Debts and Debtors: (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery Novella #3) (Geeks and Things Cozy Mysteries) Read Online Free PDF Page A

hope things work out with this case and you get a lead.” She kissed him for longer than strictly necessary. He didn’t seem to mind in the least.
    She retrieved her phone and sent off a text to her nephew, assuring him she’d be there in a few minutes so he could take lunch. She hoped the lunch rush wouldn’t be too bad because she had a little research she wanted to do on Eastern Seaboard Realty.
    Five minutes later, she pulled in behind the shop. There weren’t hordes of people beating down the doors so maybe she’d get lucky and have some peace and quiet. AJ greeted her at the back door—another sign things weren’t too busy—and grinned at her.
    “Things went awesome while you were gone. We made a bunch of sales. I even convinced some people to get more than they came in for.”
    “Good job. I’ll take over for a while.”
    “I could stay if you want. Just in case.”
    She pushed past him into the game room and headed to the front of the store. He trailed behind her like an eager puppy.
    “I think you should take a little time off,” she said without looking at him.
    “Why? I thought I was doing well?”
    “You are. You’re been a great help.”
    “So what’s the problem?”
    She turned to face him. “This isn’t a punishment, okay? Your mom and dad told me last night that your mom’s been having a hard time with you being away from the house so much.”
    “So she put you up to this?”
    Kalina kneaded her temples. “You are growing up so fast and before you know it you’ll be out in the world at college and living your own life as an adult. Your mom isn’t ready to let you go just yet. I think she just wants to spend a little time with you. That’s all this is. I promise.”
    Her nephew pouted and his shoulders fell as if he’d been scolded. He looked so much younger than his sixteen years in that moment and she had to resist the urge to wrap him in a tight, comforting embrace. Here, she was his boss not his aunt. Hugging an employee would be totally inappropriate.
    “It’s only for a couple days,” she said and tried to give him a reassuring smile.
    He rolled his eyes and made his way back through the game room. The back door slammed shut and Kalina let out a sigh of frustration. Why did teenage boys have to be so moody? She settled in behind the front counter and checked the transaction log on the tablet and did a quick cash count just to be sure everything looked right. She had to admit she was impressed with the number of sales. She made a mental note to compare next year to see if the holiday weekend was consistent.
    Satisfied that the books were temporarily settled, Kalina pulled up the browser on the tablet and easily found the contact information for the realty company. According to the contact page, the company’s main office was not far from the waterfront where Thomas had been found. After deciding to play the part of a prospective client, she entered the number into her phone and hit ‘Call’.
    After four rings, a bored sounding woman’s voice answered, “Eastern Seaboard Realty. How can I help you?”
    Kalina put on her bubbliest voice possible. “Oh, hi, I was hoping to speak with one of your realtors about listing my house for sale.”
    “Hold for a moment.”
    The line turned to static as Kalina was put on hold. She pulled the phone from her ear to check that the connection was still good. The timer on the call continued to tick off the seconds. She started kicking her heel against the bottom of the stool while she waited for the woman to come back on the line.
    “I’m sorry, all of our realtors have full client lists.”
    “Are you sure? A friend of mine referred me. She said the realtor she had was great. Thomas Chase was his name.”
    “He doesn’t work here anymore.” Her tone shifted, taking on an edge.
    “Are you sure? She only worked with him a couple months ago.”
    “Yes. I’m sorry but we can’t help you.” The line went dead and this time the