Read Online The Corpse Wore Cashmere by Sylvia Rochester - Free Book Online Page A

Poirot. With a perfectly curled, thin mustache and coifed dark hair, the pudgy, little man extended a hand in greeting. Keeping in character, he wore an immaculate white linen suit. The only things missing were his monocle and French accent.
    “I’m so glad to make your acquaintance. With your help, this is going to be our best festival ever. Your kiosk is ready, and your complimentary rooms are nearby. Their room cards, please,” he said to the desk clerk, who placed them in his hand. He in turn handed them to Susan. “If there’s anything you need, just let me know. I do, however, have a favor to ask. Would it be possible for you and Ms. Williams to outfit the staff today? I’d love to have them in costume when the guests arrive. Of course, all their expenses will be covered by the hotel.”
    “Sure. As soon as we get set up, I’ll send word by Miguel.”
    “Oh, Miguel, he’s a jewel. If you can’t find me, he can see to your needs.”
    After receiving the room cards, Susan tugged on A. K.’s arm, finally breaking her concentration on Mr. Muscles.
    Miguel was waiting for them on the mezzanine. “I see you have your pass card. I took the liberty of putting your bags in your room. Here’s the key to the kiosk. The expandable gate is light and easy to close.”
    “Thanks.” Susan dropped the key to the kiosk in the cash box. “Give us a minute to set things in order, then you can let Mr. Fleming know that we’re ready to outfit the staff.”
    She and A. K. arranged the garment racks and placed the accessories on display counters. Near the rear of the kiosk, she found a niche for her cash box and credit card machine.
    A. K. grabbed Miguel by the arm. “Come here, you young thing. With your dark hair and eyes, you’d make a perfect Jack Sparrow.”
    Susan gave him a thumbs-up.
    “Works for me,” Miguel said. “You pull together what we’ll need, and I’ll be back in a minute. I know Mr. Fleming is anxious to get started outfitting the employees.”
    For the next couple of hours, A. K. and Susan played paper dolls with real live people. They dressed the women in costumes ranging from modest maidens to anything but. Lace-up vests and high top boots flew off the shelves, along with ragged-hemmed skirts and matching scarves. Of course, the fake jewelry was a big hit.
    The men opted mostly to go as a member of a barbarous crew or a scurrilous captain. But a few decided to take the high ground and dressed in the uniforms of the British. The blue coats with gold trim made quite a showing. Regardless of their choice, they all were quick to brandish sabers or knives.
    Despite the hotel having a large number of employees, the staff failed to make a dent in their inventory. A. K. had known what she was doing when she placed her order.
    Susan didn’t waste any time asking about Lorraine and was surprised to discover that Lorraine had worked at this very same hotel. The current hostess had been hired to replace Lorraine but had never met her. Being from Vegas, the new hostess didn’t have previous knowledge of anyone at the hotel. Susan kept the questions casual, things like how long had they worked with Lorraine, what was she like. She didn’t mention that Lorraine had been murdered. She’d save that bombshell for Miguel, who she bet knew more than anyone.
    When the last of the staff exited the mezzanine in their costumes, Miguel joined Susan and A. K. again. “My crew looks great, and I’m ready for my Jack Sparrow disguise.”
    The last of the employees, Sam the bartender, lingered in front of a mirror. “I really do look good, don’t I?” he said to Susan.
    “Indeed, you do, Captain Hook. Have you worked here long?”
    “A couple of years.”
    “So you probably knew Lorraine.”
    “You mean our last hostess? How do you know her?”
    “She was from my hometown.”
    “I hated to see her go. Some of the staff didn’t care for her snooty attitude.” He took one more look at himself in the mirror.