Seven Deadly Samovars Read Online Free Page A

row, Godiva looked around and mused, “Well, at least we’re traveling First Class, although there’s really nothing very classy about it. Can you imagine being crammed into one of those coach seats? Ugh.”
    Chili leaned across the aisle. “The coach seats are a little tight, Auntie, but if you think that’s bad try flying in a float plane.”
    Caesar patted her arm and gave her a peck on the cheek. “You know, Godiva, I’m pretty excited about seeing Alaska. I’ve been all over the world, but that’s one place I’ve never been.”
    Godiva smiled up at him. “Well, Caesar, don’t be surprised if there’s a whole hoopla at the airport. After all, those small town hicks don’t get to see celebrities like us very often.”
    * * * *
    The plane coasted to the gate as Caesar gawked at the majestic mountains and scenery showcased by a glorious summer day. For some reason, he expected to see snow in June but not only was there no snow, there was not even a drop of rain in sight. Instead, the intense green of the Northern rain-forest took his breath away.
    At the bottom of the escalator a huge crowd had gathered, waving banners and cheering. Godiva looked behind them and saw lots of kids in matching outfits. She nudged Caesar. “Must be cheerleaders or something…they should know better than to do all that jumping and shouting on the moving stairs.”
    “Never mind about those kids, cara mia . You better put on your best smile because that’s quite a crowd waiting for us down there. I guess they’ll be wanting autographs.” He ran his free hand through the silver hair at his temples.
    As they reached the bottom of the escalator, none of the adoring fans approached them. She tugged at Caesar’s sleeve. “They must be overwhelmed by us.” Then her eyes widened as she heard the crowd chanting, “Juneau Jumpers, Juneau Jumpers. You’re our champs.” Caesar read the lettering on the banners aloud, “Welcome Juneau Jumpers. National Champions.”
    Chili clasped her hands and let out a cheer. “Wow, this is sooo cool! Isn’t it great? Our Jumpers won the National Title!”
    Godiva huffed. “What, may I ask, are Jumpers?”
    “It’s a jump rope team. They’re really hot!”
    Godiva and Caesar squeezed past the cheering mob. How humiliating! No one even glanced at them. When they rounded the corner, Caesar caught a glimpse of their own welcoming committee. He tugged at Godiva’s sleeve and pointed toward the baggage carousel. “Look at that. Over there.”
    On the other side of the room, Belle Pepper, larger than life in a purple muumuu covered with yellow and red flowers, waved wildly. Her broad-brimmed yellow hat, decorated with a stuffed hen nestled in deep purple plumes, set off flaming red hair.
    A short, plump woman in a violet pantsuit hovered near Belle. She wore a luscious lime green derby topped by an orange velvet flowerpot overflowing with silk poppies. Goldie, whose dress might have been made with fabric from discarded draperies, was wedged between them.
    Godiva snickered. “Caesar, my dear, that’s our cheering section.” She pouted. “Humph! Imagine that, all those people were here for a silly jump rope team and no one even noticed us.” She waved to the colorful trio as she dragged Caesar toward the baggage carousel with Chili trailing behind.
    Amid a wild flapping of her muumuu, Belle wrapped her arms first around Chili and then around the astounded chef and bellowed, “Welcome to Juneau, Chef. This here’s my friend Clara.” She merely nodded to Godiva, focusing all of her attention on Caesar. Goldie hugged her twin and stifled a giggle as she whispered, “Guess she’s after your boyfriend. Better look out.”
    Alaskan travelers claimed duffel bags, duct-tapped suitcases, insulated fish boxes, and chain saws while matched sets of Samsonite, American Tourister and Ricardo bags were rolled away by the tourists. The luggage carousel was nearly empty; still no sign of Godiva’s three