Read Online Murder, She Wrote: Panning For Murder: Panning For Murder (Murder She Wrote) by Jessica Fletcher - Free Book Online Page B

the gold rush, when a short, slender woman in her seventies approached me, carrying a book. She had white hair, a deep tan, and blue eyes that sparkled radiantly.
     
     
    “Would I be disturbing you if I sit here?” she asked, indicating the matching leather chair.
     
     
    “No, of course not,” I said. “Please do.”
     
     
    She took the chair, adjusted herself in it, and opened her book.
     
     
    I went back to reading about Klondike Kate. After a few minutes, I glanced over at her. To my surprise, she was reading my latest novel. She sensed my interest, turned, and smiled sweetly. “I love your books, Mrs. Fletcher,” she said.
     
     
    “Thank you,” I said, a little startled that she recognized me. Of course, my photograph on the back cover could explain that.
     
     
    “I was told that you would be on board,” she said demurely.
     
     
    “You were?”
     
     
    “Yes. My cabin steward always informs me of any famous people on the ship.”
     
     
    “You sound as though you take this cruise often,” I said.
     
     
    Her laugh was small and tinkling. “I would say so, Mrs. Fletcher. I live on the Glacial Queen .”
     
     
    At first, I thought she meant that she took a lot of cruises. On other ships, I’ve met people who pride themselves on how many cruises they’ve taken and how many ports they’ve visited. But then I realized that she meant what she’d said literally.
     
     
    “How interesting. You live on board?” I said.
     
     
    “Yes. I’ve been a resident for almost a year now. I lived on the QE2 for almost two years. I loved that ship—so genteel and refined. But I decided it was time for a change—change is always good, don’t you agree?—so I did a little investigating and decided on this ship.”
     
     
    I closed my book, shifted in my chair so that I faced her, and said, “I didn’t realize that anyone lived on this ship.”
     
     
    “Oh, yes,” she replied. “I’m the only one here, but I was one of three on the QE2 —myself, another woman, and a lovely gentleman. I’m pleased to report that they are now married.”
     
     
    “Your two permanent shipmates?”
     
     
    “Yes. I was her maid of honor.”
     
     
    My curiosity antennae were now fully extended. “Isn’t it terribly expensive to live on a cruise ship?” I asked.
     
     
    “I suppose it is, but not much more, if anything, than being in one of those homes for old people. And it’s so much more pleasant than an institution. The meals are wonderful and so nicely presented. I have entertainmentevery night, and I get to see so many interesting places—Alaska, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe. Besides, there are always new and interesting people to meet. Like you.”
     
     
    “I see your point,” I said.
     
     
    “When Maynard told me you were on the passenger list, I asked him to run right out in Seattle and buy me your latest book. Maynard is my cabin steward, a dear, sweet young man.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial level. “I always make sure to give him a large bonus at the end of each trip. The young people on the ship work so hard, you know, and send their money back home. They’re all from other countries.”
     
     
    “You must know everything that goes on aboard the ship,” I said.
     
     
    “I imagine I do,” she said. “By the way, my name is Gladys, Gladys Montgomery.” She extended a bony hand with long fingers tipped by an expertly executed manicure.
     
     
    “I’m Jessica,” I said. “Do you mind if I ask you a question, Gladys? I assume you heard about the woman who disappeared from this ship a few weeks ago.”
     
     
    “Wilimena.”
     
     
    “That’s right.”
     
     
    “Why do you ask? Are you going to write a book about her disappearance?”
     
     
    “No. My interest is that—”
     
     
    “Her sister is on this cruise, too.”
     
     
    “I know.”
     
     
    “You do? How did you find out?”
     
     
    “She and I are good friends where we live,