A Dangerous Conclusion (3)
by Torsten Daerr
Pieter: That sounds like a good idea. Donita: What about you? Do you have to fly back to Holland today? Mari: No, we’re going to fly to Canada to visit some friends for a week. We lived there some years ago and traveled around in an old trailer together.
Pieter: That’s what I call our “Bohemian” period of life. We were actors in Canada, struggling to make a living. Donita: We need to get back for the cooking contest in Portland Mari: That sounds like fun! How did you decide to participate? Sandra: We filled out the application and sent it in 6 months ago. Then just before leaving on this trip, we received letters saying we were both accepted. Mari: What are you going to cook? Donita: I’m going to make a beef dish. Sandra: I’m going to make a dessert. Pieter: I hope you will let us know how you did in the contest. What is the prize? Donita: First place is $50,000 and a new car. Second place is $25,000 and third place is $10,000. Pieter: I’d like to win any of those! Do you think there will be some resentment or jealousy if one of you wins? Donita: We decided six months ago that any prize money is going to go into a travel account for both of us. That way we can both enjoy another trip. Mari: What a wonderful idea! Do you have any idea where you want to go next? Sandra: Yes. I have a cousin in Scotland who is having some difficulty. It’s very strange, but his sheep have been disappearing, one by one. He’s asked If I could come help him. Donita: She’s very good at solving mysteries! Mari: You’ve solved mysteries before? Donita: She’s too modest to tell you, but the police department calls her when they have a puzzling crime. Pieter: I’d like to hear about some of those; perhaps you should write a book! Sandra: Perhaps. I don’t want to appear rude, but I think I am ready to get some sleep. (Gets up from table.) Goodnight. Have a good flight! Mari: Thank you; it’s been very nice meeting both of you.
As the women walk away, Sandra hears Pieter say, “She solves crimes!”
Mari: Shhh! She might hear you. Don’t panic. Pieter: But what if she finds out... She’s turning around. Mari: Just smile and wave.
The women go back to their staterooms. Sandra sits on her bed in deep thought.
Donita: You’re a quiet one. Sandra: Did you hear Pieter as we were leaving? He seemed very concerned after you said I help the police department. And there’s something about his hair... I think he wears a toupee and I think he wears make-up. Donita: Really? I didn’t notice anything unusual... ( She packs a few more things.) Sandra: I think I’ll take a walk to the ship’s library and use the computer. I haven’t read a newspaper in ten days. Donita: Do you want me to come with you? Sandra: No, thanks, I just want to do some research. I’ll take a key with me. (She walks into to the empty library and opens a computer, searching for international news reports.) I wonder... could it be? (She leans close to the screen for a betterl.) I think it is him! (She jumps at the sound of someone behind her.)
Related Articles
Where should we go on holiday?
Sandra Marttinen
Sandra has decided to take a vacation. But where should she go? The question is best answered by making an appointment with a travel agent. She invites her friend, Donita to go with her. At the agency
travel agent a professional trip planner tropical a hot, humid climate cruise ship passenger ship for leisure vacation
Comprehension questions 1. Why does Sandra want to go on a vacation? 2. Does she want to go to Alaska? 3. Why doesn’t Donita want to go to Hawaii?