Upstaged by Murder by Grace Topping

Author:Grace Topping [Topping, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: 2021-03-29T16:30:29+00:00

Chapter 21

Welcome buyers with an inviting front entrance. Add a clean doormat, seasonal plants, and an attractive light fixture that’s in keeping with the style of the house.

Walking away from the park, I thought of my father. He had been an extremely handsome man and had become even more attractive with age. My mother had believed his looks had been the cause of most of their problems and had warned me about good-looking men. Her warnings and Derrick’s behavior had helped fuel my now wariness of handsome men. Sad so many of our hang-ups are rooted in our childhood.

I’d been surprised and sorry to learn the police had arrested Chris, but I’d taken no personal interest in his situation. With the news of our relationship, that changed overnight. The police obviously found grounds to detain or charge him. What could I find out that would help me understand his situation and, if he were guilty, what had motivated him?

I hoped my father would retain Ted Wojdakowski to represent Chris. Ted was a serious and hardworking attorney who had represented friends in the past. If I were in trouble and needed an attorney, he’d be the first person I’d turn to.

Returning to the warehouse and entering the fourth floor, I caught sight of Simon coming from the other direction. Before I could turn and go back the way I came, he waved and came toward me. Just then, Gloria came out of her cubicle. Thankfully, he turned and followed her. I’d been spared having to deal with him.

Walking into the common area, I spotted Sam and Emma sitting there, finishing their lunch. We were back to box lunches. I grabbed one and approached them.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Hello, love, please do.” Emma moved her purple beaded handbag from a nearby chair. “You look all done in. Is this competition getting to you?”

I sat down heavily and sighed. “No, not really. It’s a lot of other things.” Peering at the contents of the cardboard box containing lunch didn’t perk up my spirits.

I unwrapped a sandwich that looked like chicken salad, paused, and switched off my mic. “Look, you might as well know this because word will eventually get out. Chris Channing is my half-brother.”

Sam’s eyes widened. “Now that’s a surprise. Do Simon and Olivia know? That could present a problem. The others could feel you have an unfair advantage. At least so until the police took Chris into custody.”

“It was a surprise to me too. I just learned of his existence. I’m only telling you so you’ll understand why I want to question you about the night Beth died. I’d like to find out as much as I can about what happened that night.”

“Wow, that would’ve been a turn of events for you,” Sam said. “How is it you just learned he was your brother?”

“Long story—a father absent for too many years who just came back into my life.”

Even to my ears, it sounded unbelievable. But it seemed to satisfy him, or he was too polite to ask further questions.

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