Maritime Murder

Maritime Murder Cover.indd 3

2021-01-29 11:31:29

Maritime Murder Cover.indd 4

2021-01-29 11:31:34

1 Maritime Murder Master.indd 1

2021-03-08 17:40:07

2 Maritime Murder Master.indd 2

2021-03-08 17:40:08

Stockholm harbor

3 Maritime Murder Master.indd 3

2021-03-08 17:40:12

Where’s moomin?

Welcome aboard Baltic Cruises to Helsinki!

Would you like a hug from the dolphin instead?

Moomin has overslept!

What a silly troll.

“The Dolphin” … not even an intellectual property. What do you take us for?

Urgh ... Where IS he!?

Dear passengers, you’re not allowed to bring alcohol aboard the ship!

4 Maritime Murder Master.indd 4

2021-03-08 17:40:18

Whaddya put in this, Brad!?

That dolphin is talking!

5 Maritime Murder Master.indd 5

2021-03-08 17:40:23

Let me help you with that, Hana.

NOT looking forward to serving those later.

Thanks, Duncan.

Some overeager bachelors.

6 Maritime Murder Master.indd 6

2021-03-08 17:40:29

I nicked these from the kitchen.

Where’s Nikolaj?

Don’t even get me started. First day back to work and he’s already late.

You’re a lifesaver!

I’ve been sweating in this suit all morning!

But hopefully I won’t have to be around him for much longer.

I’ll have to dig out the spare to survive.

What do you mean?

7 Maritime Murder Master.indd 7

2021-03-08 17:40:34

Mr Henriksson, the old chief of staff, is retiring.

I know it’s a long shot, but I think I want to apply for the position!

I could even work from the off site offices!

I’d never have to set foot on this godforsaken ship ever again.

Here is for you climbing the cruise ship career ladder, then!

Don’t jinx it!

That’s the briefing!

Wish me luck.

Hana, there’s something I …

8 Maritime Murder Master.indd 8

2021-03-08 17:40:40

Sorry for being late!

There you are, Nikolaj!

You left me alone for the boarding.

Where’s Mr. Henriksson?

You’ve been promoted!?

Is that any way to speak to your superior?

A slob? Rude to the passengers? Never on time?

But youYou’re-

9 Maritime Murder Master.indd 9

2021-03-08 17:40:45

This is a nightmare.

Let’s talk Enough about my about yours. personal success.

Or rather, lack thereof.

Don’t you want more in life than parading around in a dolphin suit, waiting around for a promotion?

Cruise ships are a beautiful thing.

They change you.

Spouses cheat, the straight edge drink, parents abandon their children.

You just have to have your ears open for all the cheating, drug-smuggling, and backstabbing!

There’s a whole ocean of secrets on this ship.

10 Maritime Murder Master.indd 10

2021-03-08 17:41:00

Take this woman, for example.

A mother enjoying a weekend cruise with her son? WRONG! That’s none other than her scandalously young lover.

What? That can’t be right.

See that company logo on her luggage? Probably her husband’s.

Climbing the career ladder to owning a stainless steel company suitcase?

Hey-!

Just watch and see.

Not likely for either the guy who just graduated high school nor a middle aged lady.

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2021-03-08 17:41:14

You might think I’m a slob, but you just haven’t seen my organised side.

This here is the Ledger of Secrets.

Why are you showing me this?

Because you’re completely unremarkable.

So easy to ignore.

… the perfect truth collector.

Thanks?

Unless they make it worth my while to stay silent, of course.

You and I can make sure that no truth on this ship stays hidden.

12 Maritime Murder Master.indd 12

2021-03-08 17:41:29

You want me to work for you as a spy?!

Hana, Hana … I prefer the term “Bringer of Truths”.

Makes you feel like a Game of Thrones character, right?

So that’s how you got promoted. Blackmail.

I won’t do it, you’re ruining people’s lives!

I think you’re forgetting the power I possess as your boss.

They’re ruining their lives, Hana.

But what If I found out you had no high school diploma?

You can’t just fire me for no reason!

13 Maritime Murder Master.indd 13

2021-03-08 17:41:43

Lying on your resume? That’s not like you at all.

How did you--?

It’s not like that.

I had to drop out to take So what’ll it be? Working care of my me or jobless and work sick mother with prospects ruined? I might throw in a cut of the profit if you keep up the good work.

And I know what a hardworking girl you are.

Did I hear that right?

Nikolaj, who falls asleep mid-shift?

Who scares children into hysterics?

The very same.

Blackmail. He has dirt on almost everyone on this ship.

In what world is he a better choice for chief of staff than you? Or anyone for that matter.

Who somehow managed to get arrested for public indecency in a Moomin costume?

No wonder everyone hates him.

And now he wants me tonevermind.

Well, erhm-

At least we get to spend time together ...

Excuse me?

14 Maritime Murder Master.indd 14

2021-03-08 17:41:58

You haven’t seen our daughter wander around here, have you?

No … no baby in the kitchen, I’m afraid.

Passengers aren’t allowed in here.

Eight months, blue onesie and a very prominent aura.

Believe me, I have zero interest in this slaughter house. We brought our own couscous.

If you see her, will you make an announcement?

Her name is Lotus Petal, like the flower.

It only seemed fitting after the water birth in New Delhi. Of course, you must know everything about that place.

You’re Indian, right? We did some volunteer work there back in the nineties.

Um -

Very spiritual people.

We’re actually practicing a cutting-edge parenting technique that strengthens the child’s immune system!

Have you read the book “Passive Parenting: Let Your Baby Do the Raising-?”

IS IT TIME FOR THE OPEN BAR, YET!?

15 Maritime Murder Master.indd 15

2021-03-08 17:42:12

Ladies and gentlemen!

My best friend Chad is getting joined in holy matrimony.

So ladies, try to stay away.

Unless you’re a ten.

Come on up here, Chad!

As part of his initiation to married life, the groom is now going to FART FIRE.

16 Maritime Murder Master.indd 16

2021-03-08 17:42:18

Woah, it’s the captain!

If you don’t settle down, I’ll throw you off this boat personally!

Stay back, Santa Claus.

Wouldn’t want to singe that magnificent beard of yours.

There’s a LOT of negative energy swirling around in here.

Are you going to ruin the trip for hundreds of people for a few seconds of recklessness?

Someone could get seriously hurt.

No worries, oh captain my captain!

Me and my wolfpack will find something else to do.

Would anyone here be interested in a body shot from the groom-to-be?

The lovely brunette in the back?

17 Maritime Murder Master.indd 17

2021-03-08 17:42:23

The captain’s not letting anyone boss him around.

I heard he used to serve in the navy.

I know what to do.

I’m going back to Nikolaj, and I’ll give him a piece of my mind.

No, Hana! He’ll fire you. And you won’t get hired without-

It was only because my school got sued by a class action lawsuit!

Without a high school diploma!

But so be it.

I’m sick of him pushing me around.

18 Maritime Murder Master.indd 18

2021-03-08 17:42:29

Um, hello?

I’m not afraid of you, Nikolaj! Spill my secret, and I’ll tell the captain all about your blackmailing scheme.

19 Maritime Murder Master.indd 19

2021-03-08 17:42:34

20 Maritime Murder Master.indd 20

2021-03-08 17:42:40

What’s going on here!? Who-

He’s dead.

Care to tell me what’s going on!?

I heard a scream. Is there a situation? I have experience handling situations.

21 Maritime Murder Master.indd 21

2021-03-08 17:42:46

Excessive blood splatter, a mascot in shock ...

Another mascot dead.

Sir? This is a staff-only area.

Are you a police officer?

This is an active crime scene.

We can’t have anyone tamper with the evidence.

I work for something much more powerful than the law:

My two well-behaved sons and I were scouting the duty-free razors when I heard the scream.

Compassion and love. I am a father, you see.

Moomin ...

22 Maritime Murder Master.indd 22

2021-03-08 17:42:51

You must be a mascot worker. What’s your name?

Hana.

I would advise you to step away from her, old man.

Tha’ts ridiculous! Why would you say that?

Dolphin Girl is none other than this unlucky fellow’s killer.

I’m not the one who says that.

23 Maritime Murder Master.indd 23

2021-03-08 17:42:57

What, this fella wrote your name in his dying breath for fun?

Wait, WHAT? I didn’t kill him! I just got here!

You even dressed him up as moomin like some serial killer signature.

You jesters sure have a twisted sense of humor.

You’ll break after a few hours of interrogation.

I cannot with a good conscience let you go with such damning evidence.

It wasn’t me, I swear!

24 Maritime Murder Master.indd 24

2021-03-08 17:43:02

No. You do that and the police will put YOU away for endangerment.

Keep her secure and put out guards. The police will take care of the rest when we reach shore tomorrow morning. ... Very well.

25 Maritime Murder Master.indd 25

2021-03-08 17:43:08

I used to babysit Chad in my teens.

You called, O Wise Alpha?

Say it louder, why don’t you!?

You’re live tweeting this, right?

I trust him with my life, as his parents entrusted me with his.

Find someplace safe to lock her up, and don’t let her escape. This dolphin just killed her boss in cold blood.

The ship will fall into chaos if this gets out.

Already on it, my dude.

26 Maritime Murder Master.indd 26

2021-03-08 17:43:15

Oh my god.

Did you see this?

In a moomin costume, no less!

A murder?

A staff member, I heard.

I think I’m having a panic attack.

An office, covered with blood ...

What?

She’s crazy, a bloodthirsty killer machine!

You think this will cancel bingo night?

Cancel bingo night and I’ll go on a murder frenzy.

What is this, a Stephen King novel?

I heard it was a mascot, driven mad with jealousy.

A killer dolphin, could you imagine?

And I saw her during the boarding!

27 Maritime Murder Master.indd 27

2021-03-08 17:43:21

This is bad. This is so bad. They’ll never believe me.

I’m going to rot in prison.

Okay Vlad, what’ll you give me if I chug this bottle of hot sauce?

Get it together, Hana! I need to stop spiralling.

I need to figure a way out of this.

A funnel, that’s what I’ll give ya!

Or ...

28 Maritime Murder Master.indd 28

2021-03-08 17:43:28

STATUS REPORT?

WE HAVEN’T LET HER OUT OF OUR SIGHT, BOSS! I’ve talked to the police. Authorities will be waiting to detain her as soon as we reach Helsinki.

Life in prison, most likely.

Good. The safety of the ship depends on it.

Not so cocky now, Dolphin Girl?

29 Maritime Murder Master.indd 29

2021-03-08 17:43:34

Watch and learn, boys: this is what a criminal lifestyle results in.

A low paying mascot job as a public domain dolphin.

You work day in and day out in a painful monotony, hating your miserable little life.

Until one day, you snap …

... with your own two flippers.

… and turn your boss into minced meat ...

30 Maritime Murder Master.indd 30

2021-03-08 17:43:42

Lucky the stag party is into ABBA.

I’ve been looking for you everywhere!

People are talking about ... a murder?

Don’t scare me like that, Duncan ...

But we need to blend in with the crowd.

Calm down!

Of course I don’t think you did it.

Someone made it look like Nikolaj wrote my name in his own blood. I’m being framed.

Then I’ll help you clear your name.

Yeah. So we don’t attract attention.

31 Maritime Murder Master.indd 31

2021-03-08 17:43:49

Tell us what’s going on!

Settle down! There’s been an accident. The guilty party has been detained.

Is there a murderer on this boat?

We will reach Helsinki in ten hours, and the Finnish authorities will meet us there.

Who’s next, huh!?

In the meanwhile, I urge you to relax and enjoy your cruise. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Listen up! Our main murder suspect has escaped.

CHARGE, MY SOLDIERS, AND DON’T STOP UNTIL THE DOLPHIN IS BEHIND BARS-

We’re all gonna die!!!

Come here.

She’s vicious and bloodthirsty, and I need every passenger and staff to help catch her before she adds to her kill count!

32 Maritime Murder Master.indd 32

2021-03-08 17:43:58

I’ve let you and that feral pack of wolves roam this ship for too long.

First you let her escape, and now you want to start a manhunt!? Not to mention the live-tweeting.

Dolphin Girl knows this ship by heart. We’ll have no chance to catch her by ourselves.

Alright. But we’re doing this properly.

Take a good hard look at this identikit that Brad made of the killer dolphin.

Good job, Brad.

Stay vigilant, always travel in a group, and if you spot the dolphin, DO NOT ENGAGE.

Inform me or a member of the wolf pack.

Who knows what kind of twisted murder spree she’s planning.

33 Maritime Murder Master.indd 33

2021-03-08 17:44:05

How’s this?

You done?

You look …

Just like a tourist.

Let’s get out of here!

How are we going to find the real killer?

Nikolaj had HUNDREDS of enemies.

I don’t know a single person on this ship who hasn’t had a run-in with him.

I know what to do.

Man, I was looking forward to the buffet.

You think this manhunt will be over by the start of Karaoke night?

We’ll have to be more careful. Everyone’s on the lookout.

Can’t be that hard to find an escaped killer dolphin.

34 Maritime Murder Master.indd 34

2021-03-08 17:44:13

Nikolaj had a ledger where he kept tabs on all of his blackmails.

It’s our only chance of pinpointing the person with the best reason to kill him!

I don’t know about this, Hana.

Hmm ...

Let me try something.

The dolphin was seen wreaking havoc in the tanning salon!

Those poor sunbathers!

Too bad.

We’d better leave!

It’s locked.

I think … it’s on his person.

35 Maritime Murder Master.indd 35

2021-03-08 17:44:21

This is not what I had in mind when I offered to help you!

36 Maritime Murder Master.indd 36

2021-03-08 17:44:28

Whoever did this put him inside the costume after stabbing him.

And what a hack job!

The murder weapon is nowhere to be found.

37 Maritime Murder Master.indd 37

2021-03-08 17:44:34

Captain, please, have to listen to me. You believe her.

I didn’t kill She’s being Nikolaj! framed.

I explicitly ordered you to guard the crime scene. It needs to stay intact for the authorities.

I don’t know, boss … there’s a distinct lack of dolphin here.

She’s in a disguise, you oaf!

38 Maritime Murder Master.indd 38

2021-03-08 17:44:42

39 Maritime Murder Master.indd 39

2021-03-08 17:44:47

We’ll loose him on the bottom floor!

Manslaughter or no,

There’s a killer on the loose!

Have you seen the Killer Dolphin running through here!?

Don’t think so.

Couscous?

I paid a fortune for this trip, bro.

what are you lazing around for!?

You know what, I’ll just say it- I think Gertrude is cheating.

40 Maritime Murder Master.indd 40

2021-03-08 17:44:55

Y’think I could rock a bucket hat?

Where’d they go?

That was close!

41 Maritime Murder Master.indd 41

2021-03-08 17:45:02

We should be safe here for a while.

That dad is out of his mind.

You say Nikolaj collected EVERYTHING in there?

Let’s not look at each other’s sections.

Even stuff on … you and me?

He wasn’t kidding about his ‘organized side’.

Everything’s in here: passenger numbers, photographs, audio files … He must’ve bugged all the cabins!

Here are the hippie parents! “Recurring travels to visit a vegan guru in the Finnish mountains. The mother was seen eating a burger in the diner at two in the morning.”

Let’s check all the staff, they despise Nikolaj the most.

And I guess the murderer has to know me to frame me.

42 Maritime Murder Master.indd 42

2021-03-08 17:45:09

My sons.

She got away.

That little rat knows all the ins and outs of this ship.

Then we send off fresh battalions!

The teachers conference is bloodthirsty; they’re furious they missed karaoke night.

43 Maritime Murder Master.indd 43

2021-03-08 17:45:17

These are words that I’ve never uttered before in my life, but the situation has gotten a bit out of hand.

We should … wait for the authorities.

I took you for a man of action.

I am!

Then you better listen closely: I have reason to believe that Dolphin Girl stole something from the crime scene after wrecking it. Something vital.

A man who protects the people around him, protects his well-behaved sons!

I DO!

She’s on the run, and the passengers needs direction.

Wolf pack!

To me.

We’re going to track down this sea mammal once and for all.

44 Maritime Murder Master.indd 44

2021-03-08 17:45:26

Chad: you lead the teachers conference.

Brad: the just-turned18-year olds.

Vlad: round up the female divorcees, bribe them with mimosas if you must.

Mad: station the retirees by every exit and give them walkietalkies: they’ll work as lookouts.

With pleasure.

On it!

Archibald!

AYE, AYE! Leave it to me.

Make sure he’s on his best behaviour.

Please dad, don’t go away again.

It’s scary here.

I’m sorry, son.

I do this for you and your brother.

45 Maritime Murder Master.indd 45

2021-03-08 17:45:34

All he’s written is “Won’t go out with me, probably a lesbian.” Real classy, Nikolaj.

How about … Lena the aerobics instructor?

She hates his guts.

Wait a minute … What about the captain?

And Hassan the cook “accidentally served chicken to a pescetarian”.

Those are all the staff members, except for us.

This ledger is HUGE, and we’ll reach shore in a few hours!

In between us disturbing the crime scene and running from Alpha Dad …

Let’s see … The captain, ex-marine, deserted his division?

This is nothing.

The Alpha Dad …

Of course!

He’s obsessed with pinning it on you.

When the police come around, we’re screwed.

Just read his part!

“Subject is keeping divorce secret from his two well-behaved sons.

His soon-to-be ex wife is aiming for full custody of the children. Subject is planning to evade the custody hearing by illegally fleeing the country with his sons.”

You think? But he didn’t know I existed at the time. How could he pin it on me?

46 Maritime Murder Master.indd 46

2021-03-08 17:45:46

I can’t believe this. He has withdrawn a large sum of cash and has booked plane tickets from Helsinki to New Zealand.

I bet he killed Nikolaj to keep him quiet!

Well, um ...

Hana, we’re gonna get you out of this.

Hey, Duncan. Why do you help me?

Everyone else on this ship thinks I’m a killer.

That guy would do anything for his kids.

This is why.

Oh, uhm … We need- need to focus on finding proof that Alpha Dad did it right now.

I’m sorry! I thought-

I think I have an idea. Let’s go.

Don’t worry about it-

47 Maritime Murder Master.indd 47

2021-03-08 17:45:53

I’ve never been here before.

That’s the surveillance room. We might be able to spot the killer.

It’s the most heavily guarded room on the ship. But I’m hoping the chief of staff has access.

Hello!

Shouldn’t you be patrolling the second floor with the rest of the young adults?

I see, sneaking off to get a private moment, you lovebirds!

The heat of battle has that effect …

Ahh, the adrenaline … Your unbridled lust makes me feel young again!

We have direct orders from the Alpha Dad: oversee the security cameras and report back if we see the killer.

At ease, soldier!

48 Maritime Murder Master.indd 48

2021-03-08 17:46:00

How are you so good at lying?

I’m a waiter at a cruise ship; I lie daily. “Yes ma’am, the cod is freshly caught”,

“Of course the scrambled eggs aren’t powdered, sir”.

Let’s see, here.

Damnit. There’s no surveillance inside of Nikolaj’s office.

There must be a camera in the corridor.

The files have been deleted.

Let’s see what he’s been up to today.

Alpha Dad must’ve gotten here before us.

49 Maritime Murder Master.indd 49

2021-03-08 17:46:06

By Poseidon and Njord and every other watery god out there,

So far just an escaped baby, a cardboard cutout and a young couple about to do the nasty in the security area.

Alpha Falcon calling Wizened Crone number seven: I didn’t authorize any rolling in the hay!

Over.

I will find the killer before we arrive in Helsinki.

Reminds me of my old flame and me! We’d get our freak on for hours on end-

Who are these boinkers? I’ll teach them to fornicate during a manhunt.

Over.

I didn’t get their names, but the young man had an unfortunate case of acne and the lady had these big braids.

Stand by for backup.

Over and out.

It’s showtime.

50 Maritime Murder Master.indd 50

2021-03-08 17:46:14

There he is, talking to the stag party. He and the sons leave to find their cabin.

Where did he go?

He mentioned looking at duty free razors.

Hm, that’s odd.

He left his kids in the ice cream bar.

Wait … zoom in.

His knife is gone!

51 Maritime Murder Master.indd 51

2021-03-08 17:46:21

Quick, climb out the vent! I’ll give you a boost…

No more hiding.

We’ll arrive in Helsinki soon, it’s time we face him.

You’ve evaded me long enough, Dolphin Girl. But justice is always served.

WOLFPACK!

I still don’t see it.

I did not kill Nikolaj!

HE DID!

52 Maritime Murder Master.indd 52

2021-03-08 17:46:29

You’re getting desperate!

What I’m holding here is the ledger of truths! The deceased had records on every single person on this ship who keeps a secret.

Nikolaj used it for blackmail, and got killed because of it.

Oh? Well, I recognise you.

Passenger no. 453009: took LSD and urinated in the jacuzzi!

She’s bullshitting!

Why are we letting her speak? Take her!

53 Maritime Murder Master.indd 53

2021-03-08 17:46:36

And YOU let your girlfriend believe you “sleepwalked into the wrong cabin” when you cheated on her with her sister!

That’s fucked up.

Not to mention our dear old bachelor. Your so-called “friends” are conspiring to break up your marriage!

They sent a picture of you and the brunette from last night to your fiancé.

Even this?

You claim you want what’s best for your sons ...

This is nothing more than slander.

Ship gossip! We can’t take anything from that ledger at face value.

54 Maritime Murder Master.indd 54

2021-03-08 17:46:43

... But you’re planning to kidnap them across the border so you won’t lose custody of them in your secret divorce!

I haven’t been truthful to you, my well-behaved sons.

But everything I do is because I love you.

Dad? You and mom are getting divorced?

Like murdering Nikolaj because he had blackmailed you about your plan to evade the custody hearing?

The security cameras don’t lie. You disappeared, leaving your sons in the ice cream bar, and came back with your knife missing from its sheath.

Like writing my name in blood in a desperate attempt to put the blame somewhere else!?

I-- someone stole it! And I was taking a call from our divorce attorney.

You have it all wrong!

55 Maritime Murder Master.indd 55

2021-03-08 17:46:49

You suck.

If we’ve learned anything on this trip, it’s that nobody’s perfect.

At least we didn’t kill anyone!

Son …

Wolfpack.

Take him away.

56 Maritime Murder Master.indd 56

2021-03-08 17:46:56

Did you see the face of Chad and his wolf pack?

You were incredible!

I kinda was, wasn’t I?

Sorry I was so weird earlier.

I guess I was just … surprised someone could see me that way.

Are you kidding!?

You’re kind, compassionate, and evidently kickass!

Gosh, I sound just like Nikolaj.

Someone needed to hold all these people accountable. I should’ve kept on going, revealing everyone’s dirty secrets!

The thing is … He offered me a job as a spy before.

Nikolaj wasn’t interested in justice. He was a monster who blackmailed people for money.

He threatened to fire me and tell everyone I’m a high school dropout, so I said yes.

You cannot know how relieved I am to hear you say that.

(May he rest in peace.)

Duncan, I’m sorry.

57 Maritime Murder Master.indd 57

2021-03-08 17:47:02

Don’t you get it?

I used to gather intel for him, too!

Nikolaj approached me a while ago with a job offer.

As a waiter, you overhear a lot of private conversation.

The report on the Alpha Dad was mine!

I’ve been so scared of what you would think …

For like, three seconds! And he was threatening me!

All this time … you’ve been sneaking around, listening in, going straight to him and handing in reports?

I don’t understand.

You worked for him too!

Yes, that’s just it!

He said if I didn’t agree to become his spy, he’d get you fired!

I couldn’t stand the thought of not seeing you again …

What are you doing?

58 Maritime Murder Master.indd 58

2021-03-08 17:47:09

How very unselfish of you.

No dirty secrets of your own, but sacrificed yourself so I wouldn’t be fired.

“Duncan, waiter at the mediterranian diner.

Truth collector. Subject harbors a pathetic crush on Hana the mascot.”

Mean wording, but heh, you already knew that …

Hana, listen, I had no choice.

Nikolaj was very adamant on hiring you as a spy, and he needed leverage.

There’s more.

“Told me (Bringer of Truths) Hana is a high-school dropout.”

If I didn’t give him something, he’d just have done something worse to get you!

I thought I told you about my … situation in confidence.

59 Maritime Murder Master.indd 59

2021-03-08 17:47:15

Have you been trying to get close to me on Nikolaj’s orders?

Absolutely not! That part is true.

You barely know me!

We’re coworkers!

I- I love you.

Coworkers!? We’re a bit more than coworkers, I’d say. I stayed with you when the whole ship brought out the pitchforks!

Without me you’d be charged with murder, goddamnit!

Why, thanks you sooo much!

YOU’RE the one who made countless enemies to Nikolaj all over the ship!

He wouldn’t even be dead if you hadn’t been poking around in people’s secrets!

You don’t mean that.

I … Just stay away from me.

60 Maritime Murder Master.indd 60

2021-03-08 17:47:21

I’ve been looking for you.

I know it doesn’t make up for it, But on behalf of the ship I’d like to apologize.

61 Maritime Murder Master.indd 61

2021-03-08 17:47:29

Thank you.

I just can’t believe Duncan would lie to me like that.

It’s the people we least expect who hurt us the most.

Captain … I think the Alpha Dad is innocent.

But I’ve been thinking, and how would he have known to frame me? He didn’t even know who I was at the time of the murder.

We searched the Dad’s phone, and he did indeed get a call from Nikolaj shortly after boarding.

He must’ve picked your name at random on the employee wall.

Oh.

Don’t worry, your theory checks out. Your diligence and cleverness have really shone on this trip, Hana.

I don’t deserve it.

I had to drop out of school for … dental complications.

I lied on my resume.

We can both agree that it’s in due time you were promoted to chief of staff.

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You don’t need a high school diploma to be a mascot. And you have proven yourself over and over to be a good and hardworking person.

You deserve this.

It does sound nice.

I wouldn’t have to dress up as a dolphin anymore.

What a hack job!

The spare dolphin suit … it’s gone!

It WAS Nikolaj who wrote my name!

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To protect himself from the blood splatter.

Very clever, Hana.

Nikolaj’s office was covered in blood.

The killer would have been, too.

Nikolaj believed I was his attacker, but only because the killer was wearing my spare dolphin costume.

Unless the killer was planning to dispose of the body.

But … Why was Nikolaj in the moomin costume?

It doesn’t make sense.

Only members of the staff know where to find the spare costumes. And no-one would question seeing a cleaner or a waiter sneak around.

But … Why did they leave the body?

They had the perfect moment to dispose of the evidence when the stag party was about to fart fire. The whole ship was there to watch.

It’s an inconspicuous way of getting rid of the evidence! Just bring it to the outer deck and chuck it overboard together with the blood-spattered costume!

What about that treacherous friend of yours? He’s a waiter.

Waiters are great liars, everyone knows that.

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Duncan? No, he couldn’t.

He already betrayed you once. Nikolaj blackmailed him, and Duncan killed him to keep him quiet.

He’d hardly have the time! I went straight to the kitchen after leaving Nikolaj’s office.

He knows every nook and cranny of this ship!

If you need more proof, let’s just look him up in the ledger.

I know for a fact he worked as a spy for Nikolaj.

You have the ledger, right? Let me see it.

No.

How did you know about that?

I know everything inside of that ledger, it belongs to me! Or at least until Nikolaj stole it!

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2021-03-08 17:47:56

You think that slob was smart enough to pull off an operation like this? It was mine, and I let him in as an apprentice when I saw his potential.

But after everything I did for him,

He turned right around and stabbed me in the back!

But, you’re the captain of this ship!

Why would you do such a thing?

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2021-03-08 17:48:02

You call this a SHIP? This amusement park with overpriced alcohol and perfumes?

I have no qualms blackmailing the passengers. I’m holding them accountable for their actions for the first time in their miserable little lives.

Crowded with families on the brink of divorce, parties disguised as conferences and kids getting alcohol poisoning?

As much of an ass he was, he had an eye for secrets.

I didn’t see his plot to push me out of the operation until it was too late.

You said Nikolaj… stabbed you in the back?

“Captain, let me keep track of the ledger”, “captain, let me have my own subordinates”, “captain, promote me to chief of staff”

I was foolish; I thought he wouldn’t have the guts to blackmail me. But he cornered me and threatened to spill my secret to the press, unless I resigned.

Secret? What secret?

Like you haven’t read all about it in the ledger, already.

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... You were telling the truth. That's a first, on this godforsaken ship.

There’s nothing on you in there, I checked!

Ha! Right.

I don’t think I can.

You know too much.

We’ve all been dealing with secrets and blackmailing people for money!

Doesn’t mean you would kill anyone for it!

Great! Now you can let me go.

You’re probably just bursting with curiosity about what my secret is.

No, I’m good actuallyI had no choice.

It was me or him, really.

Some people, the world is better off without.

No. An officer in my navy division.

You’re … talking about Nikolaj?

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A drunken fool, just like the rest of them.

I was just a cadet with no influence.

They passed their free time with poker, and he was playing the other seamen into ruin. By cheating. They kept pestering me to play, to loosen up.

I couldn’t escape the drinking, cheating stupidity of men, not even in the marines. So much like Nikolaj.

So when the others had passed out for the night, I challenged him to a game, just the two of us.

The only thing he hadn’t counted on was the length to which I was willing to go.

You’re a smart girl, Hana.

Too smart.

Hello, Hana.

No hard feelings, right?

I was going to dispose of the body, but my presence was required by the buffet.

I figured I could just go back afterwards and finish the job.

I had to act fast. I grabbed two mascot suits and stole the dad’s knife.

It’s the freakin’ stag party again.

Go get the captain.

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Little did I know you had already run over there and ruined everything.

Do you know how hard it is to wield a knife with dolphin flippers?

But things worked out in my favor.

Nikolaj wasn’t quite dead, and thought it was you who had brought on his early demise.

Or to force a limp body into a mascot?

This time it’ll be much easier …

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HANA! ARE YOU OK?!

Duncan! Maybe you’d be interested in the chief of staff position!? No more waiting tables.

It would be terribly messy if I had to get rid of you all.

And if it isn’t my trusty soldier! You had potential, you know.

Help me, and I’ll make sure you’ll disappear, where no divorce lawyers or ex-wifes could find you and your family!

Dude, you’re not making a very good case!

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You dare use my own knife and ex-wife against me?!

Attacking from behind!! Three against one!

It’s cheating, you’re not fighting fair!!

Wow, he’s nuts.

You had a knife!

My ex-wife is mine to deal with alone, with the help of tedious and honest bureaucracy.

The police will deal with you.

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2021-03-08 17:48:45

Helsinki harbor

How did you and the Alpha Dad find me, by the way?

After you ran away, I followed you to try to explain myself.

That’s when I saw the captain take you away.

When he locked the door to the locker room behind you, I feared the worst.

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But I convinced the mob to let the Alpha Dad go, and … you know the rest.

Imagine how stupid I felt when I realised I had helped imprisoned the only person who could help me right now.

You inspired me to finally tell the truth.

I held a speech about everyone having the right to tell their own truth, and not just listen to the one who shouts the loudest.

Back up, HOW did you convince that crazy mob exactly?

And that worked?

Well … Someone threw a molotov cocktail in my direction, and I used the distraction to bust out the Alpha Dad.

Sounds about right.

To think being accused of murder would be the thing that finally made me hand in my resignation.

Good for you, you’ve always hated this place.

I didn’t have the nerve to tell you, but I didn’t drop out of school because of a mascot internship opportunity.

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2021-03-08 17:48:59

At one point it was a “hacktivist who deleted your grades”.

I was depressed.

I didn’t think I could amount to anything.

No offence, Hana, but you’re a really bad liar.

But I’m going to take this opportunity to work up my grades, finally!

Yeah, yeah …

You could become a detective. Your moral compass is stronger than most, I think.

I hope you’ll find the time to visit.

Yeah, I could.

Only if you want to.

I was stuck in a loop, too scared to tell you how I was feeling ...

And wanting you to stay on the ship so we had a reason to hang out.

I’m sorry for betraying your trust.

Yeah.

You did really hurt my feelings.

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But … I’m willing to let you take me to dinner like a normal person.

As long as it’s not on the ship, okay? I’ve had enough of cruise ships for a lifetime.

Deal.

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There’s a few people that helped make this comic shipshape: My sincerest thanks to Justin Hall, a real figurehead in my creating of this comic. Without you I’d still be knee-deep in plot points and blood.

I am also grateful to my coordinators Peter Dyring-Olsen and Erik Barkman for steering me on the right course.

For my supervisors Steve Seagle, Cecil Castellucci, Sofie Louise Dam, Angelica Inigo, Joe Kelly, Jericca Cleland and DJ Cleland-Hura; thank you for pushing me when I was dead in the water.

Especially helpful to me during this time were Sahra, Petrus, Ymir and the rest of my classmates from the class of GS17. You were there for me when I felt caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

The love and support of my friends, family and partner made sure I didn’t keel over on this journey. For that I thank you!

This is a bachelor project from Graphic Storytelling, The Animation Workshop, VIA University College.

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2021-01-29 11:31:36

Hana works as a mascot in a dolphin suit, but she longs for more. As the cruise season begins, she is prepared for yet another uneventful trip.

But this time, things go overboard fast!

Hana is accused of a gruesome murder and, while trapped on a cruise ship in the middle of the Baltic Sea, must prove her innocence and find the real killer.

Just who is really behind the Maritime Murder?

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