Dearly Departed (27 page)
Authors: Hy Conrad
“Marcus Alvarez,” he said, flashing a smile and extending a hand. “I'm Georgina's companion.” His accent was American.
Amy's brow furrowed at the old-fashioned term. She had thought Georgina was traveling alone. “Companion as in friend?” The hand shaking hers was strong; the skin tanned and nearly hairless.
He laughed. “As in that's my job.”
“Marcus, honestly!” The heiress's face reddened, the color clashing momentarily with her hair.
“Sorry, Georgie.” He turned to Amy. “Back in Palm Beach I'm Ms. Davis's personal assistant. But ever since we got here, people have been asking what she's up to that she needs a personal assistant.”
Amy felt vaguely disappointed, the same way she would be to learn that a gorgeous man was a model or a well-built man a personal trainer. Marcus's charm and style didn't seem to count for as much when they were part of his job description.
“I've always had someone travel with me,” Georgina said, “ever since the age of chaperonesâwhich was not that long ago.” A pout caused her stretched hairline to inch down toward her plucked eyebrows. “Why can't we settle on
friend?
Aren't we friends? Or am I some pathetic crone, forced to hire a companion? Is that what you want people to think?”
friend?
Aren't we friends? Or am I some pathetic crone, forced to hire a companion? Is that what you want people to think?”
“I'm sorry.” His apology sounded sincere, if still playful. “From now on we're two dear friends.”
“Thank you.” Georgina sighed dramatically. “Now, hunt down the waiter, pay the bill, find me a couple of aspirins, American made, and get hold of a cab. Please,” she tossed in for friendship's sake.
Marcus curled his lips in a grin that only Amy could see, then did as he was told.
Georgina settled back into her plastic chair and smiled warmly. “All right, tell me. What exactly is a mystery race? I know it's all in the brochure. But who reads?”
“It's not a race. It's a rally,” Amy explained. “Getting to the finish line is only one part. You'll play in teams, with every team representing one suspect in the story. One team plays the victim's wife, one plays his son, et cetera. Six teams, four players on each team. Every morning you get clues, and then you start racing.”
“Like that TV show,” Georgina said.
“The Fabulous Race.”
“The Fabulous Race.”
“
The Amazing Race,
yes. Except it's not just about getting there first. As you go along, you pick up clues to the mystery. It'll become clearer as we go along.”
The Amazing Race,
yes. Except it's not just about getting there first. As you go along, you pick up clues to the mystery. It'll become clearer as we go along.”
“I'm sure it will.”
A minute later Marcus emerged with a glass of water and a travel-size bottle of Bayer scavenged from his camera case. “The waiter is getting a taxi for us. Are you all right? Did you want to go back to the hotel?”
Georgina nodded as she gulped down three aspirins and sipped the water. “I'm a little tired from the flight. And I do want to be at my best for the banquet.” Even though the table was just a few inches away, she handed the glass to Marcus. “You don't have to come with me, dear. If you and Amy wish to go off and see a little of Monaco . . .”
“Yes, I think so,” Marcus said, accepting what was only a begrudging offer of freedom. “That is, if Amy isn't too busy.”
“Oh, Amy must have dozens of more important things . . .”
“As a matter of fact, I'm free.” Amy couldn't resist contradicting an entitled heiress. “I'd love to show Marcus around. It's just about the only country that lends itself to a walking tour.”
“Good.” Georgina pushed herself to her feet, wobbling ever so slightly for effect. “I'm sure I'll be all right.”
“Of course you will,” Marcus said.
They remained firmly oblivious to Georgina's manipulations, walking her through the café, depositing her into the taxi, and waving her on her way.
“It does her good now and then,” Marcus whispered, his breath tickling Amy's ear. “So, where are we going?”
KENSINGTON BOOKS are published by
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Kensington Publishing Corp.
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119 West 40th Street
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Copyright © 2016 by Hy Conrad
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
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Library of Congress Card Catalogue Number: 2015951107
ISBN: 978-1-6177-3682-7
First Kensington Hardcover Edition: February 2016
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eISBN-13: 978-1-61773-683-4
eISBN-10: 1-61773-683-X
First Kensington Electronic Edition: February 2016
eISBN-10: 1-61773-683-X
First Kensington Electronic Edition: February 2016
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