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first place. After all, what does a photographer know about…” Suzanne stopped.
    “Were you about to say ‘murder’?” Charles asked.
    “I was about to say Jamie’s work ,” Suzanne defended. “His death has not been ruled a murder. His death will probably turn out to be an unfortunate accident, but I think this mysterious letter has stirred up all these thoughts about murder,” added Suzanne.
    “I wonder…” Mrs. Faraday’s voice sounded weak.
    “Mother, what are you thinking?” Charles asked gently.
    “I was also wondering why Carrie. Jamie hadn’t seen her in many years, and from all indications they didn’t keep in touch,” she added.
    “Maybe Jamie’s death has something to do with the past,” Charles suggested. “Someone they both knew or some story they both worked on for the college newspaper.”
    “Charles, if you’re right, then Jamie’s letter must contain clues. I think we should insist that Carrie show us that letter!” Suzanne stated firmly.
    “See, Suzanne, you do understand why we invited Carrie to stay with us. The best way to learn what Carrie knows is to have her under this roof,” Mrs. Faraday said, and then added, “So, children, no more bickering.”
    Carrie did not like Mrs. Faraday’ s last comment. Let them have supper without me , she thought. She spun around to return to her room and crashed into Christopher.
    “Hey, how come you’re spying on everyone?” he asked.
    Carrie jumped. “Christopher, you shouldn’t be sneaking up on people!” she scolded.
    “ Look who’s talking. You were sneakin’ up on them, weren’t you?” Christopher tilted his head toward the study.
    Carrie hoped her face wasn’t showing the guilt she was feeling. “I didn’t exactly sneak up. I was waiting for the right moment to enter the room.”
    “That’s a good one. I’ll have to remember that excuse the next time I get caught.”
    “Ah, so you’ve been caught listening to other people’s conversations , too. That means we’re both spies. Maybe we can get side-by-side cells when they cart us off to prison.”
    Christopher started to defend himself, when he realized Carrie was pulling his leg. He placed his thumbs inside his belt loops and boasted, “You might say I’ve overheard a few conversations in my time.”
    “Glad to hear it. In that case, I think we should make a deal. You don’t tell on me today, and I won’t tell on you,” Carrie offered.
    “But you haven’t caught me at anything!” Christopher protested.
    “Let’s say you’re buying security for your future.”
    “Future options …hmm,” he said. “I like that. Grandma and Uncle Charles are always talking stock options. Okay, I agree, with one condition.”
    “ What’s the condition?”
    “I get to choose when to exercise my option,” he stated.
    Carrie smiled at his use of the phrase and said, “You do understand finance. It’s a deal.” She held out her hand, and they shook on it.
    “What are you two plotting?”
    They both jumped.
    “Looks like high-powered negotiations going on out here, especially when the negotiators look guilty as sin.” Charles was standing at the door of the study.
    “Nothing’s going on,” Carrie said calmly. “We were just coming into the room.”
    Charles led the way as Carrie gave a wink to Christopher, who responded with a grin.
    After drinks in the study, the group adjourned to the dining room. Mrs. Faraday was the perfect dinner hostess, orchestrating the serving of the entrée and vegetables. Charles seemed at ease as he managed the conversation. He asked Carrie about her photography and if she was doing any writing. He asked Christopher how he was progressing on his science report for school and asked Suzanne what she liked most about Europe.
    It wasn’t until after dessert, and Christopher left to do his schoolwork, that Suzanne brought up the letter. The adults were enjoying the last of the coffee when Suzanne asked, “Were you planning on