Murder in Vail by Judy Moore Read Free Book Online Page A

But now…
    Glen glanced at the open bedroom door to see Stephen leaning on the doorframe, watching him. He gave an embarrassed laugh.
    “You and your brother don’t know how lucky you are to have a full head of hair.”
    “Don’t worry about it. Everybody has something about themselves they don’t like,” Stephen replied.
    Glen studied his good-looking brother-in-law and wondered what his flaw might be. He looked like he just stepped out of a J. Crew ad in a pair of tan chino pants, brown crew neck sweater, and Oxford loafers.
    Stephen seemed to read his thoughts. “It’s not always physical,” he said with a smile. “Sometimes, it’s under the surface.”
    Glen set down the hairbrush, picked up his Cartier wristwatch, and slipped it on.
    “Check out this watch,” Glen said, reaching out his arm. “Look at that second hand.”
    “Very nice,” Stephen said, not really interested. Jewelry wasn’t his thing.
    “The most expensive one they make. Over a hundred grand.”
    “Hmm,” Stephen said. “Whatever floats your boat, I guess.”
    “It’s a great conversation piece. Gwen’s friends love it.”
    Stephen nodded and didn’t say anything for a few moments.
    “Hey, Glen, uh, sorry about earlier, you know, with Rachel.”
    “Don’t worry about it,” Glen shrugged. “Women. Who can figure them out?”
    “Isn’t that the truth?” Stephen replied. “Speaking of unpredictable women, where’s my sister? Are you two about ready to go downstairs to dinner?”
    “Gwen’s doing her makeup in the bathroom. Trying to make herself beautiful for dinner,” Glen said. With a smirk, he added, “May take a while.”
    Stephen’s eyebrows knitted together slightly at the comment, but he didn’t respond. He continued to look at his brother-in-law impassively. “Well,” he said after a moment, “I think I’ll go see if Lance is ready.”
    Stephen strode down the hall and tapped on his old bedroom door. Barefoot and bare-chested, Lance opened it.
    “Hey,” Stephen said, taking a step back. “I was going to ask if you were ready to go downstairs, but I can see you’re not.”
    He turned to leave. “Wait, c’mon in, Stephen. I’ll just be a few minutes. Have a seat.”
    Stephen sat down in the armchair that had rarely been seen when he was a teenager living in the house. It had always been piled high with the discards of the week’s wardrobe.
    Duchess clawed at Stephen’s leg, wanting to be picked up. He reached down and lifted the little dog, setting her on his lap and stroking her back.
    “Yvette’s doing her hair in the bathroom,” Lance said.
    “Listen, Lance, about today—”
    “Not another word, Stephen,” Lance said, buttoning his shirt. “It’s not your fault, and I certainly don’t hold you accountable. We are not responsible for the actions of others.”
    “Well, thanks, Lance. Rachel has a bit of a temper.”
    Lance smiled and leaned forward to whisper conspiratorially, “I understand,” he said. “So does Yvette.”
    Stephen laughed. “That doesn’t surprise me at all.”
    “We’re brothers,” Lance said with a wink. “We need to stick together.”

Chapter Fourteen

    Sally hurriedly changed for dinner, choosing a flowing silk pantsuit in pale green. They had held on to the tradition observed by her husband’s family of dressing for dinner during family get-togethers and holidays. Her own family had not done that when she was growing up in California—most meals were eaten in shorts and flip-flops. But dressing for dinner made meals feel more special, and everyone in the family seemed to enjoy it.
    Sally rushed downstairs and began setting the table for dinner. Helga was true to her word and finished cooking a sumptuous meal of prime rib, new potatoes, asparagus in béarnaise sauce, homemade bread, and cranberry cheesecake for dessert. Then she left the kitchen and went to her bedroom to pack.
    Sally was so upset she was barely aware of what she was doing. What was she