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She stayed at the table long enough to have a last cup of coffee after the meal When Nanette and her husband pushed back their chairs to leave, she elected to follow them Gard still had a freshly poured cup of coffee to drink—not that she really thought he wouldwhen she did, or even wished to avoid it But when she left the dining room, she was alone

The ship was huge, virtually a floating city with a population of al to Rachel how iven the size of the ship and the number of people aboard Soned to the sa Naturally she saw hi on the Observation Deck

Soon she would be ain at dinner It was nearly ti rooather, filling the s onto the flight of steps Rachel waited in the stair overflow, standing close to the bannister

With the suggested dress that evening calling for formal wear, there was a rainbow of colors in the foyer The style of wo froohile the men wore dark suits and ties or tuxedos

Her own choice of dress was a long flowing gown in a simple chemise style, but the black tissue faille was a match with her jet-black hair A flash of silver boucle beadings and cording was created by the splintered lightning design across the bodice, a coray eyes Rachel had brushed her black hair away fro her shoulder tops Her only jewelry was a pair of earrings, dazzling chunks of crystal The result was a striking contrast between the understaten, with its demure capped sleeves and boat neckline, and the sleek, sexy elegance of black hair and fabric

Near the base of the stairs Rachel spotted the henna-haired Helen and her husband, Jack, standing next to Nanette and her husband, whose na them, since they shared the sa a place for herself in the already crowded foyer, so Rachel decided against it

Her attention lingered on the couples Helen looked quite resplendent in a red and gold evening dress that alleviated some of the brassiness of her copper-dyed hair When she turned to say so to Nanette, her voice carried to Rachel

“I don’t care what you say,” she was insisting “No one will be able to convince me those two are brother and sister—or even cousins”

Nanette’s reply was lost to Rachel, but she tensed at Helen’s reh Helen hadn’t identified the people by name, Rachel had an uneasy suspicion she was one of them A second later it was obliquely confirmed

“You heard both of the the salance “I was looking at the roster of passengers this afternoon to find out what cabin the Madisons were in so I could call theht there in black and white—both of their naest to you?”

There was a sinking feeling in the pit of Rachel’s stomach It was obvious that Helen had construed that she and Gard were lovers It was one thing to have people believe they wereentirely to have the an illicit affair

With the way Helen’snow, Rachel doubted that she would ever believe the true story The coincidence was so improbable that she would think it was a poor atte to explain what had actually happened would be futile now More subtle tactics were required

The dining roouests poured in Rachel let herself be swept along with the inward flohile hersuspicions The two couples were already seated when she approached the table

“That’s a stunning gown you’re wearing, Rachel,” Helen complimented as Rachel sat in the chair the waiter held for her “Especially with your black hair”

“Thank you” Rachel s in her expression that she had any knowledge of the conversation she’d overheard “It was a favorite of my late husband’s,” she lied, since she had purchased it the year after Mac’s death to wear to a social function she had been obliged to attend