Chapter 2

Lesley busied herself in the dining room, while waiting for her guests to return. She wanted to make sure everything had been set-up perfectly. The chefs had prepared a sumptuous feast, which went without saying, because she only hired the most excellent kitchen staff. Tonight’s meal would be indescribably delicious.

She checked the place cards of the guests’ seating arrangements, which she had so meticulously planned. Dinner partners would not be the partners the guests had boarded the Tempted Fate with, and their game partners would be unexpected, as well.

Lesley had planned this event, taking into account every eventuality that could possibly happen and she and her staff were prepared for everything. She had learned, so long ago, from him, to plan and strategize in just this way when playing a game. And she also learned, from him, that everything in life was a game. The bastard would be proud of his tutoring, she smiled stoically to herself. The most important things she had learned in life, she had learned from him. And the lessons she had learned could either lead to ultimate survival and success, or to absolute destruction, depending on how the student used them. She had learned her lessons well, before she escaped.

Her guests were going to be the beneficiaries of her own painful education in survival, using pride, greed, lust, the macabre, and even misguided love. If they graduated from this accelerated course, they would be invincible.

She met Edmund and Maria Grey as they came down the staircase.

“The accommodations are simply breathtaking,” said Maria. “How long have you been hosting these charitable functions, Lesley?”

“Oh, for quite some time, Dr. Grey,” Lesley smiled.

“You look very familiar,” said Edmund. “Have we met before? Maybe in Europe?”

“I’m afraid not, Mr. Grey. We’ve never met. However, I make it a habit to learn something about all of my guests. My research on you turned up volumes,” Lesley laughed. “An award winning journalist, who always seems to be in the thick of things. I must tell you I was very impressed with your biography.”

“You’re too kind, Ms. Devonshire,” smiled Edmund.

“Please, call me Lesley.”

“Only if you’ll call me Edmund.”

“And please, please, call me Maria,” she chimed in, feeling as if she were being ignored.

“Oh, of course, Maria,” said Lesley. “We’ll all be on a first name basis before long,” she concluded, as Adam and Brooke joined them.

“Adam Chandler,” Adam said as he held out his hand to Lesley, “And this is …”

“Brooke English,” Brooke finished, as she held out her hand to Lesley, as well.

Next, Jack and Erica joined the group, with Jack admiring, “This is one beautiful Grande Dame of the rivers, isn’t she? Where was she built?”

“Actually, Mr. Montgomery, this boat was built in the 1860’s and it has just been refurbished for use for these types of events in the 21st century.”

“Oh my,” said Erica. “A real antique.”

“Yes, Ms. Kane,” said Leslie. “An antique with an unusually interesting history.”

“History? What kind of history?” asked David, walking up to the group, with Krystal on his arm.

“Hmm, the best kind of history, of course,” smiled Lesley. “Haunted history.”

“Haunted? You mean like ghosts and goblins?” asked Krystal. “David, you didn’t tell me this would be a haunted cruise.” David just smiled and looked to Leslie to help him out.

“Actually, Ms. Carey, neither Dr. Hayward, nor any of the other guests, including Ms. Montgomery, knew anything of the Tempted Fate’s history. We feel it is an added attraction and helps with the mood of the festivities,” explained Leslie.

“Hmm, nothing like a couple of ghosts to add to the atmosphere,” said Krystal sarcastically.

“Well, maybe some of the ghosts can be of assistance in solving the mysteries of the games you’ll be playing this weekend,” suggested Lesley.

“Well, I for one, am very interested in these games. I’ve always been good at games,” smiled Adam, taking Lesley’s hand, “And I’m very interested in hearing about your particular games, Ms. Devonshire.”

“All in good time, Mr. Chandler, and please call me Lesley,” she smiled back. “Well, my good guests, I see that the younger guests will be joining the wiser guests shortly. Please, let’s all retire to the dining room and I’ll explain in more detail.”

Adam held his arm out to Lesley to escort her to the dining room, smiled and said, “Well, definitely, let the games begin.”

To be continued…