Murder of a Needled Knitter Read Online Free PDF Page A

blue cheese onion soup when raised voices coming from the front of the restaurant drew her attention.
    Scooting forward, she peered around the booth’s high side. Standing at the podium, arguing with the maître d’, was the woman who’d been late to take theknitting group’s photo at the observation tower. What had they called her? Oh, yes. Guinevere. And from her attitude and words, she obviously believed that she
was
King Arthur’s queen.
    â€œI don’t need a reservation,” Guinevere thundered. “My arrangement with the cruise line is that when I lead a tour group, I eat at this restaurant every night.” She drew herself up and thrust out her considerable chest. “Don’t you know who I am?”
    â€œI’m sorry—”
    â€œI am Guinevere Stallings, the foremost knitting authority in the world, a best-selling author, and an award-winning designer.”
    A handsome man dressed in an exquisite Ralph Lauren tuxedo had entered the restaurant while Guinevere was ranting. He waited until she took a breath, then drawled, “Darling, don’t forget your most outstanding accomplishment—being the biggest bitch alive.”
    She whirled around and snarled, “I wasn’t born a bitch, Sebastian. Men like you made me this way.” When he only chuckled, she demanded, “And what are you doing here?”
    â€œWorking.” The man smiled serenely. “The same as you, my little buttercup.”
    â€œMy contract expressly forbids that we be assigned to the same ship.”
    â€œAh, but then you weren’t originally scheduled to lead this group, were you?” Sebastian shrugged an elegant shoulder. “I guess no one thought to see if one of your many enemies was on board when they asked you to fill in for Pearl after her extremely mysterious but convenient accident. I’m surprised you didn’t check.”
    â€œI like taking risks,” Guinevere retorted. “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.”
    â€œOr is it that you really wanted this assignment for some particular reason?” Sebastian asked.
    â€œWhat do you mean by that?” Guinevere snapped. “I hope you aren’t insinuating—”
    â€œAfter our last court battle, would I be stupid enough to slander you?” Sebastian narrowed his navy blue eyes. “Or is it libel? I can never remember.”
    â€œSomeone’s going to be sorry for this mix-up,” Guinevere vowed, her beautiful face an unattractive brick red. “Heads will roll.”
    â€œNo doubt.” Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps even yours.”

CHAPTER 3
    Setting Sail
    T wo hours later, as Skye and Wally left the restaurant, Skye said, “That knitting woman sure seemed upset about the reservation mix-up.”
    â€œSo you mentioned.” Wally put his hand on Skye’s waist and guided her toward the exit. “Several times.”
    â€œSorry.” Skye’s expression was sheepish. “There’s just something about her that’s irritating.”
    â€œI understand.” Wally’s tone was indulgent. “It’s the sense of entitlement she exudes.”
    â€œLook, she’s still fuming,” Skye whispered, flicking a brief glance at Guinevere as they passed her table. “I wouldn’t want to have been her server tonight.”
    â€œOr any other night,” Wally muttered. “When you were in the restroom, she reamed the poor guy out about the size of her steak.”
    â€œIt was too small?” Skye’s voice rose to an incredulous pitch. She was so stuffed, she was half convinced Wally might have to roll her out of the dining room.
    â€œNah.” He snickered. “Ms. High-and-Mighty was unhappy because it was too big.” Wally took Skye’s hand. “She accused the waiter of trying to make her fat.”
    â€œRight,” Skye scoffed.