Take a Dive for Murder by Millie Mack Read Free Book Online

analyzing situations: black and white, without all the shades of gray. I’m not sure how bad it is, but I’m beginning to think I’m in deeper than…well, deeper than I can perhaps handle.
     
    Remember the story we worked on together in college for the paper, the one about the records being altered in the registrar’s office? We stayed up for two nights hiding out in the registrar’s office trying to catch the person. We never caught him, but the problem just stopped. I’m working on a story with a similar situation. Waiting in the dark, hoping the person will stop. If not, I’ll have to try to catch them in the act. I know this isn’t much information, but if something does happen to me, I don’t want to cloud your analytical ability with my theories.
     
    If the worst happens—be careful. I’m placing this incredible burden on you because I know you’re a good photographer who can analyze a situation without being influenced. Good analysis is like a photo. A photo never lies because it sees things exactly as they are.
     
    If it becomes necessary to deliver this letter, I’ve asked my family to have you stay with them in our house. I can hear you saying, “Thanks a lot,” but I have my reasons.
     
    First, I have a son. His name is Christopher. He’s a wonderful kid, and I’d like for him to meet you. In many ways he reminds me of you. Staying at the house will allow you to be near Christopher. I think you will enjoy the experience. Second, the house will provide you with protection. Be open-minded toward Mother and Charles. I’ve learned to accept them for the good people they are. Third, all of my belongings, notes, photos, and papers are at the house, and staying there will provide convenient access to them.
     
    Asking you to help is harder than any story assignment I’ve had, but I know I’ve done the right thing. I pray I’ll see you someday in person, and this letter will never be delivered.
     
    Carrie, there has always been and will always be a place in my heart for you.
     
    With love,
     

Jamie
     
    P.S. Remember, good analysis is like a photo. It always reveals the truth.
    ***
    Carrie turned the letter over, but there was nothing on the back. Through her tears, she read the letter several more times. She was looking for some clue in the words as to what Jamie was investigating, but it just wasn’t there. The only thing the letter did imply was that Jamie might be working on a story.
    The next question was what to do with the letter. It was too dangerous to keep it there. Then she had an idea. She went to the desk and wrote a short note explaining where she was and asked for the enclosed envelope to be held until she was able to retrieve it. She enclosed Jamie’s letter in a new envelope and placed it in a second envelope addressed to her parents in Pear Cove, a resort town about seventy-five miles away from TriCity.
    She slept with the envelope under her pillow. But sleep didn’t come easily. Her restless dreams were of Jamie swimming in the harbor and Ascot running through the streets of TriCity. In each case they were trying to escape from someone wanting to murder them.

9
    When Carrie awoke the next morning, it was only four-thirty. Unable to go back to sleep, she took the time to write down a couple of notes for her mystery book based on her recent dreams. She wondered if all writers dreamed of their characters.
    When the first light showed through the windows, she put on her jogging outfit and left the house. The morning was beautiful. She liked March mornings, with their promise of spring. The air was crisp, but not so cold that you couldn’t enjoy running. She jogged into the small village near the Faraday house. The village consisted of a deli/convenience store, a garage, an antique shop and craft store, an interior design shop, a pub, and a post office. She jogged around the village a couple of times to be sure her movements weren’t being observed. When she was sure no one