Red Julie (An Olivia Miller Mystery Book 2) by J A Whiting Read Free Book Online Page A

of you know my aunt? Her name was Aggie Whitney.”
    Hannigan shook his head. “No. The name isn’t familiar.”
    “I don’t know what’s going on,” Olivia whispered. “Do you know anyone who would want to hurt Mr. Andersen?”
    “No, of course not. Martin was kind, gentle. He was a good friend to everyone. Helpful. A good person. I don’t know. I don’t know how this happened.” Tears started to run down Hannigan’s face.
    “I’m sorry,” Olivia said and touched his arm. “Was anything different? Did he seem like anything was bothering him? Was he worried? Stressed?”
    “No. He seemed himself for the most part. Martin was never secretive. He told me everything. He had been in Europe on business until the day before he died.”
    “How long was he in Europe?”
    “Four weeks. He left May 2. I remember the date because it was my birthday. We had dinner at the airport just before Martin left.”
    Olivia’s face was serious. Aggie had died on the night of May 1.
    “Was it a scheduled trip?”
    “No. In fact, it was quite last minute. Martin had been staying at the house in Ogunquit for about a month. He was working on a book on personal finance and was running his business from the beach house. He was planning on spending two more weeks in Ogunquit but he came home unexpectedly the night before he left for Europe. He said a client in London needed him right away, so he booked the flight for the next day.”
    “Do you know who the client was?”
    “I don’t.”
    “Was it unusual for Mr. Andersen to be called away like that?”
    “Oh, not at all. Martin had many high end international clients. When they were in need, they expected Martin there immediately.”
    “When did Mr. Hannigan return from London?” Olivia asked.
    “The day he was killed.”
    “So the very day he returned from Europe, he made a trip back to Ogunquit?” Olivia asked.
    “He said that when he was called away so suddenly in May he had left another client’s paperwork at the beach house,” Hannigan said. “He said it was essential. He was planning to drive up that night from the airport, pick up what he needed, have dinner, and return the same evening.”
    Olivia nodded.
    Hannigan said, “We both have demanding careers with many late nights, overseas travel, events we are expected to attend. I should have canceled my meeting the night he returned. I should have gone to Ogunquit with him. I should have been with him. I…”
    Olivia touched his arm. ”No one can predict what’s going to happen,” she said quietly.
    “The police are investigating. But, so far, no leads.” Hannigan let out a sigh and shook his head.
    Olivia paused. Her mind was racing. “Where did Mr. Andersen stay when he went to London?”
    “He always stayed at the Goring.”
    “The Goring? For four weeks?”
    Hannigan nodded.
    “Would you mind if I looked into Mr. Andersen’s stay?”
    Hannigan looked quizzical.
    “Things just don’t seem right to me,” Olivia said. “Because of the unusual circumstances around my aunt’s and your partner’s deaths. Something was wrong. Although, I don’t even know where to start or how I would find out anything.”
    “Yes.” Hannigan spoke in a whisper and the burden of sadness caused his face muscles to droop. “You have my permission. It can’t hurt for you to look into it. Do what you can. See what you can find out.”
    “Do you know the name of any of the clients that Mr. Andersen had in London?”
    Hannigan closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. “I know it sounds like I don’t know anything about Martin, but I have no idea who he went to see when he traveled on business,” Hannigan said. “Perhaps you can contact his secretary, Paula Adams. She worked for Martin for years. She booked his flights, kept his calendar and appointments. Her email is on the company website. Tell her that we spoke and that she has my permission to answer your questions.”
    “I’ll do that,” Olivia