Murder of a Needled Knitter Read Online Free PDF Page B

stealing my girlfriends.”
    â€œI can’t imagine any female preferring your cousin to you.” Skye glanced at the store window displays as they made their way through the galleria. She could feel the vibration through the floor as the ship picked up speed heading toward its next destination.
    â€œThank you, darlin’.” Wally leaned down and gave her a swift kiss. “You’re sweeter than honey to say that, but of course you’re also prejudiced.”
    â€œJust stating the facts,” Skye assured him absentmindedly. The numerous shops along the promenade sold everything from high-end cosmetics and designer purses to fabulous jewelry. She would have to stay out of this section of the ship or she might be tempted to do some serious damage to her credit card. And her Visa had taken enough abuse, what with Christmas gifts, wedding expenses, and honeymoon clothes shopping. “Tell the truth. Did any of your high school sweethearts ever dump you for your cousin, or was it always the other way around, and you poached his girls?”
    â€œI plead the Fifth.” Wally drew Skye to his side as an older woman on a motorized scooter nearly ran her over. “Is that the kind of perfume you like?” He pointed to a display of heart-shaped bottles topped with tiny golden crowns studded with purple crystals.
    â€œOne of them, but it’s sort of expensive.” Skye kept walking. The show started at ten and it was nine forty-five. “Hurry. I wonder if we’ll have trouble finding a place to sit.”
    â€œWe shouldn’t.” Wally increased his pace. “One of the suite perks is reserved seating in the balcony.”
    As Skye had feared, the theater was crowded when they entered, and if they hadn’t been able to use the places roped off for suite guests, they might not have found free spots. Once Wally showed his key card to the crew member in charge of that area, they wereallowed to edge past those who were already seated and claim two of the last four chairs. A few seconds later, a server approached and took their drink order.
    As the waitperson moved on to the next row, Skye examined the theater. Both the balcony and main floor had tiered blue velvet seats with tiny marble tables on the armrests between them. A gold satin curtain ran the length of the stage and spotlights hung from the baroque ceiling.
    Turning to Wally, Skye asked, “Who do you think that guy was in the restaurant tonight?”
    â€œWhat guy?”
    â€œThe one the knitting lady was so bent out of shape about.”
    â€œIt sounded like he was another guest lecturer employed by the cruise line.” Wally adjusted the crease of his tuxedo pants as he crossed his legs. “Somebody she evidently didn’t like working with.”
    â€œI figured that much out, Sherlock.” Skye snorted, then thought over the conversation she’d overheard. “I meant, who was he in relation to that woman? It sounded a lot more personal to me than a dispute among colleagues. Like maybe they’d been romantically involved and it ended badly or something of that sort.”
    â€œHard to say.” Clearly not interested in anyone’s love life except his own, Wally put his arm around Skye and breathed in her ear, “You know, it’s not too late to skip the show and go back to our room.”
    â€œLater, baby.” Skye caressed his jaw. “We’re here now. We’ve ordered drinks. Let’s enjoy the production.” She leaned closer and whispered, “Besides, the anticipation will make it that much better when we are alone in that nice big bed.” She put her hand on his thigh and her lips to his ear. “I want to open the balcony doors while we—”
    â€œExcuse us.” A familiar female voice intruded on Skye’s erotic murmurings. “Watch your feet.” The voicecontinued to come closer as the person moved down the row. “Hey,