Steamed to Death Read Online Free

salmon with teriyaki glaze that was the centerpiece of the main course.
    When Felicity and Don became engaged in a heated argument over Felicity’s newest contract renewal with the television network, the others looked on with bored expressions.
    Gigi sat quietly as the conversation flowed around her. Everyone seemed to have forgotten her, but she didn’t mind. It felt good to be off her feet. She sipped her wine and relaxed, leaning back with her head against the chair. A quick glance at her watch, however, told her that it was now time to return to the kitchen.
    Gigi excused herself and hurried down the hall. A woman with white blond hair was in the kitchen putting dishes into the warming oven. Gigi supposed this was the housekeeper Felicity had mentioned. She was wearing black pants and a white shirt and had a clean apron wrapped around her waist.
    She turned when she heard Gigi’s footsteps.
    She was apple-cheeked with deep blue eyes. She smiled shyly at Gigi.
    “Hi,” Gigi said, putting out a hand. “I’m Gigi.”
    “Anja,” the woman replied, ducking her head. “I am sorry. My English is sometimes not so good. I hope you will forgive me.”
    “Of course.” Gigi smiled reassuringly.
    “I will be serving the dinner so you can go sit if you would like.”
    “I still need to cook the salmon,” Gigi said, opening the refrigerator and pulling out the beautiful piece of coho salmon she’d scored at the fishmonger’s. Gigi always had a basic menu plan in mind when she went shopping, but she was flexible and willing to change it according to what was best and freshest in the market. When she saw the salmon, she knew it would be perfect for Felicity and her guests.
    Anja pointed at the salmon. “Lovely. In my country we prepare it with fresh dill and a little cream.”
    “I’ll have to try that someday,” Gigi said, and Anja looked pleased.
    Gigi got to work spreading teriyaki glaze on the fish. She reheated the vegetables she’d prepared previously and arranged them in serving dishes. The timer on the oven pinged, and she removed the fish, placing it on a long, white platter with scalloped edges.
    There wasn’t any more to be done at the moment. With a sense of relief she untied her apron, threw it across a chair and retreated to the dining room. There was an empty seat next to Alex, and Gigi slid into it. Vanessa and Don were across the table from her. Their chairs were pulled closer together than any of the others.
    Anja placed the vegetable serving dishes on the table and went around to each guest with the platter of salmon. Gigi helped herself to a small piece, pleased to note that it was cooked to perfection. She glanced around the table and was relieved to see that everyone seemed to be enjoying their food.
    The dozen white votives scattered around the dining table and on the sideboard flickered softly, sending shadows dancing on the walls. A low buzz of conversation floated about the room, punctuated by the gentle clink of silverware against china as the guests savored their meal.
    Anja was serving the apple galette Gigi had prepared for dessert when Alex leaned toward her. “I noticed you glancing at our fellow guests earlier.” He nodded his head toward Vanessa and Don.
    Gigi felt her face flame. Had it been that obvious?
    “I’m sure you’re wondering, like the rest of us, what gives.” Alex stirred a spoonful of sugar into his coffee cup.
    Gigi opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.
    “I’m not one for gossip, but I think the beautiful Vanessa is trying to get a leg up, so to speak, in the television business. I think she’s tired of playing second fiddle to Felicity and wants to advance her career.” The way he said it put quote marks around the word advance .
    Gigi still didn’t know what to say. Especially since she’d been thinking the exact same thing herself.
    “And, although Vanessa has been staying at one end of the second-floor hallway, and Don the other, I’ve