Death Knell In The Alps (A Samantha Jamison Mystery)

by Peggy A. Edelheit

  No one argued. They were still too busy swooning.

  Hans had a captivated audience. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. I was dying to interrupt to pin him down with questions. But after my third attempt, I didn’t push it. I’d listen and wait to see what happened next.

  I had just about recovered from the shock of Hans being at our table and conversing like he was attending a reunion dinner when another shocker happened.

  Martha tapped my arm. “Incoming, two o’clock, again.”

  I waved her off, laughing. “Very funny.”

  “I’m serious,” she said pointing subtly.

  I turned to look. “…Oh!”

  Tuxedo-clad Clay was walking right for our table.

  “Good evening ladies…you too, Samantha.”

  I smiled at him. Hah! Slick entrance.

  But then he nodded at Hans. “Glad to see you made it.”

  My mouth fell open.

  Clay knew Hans? What the…?

  Chapter 56

  So What Do You Think?

  I swear, I tried to say something, anything, but nothing passed my lips, not one word. It was happening a lot lately.

  I also swore I saw Hans smirk at my confusion. But then again, maybe I was imagining it. My mind was jumping all over the place with possible explanations, but not the one Clay hit me with seconds later.

  “Sam, I try to make good on my promises. I’d like you to meet Herr Kraus, the owner of this fine establishment. Herr Kraus, this is Samantha, a personal friend of mine.”

  Hans/Kraus gave a slight nod. “The pleasure is mine.”

  My mouth was still hanging open when I remembered to respond. “Likewise,” I said. Of course nothing further came out after that bombshell Clay just laid on me.

  When hearing exactly who Kraus was the others were just as flustered as I was but for different reasons. They were quite taken by this handsome gentleman, who also happened to be a former spy that they’d heard about.

  I suddenly had an ah-ha moment.

  Now I knew why Peter met Hans/Kraus at the chalet. Peter was protecting him. And they weren’t talking about me, they were probably talking about the man and woman who showed up seconds later when Peter skied off. The two skiers apparently were threatening Hans/Kraus as he did in return. They were most likely heirs of one of the original spies: thus the argument I witnessed.

  Were they referring to bribe money? Now it made sense.

  Another place setting was brought. Clay sat on my left and Hans/Kraus was on my right. On Clay’s left was Mona. To Herr Kraus’ right was Martha. Betty and Hazel were across the table from us, staring blatantly at the debonair hotel owner. Martha hadn’t taken her eyes off of him. This guy was a charmer, a real Casanova, flirting with her.

  I took a large gulp of my wine to steady my nerves. Both Clay and Kraus were playing it cool. Obviously, Clay had no idea what turmoil I was going through as I sat there trying to figure out who knew what, when and why.

  I have to ask. Did you see this coming? I sure didn’t.

  I had my work cut out for me, but I wasn’t exactly sure how to go about it. I felt a tug on my left arm.

  “…So what do you think?” Clay asked discreetly.

  I stared at Clay, trying to piece together what he was saying, while my mind rambled on about Kraus. I barely caught, “…finally meeting,” and “…you wanted this.”

  “…Yes,” I said. “I appreciate you coming through in setting up this meeting. It just caught me off guard. I didn’t expect Herr Kraus to be…”

  I couldn’t say, Hans, who I’d never mentioned meeting.

  “…here tonight.”

  Clay whispered low, “I love it when you get flustered.”

  I whispered back, “You’re always surprising me, Clay.”

  But I had to admit this one was a whopper.

  Chapter 57

  Dancing Around The Truth

  I took another large sip of my wine, gaining courage to challenge Herr Kraus about his so-called, Hans subterfuge that had me questioning his motives, as well as our safety. Why the ruse? Why not tell me who he was to begin with?

  I couldn’t exactly turn and smoothly divulge to Clay what happened between us on those two odd encounters. Clay would be upset I hadn’t confided in him. He had a right to be. I remembered all the times Clay kept me in the dark, but always said afterward it was for my own good. I could use that same excuse, but it would sound ridiculous.

  Truth be told, I had a selfish motive. I wanted to prove I could pull this off with my crew: solving this spy business.

  But it wasn’t working out so cut and dried, was it?

  I felt a gentle tap on my right arm and turned to Kraus.

  “Ms. Jamison, would you care to dance with me?”

  Finally an opportunity presented itself. “…Of course.”

  I was not only struck by how debonair he was, but how healthy he seemed. You would never guess he was dying.

  He led me to the center of the dance floor, which was crowded. I turned back to my table, barely able to see any of them. Had Kraus surrounded us with strangers so the others couldn’t hear our conversation? Good.

  A little on edge, I jumped right in. “So we meet again.”

  He smirked. “Hopefully this time I won’t need first aid.”

  I didn’t trust my motor mouth on that one, so I smiled.

  “We haven’t had a good start, have we?” he asked.

  I began to relax. “No, I guess we haven’t.”

  “I’m sorry you misinterpreted my actions.”

  “I don’t know what to say to that.”

  “I was, how do you say, having trust issues.”

  “Due to your death threats no doubt.”

  “And because of that, I became overly cautious.”

  Okay, I understood that. It made sense.

  I nodded. “Keep talking.”

  “I can see why Clay is so enamored by you. You are not only a beauty, but are refreshing in your candor.”

  I could feel myself blush. “Oh, you’re smooth.”

  He laughed. “So I’ve been told.”

  I relaxed some more, but still wanted an explanation.

  “So, why the big chase in your hotel’s gardens?”

  “I was taking pictures of the snow peaks.”

  Oh! “…I guess I was having trust issues of my own.”

  He ran his fingers lightly over his one eye and winced.

  “I tried to explain, but you threw rocks at me and ran.”

  I felt like an idiot. I’d misread his intentions.

  “I must apologize, Herr Kraus. I panicked.”

  “Apology accepted. Please, call me Hans.”

  I laughed. “You mean your name really is Hans? Well, Herr Hans Kraus, please call me, Sam, the one and only, very much embarrassed, mystery author, who blundered.”

  “I’ve been known to blunder on occasion myself.”

  Chapter 58

  Ask Away

  I knew I still had several questions that needed answers, and I had his undivided attention, so I figured, why not?

  “Since formalities are over with, how about we talk?”

  “I thought that was what we were doing,” said Kraus.

  “Would you mind if I probed further?”

  “I might not answer, but go ahead, ask away.”

  “Why did you take such risks with the threats to you?”

  “I had nothing to lose. I’m dying anyway, remember?”

  “True, but in the mean time, other people aren’t safe.”

  “As you can see this is not a game for amateurs.”

  “It’s not a game for pros either, is it?”

  Concern shadowed his features. “What do you mean?”

  “You still haven’t flushed out the real spy, have you?”

  “I’m close.”

  “But not close enough to put it to print.”

  “How would you know?”

  “You
r book would be at your publishers if you were and I’d be on my way home with Clay.”

  “You’re very observant for an author.”

  “As an author, mysteries have always fascinated me.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Until I solve them.”

  “Oh, really?” he repeated.

  I smiled. “And I always do, you know.”

  “Maybe I should have hired you instead.”

  “I don’t think so. The air around you is too toxic.”

  He chuckled. “The same could be said about you.”

  I paused mid-step, but he moved me smoothly along.

  “…Okay, so I get nosy and a little over-reactive.”

  He tapped his eye lightly to emphasize his point.

  I chuckled. “…Okay, okay, a lot.”

  “That can be a good thing…”

  I was trying to read him. “…And a bad thing, right?”

  “I find success comes to those who don’t press so hard.”

  “Funny, it’s just the opposite with me,” I said.

  “But that is where we differ.”

  “How is that?”

  “Pros keep friends close, their enemies closer.”

  “My take is the human caveat emptor version.”

  He threw is head back and laughed. “You are priceless.”

  “That’s what Clay says, except when I drive him crazy.”

  “And then?”

  “He wishes he’d chosen a different profession.”

  “Why is that?”

  “It drives him nuts when I outguess him.”

  “Does it happen often?”

  “When he least expects it.”

  “Then I’d better watch my step.”

  “That’s what they all end up saying.”

  “How about we have a ski date?”

  “You’re on! Remember, I’m better than you think.”

  Chapter 59

  Looking Back & Looking Forward

  It was another sunny crisp morning. The others were off skiing after our evening of great conversation and cuisine. Clay took off to see how Peter was coming along. I knew my ski classes were at an end, and after having skied before I came to Switzerland and Peter’s rigorous classes, I now felt proficient enough. Besides, Peter had to rest. Olaf said he would handle their ski business for the time being.

  Clay confided to me last night that the risk to the others and me wasn’t worth it. Our safety mattered most. If the assassin remained anonymous, then so be it.

  “Is it that important?” he’d asked, “after what all of you have been through?”

  I understood his sentiments, but couldn’t accept them.

  I wanted out of this nightmare world of spies too, but what about the effort all of us had invested trying to solve it? I wanted my personal spy, my favorite PI and gumshoe, Clay, back on home territory. I also preferred home-team advantage when dealing with nefarious individuals. This foreign intrigue was just about killing us: literally. We’d had too many close calls for my comfort zone.

  But still…

  Kraus called earlier, saying he finished his book after figuring out who was guilty for the deaths of Clay’s father and grandfather. It was time to relax and enjoy our skiing.

  Had Kraus really figured it out or had he guessed?

  Regrettably he wasn’t offering reasons or tidbits.

  I was dying to know who it was. Ah, authors!

  He also said not to worry that we were quite safe skiing alone for a few hours. He’d protect us both. After all, he was trained with skills that I could only imagine. Besides, we’d be meeting up with Clay at a restaurant halfway down the slope: the views spectacular. First, I’d have a great ski run with Kraus and then we would break for lunch with Clay. And after another few more runs, the three of us would ski back to Kraus’ hotel for dinner with everyone else later on.

  Perhaps the couple Kraus confronted no longer fazed him because he was nearer dying than anyone anticipated. He must also feel Clay’s services were no longer needed now that his manuscript was emailed and a hard copy posted to his publisher.

  …That was it? There was nothing further to be done?

  I stood at the cable car waiting for him. The station was crowded. A couple that felt familiar snagged my attention. A chill went up my spine as I edged nearer for a closer look. Was it that man and woman who confronted Kraus at the chalet? Were my eyes playing tricks on me?

  I heard my name called out and turned. Kraus was waving, making his way over to where I was. I waved back, acknowledging him. Then I turned back to the couple, who were getting passes. The woman removed her sunglasses then glanced my way. Spotting me, she waved, smiling.

  It was Carlo and Maria, our cleaning couple. I sighed. I had let my imagination get away from me, again.

  “Ciao!” they called out and left for the slope.

  Relieved, I smiled and waved goodbye.

  A cheerful Kraus arrived at my side. “Ready to go?”

  “Sure. Let’s hit the slopes.”

  Chapter 60

  Guilt, Suspicions & Spying

  I would miss this place. The village of Grindelwald with its scenic ski runs, glacier and breathtaking vistas was a multi-cultural mecca and a memorable place to visit. This ski run with Kraus was just what I needed. I no longer felt uneasy. That was ancient history. Now I embraced picking up speed, traversing around snow-laden evergreens, and was game for just about anything that came my way.

  I had become used to not skiing first. Plus, Kraus’ confident and upbeat mood was contagious. And true to his word, he kept glancing back at me to make sure I was okay. Believe me, I was more than okay. I was laughing out loud and taking in every detail for my book.

  He veered sharply to the right, so I followed him to a trail I hadn’t skied before. It must be another secluded and remote run of his. I smiled. He had chosen well. I loved it.

  I saw him gradually slow to a stop after we negotiated some evergreens. Then it dawned on me we had arrived at that chalet, but from a different angle.

  It was a charred mess.

  “Why are we stopping here?” I asked.

  He seemed disturbed. “This destroyed chalet is mine. When Clay first informed me, I was upset then I became incensed. It’s been in my family for generations. Thank goodness I live at the hotel and my horse was spared. The farrier had him to trim his hoof and replace a shoe.”

  I was shocked.

  This was his chalet? That explained the missing horse.

  “Where in the hotel do you live?”

  “I have a suite in the hotel on your floor.”

  I made the connection. “Can I take a guess where?”

  “Right across from your suite.”

  “So that was your cane I spotted.”

  He nodded. “It belonged to my grandfather. He always took it on his hikes. Now, so do I, to honor his memory.”

  Was that tampered elevator cable meant for Kraus?

  I looked at the burnt timber and ashes “What a waste.”

  “Too many keys laying around.”

  I remembered the key under the pot Hazel found.

  Thank goodness for that or Peter would be dead.

  “I was so foolish to trust a select few at my hotel with the chalet key.”

  I was foolish too: a true amateur. My suspicions and my spying on Herr Kraus were proven wrong. I should admit it.

  “I prejudged you and I spied on you here one day.”

  I hadn’t expected him to reply, “I figured that was you.”

  “I guess it takes a good spy to spot a bad one. Are you sure about the assassin’s name, the one who killed Clay’s grandfather and father? Do you think they did this too?”

  “My publisher will soon have both of their names.”

  …Two? Was it Herr Miller, the hotel manager, Nick, the maintenance man, or others?

  “I always knew I’d tie up those loose ends,” Hans said.

  I wasn’t f
ollowing. “What loose ends?”

  “It’s us who will tie up those loose ends,” said a voice.

  We turned. It was Carlo and Maria. She tore off her ski hat. …That gray streak! They were that couple: the two who had argued with Kraus at this very spot!

  I heard a guttural growl beside me. Kraus was livid.

  Naturally, like the aggressor I am, I skied back a few feet. It was all about pole placement and self-preservation. Something was terribly wrong with this picture postcard.

  Now I ask you, could this get anymore complicated?

  Chapter 61

  Falling For You…

  Kraus, ever the gentleman, blocked my body with his. So I slowly pushed back another few feet. He did the same.

  “…What do you two want?” he asked them cautiously.

  Maria glared at Kraus. “What do you think?”

  Carlo, right beside Maria said, “You can’t name us!”

  Kraus unexpectedly laughed. “It’s too late for that now.”

  “What do you mean?” Maria asked warily.

  “Hey, wait!” I said. “You two are speaking English!”

  “Some author/sleuth, aren’t you?” Maria shot back.

  Mistake one: Don’t criticize an author

  “Keep the little woman behind you,” laughed Carlo.

  Mistake two: Don’t mock an already pissed-off woman.

  “Say, what?” I shot back.

  “You heard us,” said Maria. “Shut up or you’ll get hurt.”

  “Like I just said, it’s too late,” laughed Kraus.

  “For what?” Maria asked him again.

  Being ignored, I tried to ski around Kraus. “I never…”

  Kraus turned, blocking me. “Stay there,” he warned.

  When he turned back to Carlo and Maria, the dynamics of our party-fest had changed dramatically by the addition of someone else. I couldn’t believe who was there. Off to the side and behind the evil duo stood Peter. When did he get here? I thought he was home recuperating. I looked around us. Where was Clay? I hadn’t heard Peter approach. Was Clay Peter’s backup, observing from nearby?