Page 126 of Bonded in Death

“As you can see, a well-maintained, secure building in a lovely, active neighborhood. Easy walking to shops, restaurants.”

She led him down to 3-C. “As I told you, apartments here turn over very quickly. I’m sorry your wife couldn’t make it today.”

“So is she.” He lifted his hands. “It’s only the sniffles, but Alice is very cautious.”

“And with this rain. In any case, palm plate, door cam, and as you hear—or rather don’t—excellent soundproofing.”

She opened the door, and he listened with half an ear as she hyped the space, the privacy screening throughout, the flooring.

“Let me get the lights. So gloomy today.”

“No, I’d like to see it as is, in the gloom first, if you don’t mind.”

He wandered, as if interested in the space, the screening, the flooring. All he cared about was the view of Chez Robert.

And it was perfect, of course.

He’d planned to watch from the restaurant on the street, but this? So much better. More a private moment, to cherish, to savor. He’d had to scramble a bit when he’d seen the listing, but worth it.

So worth it.

“The kitchen area.”

She went on about counters, cabinets, appliances.

“Do you cook, Mr. Brockstone?”

He laughed as if such a question was foolish. “Not at all. My wifehandles such things. It’s often reservations,” he added with a wink. “But she’s quite a good cook when she puts her mind to it.”

“She should love cooking here. It’s a wonderful space for entertaining. For family evenings. Do you have children?”

He despised the little brats, but made up a son, a daughter, and three adorable grandchildren on the spot.

“Lovely! You’ll see the second bedroom is a good space. For guests, for grands spending the night, and of course, an excellent home office or multipurpose space.”

He tolerated the tour—he had time, still had time. Made approving comments or noises about the main suite with its windows—and the street view—its en suite, the double closets.

The surprise bonus, according to Dita, of a closet holding a combination washer/dryer.

“Not all the units have this, so there are laundry facilities, along with storage areas, on the basement level. The storage facility is an additional monthly fee.”

“Of course.”

“Is there anything I’ve missed? Do you have any questions?”

“Actually, I’d very much like to contact my wife, take her on a virtual tour. Then we can discuss—just the two of us, if you don’t mind.”

He very much wanted to be alone to enjoy his moment. If she objected, well, he could slit her throat. But he supposed he’d avoid the mess and be shocked at the explosion with her.

“That’s an excellent idea. As I said, these apartments don’t stay on the market long. Since you indicated, when I told you about the vacancy—not yet listed!—on five, you’d like to see it, too, why don’t I meet you up there when you’re done? 5-A. Remember, they are painting this afternoon, but if you and your wife want a look?”

“Perfect. I’ll just walk through with Alice. It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes or so, then I’ll come up.”

“5-A.”

“5-A.” He beamed smiles. “Ten minutes. Fifteen if Alice is chatty.”

When she finally shut the door behind her, Potter moved straight to the window. Then checked his wrist unit. “Five minutes, thirty-two seconds.”

---