Rose Pressey - Chase Charley 02 - Seems Like Old Crimes by Rose Pressey Page B

murder?”
    “Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out. I have faith in you.” Courtney pulled up to my building. “I would come in and hang out but I have to get to work.”
    I hoped she wasn’t leaving because she was afraid to be around me now. I wouldn’t blame her at all if that was the case.
    I opened the door and jumped out. “That’s okay, I have a lot of research to do anyway.”
    She waved. “Good luck. Let me know what you find out.”
    “Call me if you have any other news.” I closed the door and stepped back from the car.
    I waved and then walked into my apartment building. Of course Nosy Perkins was watching for me.
    “I saw that man again today.”
    I paused at my front door. “He was here at my place?”
    She nodded. “Yes. He must really want to see you.”
    “What does he look like again?”
    She waved her hand. “I don’t know. He’s tall with dark hair. Maybe I should have taken a picture.”
    Her description matched that of the man I’d seen around town and at the restaurant. Who was this man and why was he stalking me?
    “Thanks, Mrs. Perkins.” I opened my door.
    Now I was not only putting Courtney in danger, but my neighbors too. Maybe I should move. 
    “You’re lucky you have me watching out for you.” Mrs. Perkins wiggled her index finger in my direction.
    Of course she was right. I should bring her a fruit basket as a thank you.
    Once inside my place, I picked up the phone and dialed Marc. I was all out of ideas. Maybe he’d found out something about the letter and forgotten to call me.
    “I’ve been thinking about you,” he said when he answered.
    I couldn’t help but smile. “Good things, I hope.”
    “Of course. How about dinner tonight?”
    I agreed because there were a lot of questions I wanted to ask him. Okay, that wasn’t the only reason I agreed. I enjoyed spending time with Marc.
    “Did you find out anything about the letter?” I asked.
    “I’m afraid not yet. Did you get another one?”
    I wouldn’t worry him and tell him that it had been worse than a letter. “No new letters.” That wasn’t a lie.
    “Good. You’ll tell me if you do get any more, right?” He sounded suspicious.  
    “Absolutely. I’ll see you tonight,” I said and then hung up.
    ***
    I’d planned on doing research before my date tonight, but instead I’d fallen asleep and only woken forty-five minutes before Marc was set to arrive. I picked out a cobalt-blue and white floral dress and rushed to get ready. I’d just slipped into my shoes when the doorbell rang. For a second, I thought about the man Mrs. Perkins had said was coming around. It could be him standing on the other side of the door right now.
    Before I opened the door, I called out, “Who is it?”
    “Police,” Marc said.
    I released a deep breath and I opened the door.
    “You shouldn’t open the door without asking for a name.” The corner of his mouth tipped up into a lopsided smile.
    “You’re right. Someone could have disguised his voice to sound just like yours.” I winked.
    He waved his finger. “Now you’re catching on.”
    Marc and I stepped out into the warm night air, surrounded by the city’s architecture of old buildings and iron balconies. The evening’s backdrop consisted of a pale crescent moon and a spattering of stars peeking out from behind the collection of gray clouds. The hint of rain lingered on the air.
    “Where are we going?” I asked.
    He placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me toward his car. “I know this great place across town. I hope that will be okay.”
    “I’m sure I will love it,” I said.
    Marc opened the car door and I slipped in. He hurried over to the driver’s side and climbed behind the wheel. He pulled out into traffic. As he drove, I studied his profile. He was handsome, from his perfectly formed nose and lips to his high cheekbones.
    “When were you going to tell me that you’re looking into the murder of Timothy Swanson?” Marc stared at