Read Online 34 - The Queen's Jewels by Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain - Free Book Online Page A

given me ballroom dance lessons.”
    “What made you interested in dancing?”
    “It’s a useful skill,” he said quietly, swirling me around so that I had to concentrate on my feet instead of his answer.
    We glided past where Haggerty and the stunning Jennifer were dancing. Michael smiled at me and winked. I was sure he was pleased, thinking that I’d put myself in a position to find out something constructive from Kim, but that was the last thing on my mind. Not stepping on my partner’s feet was more important to me.
    Kim executed a final spin and, before I knew what was happening, pressed his hand into my back, tipped me into a quick dip, and smoothly pulled me upright.
    “My goodness,” I said, laughing. “I haven’t done that in a long time.”
    “Dancing relaxes me,” he said as the music came to an end. He took my elbow and said as he steered me off the dance floor, “Do you intend to write about this crossing, and the fact that the partner of the murdered owner of the Heart of India was also a passenger?”
    “Heavens, no. Aside from my lectures, I’m aboard purely to relax.”
    “I’m pleased to hear that. I would hate to think that the unfortunate death of my partner and the theft of his precious diamond would become the basis of popular fiction.”
    I was taken aback.
    Up until then, he’d been a man who laughed easily, his demeanor pleasant and charming. When he said those words, however, his face darkened briefly, his eyes hard, as though to reinforce his point, but his expression immediately melted into its usual affable smile. I wondered if I had caught him in an unguarded moment.
    “No offense meant, of course. Thank you for the pleasure of the dance,” he said, delivering me to the table, where Harry was preparing to leave.
    “So soon?” Kim asked him.
    “Off to try my luck at the craps table,” Harry replied. “I tried to convince Jessica to accompany me—I’ve always had better luck with the dice when a beautiful woman is at my side—but she’s declined.”
    “Perhaps another night,” I said.
    “How about you, Mr. Kim? Care to take your chances with the dice this evening?”
    Kim looked at Betty, whose stern face said that the answer would be no. He shook his head at Harry, one eyebrow raised in mock regret.
    “Another drink, Mrs. Fletcher?” Kim asked me.
    “No, thank you,” I said, picking up my purse and making my good-byes. “I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep,” I said as Harry and I walked away.
    “The motion of the ship will ensure that,” Harry said. “The seas are calm right now and the ship’s movement always lulls me to sleep. Enjoy it while you can.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I spoke with one of the young officers this afternoon. We’re in for some rougher weather tomorrow.”
    We passed the table where Michael was now sitting with the blonde and her friend. I thought I could make my escape without engaging in another conversation with him, but that wasn’t to be. Harry and I were almost out of the Queens Room when Michael hustled over. “Are you leaving?” he asked, pulling on my arm.
    “Yes, Wendell,” said Harry.
    “I’d like a word with Jessica if you don’t mind.”
    “Not at all,” Harry replied. “Have a pleasant evening. See you both tomorrow, I’m sure.”
    “Did you find out anything from Kim?” Haggerty asked me once Harry was gone.
    “Of course not. We only had one dance. Besides, Michael, I told you I’m not up to getting involved in whatever investigation you’re conducting. You and that pretty lady seemed to be hitting it off quite nicely. Why don’t you ask her to dance again?”
    “Nothing like a few spins around the floor to establish rapport. But she’ll be here tomorrow. Have a nightcap with me, Jessica?”
    “Not tonight, Michael.”
    He grinned. “Come on, I’ll walk you to your cabin.”
    “That’s not necessary.”
    “Oh, indulge me, Jessica, for old times’ sake. Let’s spend a few