Thursday, August 04, 2005

George Smith

Another missing pesons mystery, this one involving a newlywed couple on a Meditterrannean cruise, during which the groom disappears, amidst allegations of drunken revelries, arguments between the couple (to the point the bride alegedly gave the groom a knee to the groin), gambling, rowdy teens, mysterious Russians, a late night to early morning party in the couple's cabin. An argument, loud voices, the movement of furniture across the floor. The dropping of a heavy object that resounded with a sickening thud.

And blood. The next day. Blood in the cabin. A bloody handprint at the railing outside. A pool of blood on an awning under the couple's cabin.

Pictures. Of the blood. Before the blood was quickly cleaned up. From the cabin. From the railing. From the awning. No evidence. Nothing but a missing husband, a presumed widow, and rumors. Innuendo. Hearsay.

The bride was in the cabin during the party. No, she was at another party, on an upper deck. But where? When?

No matter who killed George Smith-and George Smith is obviousy dead, and more than likely murdered-it is almost of no consequence in comparison to the actual tragedy, that of a cruise ship so concerned with it's reputation, with it's image, with going so-well, overboard, in protecting it's botton line.

So much to the point that vital forensic evidence may have been purposefully destroyed. Not as a matter of inexperience, or incompetence, or stupidity-but as a matter of corporate policy.

And naturally, the Cruise line would deny this charge, as indeed they all ready have. Of course, they would just about have to. As always, you should read the fine print.