“It’s just one bad stop, ladies. I’m sure the next one will be much better,” Samantha said.

  “Oh? Because I’m not sure at all.” Stephanie crossed her arms. “In fact I’m almost certain that the next stop is going to be worse than this one. To be honest, the only thing stopping me from calling a cab right now, is knowing that we’re going to win that cruise.”

  “I’m sorry that you’re not having a good time, but I think if you try to relax a little and open your mind, you will have a much better experience.” Samantha looked between them. “You’re that confident that you’ll win?”

  “Sure. Who’s our competition?” Amber looked past Samantha, to where Jo and Eddy stood watching. “Your little group of wanna-be detectives?”

  “I think we stand a fair chance.”

  “You’re wrong. My friends and I will have this murder mystery solved in just a few minutes, and then we get to start planning our cruise. Right ladies?”

  The other two women nodded their agreement, then all three boarded the bus. Samantha did her best to hold her tongue, but the person standing behind her did not do the same.

  “I thought I heard some cackling.” Eddy smirked.

  “Eddy, they’re right, this is a disaster.”

  “It’s not that bad, Sam.” Jo walked up with a smile.

  “I’m sorry guys. I’ll understand if you want to find a way back from here. You don’t have to stick out this awful trip with me. It was wrong of me to ask you to come in the first place.”

  “No way.” Eddy narrowed his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere but back on that bus.”

  “Really?” Samantha stared at him.

  “Sure, someone’s going to have to show them just how a crime is solved. Those three old bats aren’t going on a cruise anytime soon.”

  “Eddy, all three of them are probably younger than you.”

  “So?” He scowled. “That doesn’t change the fact that they’re bats. They just want to cause trouble. I’m not going to put up with that. Are you, Jo?”

  “No. I’m not. I want to solve the murder, too. You can’t let women like that push you around, Sam. You have to show them what you’re made of, or they’ll just keep pushing.”

  “Wow, you two are amazing. I really appreciate the support. You’re right, Jo, I should stand up to them, but first I want to win the cruise. But what about Walt?”

  “Walt’s got his own mystery to solve. He wants to prove that there are bedbugs at the resort. I doubt that anyone could get him to change his mind at this point. He is one determined fellow.”

  “All right, then let’s go. The sooner we get there, the sooner we win.”

  “And the sooner we can pee safely.” Jo laughed and led Samantha onto the bus. Once everyone was settled, the bus lurched forward. The next two stops went smoothly, but with each stop they made, the temperature in the air around them dropped. Everyone on the bus began layering with sweaters and jackets. The roads became steeper as the bus rolled up into the mountains. Samantha smiled as she stared out the window.

  “I think we’re definitely going to see some snow.”

  “I hope so.” Jo grinned. “A little bit is always nice.”

  “Look!” Samantha pointed through the window. “I saw a snowflake! It’s snowing everyone!”

  A cheer rippled through the bus followed by a lot of chatter. Samantha gazed at the snowflakes as they fluttered down around the bus. It was soothing to watch. However, by the time the bus drew close to the resort, the snowflakes no longer fluttered. They streamed down, aided by a forceful wind. The bitter air squeezed through the windows of the bus and even with the heat on high, everyone began to complain of the cold. Samantha held her tongue and hoped that they would arrive before everyone got too cranky. The bus drove slower, and slower.

  “Sorry folks, have to be cautious on these slippery roads.” The driver called back over his shoulder. Samantha was glad he was being cautious, but it seemed as if they would never arrive and get off the bus.

  3

  When the resort finally loomed ahead of them, Samantha was impressed by how modern it looked, with many glass windows, and splashes of color throughout. Everyone forgot about how cold they were, and buzzed with excitement instead. Even Eddy smiled as he pointed out the rambling four story building that they approached.

  “Wow, this is a fancy place.”

  “It is fancy.” Samantha smiled and clapped her hands, more to keep them warm than to express excitement. “I’m glad we made it.”

  “Me too.” Walt shifted in his seat. “I think I’m going to need to see a chiropractor before I’m able to regain my posture.”

  “Trust me, Walt, a night or two in these cozy beds and you’re going to be walking tall.” Samantha pointed to the brochure in her hand. “Feathertop mattresses, all around.”

  “Cozy beds, full of bedbugs,” Walt mumbled as he followed them off the bus.

  Once everyone was organized with their room cards and the plan to meet for dinner, Samantha breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Well, we made it here, I guess that’s half the battle.” She glanced out the window. “Oh, and look, it’s snowing.” She smiled. “Even harder than it was on the way here.”

  “Wonderful.” Eddy patted his belly. “Now, where’s the bar?” He grinned.

  “Just down there next to the dining hall. Listen, take this.” She pressed a ticket into his hand. “It’ll get you a few free drinks.”

  “Thanks, I wonder what it includes?”

  “Just ask the bartender.”

  “I will. See you ladies at dinner.”

  “Don’t you want to check out our room first?” Walt frowned.

  “Walt buddy, I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your fumigating.”

  “Good point.” Walt nodded. “It’s best if I assess the situation first.”

  “I’ll take your suitcase up.” Jo grabbed the handle, then grunted. “You really did pack a lot of books, didn’t you?”

  “And rocks, just a few rocks.” Eddy waved as he walked off towards the bar.

  In the elevator, Walt surveyed the structure around them. “Up to date, and fitted with the latest emergency equipment. At least the elevator is in good condition.”

  “I think everything here will meet your standards, Walt. This resort got great reviews.” Samantha watched as Jo let go of Eddy’s heavy suitcase. It thumped to the floor.

  “Easy, no sudden movements.” Walt frowned. “You know, Samantha, some of those reviews are paid for. You never can tell whether someone is being honest or not.”

  “True, but there weren’t any bad ones. I imagine if anyone had a bad experience they would have reported it.”

  “Fair enough.” Walt nodded. The elevator doors slid open and they stepped off into the second floor hallway.

  “Walt, you and Eddy have room 207, and Jo and I are next door in 209.” She handed him a key card.

  “Oh good, not far from the elevator.” Walt smiled his approval and unlocked the door. Jo heaved the suitcase inside.

  “Oh no, don’t put it on the floor!” Walt gasped. “The suitcases have to go in the bathtub until the room is cleared of bedbugs, otherwise we’ll be bringing them home with us. Just go, please, I can handle it from here.”

  “Okay, okay.” Jo met his eyes. “If you need anything just let us know.”

  “All right, I will.” He began to unload his cleaning supplies. Samantha and Jo walked to the next door, unlocked it and stepped inside.

  “You weren’t kidding, Sam, I’m glad I came. This room is gorgeous.”

  “Isn’t the décor wonderful? The decorator adds in all of these little gems.” She touched the flower petal painted on the wall beside one of the light switches. “I think they take away from the coldness of a hotel room.”

  “Yes, they do. And oh look!” Jo grinned as she opened one of the cabinets. “Fresh tea leaves! Most places leave only tea bags. It’s refreshing to see that tea leaves is an option, too.”

  “You should make yourself a cup. I’m going to get unpacked and settled. I want some time away from the group before dinner tonight. Those three ladies are going to be on the warpath and I’d rather not butt heads.”

  “Just remember, don’t let them…”

  “I know, I know, don’t let them push me around. It’s hard not to. I’m trying to be friendly with them, but they are just so set in their ways.”

  “Why are you trying to be friendly with them?”

  “Because I like organizing things. It has taken me so long to be accepted on to the committee and I like being part of the group that puts on all of the entertainment. It’s exciting. It keeps me busy.”

  “Ah, retirement isn’t working so well for you is it?”

  “It is, and it isn’t. I do feel like I need something to do all of the time. Before I retired I looked forward to having less responsibilities and more free time. But now, I have no idea what to do with it. So it’s nice to have some kind of plan for the year. I know when the parties will be, when we have to start getting ready for them, approximately how many people will be included in them. That’s all stuff that can keep me on my toes.”

  “I understand. That’s why I enjoy my garden so much. I participate in a certain cycle. I know when things need to be planted, when they need to be watered, when they need to be harvested. That all makes a big difference in my daily life. I guess, not having some kind of routine or schedule to follow can make anyone feel unhinged.”

  “Anyone but Eddy.” Samantha shook her head. “He seems to handle things just fine.”

  “Does he? That’s because he hasn’t retired.”

  “What do you mean? He’s as retired as the rest of us.”

  “He may claim he is, but all of those true crime books are just a way to hone his skills. He’s constantly solving cases, whether he gets paid for it or not. Haven’t you ever noticed the way he’s always got his eye on someone or something? He never just sits back and closes his eyes, or looks at the scenery.”

  “You’re right. I hadn’t noticed that. Probably because I was too busy looking at the scenery.”

  “He’s just a very alert guy. I hope one day he learns how to relax a little though, because he’s missing out on fun.”

  “Well, maybe his trip to the bar will help with that.” Samantha stretched. “I say we unpack and then head down to join him.”

  “Sounds good. Should I put my suitcase in the bathtub?”

  “Only if you plan on soaking it.” Samantha grinned. “Don’t worry, this place is spotless!”

  “Hm.” Jo glanced around the room again. It was quite beautiful, but she knew better than to be fooled by the appearance of things.

  4

  Eddy was relieved to find that the bar was not very populated with people from the bus yet. Most had likely gone to settle in their rooms and prepare for dinner. Since there were free welcome drinks he was sure they soon would be arriving in droves. However, for the moment, there were only a handful of other people in the bar. He settled on one of the stools at the bar, and nodded to the bartender. If he saw Eddy’s nod, he showed no sign of it, as his focus was elsewhere. There was a table with a small group of men and women, dressed in rather strange clothes. It appeared to Eddy that the clothes were dated, as if they came straight out of the twenties. A ripple of laughter rose up from the table, and the bartender shook his head. Only then did he notice Eddy.

  “Hi there, what can I get for you?”

  “Beer please.” Eddy held up the voucher Samantha had given him.

  “Sure. In the bottle?”

  “Yes please.” One thing that being friends with Walt had taught him, was never to trust the glasses at a bar. They often were not cleaned properly. The bartender handed him an ice-cold beer. “What’s the deal with that group?” Eddy tilted his head towards the strangely dressed people.

  “Oh, those are the actors. They put on the murder mystery. They’ve just finished their dress rehearsal for tomorrow.”

  “Oh, how nice.” Eddy took a sip of his beer and looked over at the group again. “Which one is getting offed?”

  “You know I can’t tell you that.” The bartender grinned. “I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.”

  “All right, fair enough.” Eddy sipped his beer as the bar began to fill up.

  One of the men at the table with the other actors stood up and walked up to the end of the bar.

  “Excuse me.” The bartender walked over to serve the man. “A free beer? You know they’re on the house for all of the actors.”

  “No thanks. Just a water please. Is that on the house, too? I guess it’s better than being on the floor.” He chuckled at his own joke. Eddy looked back towards the group of people. There was a time when his only friends were police officers. After retiring it took him some time to make friends with people that weren’t in law enforcement. Now that he had a small but tight knit group around him, that sense of security that someone always had his back, had returned to his life. As the actor rejoined the others, Eddy finished his beer and continued to observe the people around him. It was in his nature to blend into the background while constantly keeping an eye on everyone else.

  For Eddy’s second drink he ordered a soda, and kept his attention on the door. He thought perhaps Jo, or Samantha would wander in, but when neither did he decided to head for the dining hall. As he stood up he put a few folded bills on the bar.

  “Oh, no need for a tip, the drinks were complimentary.”

  “There’s always need for a tip.” Eddy winked at him.

  “In that case, don’t be afraid to ask for me. Ben.” He held out his hand to Eddy. Eddy gave it a quick shake.

  “Eddy.”

  “Are you here for the murder mystery?”

  “Yes, in fact, my friends and I will likely be the ones to solve it.”

  “Confident, huh?” Ben chuckled.

  “I’m a retired police detective, if I can’t figure out a fake murder, who can?”

  “Good point.” He cleared his throat. “Good luck to you and your friends.”

  “Thanks.”

  Eddy made his way through the crowd to the door of the bar. As he headed in the direction of the dining hall, he spotted Walt, Samantha, and Jo coming from the opposite direction.

  “If you’re going to the bar, don’t bother. It’s getting way too crowded in there.”

  “No, going to dinner. I reserved a table for the four of us.” Samantha smiled.

  “Oh good. I’m starving.”

  “Do you think I could speak to the chef first?” Walt scrunched up his nose. “I’d like to know how he checks the temperature of his meat.”

  “I think the chef might be a little too busy for that, Walt.” Samantha pointed out the crowded dining room. “Not only is our group here, but there are some others staying here as well. Only our group is taking part in the murder mystery though.”

  “Good, I can’t wait to get it solved so I can settle in with some books.” Eddy held the door for Samantha, Jo, and Walt so that Walt wouldn’t have to touch the knob. Once they were seated the dining hall began to fill up even more. The wait staff rushed around providing drink orders and taking orders.

  “I really do think this is a nice place.” Jo sat back in her chair. “Even though it’s crowded, I haven’t heard one cross word from any of the staff. Everyone is friendly.”

  “Oh, I got a preview of the actors who will put on the murder mystery tomorrow. They were in the bar,” Eddy said.

  “How exciting.” Samantha leaned forward. “Do you know who the murderer is?”

  “No, I asked the bartender who the victim was and he said he couldn’t tell me.”

  “Well, that’s good, we don’t want to spoil the fun anyway.”

  “I hope it’s at least a little challenging.” Jo glanced over her shoulder, then lowered her voice. “Maybe I’ll get to use some of my special skills.” Eddy cringed slightly at the reference to Jo’s past career as a cat burglar.

  “I think we’re all going to get to use some of our special skills. I’ve heard about this group, and they put on a fantastic mystery. Some people don’t figure it out at all, until the reveal.” Samantha smiled at the waitress as she brought their food. Once she was gone, Walt used a fork to inspect his food.

  “Well, I can tell you, I want the chance to show the housekeeping staff here how to actually clean a bathroom. Our room is very nice, but the bathroom has been neglected.”

  “Is there any bathroom clean enough for you, Walt?” Eddy met his eyes.

  “Not even my own, I’m afraid.” Walt sighed. As Samantha took the last bite of her meal she heard a commotion near the front of the dining hall. When she looked in that direction she caught sight of a man in an old-fashioned suit, and another man. They appeared to be arguing, but she couldn’t hear exactly what they said.

  “Well, that was delicious.” Eddy patted his stomach. “But I’m stuffed.”

  “Are you going up to your room? Jo and I were going to use our free drink tickets in the bar.”

  “I used mine already. I’d rather have a nap.”

  “Okay, but if you change your mind, come and join us.” Samantha looked across the table at Walt. “Are you going to join us?”

  “Absolutely. I want to check the temperature of their beer. Did you know that sour beer can lead to at least ten different kinds of health problems?”

  “Walt!” Jo laughed.

  “It’s true. You’ll appreciate it.”

  “I’m sure we will.” Samantha grinned at him. Eddy waved to them, then left the dining hall. The moment he was gone, Samantha frowned. “I don’t think he’s going to have any fun while he’s here. I feel guilty for convincing him to come along.”

  “Oh, don’t let that tough attitude fool you.” Jo finished the last of her drink. “He’s happy to be here. He just can’t let you see it. What else would he be doing back at Sage Gardens?”

  “That’s true. Just about anything he could do there, he can do here, too.”