There were no secrets among the women. If anyone had come across a situation that she thought needed to be addressed, she would bring it to the table, and the sisters would take a vote. If they agreed to deal with it, they would lay out a strategy for the mission, with each sister getting an assignment. At the moment, Myra, Annie, Nikki, Alexis, and Charles were in the preliminary stages of finding out what they could about the two doctors and their “longevity protocol.” If Myra’s instincts were correct, and they usually were, the group would be convening for a vote lickety-split.

But all of that would wait until dinner had been served, followed by dessert, tea, and coffee, and the twelve-foot walnut dining-room table was back to its pristine state, the dishes and pots and pans were gleaming, and not a crumb was in sight.

For now, the preparations for their arriving guest were proceeding apace.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The girls stepped back to admire the gorgeous table they had arranged for the dinner party. Myra was correct. The beautiful Waterford crystal complemented the stunning Hermès china, both sitting upon the crisp white Pratesi tablecloth. The centerpiece of cherry-blossom branches and white peonies made a statement that could be described only as exquisite. Small votive candles were scattered throughout. The girls engaged in high fives and a lot of whooping. Even the dogs barked in approval.

Charles peeked around the corner and walked in holding a small tray of popovers in one hand. “You certainly outdid yourselves, girls! This deserves a treat.” The dogs went wild at the word treat. Charles reached into his pocket with his free hand and produced a handful of doggie biscuits. His pockets were seldom without them.

Maggie snatched a popover before anyone else did. “Oh my. This is heaven. Charles, I don’t know how you do it.” The girls elbowed their way to the silver platter on which rested the airy, fluffy pastries.

“We prefer to call it Yorkshire pudding, but you Yanks call them popovers. This is just a test recipe. The real deal will be served at dinner.” Charles took a small bow as each sister stuffed a flaky morsel in her mouth.

Annie elbowed her way into the middle of the ongoing bedlam to snatch the last popover. “It’s almost three o’clock, ladies. I think it’s time we let Charles continue his artful preparations and we clean up our act.”

As the women dispersed, Myra gave Nikki and Annie a signal to meet in the drawing room.

“Nikki, what were you able to find out about Dr. Marcus and Dr. Steinwood?” Myra held her breath.

“They both have medical degrees from Ross University School of Medicine.”

“Ross University? Is that like Joe’s School of Dentistry?” Annie could not resist making an attempt at humor. Myra gave her a sideways glance.

“It’s in Barbados.”

“Barbados?” Annie and Myra asked in unison.