Read Online Barbara Graham - Quilted 03 - Murder by Music by Barbara Graham - Free Book Online Page B

nephew standing at the top of the steps like a beast of burden. “Hey there, Gavin. Anything you don't need to bring down here, take to her room. I'm putting her in room seven.”
    Theo pointed to her small bag. “I can take it myself. That's the only thing for my room.” She smiled at Beth when the large young man ignored her and dashed off with the little bag. “What about your other guests? Have they been warned that there will be lots of laughter coming from the lobby?”
    “There's only a few of them, and we explained the lounge area will not be available. They all seemed fine with it. If not,” she said with a shrug, “they don't have to come back.”
    “Well, I doubt any of us would mind if they just wander through and look, as long as they don't stay too long.”
    “Come see how we've set up for you.” Beth led the way through the comfortable seating area to an open space. “We have lots of extension cords and power strips in there.” She pointed to a cardboard box in one corner. “Several folding tables. Just tell Gavin or Art where you want them set up.”
    “It looks great, as always, Beth. The only thing that comes to mind right now is that we'll need more light.”
    “Of course. I know some of your group will bring their own, but we have eight floor lamps in this little closet. If you need more, we'll just bring them down from the empty rooms.” Beth pulled a note from her pocket. “We'll put out snacks this evening, but not dinner. You are welcome to use the kitchen any time.” She grinned. “I know you ladies love to eat at odd times up here. We are cooking three meals tomorrow and brunch on Sunday. Is that right?”
    “Perfect.” Theo pulled out a list of her own. “We need seven rooms.”
    “Seven? Last I heard, there were only going to be twelve of you this year.”
    “There are, but no one, including me, wants to share with Eleanor.”
    “Eleanor Liston is coming here?” Beth's look of horror was almost comic. “I'll put her next to the stairs on the second floor. The wind howls through there and makes horrible shrieking sounds. She should feel right at home.” Opening the drawer in the desk, Beth pulled out a roll of tape and a pen.
    “As long as you are prepared to listen to her bitching about it, it doesn't bother me.” Theo handed her the list. “I have bracketed the ones who are sharing. Except for Eleanor, we should be a merry group. Although I don't know much about our guest teacher, Scarlet LaFleur. She also booked a private room.”
    “I'll put her upstairs next to Eleanor.” Beth paused. “Speaking of upstairs, the railing on the verandah is being repaired. There's a temporary barrier, but you might want to warn your ladies.”
    Theo nodded and watched as Beth taped the list onto the desktop.
    “I'll just leave the key drawer open until everyone arrives. That way they can just check this and not have to wait.” Beth wrote room numbers on the paper using a red marking pen. Her numbers were practically big enough to read across the room. “We'll bring out Martha's birthday cake out whenever you want.”
    “I brought up some champagne. Do you think you could serve it with the cake? Tea too, for those of us not imbibing.”
    Beth chewed on the side of one finger, careful not to chip the nail polish that matched her skirt. “Sure, we can.”
    Theo dug two bottles out of one of the bags stacked in the lounge and handed them to Beth.
    As Beth turned to leave, she paused and pointed to a button under the counter. “Ring the bell if you need help at any time, day or night. It rings in our apartment.”
    “Thanks for your help.”
    “No, problem.” High heels clicking, Beth headed for the kitchen.
    Tony made it back to his office in record time in spite of a quick stop at the library. He carried with him a book about knots and several cords for practice. As long as he was waiting for phone calls, he might as well hone his skills.
    Tony was working with his knots and