Death Knell In The Alps (A Samantha Jamison Mystery) Read Online Free Page A

smiled. “We will work on both, okay?”
    “My life is in your hands, Peter. Lead the way…”
    I could do this. No, I swear, I really mean it this time.

 
     
     
    Chapter 12
    A Pain In The Neck, Literally
     
     
    We met up at our suite. I was incapable of changing out of my ski clothes for lunch downstairs. I was stiff and sore, but single-minded in seeing this through. Martha signed the receipt for room service and turned back to me.
    “After France, I’ve got this exchange thing down pat. Besides it’s not my money so I gave him a generous tip.”
    After four hours of ski lessons, I was aching all over.
    “Serves Clay right for suggesting I practice skiing.”
    Chairs were arranged around a linen-topped table on wheels, laden with soup, breads and fruit. The girls were kind enough to set it up right next to my bed. All I had to do was painfully swing my legs over and under it to eat.
    Betty was concerned. “Don’t overdo it, Sam.”
    Hazel patted my arm. “You’ll be a pro in no time.”
    “Hey,” laughed Mona. “It could be worse.”
    “I don’t see how?” I asked after popping some Advil.
    “You could’ve broken something already,” she said.
    “Ah, words of encouragement. Just what I needed.”
    Martha grinned. “Someday you’ll be skilled like me.”
    “At what? Clipping people as you race by?” said Mona.
    “Hey, I gave him fair warning with a loud whistle.”
    Betty shook her head. “Maybe he was hard of hearing.”
    “Poor man looked to be in his late eighties,” said Hazel.
    “Then he should’ve had a special vest on,” said Martha.
    “You mean the kind with a bull’s-eye on it?” said Mona.
    I began laughing. Their banter worked faster than pills.
    “Feeling better, Sam?” asked Hazel.
    “A little. Is this normal, all this pain I’m feeling?”
    “Cramming all that skiing into four days is a bit much. I hope you know what you’re doing,” said Betty.
    “Since when does Sam limit herself?” Mona asked.
    “Obviously, not since she met you,” quipped Martha.
    “Listen old lady. I know black belt,” warned Mona.
    Martha eyed Mona. “Aren’t belts off-limits with you?”
    “ Don’t venture into my weight issues. I’m big and tall.”
    After lunch and much laughter, I was feeling better. I checked the clock. “I’d better hit the trail for more torture.”
    Betty and Hazel exchanged glances.
    “We almost forgot to tell you, Sam.”
    I paused in place. “What?”
    “Hazel and I saw Peter and Nick exchange something.”
    “Where?”
    “In the lobby,” said Betty. “Think that’s unusual?”
    “The locals must know everyone here,” said Mona.
    “We tried to get closer to see and hear,” added Hazel.
    “But new people checking in prevented us,” said Betty.
    “I wouldn’t be concerned,” I said.
    “No?” said Martha. “When should we be starting to?”
    “ Always question who, then the why,” warned Hazel.
    Martha cracked, “Must’ve been a ski lesson schedule.”
    “Very funny,” I said. “I still wouldn’t be concerned.”

 
     
     
    Chapter 13
    Ready, Set…Wait!
     
     
    I leaned forward staring down that hill. Although Peter was right next to me, I felt queasy. I glanced at the tips of my skis hovering slightly over the edge just waiting for me to push them off on a run. This could be painful and lethal.
    I was aiming for calm and collected, but didn’t think I’d be able to pull it off. Uncertainty was rearing its ugly head. I tried to suppress it by giving myself a mental pep talk.
    It can’t be that bad. Peter is here. Snow is soft, right?
    Then I smiled at Peter. “Maybe this is too soon for me.”
    All he said was “Give me those two.”
    I stared at him, confused. “What two?”
    He looked down at my hands. “Your two poles.”
    I laughed at the thought. “You’re kidding, right?”
    He held out his hand, waiting. “No, I am not.”
    I stared down that hill. … When hell freezes over.
    He stood with his hand