Accidental Eyewitness. Alice Zogg

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СКАЧАТЬ college, whereas Hope could not carry a tune but had a logical, scientific mind.

      She looked out her dorm window to a harsh landscape of snow and ice. Judging by the dark clouds above, more of the white stuff would be dumped before the day was over. Hope shivered and could hardly wait for the warm, tropical days in the sun that lay ahead.

      CHAPTER 4

      The Triests, both middle aged, were not in agreement about whether or not to accept the invitation.

      Mike insisted, “Come on, Beatrice, aren’t you the least bit curious about Kurt’s palace on the Isle of Ease? I’m interested to see what he’s done to the place.”

      She shook her head.

      He tried to convince her from a different angle and coaxed, “At the beginning of April, you’ll be tired from organizing the fundraiser fashion show and more than ready to relax on a tropical island.”

      “Have you read the guest list?” she asked.

      “Of course I have and know what’s on your mind. I’m not thrilled about it either.”

      She shot him an angry glance and burst out, “There is no way in hell that I’ll socialize with the likes of Alexa Weller.”

      “Neither will I, but there’ll be plenty of other folks to mingle with. We can ignore the attorney.”

      “You may be able to ignore her, but I can’t. She’ll be a constant reminder of the injustice done to us.”

      Mike stated with conviction, “I can almost guarantee you that we won’t come face to face with her. Most likely, Alexa will decline the invitation.”

      “You think?”

      “She dumped Kurt at the last moment, remember? I can’t see why he invited her, and even less why she would show up.”

      “You may be right.”

      “I bet you I’m right,” her spouse said.

      Beatrice said, “And while we’re on the subject, why did he invite us? You’re not exactly best friends.”

      “That’s a no-brainer. He wants to rub my nose in all he has accomplished on his island.”

      “That’s not bothering you?”

      “On the contrary. I’m nosy and looking forward to it.”

      “Unwinding on an exotic island would be peaceful,” she admitted.

      “So let’s go.”

      “Okay,” she said, hoping that she would not regret her decision.

      The conversation taking place at the Ross residence had a different tone.

      Sidney, Kurt Nobel’s CFO, was in his fifties with grown children. His round, jolly face lit up as he remarked, “This is better than the actual wedding. I’m flattered that he chose us to be among his guests, and I’m interested to see what he’s done with that monster of a hotel on the island.”

      Heather was petite, keeping her slight figure even during menopause. She said, “I didn’t know that you ever saw the place when it was a hotel.”

      “I never did, but the resort was such a money guzzler, operating in the red, that I suggested he should get rid of it. It was Kurt’s own idea to turn it into his private vacation residence, which makes sense, since it would have been nearly impossible to sell.”

      She laughed and remarked, “I’m surprised your millionaire boss is going to the trouble of arranging flights for everybody on a commercial airliner to Hawaii and a boat trip from there to the location. I would have thought he’d use his private jet to get us there directly.”

      Sidney said, “That’s not an option. There is no runway on the island. It is only accessible by boat or helicopter.”

      “Of course. How stupid of me!” Then she said, “I have some vacation time due. Tomorrow, I’ll let them know at the library about taking that week in April off.” She nudged her husband playfully and said, “It will be a wonderful, unexpected trip. I’m already excited!”

      The Simonian family had finished their dinner. The boys, one a senior in high school, the other a sophomore, had carried their plates to the dishwasher and then vanished into their bedrooms to do homework, listen to music, and text their friends. Kate ran coffees through the espresso machine, then carried the small cups - - one for Rafi, the other for her - - to the dining room.

      Their relationship had not lost its spark after twenty-four years of marriage. Kate admired her spouse for his ingenuity in business and sensitivity in matters of the heart. For his part, he appreciated her quick mind and ability to keep their family as a welcoming unit, despite everyone’s busy lives. The fact that she was still a good-looking woman was a bonus.

      Between sips, she said, “That’s quite a surprise we got in the mail today.”

      “No kidding!”

      “Do you have time to go on the trip?”

      “I’ll make time. This is too good to miss,” Rafi assured her.

      “What about our sons?”

      “The boys are mature and trustworthy enough to fend for themselves for a week,” Rafi said with confidence.

      “I guess so.”

      He winked and said, “Imagine what a leisurely vacation on a tropical island can do for our love life, not to mention all the ideas the romantic setting will provide for your next book.”

      “Your enthusiasm is contagious on both accounts! I had better get myself in gear, then.”

      “What do you mean?”

      “Purchase an exotic summer wardrobe,” she replied.

      CHAPTER 5

      At the beginning of March was a rare occasion when Kurt and Barbie dined together at home, just the two of them. The domestics had their day off and Barbie cooked the meal herself, which was also a rarity. She’d done her own grocery shopping, followed by a couple hours of labor in the kitchen. She now served them meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans.

      Kurt took a few bites and then praised, “Nothing compares to a wholesome, home-cooked meal. You’re not only gorgeous but an excellent cook as well!”

      Clearly pleased, Barbie did not let on that she was a novice, having followed the cookbook’s recipes, step by step.

      As they lingered over coffee, Kurt announced, “We got the last response in today’s mail. Now all have replied and are planning to attend our celebration.”

      I was afraid of that, Barbie thought, but kept it to herself.

      He continued, “I’ll go ahead and book the flights and arrange for the boat ride. I’ll also organize the domestic СКАЧАТЬ