Read To Hell in a Handbasket for Free Online Page A

pooped.”
    â€œC’mon, I was trying to make a joke. I’m not blaming you for how you look. Or feel.” Judy got up and paced the floor. “It’s just . . . after spending the whole day with the Continos, I can’t stand being serious and sad anymore today. I want someone to cheer me up.”
    Claire’s heart went out to Judy. “We’ll cheer—”
    â€œShe’s right.” Roger laid his hand on Claire’s arm. “Let her go. She needs her friends. And we could use some one-on-one time ourselves. Maybe instead of Chinese takeout, we should go to that fondue place you like. What was the name?”
    â€œSwiss Haven.”
    â€œThat’s it. Just the two of us.” Roger winked. “Judy, toss me the phonebook, and I’ll make a reservation.”
    â€œMake it for the late eight o’clock seating,” Claire said. “We still need to shower.”
    After handing her father the phone and phonebook, Judy sat next to Claire. “I promise, Mom, I’ll spend tomorrow night with you.”
    Claire sighed. “All right. I’ll hold you to that. Where are you meeting your friends?”
    â€œTheir condo. Could you guys drop me off on your way to the restaurant? We’ll probably go out somewhere, but I don’t know where yet.”
    â€œAt least you know where to find Dad and me if you need us.”
    _____
    By nine-thirty that night, Claire was feeling none of her skiing aches and pains. Instead, her head buzzed pleasantly from half a bottle of plumy cabernet sauvignon. Her stomach comfortably bulged from a Gruyère cheese fondue, followed by a broth fondue chinoise into which she and Roger had dipped slivers of chicken and beef.
    Their table in the back room of the Swiss Haven had given her and Roger some privacy while they talked out their feelings of horror over Stephanie’s death. When she expressed her concern about the effect on Judy, he reminded her how strong and independent Judy had grown. He was more concerned about how Nick would deal with his sister’s death.
    Their table also had provided a vantage point for watching waiters waltz between tables filled with customers. They expertly balanced platters laden with grills, fondue pots, bread baskets, and plates of raw meats and seafood. The low murmur of voices, the sizzle of grilling meats, and the occasional pops of wine corks provided a relaxing filler for the gaps in their own conversation.
    Claire hadn’t realized how much stress she had been feeling until it had slunk away to lurk in a dark corner. She picked up her almost empty wineglass, took a sip, and looked at Roger. His frisky answering smile told her what plans he had for the rest of the evening. And I’m more than willing to go along with his plans.
    This family ski trip had another purpose besides a reunion with Judy. The getaway was part of the healing process to repair their marriage after the Colorado Springs murder. Claire had finally convinced Roger she hadn’t slept with the handsome young massage therapist. But restoring their loving partnership was a more daunting task. A task she was determined to succeed at, by God.
    Roger covered her hand with his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Isn’t this better than eating Chinese takeout with a twenty-one-year-old daughter who needs cheering up?”
    Claire smiled. “You said it. Though, she did pique my curiosity when she mentioned Nick’s odd behavior.”
    â€œWhat was odd about it?”
    â€œThat he was so secretive about his father’s grief.”
    Roger rubbed his chin. “Could be their culture. Maybe they’re very private and keep things inside the family.”
    â€œMaybe, but I get the feeling that Judy’s pretty close to being family herself.”
    Arching a brow, Roger said, “Really?”
    â€œReally. I’m seeing signs that she and Nick are getting serious. This family