chapter 18

When Arnold and Michele entered Worldwide Publishing and started towards the counter they saw there was a different lady sitting there. She looked to be in her mid-fifties. with Dark hair with grey streaks pulled back in a bun. She got off the phone when she saw them heading towards her. “How may I help you?” She said in a cheerful voice.

Michele held up her badge. “I’m Detective Glasko and this is my partner Detective Aimsworth. Where was the lady that was here earlier?”

“Alicia. She wasn’t feeling well so she went home. Is there something I can do for you?”

“We’re investigating the death of Nathaniel and Maurice.”

The receptionist shook her head. “Oh yes. We are pretty shaken over here.” She let out a deep breath. “It’s getting scary just being here.”

“And what’s your name?”

Esmerelda Jenkins.”

Michele nodded. “Well, mrs. Jenkins. I won’t take up much of your time. We were wondering if you know the name of the company Worldwide Publishing uses to clean This building?”

“Well, I’m just a temp. But let me see if I could get a hold of someone that knows.”

“Thank you.” Michele said.

When Esmerelda disappeared down the hallway Michele turned to Arnold. “What do you make of that?”

Arnold shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe she got upset or frightened by the news.”

Michele tilted her head. Maybe, I just got a weird vibe from her.”

“I see. I didn’t get that, but I trust your instincts. But right now_” Arnold stopped when Esmerelda returned with a paper in her hand. “It’s Spotless for Less. “She handed the paper in her hand to Michele. “ Here is their card, It has their phone number and address.”

While Michele drove to the address on the card Arnold called Spotless for less and talked to the owner Jim Dupree who said he’d have them out and ready by the time they got there. What was curious to Arnold was that he didn’t ask why. When he got off the phone he mentioned his concern to Michele.

The Business was located in an outdoor strip mall. they walked in and discovered a small rectangular room with a counter and two chairs. At the counter was a tall, lean man with shaggy dark hair.Arnold spotted the files lying in front of him.

Mr. Dupree?” Arnold said as he and Michele walked to the counter

“That’s me.” He picked up the files and handed them to Arnold. “Here you go. Just get them back as soon as you can.” His voice was smooth, his tone Icy.

“Thank you.” Arnold took the files, He stood and stared at Jim.

Jim looked at Arnold for a moment. “Is there something else I can do for you?”

Arnold looked at him quizzically. “Don’t you want to know why we need it?”

“I assume it has to do with Alexander.” “And why would you think that?”

Jim leaned forward and rested his elbow on the counter. “Because he ran off. And usually, that means you did something wrong.”

“Actually, we are here investigating two murders.”

Jim stood erect. Horror was written on his face. “What does my business have to do with murders?”

“We believe one of your employees is responsible.”

“That’s impossible.” Jim smacked the counter. “I hire only respectable individuals.”

“So you do a background check on them?”

“No,” Jim said sternly. “There is no need. I have good instincts. I can read people.” His nostrils were flaring and his face was red.

Good for you.” Arnold said sarcastically. “But all the same we need to go through your files. We believe one of your employees is going under an assumed name and might be working here.”

Jim shook his head. “No way. I don’t hire killers. What is this bad man’s name?”

“His real name is George Sanderstill. But like I said he might be using a false name.”

Jim’s mouth dropped open. “You mean that guy they posted on the news.”

“Yes,” Arnold confirmed.

“I’ve never seen that guy before. Like I said. I don’t hire killers.” There was a hint of anger in Jim’s voice.

Arnold stared him down. “We still need to look through the files.” Arnold tapped the files on the counter and then pulled them to his chest and walked away. Michelle followed.

“You’re wasting your time,” Jim shouted as they walked out the door.

chapter 19

“Something wrong?” Michele asked.

Arnold looked at her. “I did it again.” There was clear frustration in his to