Read Online The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett - Free Book Online Page B

His father, meanwhile, was making the rounds of kitchen and lounge to let everyone know they were welcome—make that encouraged—to spend the night at The Spruces rather than try to drive home in the storm currently raging outside.
    Armed with three key cards, Dan headed for his father’s office to issue the invitation to stay overnight to the housekeeping staff. He hoped they hadn’t already left. What had begun as just a heavy snowfall was now predicted to turn into a full-scale blizzard. The Ruskins didn’t want anyone in their employ trying to navigate narrow, twisting roads in whiteout conditions.
    The sound of raised voices reassured him as he turned into the narrow corridor that led to the offices and the conference room.
    â€œFine heck of a note!” That was Sadie’s raspy voice. “Some guy gets robbed and the first thing they do is suspect us. Of all the—”
    Rhonda cut in. “It happened on my floor. That—”
    â€œDoesn’t make it your problem,” Sadie snapped, cutting her off.
    â€œWhose room was it, anyway?” Rhonda asked. “Sherri didn’t mention a name.”
    â€œWho cares?” Dilys sounded peeved. “It’s nobody we know.”
    â€œExcuse me, ladies,” Dan interrupted.
    All three turned to stare at him. Sadie looked irritated. Rhonda appeared apprehensive. And Dilys’s expression struck Dan as three parts defiance and one part chagrin, probably because he’d caught them gossiping about the theft.
    â€œIt’s beastly weather out there. I realize the center of town isn’t all that far away, but it wouldn’t take much to go sliding off the road and into a tree in these conditions. On behalf of the management, I’d like to offer you each a room for the night.” He held up three folders containing key cards. “Breakfast in the morning is also included.”
    â€œFree?” Rhonda asked.
    â€œFree. No strings.”
    Rhonda looked at the other two.
    Sadie shrugged. “Your call. You’re the one driving.”
    Dilys glanced uneasily at the windows, just as the wind made them rattle. “Better safe than sorry, Rhonda. You can go if you like, but I’m staying put.” She took one of the key cards from Dan, glanced at the room number written on the folder, and scurried away, as if she was afraid he’d renege on the invitation.
    Still Rhonda hesitated. “My husband and my boys expected me home hours ago.”
    â€œCall them,” Dan suggested. “I’m sure they won’t want you to take any unnecessary risks.”
    â€œWell…”
    â€œOh, for heaven’s sake,” Sadie snapped, grabbing the second key card. “Grow a backbone, Rhonda.” Then she, too, disappeared.
    Dan set the last little folder on his father’s desk and addressed the remaining housekeeper in a gentle, coaxing voice. “You need to think of your own welfare sometimes, Rhonda. If you like, you can use this phone.”
    â€œThank you,” she whispered.
    He left her alone in the office and went back to the front desk, busying himself with odds and ends that needed doing until Pete turned up some time later.
    â€œYou want the middle tower suite for you and Sherri?” Dan asked his friend.
    â€œI don’t think she plans to sleep.”
    â€œThere are other things you could do besides sleep,” Dan said with a wink. “And there’s a king-size four-poster up there.”
    â€œTempting,” Pete admitted, “but my girl is in full cop mode. No point in wasting the luxury.”
    â€œMaybe I’ll give the tower suite to Liss, then,” Dan said. “She might appreciate it after the day she’s had.” He keyed the appropriate information into the computer.
    â€œSo,” Pete said, “when are you going to stop procrastinating and propose to her?”
    â€œAs soon as I’m sure she’ll