Crude Carrier by Rex Burns

charged against them by the insurer—by us.” Her fingers traced across the manila folder. “From what you tell me, Miss Campbell, Mr. Herberling’s thoughts had been in that direction. I understand he had been looking into any pattern of carelessness by Hercules Maritime in hiring officers for their other ships?”
    She nodded. “It looks that way. And, please, both of you call me Julie.”
    â€œJulie—” She wasn’t comfortable with first names. “Well, that suspicion does not seem to fit the loss of the Golden Dawn . The vessel was old, and I discovered that one of her sister ships had also broken apart not too long before.”
    â€œWas the sister ship owned by Hercules, too?”
    â€œNo. Another independent. But I didn’t ask who. I can call back if you want me to.”
    Mack answered that one. “Not unless we need it, Dorothy.”
    â€œI hope you don’t mind, Miss … Julie … but I telephoned Mr. Wood in London and told him you had been trying very hard to get in touch with him and would probably be calling soon. He said he would be available to you.” Her fingers caressed the stack of papers again. “I assumed you still wanted to speak with him.”
    â€œYou assumed right, Dorothy. How did you manage to get through to him?”
    For the first time her voice showed a quiver of emotion, but Julie wasn’t sure if it was victory or anger or an escape of tension. “Marine Carriers Worldwide hasn’t yet paid his claim. He’s very eager to hear from us.” She added, “I—ah—did not mention the Aurora Victorious . I only told him you wanted to ask a few questions about the Golden Dawn . I allowed him to believe that you were working in our office.”
    â€œThat was wise, Dorothy.”
    She slid the papers tentatively across the table toward Julie. “I couldn’t remember exactly what I sent you, so much of this is duplication. I want to be certain you have everything I do.”
    The only new document was a photocopy of the complete insurance policy. Julie thanked the woman and placed the photocopy in her folder, not because she wanted it, but because it seemed to make Mrs. Fleenor feel better.
    The ride down in the elevator with Mack and Mrs. Fleenor was long and silent. When the two detectives, free of the woman and her muted anxiety, were finally on the street and weaving through sidewalks crowded with stiff, anonymous faces, Mack said what Julie felt. “If the company has to pay the full claim, Dorothy’s going to be the sacrificial lamb.”
    â€œAnd if I can show that Hercules Maritime is at fault, she keeps her job?”
    â€œThat’s it.”
    â€œKnow anything about her?”
    â€œJust what’s in the security file: lives over in Jersey, clean police record, clean credit record, divorced, two kids, one handicapped in some way. I think the other’s in college now, but I’m not sure. No hint of question about her.” He glanced at Julie. “Why?”
    â€œShe indicated earlier that she had some personal problems that might have clouded her judgment about issuing insurance on the Golden Dawn .”
    â€œProblems? What kind?”
    â€œShe wasn’t specific. A hint … more of an explanation to herself, it seemed.”
    Mack frowned. “She’s been with the company a long time. No hint of dishonesty or ineptitude …”
    â€œMaybe Marine Carriers would be better off firing Ferguson and keeping her.”
    â€œYeah. Listen, I’m sorry about that, Julie. When he asked to have you come here, I thought it was for something important. I should have known he just wanted to hear himself talk.”
    â€œAt least it opened the door for me to go see Wood.”
    â€œSee him?”
    Julie nodded. “Our clients want me to go to London and make some noise about their son.”
    The home office of Hercules Maritime