Ransom at Sea Read Free Page A

wanted the Genessee, ma’am,” said the driver. “This is it.” He climbed out of his seat and lifted her suitcase off the back of the cart. Then he came around to the passenger side and helped the old woman to step down from it with a measure of patience that was beyond his years.
    While they were doing this, Emily noticed movement beyond them. In the dark hallway of the main building, a man appeared to be hovering near one of the rolled-up doors. Emily supposed it wouldn’t be odd for a visitor to the pier to loiter in this fashion, but this man seemed to be paying particular attention to the members of their party. In his hand was a parcel wrapped in brown paper.
    Lily managed to struggle from her seat with difficulty while clutching the driver’s hand with her tiny claw. When the old woman was finally standing on solid ground, Lynn thought for a moment that she had dropped something for which she was searching the pavement. When she didn’t straighten after half a minute, Lynn realized that she was stooped with osteoporosis. The driver led Lily to Emily’s bench and dropped her bag carelessly beside it.
    â€œMay I?” Lily asked in her barely audible whisper.
    â€œCertainly,” Emily replied, shifting a little closer to Marcella Hemsley.
    Lily began to lower herself onto the corner of the bench, pausing at the halfway point as if uncertain whether or not she was going to hit the mark. Then she proceeded until she had touched down.
    Lynn smiled to herself as she watched this. The phrase “suspended between heaven and earth” came to mind. She exchanged a glance with Rebecca, who was also smiling as if the same thought had occurred to her.
    Emily introduced the woman to Lynn as Lily DuPree.
    â€œI’m so excited,” Miss DuPree said so softly it seemed to belie her words. “I’ve never been on a ship before. It will be a new experience for me.”
    â€œI’d hardly call it a ship,” Driscoll boomed with a snort, miraculously having heard the faint voice.
    â€œYou’ve never been on a boat before?” Emily prompted, ignoring him.
    â€œNo! And I’ve been looking forward to it ever since it was announced in the bulletin. I’ve brought some of my favorite books along to read on the trip.”
    Emily produced a perceptive smile. “I see.” She turned to Lynn. “Lily was once the secretary to our former minister, Reverend Dawson. For … how many years was it?”
    â€œClose to thirty!” Lily said glowingly. “Oh, Theodore Dawson! Now, there was a holy man. A true man of God. He was one of those ministers from whom goodness just shines! When he retired … well, I just thought it was time for me to retire as well. There’ll never be another like him.” Her face clouded over. “I don’t know about this new minister at all … Reverend Hurley.…”
    â€œHow long has he been your minister?” Lynn asked.
    â€œSeven years,” Emily replied with a twinkle.
    â€œWell, there’s eleven of us so far,” Driscoll piped up. “Always assuming that the two young ’uns are going along with us!”
    Lynn and Rebecca exchanged a quick, embarrassed glance.
    â€œYes, we are going along,” said Lynn.
    â€œLot of fun you’re going have with a boatload of old cats!”
    Lynn’s cheeks reddened on Emily’s behalf, but she was stopped from replying when she noticed the amused look on Emily’s face.
    â€œSo I guess we’re waitin’ here for one more,” said Driscoll, oblivious to the effect he had caused.
    â€œOh, no, Mr. Driscoll,” said Miss DuPree. “There’s to be only eleven. I called up Miss Warner yesterday and asked specifically.” She turned to Emily. “I only wanted to know—just for my own peace of mind—who would be coming on the trip. It will be four days, after all, in a small space,