned and she did not see him approaching.

‘Paul!’ said Steve, sotto voce . ‘This must be the Captain and he’s coming to talk to us!’

‘That’s not the Captain, darling. It’s the Purser.’

‘Excuse me, sir.’ The Purser already knew Temple, as he had prevented a television crew from filming his arrival on the ship. He turned to Stella. His face was grave. ‘Mrs Portland?’

‘Yes.’ Stella had paled. She already sensed that something was wrong.

‘The ship’s doctor would like to see you in the Health Centre, Mrs Portland.’

‘To see me?’

‘Yes.’

‘But why should I—? What is it? What has happened?’

The Purser licked his lips. He did not want to come out with the news. Then, with unintentional abruptness he announced, ‘I’m afraid Mr Portland’s met with an accident, madam. One of the passengers found him in the swimming pool. The doctor seems to think it was a heart attack.’

Stella’s eyes glazed immediately. She looked round wildly as if searching. ‘Where is he? Where is Sam?’

‘Well—?’

Temple cut through the Purser’s indecision. It was better to have the truth out and be done with the agony. ‘Is he dead?’

‘Yes, sir.’

The Purser’s answer was almost a whisper but Stella heard it.

‘Oh, no!’ Her cry stopped all conversation in the bar. Every head turned towards the group by the window.

‘Watch out, Paul! She’s …’

Temple had forestalled Steve’s warning. He had seen Stella sway and caught her as her eyes rolled upwards and her knees buckled.

The tragedy cast its shadow over the rest of the voyage, though deaths on board luxury liners were not uncommon. The average age of the passengers was high and it was not unknown for invalids to go on cruises merely for the sake of the excellent medical attention that was available. But the doctors had been unable to do anything for Sam Portland. He was dead before they hauled him out of the swimming pool and though the most modern techniques of resuscitation had been applied all was to no avail.

Temple had gone up to the Health Centre and in view of his reputation was allowed to see the body. He could find no reason to query the doctor’s conviction that the portly American had suffered a heart attack. He had been unable to ascertain whether he had any previous history of heart trouble. Stella Portland was prostrate with shock and grief and she had been sedated by the doctor. Steve, who felt very close to the tragedy, had gone to the Portlands’ suite next day to see if she could be of any comfort, but George Kelly had told her that Stella was either unable or unwilling to see anyone.