A Classic Case of Murder: Detective Crime Mystery Suspense (Ben and Mark Detective Investigator Mystery Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

for drinks. That’s what we’d do to keep up with each other. Meet for drinks and catch up.”
    “Do you know what Carrie did other than her writing? Was she in a side-business of some kind?”
    Melissa answered immediately. “Not that I know of. Her books were so successful. I wouldn’t think she’d need to be involved in any other kind of business. I do know that she supported several other people in their business ventures, though.”
    “How do you mean?”
    “She invested in small businesses to help them get off the ground.”
    “I see.”
    Ben nodded. He looked up when Mark stood up.
    “Well, we won’t trouble you any more right now, Ms. Gilmore. If you think of anything else, please let us know.”
    Melissa took the card and looked at it. “You know, I don’t know if it’s of any relevance…” She hesitated and Mark raised his eyebrows at her to prompt her to continue. “Well, it’s just that there was someone at the bar we meet at that I recognized last time we were there. I thought he talked to Carrie before we left. I can’t be sure though. He may just have been another fan.”
    “Did she look uncomfortable around him?” Mark asked.
    Melissa shook her head. “Carrie was never uncomfortable around anyone. She had a smile for every person who talked to her. She had fans come up to her all the time and she was very gracious to them.”
    Mark nodded. “Do you have a name for the person you thought you recognized?”
    Melissa was quiet as she thought. “No.”
    “See that you call us if it does. Or should I say when?”
    Melissa smiled. “It’s always good to think positive.”
    “Cindy mentioned that Carrie and Tucker didn’t seem to be talking much at your last meeting. Did you notice that, also?” Mark asked.
    Melissa looked suddenly reluctant to speak. “I did, actually.”
    “You didn’t mention it.”
    She dropped her eyes. “I…I don’t think Tucker would do something like this. He’s…not the type.”
    “All right, thank you, Ms. Gilmore.”
    She walked them to the door.
    “Let’s visit Tucker first.” Mark said when they were back in the car. “What’s his last name, Keyes? And plug in his address to the GPS please.”
    “He’s probably at work now, wouldn’t you think, sir?” Ben asked.
    “Yes, I think you’re probably right. Let’s go there instead. Good thinking, Keyes.”
    “Thank you, sir.” As he looked up Tucker’s place of work, he said. “His last name is Campbell. He’s a…get this…he’s a physical trainer at the gym. Probably the same one that Melissa goes to. It’s at the mall.”
    “We’ll go there, then. They are a true circle of friends. Supporting each other in everything.”
    “So Cindy was Carrie’s accountant and Tucker is their fitness trainer. I wonder if Cindy is everyone’s accountant.”
    “Probably.” Mark said. “But I’m not sure that’s relevant to the case at this time. Something to keep in mind, though. What else can you tell me about Tucker?”
    The GPS told Mark to pull out on the main street and turn right in a quarter of a mile.
    Tucker’s gym was placed just outside the main building of the mall, surrounded by restaurants that looked good to defeat the purpose of his business. They looked in through the huge glass window-walls. There were three women inside, lifting small weights and doing lunges. Tucker was standing off to the side, watching, his arms crossed over his chest, yelling for them to “keep going”, “just three more” and other encouraging words.
    He was a short man who had obviously been body-building for some time. His chest was big and bulky. He had a shaved head and a long scar that ran from his left eye down over his cheekbone to his chin.
    “Let’s see what Tucker has to say about this business.” Mark pulled open the door and they went in.
     
    Tucker stopped what he was doing when he saw them. They both took note of his face, which seemed to steel itself right before their eyes.