AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He tried the maids’ numbers, got rings but no voicemail. “Given Dougie’s level of anger, maybe they’re in there but afraid to talk.”
He redialed Doug March. “Like he’s gonna answer.”
March said, “You again? What?”
“Irma and Adelita still aren’t answering their—”
“What do you expect me to do about it?”
“Would there be some way for me to get inside and check on their welfare?”
“Are you nuts?” said March. “You’re thinking there’s some lunatic running around town wiping out anyone with connections to me? That’s idiotic.”
“I’m sure it is but—”
“Butnothing.Even if I wanted to let you in, which I don’t, I’ve got no way to effect that.”
“No one at your office has a key?”
Long silence.
“Sir?”
“Didn’t think about that,” said March, suddenly subdued. As if missing something was painful.
Douglass, you’re so smart,but…
“Sir?”
“I heard you the first time. Yes, there happens to be a spare key in the office. A girl who works for me knows where I keep it. You are not to bother her, I’ll arrange it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Mind you, I think the whole idea is asinine but if you feel compelled to root around, do it. But only up to a point. She can’t stick around long. I need her in the office.”
“We’ll be quick, sir.”
“And,” said March, “this isthelast time I’m going to get involved in your entire mess. Randi will bring a key and the codes. Now it’s your turn to do something for me.”
“What’s that, sir?”
“If there is something…unpleasant inside,” said Doug March, “clean it up thoroughly before I get back. Which is in two days. A, I don’t want to see it, and B, more important, I’m going to be selling the place and need it to be shipshape.”
Click.
Milo said, “Mean and crazy. Nowayhe’s off the list.”
CHAPTER
23
Cool, pleasant day so we waited outside the gates, occasionally peering through the pickets at the mansion. Milo tried the call button several more times but with no zeal. The two of us shifted yards apart and got on our phones.
One message I wanted to return: Judge Julie Beck. This time I got her bailiff and waited a few minutes before she came on.
“Hi, again, Alex. Two additional facts re: Ruffalo. It’s going to be a while before Derek makes it to your office. The prep school’s doing some sort of nature thing, hiking, survival, building strong character, whatever.”
“Strengthening the resolve of future leaders.”
