Claudia Bishop - Murder Well-Done
The Cast of Characters
The Inn at Hemlock Falls
Sarah Quilliam-owner-manager
Margaret Quilliam-her sister, gourmet chef
John Raintree-their business manager and partner
Doreen Muxworthy-head housekeeper
Dina Muir-receptionist
Kathleen Kiddermeister-head waitress
Mike-the groundskeeper
Bjarne-a Finnish sous-chef
Claire McIntosh-the bride, a guest
Elaine McIntosh-Claire's mother, a guest
Vittorio Mclntosh-Claire's father, a guest
Alphonse Santini-the bridegroom, former senator
Tutti McIntosh-Vittorio's mother, a guest
Evan Blight-world-famous author, a guest
Nora Cahill-TV anchor, a guest
-various bridesmaids, groomsmen, and aides to Senator Santini
Members of S.O.A.P.
Elmer Henry-mayor of Hemlock Falls
Dookie Shuttleworth-minister, Church of the Word of God
Harland Peterson-a farmer
-among others
Members of H.O.W.
Adela Henry-the mayor's wife
Marge Schmidt-owner, the Hemlock Hometown Diner
Betty Hall-Marge's partner
Esther West-owner, West's Best Dress Shoppe
Miriam Doncaster-a librarian
The Village Officials, and others
Frank Dorset-the sheriff
Davy Kiddermeister-Kathleen's brother, a deputy
Dwight Riorden-the bailiff
Bernie Bristol-the town justice
Myles McHale-a citizen
Howie Murchison-a lawyer
-1-
'You've sure got one heck of a life-style,' Nora Cahill said enviously. 'Your Inn is gorgeous, your sister's food is terrific, and your business manager is the best-looking guy I've seen since I nailed an exclusive interview with Kevin Costner after his divorce. I've heard that little boutique restaurant you've invested in got a franchise offer. Even the show of your paintings last month got great reviews.' Resentment crept into her voice, souring its carefully cultivated modulations. Pensively, she shoved her sour cream crepe with her fork. 'No offense, but if you tell me you've got your love life socked, too, I'm going to hit you with a stick. I haven't had a date for eight months.'
Sarah Quilliam set her cup into her saucer in awkward silence. Nora had checked into the Inn the night before and asked if she could speak to the owner. Quill, with a jammed schedule, had suggested an early breakfast. She was curious about Nora, one of Syracuse's most popular television anchors. They'd met at seven in the Tavern Lounge of the twenty-seven-room Inn Quill owned with her sister Meg and their partner, John Raintree. Nora was smaller-boned than she appeared on television, and her hair was darker. She was tall for a woman, about Quill's height. She had the well-buffed perfection characteristic of the very wealthy or the fairly famous: short, precision- cut hair; skin like the outside of a choice fruit; clothes that were so expensively made they never wrinkled. She was probably in her early thirties - about Quill's own age - and the six o'clock anchor for a Syracuse network television affiliate.
Quill, not sure how to respond to Nora's slightly rancorous catalog, said vaguely that she hoped she liked the Inn.
