Celebrity in Death

security about this. If someone on staff decided they could help themselves to
Simone,
they’re going to find out differently.”
    “Maybe you want to check the boat,” Peabody suggested. “Just to make sure nothing’s been disturbed, or nothing’s been taken.”
    “God. Yes, of course. Damn it!” As she strode out, she dragged out her ’link. Eve heard her say, “Phillip, someone’s been at
Simone.
No, no, she’s fine. I have the police right here.”
    “He didn’t know about the gadget,” Eve said. “It’s new. I bet he knew she was in Baltimore, knew the boat would be here. Knew how to get through the gate, through the door, and start her up.”
    “They used to be lovers,” Peabody whispered. “She lied for him once that we know of, in an official inquiry.”
    “Because—my read—she was young, grateful, naive. And whether she knew it or can admit it, felt obligated because he gave her the money for the consultant—was supporting her for the role she wanted. She told us about it too easily—no worries, no evasions.”
    “Yeah.” Peabody glanced toward the wheelhouse door. “He’d have had no reason to give her a warning about it. She wouldn’t have expected to be asked after all this time. She looked surprised, but not scared.”
    “She’s probably changed security measures since they had any sexual deal going. She’s cohabbed for a couple years with this Phillip guy. But Steinburger would have been on board since. He’s a friend, and he has a boat of his own.”
    Eve went out and down, then down again when she heard rummaging belowdecks.
    “Everything seems to be as it should be.” Violet stood in an organized galley kitchen, mixing a drink. “I’m having a Bloody Mary. I’m so mad! Phillip’s on his way. He’s a man you can count on.”
    “You said only the two of you had access, but what about emergencies? Marina security.”
    “Yes, yes, I didn’t think. They have emergency bypass access.”
    “And you said you often entertain on board. Maybe some of your friends and family know the codes.”
    “Maybe, maybe.” She took a quick drink. “But they’re friends. They’re family. If any of them wanted to use the boat, they’d ask. They’d hardly skulk around the marina in the middle of the night when they’d only have to contact me to get clearance.”
    “Have you entertained any of the cast and crew on the Icove vid on board?”
    Violet lowered her glass. “You think this incident is somehow related to the murder? That’s … I want some air.”
    She moved past Eve and Peabody and went up on deck.
    Eve gave her a minute, then followed. “Did you have a party on board for some of the cast and crew?”
    “Connie and I are friends. I adore Roundtree. Andi and I have gotten friendly, as well, now that we don’t compete for the same roles with regularity as we once did.”
    She sat, sipping at her drink. “I’d met Julian before, and found him just adorable. And Joel and I were, as you know, very friendly once upon a time. We’ve remained friends. Phillip and I hosted a harbor party on
Simone
at the end of August. They were all here, and K.T., Marlo Durn, Matthew Zank—several others. We did an overnight for a smaller group. Connie and Roundtree, Joel, Andi—we all have boats, you see. We’re all sailors. I don’t see how this applies to a murder.”
    “It’s a detail we need to follow up on. Have any of them been on board since that party?”
    “Ah.” She rubbed her forehead. “There’s rarely time for too many parties when you’re in the middle of shooting a project. Connie and I had lunch on deck one afternoon last month, I think. We didn’t take her out. Just had a fancy ladies’ lunch catered, here in the marina. And, oh, I lent her to Joel a few weeks ago. He wanted to take some of the money people out, and was looking at renting a boat. I told him not to be silly, he could use
Simone.”
    “You had to give him the codes.”
    “Yes, I suppose I did. I meant to change them, just a matter of course. But I’ve been busy with the new series, and it slipped my mind. Besides, as I said, Joel—none of them—would have any reason to sneak in here and take her out in the middle of the night.”
    “Just a detail,” Eve said easily. “We appreciate your time, and your cooperation. Before we go, I’d like to make a copy of your digi-log.”
    “Please do. Shouldn’t you look for fingerprints?”
    Eve smiled. “I think the log copy will be