Free Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] by Janet Lane-Walters Page B

don't capture the reality."
    Lars smiled. “I know."
    For the rest of the day new marvels constantly enchanted me. Once, I stopped to browse in a shop window. A light shone inside. “Lars, I think they're open."
    "Absolutely not. You will not go in there. You'll poke around for hours and I'll go mad."
    "Then I'll come back when you're not with me."
    "Thank heavens."
    His avid response made me laugh. “Let's move on."
    For the rest of the day, we wandered through museums, looked at houses built in the sixteen hundreds, had lunch at the Pink Adobe and forgot our worries. A golden day, I thought as we returned to the hotel.
    * * * *
    The next morning we left for Taos and beyond. The trip was leisurely with stops to explore churches and other historic sites. As we neared Taos, the road entered a canyon. The Rio Grande flowed on our left.
    "On our way back, we'll take the high road,” Lars said.
    I looked up and shuddered. “Up there."
    He laughed. “I promise it's safe and there are some interesting places to stop and see."
    Suddenly we emerged from the canyon onto the mesa. We drove through Taos and continued to the resort. The chalet refrigerator had been stocked with a variety of foods so we decided on steaks and salad for dinner. After the meal, we relaxed in front of the fire. I read a book I'd found on the shelves. Lars spread papers from his briefcase on the table.
    The second day of our escape had been as golden as the first.
    * * * *
    The aroma of coffee woke me. After showering and dressing, I walked to the kitchen area of the large main room. Lars stood at the stove. “Water's hot if you want tea."
    "Coffee this morning. I've gotten lazy. It's nearly nine."
    "You're on vacation."
    I dished bowls of oatmeal and poured two glasses of juice. “What's on the agenda for today?"
    "A bit of skiing."
    "Enjoy."
    He joined me at the table. “Are you sure you don't want to try a run or two?"
    "I've never been on skis and I don't think this is a time in my life when I want to try.” The thought of sliding down a mountain on two boards left me cold.
    He grinned. “There are classes for beginners."
    "But not for cowards."
    "You're hardly that. I feel bad about leaving you alone."
    "Go. Have fun. Challenge the elements. Stare fate in the eye. I'll meet you at the lodge around one for lunch."
    "It's half a mile uphill."
    "Lars, go. I'll enjoy the walk. There are things I can do here, like laundry and look at those pamphlets I picked up at the hotel."
    His booming laughter made me want to smack him. “It's tourist pap."
    "That's exactly what I am."
    "You'll miss all the good places. A lot are closed for the winter."
    "Go slide down a hill."
    I hadn't come for sightseeing. I'd come to Santa Fe to be with Lars and to escape my memories.
    * * * *
    At lunch I heard Lars’ tales of great runs. He had enjoyed his morning on the slopes and tried to infuse me with his enthusiasm.
    "Kate, rent some skis and take lessons. You'll love it. The wind, the speed, the challenge. I can't explain how it makes me feel. You'll have to try so you can see what I mean."
    "I broke my leg during a snow storm. That was on level ground. Think what I could manage to break on a hill. Look.” Just then a young man on crutches hobbled past. A cast enclosed one of his legs. “I could end up like him or worse."
    "And you could find a new pleasure."
    "Not today. I'll see you later."
    He kissed me on the cheek. “Are you sure you don't mind?"
    "Go.” He waved and walked away.
    After long browsing in the gift shop, I made several purchases. Then I walked back to the chalet. I dried the clothes I'd washed that morning and wrote postcards. Then I made a list of suspects and possible motives for Lars’ kidnapping. Unfortunately nothing made sense.
    Around five, I added logs to the fire and baked cinnamon rolls for the next morning's breakfast. By the time Lars arrived, I sat by the fire sipping a cup of mint tea.
    The cold air and exercise had returned the