The Dead of False Creek by Sarah M Stephen

Author:Sarah M Stephen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery books for adults, historical mystery books, historical detective fiction woman sleuth, traditional mystery cozy mystery canadian mystery, time travel mystery books cold case mystery novels, clean mystery books amateur sleuth, women sleuth female sleuth detective mystery books
Publisher: WZE Press
Published: 2021-10-01T00:00:00+00:00

*

THE WINDOW RATTLED as Winston knocked at the office of Mr. Stanley Rupert, Vice President, according to the name painted on the glass. Beside him Miller pulled at his cuff and cleared his throat. Winston sensed the men seated at a cluster of desks behind them staring at his back. He would speak to them after Rupert.

“Come in,” called a voice from within.

Books lined the east and west walls of the office. Much of the north wall was a window, revealing the growing city below and pictur­esque mountains rising on the inlet’s northern shore. Miller followed Winston into the room, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the view. This was a vantage point enjoyed by few of the city’s resi­dents.

“It is quite the sight. The look in your eyes reminds me how fortu­nate I am to sit where I do.” Rupert closed the door behind Miller and ushered the policemen closer to the window.

Winston introduced Constable Miller to Rupert and approached one of the two chairs in front of his desk.

“Detective.” Rupert nodded at Winston. “You asked yesterday about Eddie’s project. The one he wants money for?” Regret flashed across Rupert’s face. “I remembered after you left. He talked once about opening a clothing store. Sounded like an entirely pedestrian thing, a business selling clothing and other household goods.”

“How serious was he about it?”

Rupert tilted his head, eyebrows raised. “More than I realized, cer­tainly if he was seeking funding for it.”

“I’m impressed he had enough time to consider this, having arrived in the city so recently.”

Rupert held his palms up. “Eddie has always been industrious. When he arrived, he found the right people.” He puffed his chest. “Of course, I introduced them. I just didn’t know what it was he was speaking to them about.”

Miller cleared his throat. “Surely opening a shop would keep him from his work here. How does he have enough time?” the constable asked.

With a quick gesture, Rupert smoothed his shirt. “I don’t mind what he gets up to, provided he gets his work done and doesn’t cause others to stay later. I have no concerns about the occasional afternoon meeting.”

Winston sat back. Few employers would trust their employees with such freedom. “Do his colleagues resent this flexibility?”

“Not that I’ve seen. He’s well liked.” Rupert’s gaze flicked in the direction of the men working outside his door.

Winston rubbed his moustache. “Did you notice any changes to his health?”

Rupert paused. “His health? No, I cannot think of anything. He’s healthy—at least, he didn’t say otherwise.”

“So he gave no reason for leaving work to meet with his doctor?”

Rupert closed his eyes. “The day he disappeared? No. As you know, I saw him again that evening, so I’m not sure this is relevant.”

Winston leaned forward and glanced at Constable Miller, ensuring he continued to take notes. “Yesterday you indicated you know Mr. Chase well. That you helped him secure his position here.”

“When I took this opportunity, I insisted he come along, though it was close to a year before I convinced him.

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