Line Dancing Can Be Murder Read Free Page A

baseball cap. They were both in short-sleeved button-up shirts. Jackie, Crystal, Kim and Annette quickly deserted Donna and I, leaving us trapped in a corner by the two septuagenarians.
    It wasn’t but a few minutes before Wayne pleasantly called the room to order. “Now that everyone is here and checked in, it’s time to introduce you to your tour director. Keith, come on out.”
    A man, whom I now know had been thirty-four at the time, stepped from behind a curtain like a movie star making an entrance. Audible gasps emanated from the women in the room. With a head of blond hair and blue eyes that twinkled (yes, they actually twinkled), a granite jaw, and the body of Adonis, the guy was drop dead gorgeous. Once he opened his mouth, his charm and personality shone immediately. It was obvious he was born for this job. With a bright and confident smile, I deduced, if he hadn’t been a tour bus guide, he would have made a great snake oil salesman.
    When he locked eyes with me, the hairs on my arms prickled, and a chill ran through my body. I’d never had a psychic experience before, but the strangest feeling washed over me, as if I could foretell the way things would turn out for him. And, for me.
    “Good afternoon, everyone! I’m Keith Creswell. We’re going to be spending the next nine days together, and I guarantee, they’re going to be nine of the best days and nights of your life.” His gaze finally snapped away from me, and he winked at one of the blue-haired ladies.
    Everyone clapped and nodded. A few of the women giggled, including Crystal. I glanced at plaid golf cap man. He didn’t look pleased. It was my guess he hoped to find his Ms. Right or Ms. Right for Tonight on this trip. How did he stand a chance if Keith, the Greek God, got all the attention?
    I held in a chuckle. Despite the weird sensation moments earlier, I felt as happy as a child on Christmas morning. I so looked forward to a vacation with my friends. But my smile turned upside down when I looked at Jackie and saw her staring at Keith and licking her lips.
     

CHAPTER THREE
    Donna
     
    “Enjoy the rest of your day and evening at your leisure,” Keith said, finishing his short speech. “Tomorrow morning, breakfast is at the Paradise Café here in the hotel. Bring your luggage to the side entrance anytime after six-thirty. The bus will be in the parking lot. Wayne and I will load and unload your bags every day. Boarding tomorrow starts at seven-thirty and we leave at eight o’clock sharp, so don’t be late. Everybody clear?”
    “Clear!” the group shouted.
    “All right.” A hundred-watt grin filled Keith’s handsome face. He squeezed the hand of another older woman traveler. “See you all in the morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” He waved as if he were a prince acknowledging his throngs of admirers and disappeared back behind the curtain like one of the magic acts Vegas was known for.
    That moment has stuck in my mind ever since. Certainly, I wish things had turned out differently, but what’s done is done. Keith had no clue that his freewheeling life would be over in eight short days. And I had no idea I’d be the one to end it.
    “Forget Elvis,” Crystal said. “There goes a real hunka hunka burnin’ love.”
    Jackie rolled her eyes. “Really, Crystal, stop drooling.”
    “I noticed you staring pretty hard,” Crystal shot back. “I’m single. I’m allowed. You’re not.”
    Understanding Crystal’s sensitivity when it came to infidelity, I wanted to change the subject fast before a catfight started. I suggested we choose roommates, check into our rooms, and then decide our plans for the rest of the day.
    “I’ll room with anyone but Jackie,” Crystal said, not looking at her.
    “I don’t mind bunking with you, girlfriend.” Kim bumped hips with Jackie.
    Donna looked at me. “Do you want to be my roomie?”
    She and I had always been good friends growing up, but we’d become even closer during her