Death Takes a Holiday by Elisabeth Crabtree Read Free Book Online Page B

her hands on the railing in front of the windows, Tracy leaned forward. “I just feel bad for him. It has to be hard on him. Think about it, being separated from your family—”
    Less than sympathetic, Robert chuckled. “Could you dial down the dramatics just a bit this trip? Remember what our counselor said?”
    Tracy’s lips quirked up. “I’m dramatic? I think you’re confusing me with Lucas.”
    “Have you seen him, yet?”
    “I kicked him out of our room just a few minutes ago.”
    “Why?”
    “He was going through my purse.”
    “How much did he take this time?” Robert asked wearily.
    “ About a couple hundred dollars. Your new watch is missing, too,” Tracy said looking at her own. “They’re supposed to have a buffet out in the dining car. Do you feel like eating?”
    “Nah,” Robert said dismissively. “You go. I need to find Lucas and have a little chat with him.”
    “Please, don’t fight with him this weekend . Let’s just go to our room. I have a pounding headache and just want to lie down.”
    Robert snorted. “So, why do I have to be there?”
    “Because you’re my husband and you care about me?”
    “I’ve got to talk to Lucas. Tell him to behave on this trip.” He reached into his pocket and pressed something into her hand. “Oh, by the way, I took this off of him a few minutes ago. I think it’s yours. It looks like he’s up to his old tricks.”
    Tracy turned away from Grace’s view. “ Do you know how much I paid for this?” Tracy asked angrily. “What is wrong with your brother?”
    “I have no idea. I blame my father.”
    “Don’t,” she said sharply. “Lucas is responsible for how his life turned out. Not Victor. You know I love Lucas too, but if you would stop enabling—” Tracy caught Robert by the arm as he started to turn away. “Come to the room with me, Robert.”
    “Y ou don’t need me.”
    Tracy’s face registered her hurt and disappointment. “Someday you’re going to convince me of that, Robert Kirby , and when you do . . . .” She let the sentence trail off as she turned around and strode to the connecting door.
    Robert didn’t say anything. He stood ther e for a few seconds staring at the landscape before heading in the opposite direction as his wife. He backed up as the connecting door flew open and the same train attendant Grace saw earlier walked past. More like stomped past, Grace thought as the woman’s heavy footfalls echoed throughout the car. Her drab, dark-gray uniform seemed to match her mood. She scowled as she made her way through the car.
    To Grace’s surprise, Robert turned around and grabbed the woman by the arm before dragging her into the vestibule. Still seated, Grace craned her neck to the side until she could see the two through the small little window in the door. They didn’t appear to be arguing, but it was difficult to tell by the young woman’s expression. She just seemed more annoyed than anything else.
    Suddenly, Robert smiled and the two disappeared into the next car.
    Finally alone Grace leaned back in her recliner and looked at the skyline above her head. Just as she started to relax again, a nearby tree deposited a couple of pounds of snow on top of the roof, obstructing her view. A few seconds later the sound of tree branches scraping against the windows caused a small shiver to race up her spine. The mood broken, Grace reluctantly sat up and considered going back to the sleeping car to wait for Kyle.
    “I just can’t decide who should be the first victim.”
    Startled, Grace swiveled around a bit to see who was speaking. A woman had just entered through the connecting door. The first thing Grace noticed was the diamond choker around her neck and the multitude of bracelets and rings she wore. She was a striking woman. Possibly mid to late forties. Her blonde hair was carefully piled up on top of her head. It laid in ringlets above a heart-shaped face with large blue eyes and delicate features. The