Mystral Murder (Julie O'Hara Mystery Series) Read Online Free

that dinner rolls, hot from the oven, and artfully done appetizers seemed to appear like magic: bacon-wrapped scallops with thin sliced salmon and caviar, bruschetta with feta cheese and fresh basil, colorful crudité with dip.
    Cathy whispered, “Those folks are celebrating a special occasion,” nodding toward the older couple chatting with the Captain and the female officer. “They were chosen at random. He seats them close. I think he wants to make sure they’re included in the conversation. Such a wonderful host.”
    So I’ve read , Julie thought.
    Apparently Adrienne and her strapping, sandy-haired companion knew the seating drill, too. They had immediately found their seats. Now, leaning across the table, she said, “Julie, Joe, I’d like you to meet my husband, Dale.”
    “Dale Simpson,” Joe said, wide-eyed. “Of the Tampa Bay Rays!”
    “Hi, nice to meet you. Yeah, that’s me.  I retired a while ago, though. I work with Adrienne at the agency.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Julie said, thinking, how long ago could it have been? He doesn’t look more than thirty. Certainly younger than her. You’d think she would have used his last name. She diminished him and his baseball career. He’s Mr. Paradis now.
    “Hey, great to meet you, man,” Joe said. “I’m a Floridian, born and bred. The Rays are my team! I was so damn excited when y a’ll won the pennant in 2008. Think they’re going to do it this year?”
    Y a’ll? What alter-ego was Joe slipping into? He sounded like an awestruck southern college kid who’d never been out of Florida.  And then it dawned on Julie that the last time Joe had a drink, that’s who he was.
    Joe and Dale did their baseball-bonding for a few minutes until Captain Collier tapped his glass.
    “Well, good evening everyone and welcome. I’m so glad to have all of you as my guests tonight. May I introduce our officers? I’m sure most of you know Dr. Michelle Sinclair, our Principal Medical Officer.”
    The tall woman in the white dress uniform seated to his left smiled and said, “Good evening,” to everyone around the table. She was naturally beautiful, with a light olive complexion and the kind of teeth movie stars pay for.
    Forty, perhaps , thought Julie, noticing a few strands of silver in her hair and some laugh-lines about her hazel eyes. 
    The Captain continued his introductions.  “And on my right, this is our Ship’s Hotel Manager, Bob Sanchez. He’s the fellow behind the scenes who takes care of the cabins, the public rooms and our dining room service, too. That’s a big job and no one could do it better.”
    The somewhat portly officer had a ring of brown hair and a bald pate. He smiled and said, “Welcome aboard, everyone. If you ever need any assistance, please give me a call.”
    He blushed.  Shy? Not likely, Julie thought . This guy might look like Friar Tuck in a white uniform, but he’s the boss in his domain. The flush is more likely due to his weight.
    “Next to Dr. Sinclair, may I present Phil and Alice Kent, who are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary,” the Captain said, leading a round of applause.
    “A toast,” he said, raising his glass, everyone following suit. “To Alice and Phil, may tonight be full of happiness and laughter, and all your tomorrows happy ever after.”
    The Kents smiled and thanked everyone.
    Julie was smiling and thinking, nice couple, Northerners, when Captain Collier suddenly turned the spotlight on her. “I’m sure you know our body language expert, Julie O’Hara, and the gentleman at her side is Joe Garrett. Did any of you attend Ms. O’Hara’s fascinating seminar?”
    Cathy and Adrienne both said they did, and how much they’d enjoyed it. Then Alice Kent chimed in.
    “Oh, Ms. O’Hara, I’m such a fan! I saw you on The View. Phil and I loved your seminar and we bought Clues , but we forgot to get you to sign it.” With that, she pulled the book out of her purse. “I hope you don’t mind; I