Page 53

“Four?” Tinsley’s eyebrow arches so high it might need oxygen. “Are you actually counting me in that number?”
“Nope.” Nettie laughs at the thought. “She’s counting your ego. It’s large enough to be its own person.”
Tinsley snarls my way—and I didn’t even make the snide comment. But let’s face it, Nettie isn’t wrong.
“Speaking of big egos,” Tinsley sniffs. “I gather you’re all here to investigate rather than socialize.”
“Multi-tasking is a thing,” I remind her.
“Yeah,” Nettie says. “Some of us can nibble on a donut and solve a murder at the same time,” she adds, already eyeing the refreshment table.
More like inhale a donut or two or a dozen. But who could blame us? The pastry chefs on this ship don’t mess around, and we’re always eager to applaud their efforts by way of gobbling down their wares. It’s the highest compliment we can give them.
“Speaking of the investigation”—Nettie says, craning her neck past Tinsley—“this lounge is chock-full of suspicious characters and suspicious behavior.”
Tinsley rolls her eyes. “The only suspicious behavior I’ve spotted so far is your newfound obsession with deep-fried desserts.”
Before Nettie can defend her dedication to deep-fried everything, Elvie glides over in a flowing black dress that makes her look more like a grieving goddess than your standard widow. Her short hair sits in neat coils and her ruby-red lipstick looks a bit harsh for her creamy complexion. And judging by those bags under her eyes, she hasn’t been getting much sleep.
Although I’m guessing fresh grief does that to a person.
Her warm smile seems genuine enough as she closes in on us. Her perfume reaches us before she does and it holds the scent of a strong floral tea.
“Hello, ladies,” she says in a cheerful tone. “I’m so glad you could all make it.” She gives my arm a light tap as she says it. “I was so hoping you’d come. Reed and I have some interesting topics planned for today’s discussion. And that way you’ll get to see firsthand what Brad dedicated his life to.”
“We can’t wait,” I tell her.
“Great,” she says as she clasps her hands together and an entire sleeve of gold bangles race to her wrist. “We’re covering some of Brad’s favorite cases today. The ones that really got under his skin.”
Sassy snorts at the thought. “Oh honey, if she only knew what really got under his skin. Technically, that would be her, seeing that he was having an affair.”
I can’t help but frown. That man was a cad through and through. But despite the fact, I’ve got a case to solve and a sassy ghost to shove back into the Nethersphere so I can get on with my honeymoon.
The lights blink on and off a few times as Reed Williams calls the room to order and both he and Elvie head for the raised platform in the front of the room that acts as a makeshift stage. His thick, dark locks are neatly combed back and he’s wearing a black leather blazer with matching leather pants. He looks sophisticated in a crime-solving junkie slash wannabe biker sort of way, and it’s a look that works on him.
“There’s my man.” Sassy sighs as everyone, including us, rushes to our seats. “Isn’t he just delicious?”
I make a face at the drooling vixen. “Those donuts look delicious to me,” I say just as a familiar face turns around.
“I thought that was you.” Becky Lee gives a little laugh before nodding past the dessert table. “My husband is over there setting up the merchandise we’ve brought along for Brad and Elvie.” She winces a little as she says Brad’s name. She’s traded her usual cardigan for a sleeveless blouse that shows off her nicely toned arms. “You’ll get a chance to see my work, up close and personal.”
“We can’t wait,” Bess tells her.
Nettie nods in agreement. “I’m going to load up until my arms beg to fall off. It’s going to be murder.” She winks over at Becky Lee and we all share a light laugh.
Reed takes the small stage area with the kind of confidence that comes from knowing exactly how good you look in black leather.
Elvie joins him and her grace masks any nerves, grief, or apprehension she might be feeling.
It’s showtime.
CHAPTER29
“Welcome, fellow investigators, one and all.” Reed’s voice fills the Sapphire Lounge without the need for a microphone as the murderous meet and greet gets underway. “First off, Elvie and I want to thank you all for your condolences regarding Brad. Your support has meant everything during this difficult time.”
A thick silence follows his words.
Elvie gives a somber nod to the audience at hand. “Brad would have wanted the show to go on,” she adds as her voice catches. “He lived for these moments, sharing the mysteries that kept him up at night.”