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were much smaller than what she would get at home in the suburbs of Connecticut. She picked up the largest one available and inspected the almost perfect shape and the stem that was curled over like a handle – just the way she liked them. She paid the high city price for the glorified squash and was back on the street with her purchase within minutes, holding the pumpkin against her belly like a pregnant mother.
    By the time she made her way up Dunhill Street, she wished she had chosen a smaller pumpkin. Climbing the front stairs, she bent over and placed the pumpkin next to the pot of purple mums by the door. The outside light perfectly illuminated the new arrangement and she smiled, pleased with her purchase.
    The door opened and a couple stepped out into the chilly evening, the man holding the door for his wife.
    “Oh! How lovely!” the woman said looking at the pumpkin nestled up against the mums.
    “Thank you,” Sarah said, returning the woman’s smile. The woman was much older but possessed a youthful twinkle in her eye and ringlets of crazy curls. Sarah immediately liked her. The husband was very tall with thick white hair and a prominent hooked nose.
    “I’m Sarah Carter,” offering her hand to the woman.
    “Hello, Sarah. Nice to meet you. I’m Melanie Baldwin and this is my husband, Gregory.” She looked adoringly up at her husband.
    “Hello, Sarah” Gregory said, leaning his tall frame over and extending his hand. “So you are the new tenant. Where are you from?”
    “From? Um, I’m from Berlin, Connecticut. But I've been living in New York for the last few years.”
    “Ah, yes. A New Englander. That’s good, but, what was in New York?”
    “Don’t mind Gregory.” Melanie said giving her husband a playful slap on the arm. “He’s always so inquisitive. So, we would love to have you over for tea. We’re in apartment 2B.”
    “I’d like that,” Sarah said and meant it. It would be nice to get to know some of her neighbors in the building. Someone other than just Mr. Brown the landlord who was a little scary and very unsociable.
    Melanie clapped her hands in excitement. “Wonderful! If you are available Sunday afternoon we take tea at three.”
    With her only plan being the carving of the pumpkin, Sarah quickly accepted and they said their goodbyes.

Chapter 4
     
    Sarah arrived at apartment 2B at precisely three o’clock on Sunday, and softly knocked on the mahogany door. Gregory answered and, with a slight bow, welcomed her into their apartment. As Sarah entered, she noticed the apartment layout was a bit different than her own, and she admired the period look with ornate moldings, built in cabinets and working fireplace that Gregory had returned to tending.
    The front window in the living room was the same elegant shape as the first floor and in it was a built-in bench with a round table, already laden with a three tiered stand with petite sandwiches, tea cups and a small platter of madeleines. Melanie came into the room carrying a tea pot and creamer.
    “Sarah! I am so happy to see you again! Come in, sit down please, tea is ready!”
    Gregory led the way to the table, offering Sarah the cushioned bench with the plush pillows before taking one of side chairs. Melanie joined Sarah at the other end of the bench and busied herself with pouring the tea and explaining the different finger sandwiches.
    A short time later with the crackling fire and tea warming and soothing her, she felt comfortable with her newly met neighbors.
    “So, I have a question for you,” Sarah started tentatively, “how well do you know our landlord?”
    Melanie’s perpetual smile waivered and she snuck a sideways glance at her husband. His face was impassive, and at first neither spoke. Finally, Greg cleared his throat and put his tea cup down in its saucer.
    “Our landlord, Mr. Brown, is a quiet fellow, as I am sure you have gathered,” Greg started. “I can’t say we really know much about him.” Sarah