Page 36 of Sinister Secrets

“That’s not necessary.”

Her eyes narrow as she scans me from head to toe. “Then what do you want?”

Pulling out my badge, I hold it out for her to see. “Special Agent Cassidy Knox. I’m hoping to speak with anyone who worked with a man who used to be one of the Realtors here. Gordon Massey.”

“The name sounds familiar, but I’ve never met him. How long ago did you say this was?”

“About eight months.”

Shaking her head, she says, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think anyone here is going to be able to help you.”

Suspicion burns hot and bright in the pit of my stomach, making me think briefly about the squirrel I’d been watching.

“No one’s been working here that long,” she explains.

“Excuse me?”

“None of us are quite sure what happened, but there was a complete overhaul last November. Everyone here started since then.”

“Everyone?”

She nods.

“What about the broker?”

“Her too.”

“The owner?”

“Also new.”

I rub my palms against the sides of my slacks, trying to dry them. Chew on the inside of my cheek while I think. Surely there’s something I can get from this visit.

The door opens behind me. The receptionist, now holding the coffee carafe in front of her with both hands like a shield, shoots a relieved look over my shoulder.

“Oh! Kelly! Maybe you can help her.”

I turn to find Kelly giving me a warm smile. “Well, I’ll certainly try my best. Kelly Benz. I’m the broker here at Blue Fin Realty.”

“Special Agent Cassidy Knox.”

Her gaze slides over to the woman with the coffee pot, as if checking if this is some kind of joke.

“Is there somewhere we can speak in private?” I ask.

“Am I in trouble?”

“Not at all. I just want to ask you a few questions about a former employee.” And the business in general, though I don’t say that bit as she gives me a reluctant wave toward a closed door at the end of a hall.

Once inside, she gestures to a pair of chairs on the visitor side of her desk. “Please, take a seat.”

I do, but she doesn’t join me, instead choosing to pace around the small room. I twist to observe her as she cracks the door open, looking out into the hallway before easing it shut again. Her cheeks pinken as she catches me watching.

“This should only take a few minutes.”

For the first time since I introduced myself as a federal agent, she relaxes, settling into her chair.

“Your receptionist was telling me that every employee here has started since last November.”