Dead Man Docking Read Free Page A

previous summer, Judith had hired college students to help out in the cleaning woman’s absence, but once school started in the fall, they headed back to campus. Always fearful of dislocating her artificial hip, Judith was at a point where she needed year-round Saturday and Sunday help. Maybe it was time to place an ad in the neighborhood weekly.
    When she finished her chores around three-thirty, Judith was too tired to look over the packages from the movie studio. In fact, she fell asleep on one of the two matching sofas in the living room and didn’t wake up until almost five. It was time to prepare the guests’ appetizers. The scripts could wait. It was Sunday, after all, a day of rest.
    Judith could use it.
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    â€œI’m tired,” Judith announced to Joe over breakfast the next morning. “We haven’t gone on a real vacation in ages. If I can get Carl and Arlene Rankers to take over the B&B for a week, why don’t we go somewhere next month?”
    Joe’s round face grew pensive. “I suppose we could, once this trial is over. Where do you want to go?”
    â€œCancún. Hawaii. Miami. I’ve never been to any of those places.”
    The gold flecks in Joe’s green eyes danced. “How about staying with Vivian in her condo on the Gulf?”
    Judith bridled. “Don’t even think about it. The best part about winter is that your ex-wife’s there from October to June instead of living three houses down the street from us the rest of the time.”
    â€œYou know I’m kidding,” Joe replied. “Not after all those years with Vivian, watching her decide who her companion of the day would be. It was either Jack Daniel’s or Jim Beam. I came in a distant third.”
    â€œHow well I understand,” Judith said softly. “With Dan, it was how much blackberry brandy he could down before starting his serious vodka drinking at eleven in the morning.”
    Joe grew serious. “Why didn’t they marry each other?”
    â€œYou know why,” Judith said softly, reaching across the table to caress her husband’s hand. “Because we both made terrible mistakes.”
    For a few moments, Judith and Joe were lost in thought, recalling the unfortunate series of events that had led to each of them marrying the wrong person.
    It was Judith who changed the subject back to a possible vacation. “I think we can afford a getaway. You decide where.”
    â€œThe Caribbean appeals to me,” he replied. “Jamaica, maybe. When I get a free minute, I’ll do some research.”
    Judith nodded. But she had to put aside travel thoughts and tend to her guests, who were assembling in the dining room. It was only after they’d all checked out by eleven that she began to daydream again.
    She was picturing herself lying next to a swimming pool with a mai tai when the phone rang.
    â€œYa- ha !” Renie shouted into her cousin’s ear. “Bub did it again! I just heard from Magglio Cruz’s Suits. They’re going to keep me on a retainer as a consultant and send Bill and me on a free cruise!”
    â€œYou should take Bub,” Judith said. “But hey, that’s wonderful news. You’ve stopped pouting.”
    â€œYou bet. But I don’t have any cruise clothes. I must shop now . Want to come?”
    Judith hesitated. “I can’t,” she finally said. “I’ve got a lot to do, including restocking the larder. Frankly, I’m worn out. In fact, Joe and I were talking about taking a break next month.”
    â€œGee,” Renie said, “it’s too bad I couldn’t have gotten a free cruise for you guys, too. I wonder if Bub—”
    â€œDon’t pester your poor brother-in-law again,” Judith broke in. “When do you leave?”
    â€œThe cruise sails Friday,” Renie replied, “so we have to fly down to San Francisco Thursday morning. That’s