Read Online Death Takes a Holiday by Elisabeth Crabtree - Free Book Online Page A

head. “ That’s not the reason we’re here. Admit it, this isn’t a pleasure trip, we’re here on business. I can’t believe this was the big surprise—stowing me away on a train.”
    “No, that wasn’t the surprise,” he admitted reluctantly. “My sister is getting married in a couple of months in New York and you’re invited. My father’s going to charter us a plane. That was going to be the surprise, but when you found the tickets . . . .”
    “I wish you had just told me. Oh, by the way,” she said suddenly remembering the threat on the mirror, “someone left a message for you in the bathroom. I suggest you and Steve lock your door tonight.” She looked at him curiously. “Tell me something; just what were you going to do with Steve? Didn’t you think I’d notice him sleeping in the bed next to me?”
    “I’ve been trying to find him another room. I think he may get lucky tonight. He’s been chatting up a pretty blonde since we got on the train. They seem to be hitting it off.”
    Grace groaned. Pushing him aside , she reached for the door handle separating the observation car from the dining car.
    “How did you know Steve was even on the train? I stopped him before he even got to the room.”
    She considered Kyle’s tailored black suit that accented his strong, lean physique. “You have better taste in clothes.” She backed up as Henry entered the observation car.
    “Ah, Ms. Holliday,” Henry said pleasantly. “There you are. I’ve called the hotel and let them know of your concern. It’s probably nothing more than a practical joke. It may even be left over from the last group who traveled with us. A fraternity reunion,” he explained. “They were a bit rowdy. One of them even tried to climb onto the roof of the train. I’m sure they’re the ones who left the message.” He looked at Kyle. “Ah, you found Mr. Drake.”
    “ Yes, but never mind that now. I want off this train.”
    “Grace,” Kyle said. “We’re on a mountain.”
    “I assure you m iss, you’re perfectly safe.”
    “No, you don’t understand. Stop the train. I want off.”
    “M iss, I really don’t think you need to worry.”
    Grace noticed the woman in the skin-tight pink dress walk past her. “That’s her!”
    “Yes, yes , it’s me,” the woman said with some amusement. She looked heavenward. “This happens where ever I go,” she said, sounding not the slightest bit annoyed. “I’m sorry, sweetie, but I don’t have a pen on me. Come to my room later and I’d be happy to give you an autograph then.”
    “Autograph?” Grace asked. “I heard what you said.”
    “Oh, no! ” The woman in pink stamped her foot lightly. “I was afraid you heard me. Now I’ll have to start all over.” She shook her finger at Grace. “It’s very impolite to eavesdrop.”
    Grace, feeling her eyebrows rise up her for ehead, looked over at Henry who was smiling. “What is going on?”
    “Is this the woman you overheard plotting the murder?” Henry asked.
    Grace nodded.
    Henry patted Grace’s arm gently. “This is Felicity Gray.”
    “Felicity Gray?” Grace asked , wondering why that name sounded familiar.
    “S he’s a writer,” Henry said slowly as if speaking to a small child.
    “Best-selling novelist,” Felicity corrected.
    “She writes those little mysteries you find at airports,” Henry said.
    “There’s nothing little about my mysteries and they’re not mysteries. They’re thrillers.” Suddenly noticing Kyle, Felicity arched her back and smiled up at him. “ Romantic thrillers. Hello.”
    Kyle returned her smile. “I love your books. I’ve read every one of them.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Where do you get your ideas?”
    “Research.” S he winked at Kyle. “Lots of research,” she said, dropping her voice to a low purr.
    “And that’s why you were talking ab out killing people,” Henry said, more for Grace’s benefit than any other reason.
    Felicity looked at him for a half second