Death on the Mississippi by Richard; Forrest Read Free Book Online Page A

notes to that effect. My word and reputation are on the line, and you sold it out from under us and never deposited the money in our corporate accounts.”
    â€œIt slipped my mind.”
    â€œThis is the end, Dalton. I warned you. I am finished. I resign from the corporation effective immediately.”
    â€œLet us reason together, my boy,” Dalton said as he took the irate businessman’s arm and led him across the deck away from the others. Dice seemed to shrink as he listened to Dalton, and after a short conversation he stepped back on the pier and began to walk slowly up the hill to his parked car. His suit jacket lay on the planking where he had discarded it.
    â€œIs he leaving the company?” Pan asked as Dalton rejoined them.
    â€œI think not. I believe I have persuaded Mr. Dice that it is in his best interests to remain a member of our cozy organization.”
    â€œOkay people,” Pan said exuberantly, “let’s go ashore.”
    â€œAnd where in the hell do you think you’re going? We live on this thing now,” Dalton said.
    â€œNot me, sweety,” Pan said. “Miss Conviviality will not sleep here tonight, and maybe not even tomorrow night.”
    They were a subdued trio as they drove back down the river to the bridge. Lyon was at the wheel with Bea at his side, while a very quiet Pan sat in the rear seat. Bea had tried to make conversation, but the lack of response had quickly stifled the attempt. Bobby and Katrina had driven off in the resort’s station wagon claiming a host of errands. They had left Dalton standing on the upper deck with a drink in his hand, staring sullenly down at them.
    â€œYou’re welcome to stay the night at Nutmeg Hill,” Bea said in her second attempt at dialogue.
    â€œI don’t want to be a bother,” Pan replied. “I have a cottage at the resort where I can stay. I think I’d rather be alone tonight to do some serious thinking.”
    â€œI understand,” Bea answered. “Borrow our car.”
    â€œWake up, Wentworth!”
    He winked open one eye to see Bea bent over him bathed in bright moonlight. She poked him in the ribs. “What is?” he managed to mumble.
    â€œSomeone is downstairs pounding on the front door.”
    â€œEqual rights say you go.” He pulled the pillow over his head.
    â€œI would, except that it’s probably your large policeman friend here to discuss some interesting case.”
    â€œOkay.” He stumbled from bed and toward the door. “What time is it?”
    â€œIt’s three A . M ., and in case it isn’t Rocco down there, you had better put something on.”
    â€œOh, ya.” He realized he was nude and reached into the closet to snick a robe from its hook. He slipped it on and belted it. “You know, I think Katrina looked better in the string bikini than she did au naturel .”
    â€œAt this stage of life you should know that all of us look slightly ludicrous in that position. Go answer the door.”
    Pandora Turman was leaning against the house near the front door as she mechanically raised and lowered the large brass doorknocker.
    â€œYou didn’t have to return our car this early,” Lyon said before he realized the inanity of the remark.
    â€œHe’s gone. I went back to where the boat was docked and Dalton is gone.”
    â€œHe probably went into town.”
    â€œYou don’t understand, Lyon. The Mississippi is gone. The whole houseboat has disappeared.”

5
    They stood in moonlight on the patio and took turns looking through the telescope. They swept the river in both directions until their vision was obscured by its change in course.
    â€œI can’t see it,” Bea said, “and it would be hard to miss something that large.”
    Pan paced nervously behind them. “I went to our cottage back at the resort, but I couldn’t get to sleep worrying about how much financial