“You’ve done most of the work so far,” Calvin said. “I can manage a few viewings.”
“I meant more—really, you have tomorrow off.”
“I do.”
“Oh.”
“Although, my sergeant won’t mind some over—”
“Nice try.”
I could hear Calvin’s smile as he asked, “Can I take you out for breakfast tomorrow?”
I shut the passenger door of Calvin’s car and stared at a six-story walk-up, its façade a light-colored stone, and the texture reminiscent of the Queen Anne architecture that still dotted the city. “It’s a dumbbell tenement,” I stated.
“It’s what?” Calvin asked, moving around the front of the car and joining me on the sidewalk.
“I did a little digging on the address. It was built in 1890, so it’s considered part of the Old Law Tenement Act. The structure of the buildings cinch in the middle to create an air corridor. Hence the nickname, dumbbell.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“Good,” I said, pushing my sunglasses up and looking at Calvin. “I mean, I told Mr. Thomas we were looking for one-bedroom, pet-friendly places, and he gave me this address.”
“Seems like a nice place.”
“And no greasy dollar slices on the first floor.”
“You like the dollar slices.”
“To eat. I don’t want tolivein a pizza shop.”
“Sebastian Snow?”
We both looked to the front door as a man hurried down the steps, a smile on his face far too bright and cheery for just a little after eight in the morning.
“That’s me,” I said, barely having raised my hand in acknowledgment before he grabbed it and pumped enthusiastically.
“Timothy Thomas, Realtor. We talked on the phone yesterday.”
“Right.” He was still shaking my hand.
“You can call me Timothy. Or Thomas. ButnotTimmy Tom!” He laughed—loudly.
I extracted my hand from his and said, “Timothy. This is my partner, Calvin Winter—”
Timothy was already trying to dislocate Calvin’s arm before I’d finished with introductions. “As we say in the real estate business, it’s arealpleasure. Will you be joining us today?”
“That’s the plan,” Calvin answered.
“Then let’s go find your next dream home, gentlemen.” Timothy waved for us to follow him to the door.
I turned and started for the car.
Calvin grabbed my arm, spun me around, and pushed me forward.
“I don’t think I have the strength.”
“Yes, you do.”
