Read Debts and Debtors: (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery Novella #3) (Geeks and Things Cozy Mysteries) for Free Online

effectively drowned out, she did a quick search for Carlisle Premiere Developments. Her search brought up a minimalist website with a contact number and some flashy photos of upscale developments. So at least the company was real. Navigating through the menu at the top of the page, she found a list of affiliate companies. She didn’t have to look far to spot Eastern Seaboard Realty. Had Thomas Chase jumped ship from brokering real estate deals to developing high-end luxury hotels and condos? The change didn’t make much sense to her but her gut told her there was something to this connection.
    “Hey, AJ,” she called, tugging one earbud from her ear.
    Her nephew materialized in the doorway between the front of the store and the game room. “Yeah, Aunt K., what’s up?”
    “How did you hear about the hotel development going up on the waterfront again?”
    “It was in the paper and, as I said, a lot of people weren’t too happy about it going up.”
    “When did all this start? I mean I know I was away for a while but the fact they are moving forward feels kind of sudden.”
    “Uh, maybe over the summer. Well, I know Mom and Dad went to some town meetings back in January or February—before Grandpa died—about using the land for the new development. I think they only finalized the deal in like September. Why?”
    “It might be relevant to the case. Apparently, Mr. Chase doesn’t work for the real estate firm anymore. I know he did in late September or early October because he helped Nadine sell her house but I called earlier and they said he doesn’t work there anymore.”
    “So?”
    She handed over the tablet. “His firm is an affiliate company with the developer. I’m thinking maybe he went to go work for them. I’d imagine it paid better I just don’t know what a real estate broker would be doing at a development firm.”
    “Maybe call and ask them? It can’t hurt, right?”
    “I’m not so sure about that. Remember, the development firm had some Asset Protection manager lurking around while the police were investigating the break-in. When I tried to ask him questions, he blew me off and walked away.”
    “Weird. Does Detective Harper know that Mr. Chase left the company?”
    “I don’t know. I haven’t told him yet but I know he was going to check into it.”
    “As I said, it can’t hurt to call and see if they’ll admit Mr. Chase worked for them. You can borrow my phone if you want.”
    Kalina gave her nephew a grateful smile but shook her head. “Your mother would kill me. I’ll use mine.”
    She pulled the earbuds from the headphone jack and dialed the company’s main number. It rang twice before a chipper-sounding woman answered.
    “Carlisle Premiere Developments, how may I help you today?”
    Kalina let out a breath. “Hi. I might have the wrong number but I’m trying to reach Thomas Chase.”
    “One moment please.” Static filled the other end of the line. “I’m sorry, he’s not in today and I’m not sure when he’ll be back in. I can leave a message for you if you’d like.”
    “No, that’s all right but thanks so much. You have a good day now.”
    Kalina stared dumbstruck at her nephew as she ended the call. “Remind me to give you a raise. You are a smart kid. He definitely worked there before … he died.” She managed to catch herself before she said murdered. Sure, it was accurate but it sounded overly gruesome.
    “If only we could talk to his boss at the old place, maybe find out why he left.”
    “There’s no ‘we’ here. But I might be able to drop a hint or two. Thanks kiddo.”
    “I’m here all week. And by the way, you are totally Jessica Jones.”
    The bell above the door jingled, signaling a new customer, and Kalina shooed AJ back to front desk duty. She had plenty of reasons to drop into the police station without Chris becoming suspicious of her motives. Besides, he owed her for missing Thanksgiving with her family.

 
    CHAPTER NINE
     
    Kalina