Maid for Murder Read Online Free PDF

inquiries from prospective clients. Charlotte made quick notes of the names and phone numbers so she could return the calls.
    The last message was from Cheré Warner, another of Charlotte’s full-time employees.
    “Charlotte, you’ve got to call me back just as soon as you get home. Boy, have I got an insider tip for you on a cleaning job up for bid. It’s a short-term job for big bucks, Charlotte, so call me.”
    The excitement vibrating in Cheré’s voice was hard to ignore, and after glancing at the cuckoo clock and determining that she still had plenty of time to shower and dress, Charlotte returned the call.
    “I’ll be right over,” the young woman told her when she answered. “Just give me fifteen minutes.”
    “No hurry.” Charlotte laughed “Take twenty minutes,” she suggested. “I need a shower.”
    It took a precious five minutes to coax Sweety Boy back into his cage before Charlotte finally stepped into the shower. Even though she’d had visions of a luxurious, cool soak in the bathtub, with lots of bath oil, the quick wash she had to settle for was still refreshing.
     
    Charlotte had just dried off from her shower and had slipped into a robe when her doorbell rang. She glanced at the cuckoo on her way to the door. Twenty minutes on the dot.
    Cheré Warner was like a breath of fresh air. With her dark, bouncy hair and shining black eyes, she was a bright, energetic young woman who was working her way through college to get a business degree. Cheré was both dependable and reliable, and Charlotte felt fortunate to have her working for her. During the two years she’d been employed by Charlotte, not once had a client ever complained.
    “Come in, Cheré.” Charlotte motioned for the younger woman to enter. “How about a glass of iced tea?”
    Cheré grinned. “Oh, Charlotte, you know I love your iced tea. No one makes it like you do.”
    A few minutes later, armed with tall glasses of iced tea, both women seated themselves on Charlotte’s sofa.
    “Okay, now tell me about this insider tip.”
    Cheré’s face lit up with excitement. “You know that old Devillier house on St. Charles Avenue that’s being renovated into apartments?”
    Charlotte frowned. “That’s the house just down from the Pontchartrain Hotel, isn’t it?”
    Cheré nodded. “Yeah, that’s the one. Roussel Construction is doing the job.” She took a quick sip of tea. “Well! The construction is just about complete. All they lack are a few finishing touches. And once the city inspectors do their thing, Roussel’s will be soliciting bids for the cleanup. In fact”—Cheré was almost squirming with eagerness—“my source says that it will probably be a first-come, first-serve-type thing, that the bidding is mostly a formality, since Roussel’s is anxious to be done with this particular job.”
    “Your source?” Charlotte’s right eyebrow rose a fraction, and a grin tugged at her mouth. “And just who is this source of yours, and how reliable is this information? Another one of your boyfriends?”
    “Oh, Charlotte, stop teasing. And if you must know, this particular source isn’t a boyfriend... Well, not exactly—not yet.” She giggled. “Of course, if I have my way . . .”
    Charlotte simply shook her head. “Cheré, Cheré, Cheré. What am I going to do with you?” But Charlotte couldn’t help laughing. Cheré had a personality that just wouldn’t quit and seemed to collect boyfriends like some people collected stamps. “So who is this new, soon-to-be boyfriend?”
    The younger woman’s eyes took on a dreamy glaze. “None other than Mr. Todd Roussel, the son of Roussel Construction. He’s taking a semester off from school to learn the business.”
    “I’d have to say that sounds like a pretty reliable source. Now, for the big question. What kind of money and time are we talking about?”
    The more Cheré told her about the specifics involved with the job, the more interested Charlotte grew. Even