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

time to wait until we return?”
    “Actually, we don’t. We have a lunch engagement and thought we would stop by for a few minutes,” answered Mr. Pickett.
    “Mrs. Breckenridge, you go ahead and spend time with this couple. Mrs. Eckenrode and I would like to spend time getting the feel of the rooms and deciding where we would like to place our furnishings.” Charles said as he reached out for the key ring. “Now just show me the key I need.”
    “Well, I guess that would be all right. It’s apartment eight zero four. See? The condo number is the last three of the six digits listed on each key.”
    “Great. Now don’t you worry about us, and please take your time, because that’s exactly what we’re going to do in what will probably be our new condo.”
    Charles grinned at Carrie as he twirled the key ring on his finger.

nce they were in the elevator, Carrie was elated. “I thought she would never leave us. What luck that the other couple came along.”
    “Yes, wasn’t it?” Charles said.
    “I must say, that was quite a performance, my darling. What was all that stuff about our new condo?”
    “It wouldn’t hurt to have a condo in the city.”
    “Really, Charles? You want to buy a boat
and
a condo all in one day? Not to mention that our potential new condo is on the same floor as Todd’s?”
    Charles used Mrs. Breckenridge’s code and held up the key for eight zero six. Charles inserted the key and carefully turned the knob. The door responded, and they entered Todd’s city condo.
    “Wow, will you look at this place.” Carrie’s eyes were practically popping. “Todd always said his father refused to give him anything beyond what he earned, other than a Club membership. And we all know Daddy gives Club memberships tomake sure the children meet the right people and cast the extra votes for Tri-County Club presidential elections.”
    “It looks like Daddy came through with more than a Club membership for Todd. I’d say he came through in style.” Charles wiped the doorknob with his handkerchief and carefully locked the door behind them.
    The condo was professionally decorated in the latest furniture and fabrics. The furniture was modern, expensive, and well polished. The dark evergreen carpet was thick and enhanced the dark wood of the furniture. The best and latest in electronics, including a television, stereo, and DVD, Blu-ray, and CD players, were housed in an entertainment center. And the place was immaculate, indicating that Todd availed himself of the expensive maid service outlined in the sales brochure.
    “Somehow I don’t think Daddy paid for all this,” Carrie said.
    “But the question is, if Daddy didn’t pay for this, how was Todd earning his extra money? Let’s look for something that explains Todd’s newfound wealth,” Charles suggested as he handed Carrie a pair of latex gloves.
    Charles opened one door and found the den. He headed straight to a desk with a laptop sitting on it. He turned the computer on and was surprised Todd didn’t use a password. Charles started sorting through the files.
    Carrie left Charles to his tasks and started on the other rooms. She searched quickly through the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Then she focused on Todd’s bedroom. The room was furnished simply, with only a few pieces of furniture made of teak.
Something chic to impress the women
, Carrie thought.She started looking with a vengeance through every drawer and closet in the place. She was sorry he was dead, but men like Todd annoyed her—why couldn’t they all be like Charles? Todd’s closets revealed quality and expensive clothing, but no clues. She even looked under the bed. Carrie went to the den to find Charles.
    Charles looked up from the files he was scanning. “Nothing. He seems to have saved very little on the computer.” He opened desk drawers. “Here’s something interesting,” he said as he held up several slips of paper. “Looks like our boy Todd had a