69 Short Stories

3rd story: Murderer on a ship 1632 words

Sebastian assisted Miranda onto the wobbly deck.

"Where are we going? Sebastian?" Miranda asked. Taking small, elegant steps in her long, sky blue dress. 

"A place on the other side of the ocean, Miss." Sebastian bowed and picked up their belongings. "We should get settled in our rooms, it's going to be dark soon."

"Yes, Sebastian, Lead the way." Miranda nodded and followed her companion across the wooden floor into the complicated cabins. 

The ship was silent as they moved along the hallway, the creaking sound of the floor only made it eerier. Miranda swallowed and stayed close to Sebastian.

"Oh dear, they surely should've lit the candles before hosting the passengers," Miranda complained, trying to ease the tension. 

"Yes indeed," Sebastian agreed and kept on moving forward at a steady pace, hoping his consistency would calm his master. The small torch appeared weak in the dark and long passage. 

"Well, only if this area is for the passengers." Two bulky figures appeared behind them. Sebastian took hold of Miranda's hand instinctively and step in front of her. Their dim torchlight focusing in on the man's face.

"Oh my, what pleasant greetings I've got from your companion, Miss Phrancy." One man gave a hearty laugh. The torchlight moved downwards, revealing more features on his appearance. Not any ordinary sailor, Sebastian narrowed his sight and observed the array of shiny badges on his chest. The captain. 

"Sorry for being where we shouldn't, Captain Mrell. We were merely lost, would you mind showing us our way out?" Sebastian bowed and took a step back to stand beside Miranda. 

"Oh, is that so? I do agree that this ship is quite like a maze." The corpulent man turned around and led them in the opposite direction. "But, the real passenger area, I believe, would not disappoint you. Show them their room, Jack."

When they finally got to their rightful room, the clock sounded five o'clock. 

"Well, I shall leave it to you now, dinner would be ready in half an hour, but it'll be served until eight thirty. So, come anytime, desserts, fruits, and drinks are also offered anytime."The Chef smiled slightly.

"Yes, thank you very much, Chef Jack. Although unexpected, it was a pleasure to meet you, Captain." The fair lady smiled and opened the door to her compartment. "We'll see you around."

"O~kay, have a joyful evening, Miss Phrancy. This ship surely has a lot to tell." Captain Mrell turned away and exited their sight as he turned the corner. Sebastian frowned at the slight glint of a menacing expression.

"Sebastian, would you return to your cabin too?" The lady entered her own room. "I'll call you when I need your assistance."

The Butler followed the order and locked himself in his own room. The night soon became dark as the ship continued to rock over the surface of the ocean. 

"Miss Phrancy?" Sebastian knocked on his companion's door as the clock announced it was seven. "Should we go for dinner now?"

There was no sound for a good few minutes, so Sebastian leaned on the door to hear better. There was a faint noise of the shower going on. 

"I suppose you're busy, Miss. I'll be next door."Sebastian reported and went back to his room. 

He repeated the same process at seven thirty and eight, but the outcome was exactly the same. 

"Excuse me, Miss, but I would be absent for a while." Sebastian paused to leave, but then heard something resembling a struggle. "Is that you? Miss Phrancy?"