Murdered in Argentina: A Jack Trout Cozy Mystery by Dianne Harman Read Free Book Online Page A

surprised you’d even bring it up on a trip like this which is supposed to be a perk for your senior staff.”
    “Janelle, believe me, I don’t want to spoil your trip, but as soon as we get back I want a meeting with you, so we can get to the bottom of this disparity. From the little time I had to look at the books, I’m seeing a mismatch of almost a million dollars, and since this is my sandbox, I’m not very happy about it.”
    “I’m sure there’s a very simple explanation, Ray. Possibly you weren’t reading the numbers correctly. Your expertise has been in creating one of the most successful graphic arts companies in the United States. It wouldn’t be the first time someone who isn’t trained in accounting misinterpreted financial data. And no, I don’t want my trip spoiled. We can continue this conversation when we return.”
    Janelle looked across the table and spoke to Jack. “What is the plan for the next three days?” she asked.
    Jack stood up and lightly tapped his knife against his water glass to get everyone’s attention. “Janelle just asked me what the plans are for the next few days. Pilar will put out a continental breakfast for us at six-thirty tomorrow morning, and then we’ll go out to the SUVs. The guides have decided not to fish on the river that runs through the ranch property, but the SUVs will take us to the Chimehuin River and the Quilquihue River. Both of these rivers are known for their gin clear water and produce some of the best trout fishing in all of Argentina. I know you’ll enjoy it. We’ll have four boats, two each to a boat along with a guide. The two guides I have fished with in the past are Mateo Diaz and Pablo Varela. The other two are new this year, but from what I hear, they’re every bit as good as Mateo and Pablo.
    “The day after tomorrow you’ll switch rivers, and then on the third day the guides will decide where we’ll go based on the results from the previous two days. They have a network here, and they’ll be talking to other guides in the area to make sure you go where they feel the fishing is the best. All of you brought your own equipment, but if you think you need something else, you can talk to the guides in the morning. They’ll be joining us here for breakfast. One nice thing about fishing here in the Patagonia area is that the trout bite all day. One more thing. If you’d like an after dinner drink or even a nightcap later in the evening, the great room is open all night, and a lamp will be left on. Just help yourself to whatever you want from the bar and enjoy your trip!”
    Kevin Walker, the young man who, according to what Ray had told Jack, was the genius who ran the art department which produced the Moving Graphics advertising designs adorning commercial trucks from all over the world, stood up. He said in a strong voice, “I think we need to make a toast to Pilar. Carola, would you ask her to come into the dining room?” The candlelight glinted on the diamond stud he wore in his ear, and his jet black hair was pulled back in a bun. No woman could have worn it better. He definitely looked the part of the art director of a highly successful graphic arts company from his hair to his bare feet clad in trendy Ecco sandals.
    Carola stood up from the table and walked into the kitchen. In a few moments she returned with a smiling Pilar. “Carola,” Kevin said, “please translate for me. If I tried to toast Pilar, the toast would consist of the only Spanish I know, mas cerveza, or more beer. I’m sure you’ll do far better.” He turned to face Pilar, “On behalf of all of us, I can’t think of a better way to start our fly fishing trip here in Argentina then with the fabulous food we’ve just eaten. Quite simply, this was a feast, and I’m sure everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you so much.” The others applauded as Carola translated Kevin’s toast. If Pilar had been smiling when she walked into the dining room, she was