Take Stock in Murder by Millie Mack Read Free Book Online Page A

ceilings are found in the older buildings of this city. You don’t get that feature with new construction.” She paused briefly, then continued, “You know, you still get a ten-percent discount, because we’re just under the halfway sales mark.”
    “Is there still a selection of units?” Charles asked.
    “Oh, yes. We still have thirteen units left, and not until I sell three more does the ten-percent opening offer go away.” She repositioned her half-lens glasses on the end of her nose. “However, if I’m truly honest with you, I must tell you that I expect to close two units today.”
    “Yes, I can see how condos like this will go fast. And would you believe number thirteen is our lucky number? Now, let me get my bearings. The east side faces the park, and the west side would face the river. Do you have any units left on the river side?”
    “Well, yes. I’ve six left facing the river. But, Mr. Eckenrode, those units are more expensive than the prices I quoted earlier. Aside from facing the river, they all have two bedrooms with a den, not the one bedroom with a den, as you’ve seen here.”
    “I understand they would be more expensive, but I think we would prefer the larger apartment. When we come to the city for dinner or to see a show, we come with friends. With two bedrooms, we can extend an overnight stay to our friends. And if we stay during the week, we would both need a place to work. A two bedroom with den seems perfect. Don’t you agree, darling?” Charles smiled.
    At first Carrie was dumbfounded by her husband’s performance, but then she decided to join the fun. “Absolutely! We must have another bedroom for our friends, should they get stranded here in the city during late-night theater dates and parties.” She tried to sound just the least bit snobbish.
    “We would also like to be higher so we’ve a better view. Let’s see. We’re on the third floor. What do you think, darling? Should we go to the eighth?”
    “I do have some on the eighth floor,” Mrs. Breckenridge broke in. “However, the higher you go, the more expensive the cost.” She looked at both Charles and Carrie over the top of her half-frame glasses. “I must apologize, Mr. Eckenrode. I forgot what company you work for.”
    “I don’t work for anyone!” Charles said, acting slightly annoyed. “I am president of our family business. You see, we’ve a house up in Tri-County, but it would also be nice to have something in the city.”
    Accepting Charles’s mild rebuke, Mrs. Breckenridge said, “I understand fully. And I do have a two-bedroom-with-den condo left on the eighth floor.” She turned to Carrie. “In fact, the gentleman who lives across the hall from this condo is from Tri-County also. Perhaps you know him. A Mr. Barrington, Todd Barrington.”
    “That name does sound familiar. Doesn’t it, darling?” Carrie said.
    “Yes. We must be sure to introduce ourselves. May we see the condo?”
    “Yes, I’ll be glad to show it to you.” Mrs. Breckenridge took a ring of keys from her desk, put up a sign saying she would be right back, and started to lead them out the door.
    Charles took a quick glance at his watch, and Mrs. Breckenridge caught him. “You’re not in a hurry, are you, Mr. Eckenrode? I really do want you to see the condo.”
    “Not at all, Mrs. Breckenridge. I’ve a bad habit of always checking the time. It’s the result of a very busy lifestyle.”
    The three of them left the model and stood waiting for the elevator. When the doors opened, a couple in their late fifties emerged. The couple looked at the group and asked, “Hello. Is one of you Mrs. Breckenridge?”
    “Yes, I am,” Mrs. Breckenridge responded.
    “We’re the Picketts. So glad we caught you. As I said when I called, we’re about to settle on a condo four blocks away, but several friends said we needed to see the condos in this building.”
    “Oh my. I’m with this couple and was about to show a condo. Do you have the