Page 26 of Midnight Secrets

“It’s true,” Ellis chimed in.

I shrugged a shoulder. “It’s still a fine name. Strong. Oscar feels a little formal, especially for someone your age.”

“Exactly. I’m a young detective. I need the cred that comes with my name.”

“I would say your actions speak louder since you’re in the position you are already.”

Ellis gave his brother’s shoulder a shove. “See? She gets it.”

Detective Quartermaine rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Have you been keeping your word, Ms. Holmes, and staying out of trouble?”

“Yes. I’ve been too busy to get in trouble.”

“Though she might make an exception and strangle Miranda Benett if the woman doesn’t knock off her shenanigans.” Mina leaned over the counter with my coffee.

I turned her way, taking the coffee with a frown. “What did she do now? I thought we had everything squared away?”

“We do. I’m just being proactive. Until it’s a done deal, I’m not holding my breath she won’t try something else.”

My mouth flattened. That was the truth.

“Who’s Miranda Bennett?” Ellis asked.

“Another realtor,” Mina answered. “She’s a real piece of work. Wholly unethical, unlike my best friend.” She held out a hand, gesturing to me.

“You’re a real estate agent?” Ellis cocked his head, eyeing me with interest. “Ozzie didn’t mention that. He just said you were a witness.”

“I am. Are you in the market for a house?”

“I am,” he parroted, a smile forming.

“You have a house.” Detective Quartermaine turned to look at him.

“A rental, yeah. Since I’m staying, I want to buy.”

I bent down and set Pebbles on the floor to free up a hand. Hooking her leash over my wrist, I reached into my handbag and took a business card from my wallet, then held it out to Ellis. “Here. Give me a call, and we’ll set up a time to meet and discuss what you’re looking for.”

Ellis took the card. “I’ll do that. Thank you.” He offered me a disarming smile. I couldn’t help but wonder what the same smile would look like on his brother.

But judging from the scowl on Detective Quartermaine’s face, I doubted I would find out anytime soon.

“How’s the investigation going?” I asked. “Have you found Mr. Hammond?”

The scowl intensified. “No.”

“Did you check all their property? He has a cabin near Hoonah.”

He narrowed his eyes. “How do you know that? I thought you were staying out of trouble?”

“He asked me to sell it too.”

“Have you?”

“Sold it?”

He nodded.

“No. I haven’t even listed it. They wanted to put the house up first and get it sold. Rural property like that is harder to sell in the winter because it’s harder to get people out there to see it.”

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