Sylvia’s Secret, A Christmas Story: A Detective Carhill Mystery, Book 1 by Vee Mary

Author:Vee, Mary
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Never Give up Stories Publications
Published: 2019-09-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Traffic volume had increased on the expressway as Branson neared New York City. He wasn’t accustomed to driving. Taxi drivers jockeyed lanes and moved forward, protecting their cars from other vehicles. They eased into the correct lanes for tolls smooth as ice. Tackling the rush hour gridlock was not for the weak.

About the time the NYC skyline came into view, the phone rang. “Hello, Mrs. Spinnaker. Who is next on the list?”

“Marguerite Chadwick from Atlanta. I’ll connect your call.”

Following a click, a woman said, “This is Mrs. Chadwick.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Chadwick. Branson Carhill calling on behalf of Sylvia Duvet’s daughter.”

“Good morning, Mr. Carhill. How may I help you?” Her voice wasn’t the deep southern he’d expect from an Atlanta gal.

“I’m conducting an investigation. Were you aware that Mrs. Duvet is missing?”

She gasped. “Why no. I had not heard. Do you have any idea where she is?”

Branson waited, but Marguerite didn’t elaborate. The silence dragged. “I have been retained by her daughter to locate her. My services include anonymity and no contact with the papers.” When she still didn’t offer information, he added, “You don’t have to be concerned about revealing what you know. Every word is kept confidential.”

“I for one appreciate that, Mr. Carhill.”

“Have you been in contact with Sylvia recently?”

“Yes. We talked about taking a shopping trip. Seems she’s looking to redecorate her living room and dining room. Before calling in interior decorators, she wanted to go to the city and shop for ideas. She probably is there. Have you searched?”

“Sylvia would stay in a hotel rather than travel back the same day, right?”

“You have no idea how tiring shopping can be.”

“Nothing is recorded in her planner. Wouldn’t she have such a trip noted?”

“You’ve seen her planner? And she didn’t write down the trip? My. That is odd.”

“Mrs. Chadwick, do you know where Sylvia is?”

“Are you pressing accusations against me, Mr. Carhill?”

“No, ma’am. I simply want to know that she is well. That is all her daughter is asking.”

“I’m sure she’s fine. You’ll see. She’ll show up at the house bursting with design ideas. I’m sorry, Mr. Carhill. I don’t believe I can offer further assistance.”

The code politely indicated she’d finished the conversation.

“Thank you. Are the Cinq Amis planning to exchange gifts this year?”

“Why, Mr. Carhill. What possessed you to ask such a question?”

“Most friends exchange gifts. Especially five close friends.”

“Oh. I see. You hadn’t mentioned knowing about our group. Yes. We usually exchange gifts. I have Sylvia’s all wrapped. I’m so glad you asked. I’ll need to get it to the delivery service soon.”

“So, you don’t plan to meet?”

She paused. “Well, yes. I said I would come to help with the interior decorating, but the date hasn’t been set. I’m sorry, I really must go. Please ask Sylvia to call when you find her.”

“Thank you for your time, Mrs. Chadwick.” The call ended. How interesting. These three ladies seemed confident in Sylvia’s safety despite not knowing where she was.

Ten minutes later the phone rang. “Mrs. Spinnaker, is

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