Read 5 Deal Killer for Free Online Page A

notable projects built in recent years, if not the star.
    “How long ago was this built?”
    “Five years, I think.”
    The elevator hummed to a halt and the doors opened with a quiet whoosh. “Here we are,” Miles said. They stepped into a hushed hallway lined with sconces and framed artwork.
    “I feel like I’m in a deluxe hotel, not an apartment building,” murmured Darby.
    Miles unlocked the door and flicked on the lights. “ Voilá, Mademoiselle. ”
    Darby was immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling panes of glass looking out on a darkened but still grand Central Park. “Wow, what a view,” she breathed. “It’s like the heart of the city is right there, waiting.” She turned and took in the open living and dining space, noting the soaring ceilings and polished wood floors. “What’s this, about twelve hundred square feet?” she asked Miles.
    “A thousand, I think. It’s one of the smaller units in the building, but Charlie was smart to buy it, don’t you think?”
    “Depends what he paid, Miles. If he got in on the ground floor, so to speak, chances are he is going to make a profit when he sells, providing the market keeps improving.” She admired the sleek kitchen with its gleaming appliances, bearing the best names and brands. “Either Charlie had a decorator for this place, or his wife is pretty talented.”
    “Decorator. Mrs. Charles Burrows flew the coop just after they bought it. I gather our friend is a fabulous teacher but not quite the doting husband. He had an affair and she went back to wherever they were from.”
    Darby took in the comfortable furnishings, eyeing a particularly appealing leather couch. Suddenly she felt very tired, as if the flight from Southern California had finally taken its toll.
    Miles made a sympathetic face. “Your busy day is catching up with you, love. Ready to turn in?”
    She nodded, stifling a yawn. “As soon as I check in with ET. He’s called a couple of times, so I’d better see what’s up.”
    “A multimillion dollar deal, no doubt.”
    “That would be totally fine with me.” Darby tossed her black hair and listened as her assistant Enrique Tomaso Gomez, or ET as she called him, answered the phone, his voice smooth and professional as always.
    “New York calling San Diego,” she joked, waiting for him to make a funny quip back.
    He exhaled. “Thank goodness you’ve called. There’s some trouble, I’m afraid.”
    “What’s up?”
    “Let me go into your office a moment.” She waited while ET, obviously wanting more privacy, changed phones. “It’s the people who bought the property in Poway.”
    “The Davenports? Jill and …” she thought a moment. “Carl. That was back in December, I think. What’s up?”
    He sighed. “They called yesterday and then again today. They’re very unhappy.”
    “Really? They were thrilled on the day the property changed hands.”
    “Yes, well, it seems that the addition on the back of the house has a moisture problem that the building inspector didn’t see. According to them, it’s fairly serious.”
    “Yikes. I can see why they are upset.” She pictured the great room with its stone mantel and distressed pine floors.
    “They asked for a mold expert and I gave them a few names. Hopefully, it’s something that can be taken care of promptly.”
    “Was there any indication in the property disclosure information that moisture was, or had been, an issue?”
    “No. I checked the disclosures and the inspector’s report as well and there were no special notations regarding the addition.” He paused. “I hope it will all blow over, but I wanted you to know.”
    “Thank you. You did the right thing in contacting me. How is everything else going?”
    “Fine. Claudia is listing a new executive ranch in Carlsbad, and I’ve booked you a few appointments for when you return. I’ll send you all the information.”
    “Thank you, ET.” Darby hung up her phone and turned to look out at the