Sinner or Saint by Brenda Donelan

Author:Brenda Donelan [Donelan, Brenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-16T22:00:00+00:00

Not everyone was onboard with the plan.

Chapter 20

Hector was doubled over, catching his breath after Marlee’s elbow to his ribs, when Conrad opened the door. If their host noticed Hector’s discomfort, he ignored it. “Greetings, my fine guests. Please accompany me to the sitting room.” Tonight, Conrad was wearing a British foot guard uniform and using a British accent, although he wasn’t doing either particularly well. He sported a scarlet tunic with gold buttons, dark pants, and a white leather belt. The eighteen-inch black bearskin cap perched atop his head was held in place with a tight chin strap.

Marlee rolled her eyes at Conrad’s affected formality. He reminded her of Thurston Howell III from Gilligan’s Island, which amused and annoyed her at the same time. He led them to the sitting room where Della sat on the love seat, clad in a red velour sweat suit and snow boots. Her mouth was scrunched in what could best be described as a frown. This should be fun, Marlee thought. Like a root canal.

Kelsey appeared before anyone could speak, dressed in a black maid’s uniform and frilly white apron. Her sour expression telegraphed volumes. She was miserable at Conrad’s house and was in need of pain killers. “Hiya. What can I get yas to drink?” Kelsey moved toward the drink cart, parked in what appeared to be its permanent position.

Bridget ordered a gin and tonic, Marlee asked for vodka with cranberry juice, and Hector requested Maker’s Mark. She stared at them for a moment before commencing with the pouring and mixing. Conrad held a newly prepared drink and drank from it as Kelsey struggled with the ice bucket.

“For hell’s sake, girl. Don’t you know how to use ice tongs?” Conrad bellowed, grabbing them and putting ice in the drinks. He gave Kelsey a shoulder shove to move her out of his way.

Kelsey handed Hector his drink, which was intentionally un-iced and waited for Conrad to finish his attempt at plopping ice cubes in Marlee and Bridget’s drink. He was half in the bag since he’d been drinking since before noon, and several of the cubes he grasped with the tongs fell to the floor. Kelsey kicked them under the cart, looking around to make sure no one noticed.

After they all had their drinks and were settled, Kelsey left the room. Della hadn’t greeted any of the guests, although her reddening face suggested she had plenty to say.

“How are everyone’s cocktails?” Conrad asked, always the conscientious host, especially when he was avoiding something.

“I don’t want to hear about the drinks, Conrad!” Della bellowed, no longer able to keep her ire under wraps. “What the fuck is going on? Kelsey is staying here? Have I been replaced? You could’ve just told me rather than putting on this humiliating display!”

Conrad leapt from his chair and knelt beside Della. “My dear, she could never replace you. No one on this Earth could take your place. Kelsey’s staying here because she couldn’t tolerate Marlee’s draconian rules any longer, and she didn’t have anywhere else to stay in Elmwood.

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