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

going to do without Helga? She would miss her so much, not just as her housekeeper, but as a close friend that she saw every day. Now she would be alone up on the mountain or, eventually, with someone new in the house that she didn’t feel as comfortable around.
    Gazing out the large bay window in the dining room, Sally noticed that the snowfall was much heavier now. She stood at the window watching sheets of snows methodically hide more and more of the lilac bushes and the dwarf spruce hedge that surrounded the house. As she continued preparing the table for dinner, she noticed that the piles of snow in her front yard grew larger every time she looked out the window. It was so beautiful, but she couldn’t appreciate it. The events of the day weighed heavily on her. Already, another Christmas had become a disappointment. She envied other families who seemed to take such joy in being together for the holidays. With her family, it was just one problem after another, one argument after another.
    She carefully took the delicate wine glasses from the 200-year-old cherry breakfront and placed them around the long dining room table, constructed of the same aged cherry wood. After smoothing the green linen tablecloth, Sally carefully pulled matching cloth napkins through elegant silver napkin holders decorated with holly and set one beside each place setting. She had chosen her best sterling silverware for the evening, the set she only used two or three days a year. She set a seat for Rachel too, just in case her daughter-in-law got hungry and decided to make an appearance.
    Sally went to the kitchen and began carrying out the serving dishes that Helga had prepared. Just as she was bringing out the last dish, Gwen and Glen entered the dining room. Gwen wore a black beaded cocktail dress, and Glen had on an open-collared shirt with a blazer.
    “What a pretty outfit, Mom. I love the color,” Gwen complimented her.
    “Thank you, Gwen.”
    Gwen stood beside her expectantly, waiting for her mother to compliment her dress.
    When Sally didn’t say anything, Gwen said, “You didn’t say anything about how I look.”
    Good grief, Sally thought. She stopped what she was doing to look at her daughter’s dress. “Very nice, dear,” she said and went back to arranging the steaming dishes of food on the table.
    Gwen frowned, obviously disappointed her mother had ignored her to set the table. “Mom, why are you doing all this?”
    Glen chimed in.  “Yes, Mom. Shouldn’t Helga be setting the table?”
    Sally continued readying the table without looking at them. “Helga quit.”
    Gwen’s face registered both surprise and guilt. “Quit? But why?”
    Sally tried to hold her tongue, but she was so angry it was impossible.
    “You’re a great one to ask! You’re the cause of it—you and that sister-in-law of yours. I honestly don’t blame Helga.”
    Gwen stiffened. “I apologized about it.”
    “You apologized to me, not to her.”
    “Well, I haven’t seen her to apologize,” Gwen said defensively, “And, honestly, Mom, I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. She probably is stealing from you. She’s so grumpy anyway. I’m glad she’s leaving.”
    Sally turned on her daughter. “Well, I’m not, Gwen! She’s my best friend. She’s been with me for twelve years. I even left her a big endowment in my will. That’s how close we are. I’m so angry right now, I can’t even talk about it.”

Chapter Fifteen

    “Your will? Mom, you shouldn’t be leaving servants money in your will. You’ll just give them ideas,” Gwen insisted.
    “What’s this about your will?” Lance asked, walking into the dining room with Stephen.
    “Mom just said she left a big endowment to Helga in her will.”
    “What?” Lance said.
    “Don’t worry,” Sally retorted. “The three of you will still get your share of the money too. That’s all you care about anyway.”
    “Now, Mom,” Stephen said gently, putting his arm around his