Skeletons in the Attic (A Marketville Mystery Book 1) by Judy Penz Sheluk Read Free Book Online Page A

it came to men.
    “That’s that then,” he said, carefully arranging the last rolls of carpet into a neat pile. He handed me a newspaper rolled inside a yellow plastic sleeve. “Your Marketville Post , delivered every Thursday whether you want it or not. Filled with a week’s worth of local news, which basically serves as wrapping paper for store flyers. Not too thick at this time of year, but you need a crane to lift it during the Back to School blitz and at Christmas time.”
    “I actually love going through store flyers, and I have a ton of things I need to buy. In fact, I’d offer you a drink after all your hard work, but I’m afraid all I have to offer is tea or coffee, without milk. I also plan to hit the liquor store tomorrow.” I looked down at my now filthy clothes. “Plus I’m probably badly in need of a shower.”
    Royce laughed. “Yeah, you kind of are, though I will say I admire your work ethic. I could use ten of you at my company.”
    “If that’s a job offer, I’ll pass. I have the bedrooms to de-carpet and a host of other renovations I haven’t even started to consider. I need to make a list. At least I got the locks changed today.”
    “It’s a good idea to have new locks installed when you move into a place. You never know who might have a key.”
    “That’s true. Leith Hampton thought you might have one.”
    “Really? Well, no, can’t say I do. As for that renovation list, I’m happy to help you prioritize. No obligation to use my company. Just some neighborly advice to steer you in the right direction.”
    “Thank you, Royce. I’d love to take you up on your offer. How about coming over for dinner one night and we can talk it over? I make a mean lasagna and Caesar salad. And I pour an excellent glass of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.”
    “A home-cooked meal and a glass of wine in exchange for some renovation advice? How’s Saturday sound? Or am I being too eager?”
    I laughed. “You sound like a guy who could use a home-cooked meal without doing the cooking. Saturday works for me. How does six o’clock sound?”
    “It sounds perfect. Right now, though, I’d suggest a good, long soak in a hot bath, preferably one loaded with Epsom salts.” He stepped closer to me and for a brief moment I thought he might be leaning down to kiss me. Instead he pulled a strand of wooly carpet from my hair. “Good night, Callie. I’ll see you on Saturday.”
    “Saturday,” I said, when I could finally find my voice. But he was already gone.

Chapter 10
     
    I checked my emails first thing Friday morning and was pleased to find a reply from Arabella Carpenter.
    Subject: Locket
    Hi, Callie. Thanks for sending me the pix of your lovely locket. I have seen similar lockets over the years and as such, in addition to the photos you’ve sent, my email appraisal is based upon those examples. Here goes:
    Based on the quality of materials and workmanship, along with its Art Deco style, your locket was almost certainly made in the 1920s. The opaque glass is camphor glass—clear glass treated with hydrofluoric acid vapors to give it a frosted whitish appearance, made to imitate carved rock crystal quartz. From the mid-nineteenth century to the 1930s, camphor glass was used for many things, from lampshades to bottles. In jewelry, it was often cast with a star pattern on the reverse to give it a radiant appearance. This is indeed the case with this piece, as you can see from the inside left of the locket when opened. There is one further mark on the back, a 14 with a semi-circle around it, which indicates this is not silver, as you thought, but 14 Karat white gold. The stone in the center of the locket is almost certainly a diamond, although I’d have to see it in person to be sure. Why not pop by the shop one day and bring it along? It’s high time we caught up over lunch or dinner.
    Best,
    Arabella
    A locket from the 1920s. Was it a family heirloom? Purchased secondhand from a jeweler? Found at an