Legs Benedict Read Online Free Page A

type.”
    Marie nodded, then looked up fondly at her husband. “It’s the chiseled features, the dark hair and skin, the sort of Greek god appearance.” She stroked his cheek for emphasis.
    â€œSome god,” Sandi muttered, running her hands through her short blond hair. “I mean,” she added hastily, “some kind of god.”
    Judith stepped back into her normal innkeeper’s role. “If you could move, Pam, I’ll take Mr. and Mrs. Santori up to their room. Thank you,” she added as Pam got to her feet and came down the last two steps to the entry hall.
    Pete and Marie fairly galloped up the stairs ahead ofJudith. She could have sworn she heard Sandi whisper a very un-preschool-teacher-like word that rhymed with pick, crick, and trick. Not to mention lick, wick, and nick. Or click, tick, and kick. At the top of the stairs, Judith shook herself. She was beginning to think like Sandi and Pam.
    â€œI’m sorry for your fright,” Judith apologized after showing the Santoris into Room Five with its canopied bed and pink rosebud wallpaper. “Ms. Perl and Ms. Williams teach preschool, and it appears that they’re very excitable. Like their pupils.”
    â€œNo problem,” Pete said, placing a suitcase on a folding stand.
    â€œGirls are always swooning over Pete,” Marie put in, “but now that we’re married, he’s all mine.” She smiled widely, which made her otherwise plain features light up.
    Judith went through her litany, explaining about the keys, the bathrooms, the serving times. She had just finished telling the couple about breakfast when Pete asked who was staying in the adjacent rooms.
    â€œThis room is next to the linen storage room on this side,” Judith replied, gesturing with her left hand. “Room Six is vacant so far. We may have a late check-in.”
    Pete seemed relieved. “That’s great.” He turned to Marie and chucked her under the chin. “We can make all the noises we want tonight, Dooky-pooky.”
    â€œYou bet, tweety-sweety,” Marie responded, still wearing her brilliant smile. “Yum, yum!”
    Wondering whether the lovebirds or the teachers would put her over the edge first, Judith went back downstairs. Renie was in the entry hall, speaking with a chunky black man whose bald spot shone like a tonsure.
    â€œRoland du Turque, Kansas City,” Renie announced. “Is that Kansas or Missouri?”
    â€œMissouri,” Roland replied in a soft, mellow voice, then held out his hand to Judith. “Ms. Flynn?”
    Roland’s quiet air and courtly manner acted as an antidote to her other guests’ more flamboyant behavior. “I’m very pleased to meet you,” Judith declared. “You’re inRoom Two. May I?” Her hand swept over Roland’s large satchel and briefcase.
    â€œNo, no,” said Roland, his dark eyes twinkling. He sported a trim goatee and appeared to be in his early forties. “I can manage. Your associate here has been filling me in about the rules and regulations.”
    â€œOh.” Judith shot Renie a quick glance. “In that case, I won’t bore you with repetition.” She gestured at the stairs. “Shall we?”
    â€œOf course.” Roland bowed. “After you.”
    A short hallway between Room One and Room Three led to Room Two. It had been a late addition, carved out of the too-spacious Room Three, and its windows looked out onto the cul-de-sac. Because it was small and narrow, the price was considerably less than for any of the other accommodations. The double bed had been squeezed into an alcove under the eaves, and was draped in gauzy green-and cream-striped material. To give the room a more airy appearance, Judith hadn’t used wallpaper, but cream paint that matched the bed hangings.
    â€œCharming,” Roland remarked, taking in the details. “Daguerreotypes. Most