Page 120 of Bonded in Death

“Okay, first up, commercial and residential units rented within the last six months.” Peabody slid her gaze toward Eve. “Not as bad as I figured, but a lot.”

“Prioritize with leaseholders, male, over the age of sixty. Street-view units.”

“That’ll whittle it some. More than some.”

“While that’s working, we look at empty units. Street views.”

“I’m transferring this to my PPC, and yours, so we both have it mobile. And happily, people like the neighborhood, only fourteen unrented street-facing units on the block.”

“Combine those with the other filtered results. We’ll take it building by building.”

After congratulating herself on finding a street spot, Eve parked at the head of the block. While the distance equaled low probability for her, they had to cover it.

They pulled out the super and got started.

By the third building, they’d eliminated a sizable chunk.

“Some nice spaces. None of the recently rented came close to our guy. I thought we might have something with the one in the last building. Had the age range, the height and weight close enough. Until you got there and he’s babysitting his toddler grandkid who lives in the same building.”

“And he had a cat. Potter hates cats.”

“Couple of empty units that could work.”

“With no sign anyone’s been in there, no tampering with the locks. What have we got here?”

“Two vacant two-bedroom units, street facing. Two occupied with leaseholders that fit our parameters.”

“Let’s get the super.”

The super, a dark-skinned woman with improbable blond hair worn in waist-length coils, gave Eve the wide eyes.

“Oh my God, it’s you! It’s you. Who’s dead? Somebody’s been murdered? I saw the vid. It was wild.”

“No one’s dead, Ms. Oglebee. We’re—”

Oglebee sucked in air, and her eyes went wider. “We’ve got clones?”

“No, ma’am. You could help in an area of an investigation.”

“Bet your ass I will. Sorry, that’s rude! I’m a little, you know, aback. Who’d say no to Dallas and Peabody?”

“We’d like to look through two empty units. Peabody?”

“Units 5-A and 3-C.”

“Oh my God, are you looking for your own place? You’re busting up with Roarke?” She slapped a hand on her heart. “Don’t do it!”

“I’m not. This is part of an investigation. If we could look through those units, and if you could tell us more about the occupants of…”

“Units 5-C and 2-A.”

“Are they suspects? Holy hell!”

“This is a standard inquiry,” Peabody put in. “Unit 2-A is a Jared Cross.”

“Sure it is. Good-looking gentleman, moved in about six weeks ago. And what happens not two weeks later? A woman half his age moves in with him, her and her dog. One of those dogs about the size of your hand. Cute little guy though.”

“So he doesn’t live alone?”

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