Death in a Family Way Read Free Page B

hours are from nine to one?”
    â€œThat’s right. Yeah. Will you give it a try?”
    She got up from the desk and walked over to one of thewindows to look down at the busy street, and then back at his earnest face. “Yes,” she said at last. “I can’t promise miracles. But I’ll give it a try.”
    â€œCould you start right away—say, tomorrow?” he asked hopefully.
    â€œWell . . . I don’t . . .” Then she nodded.
    â€œNine o’clock?”
    â€œWell, yes. All right, I’ll be here.”
    A half hour later, she sat sipping a cup of tea in the Aristocrat Restaurant on the corner of Broadway and Granville.
Margaret, what have you done . . . ? How can I tell Harry about this?
The waitress placed a sandwich in front of her, and Margaret absent-mindedly took a bite.
I didn’t ask how much it paid. Harry will never approve . . . his wife working in a seedy office. And a detective’s office at that.
She was still turning the problem over in her head as she slipped behind the wheel of her Morris to drive home.
    The solution came to her as she was fumbling for her keys to the front door.
Why tell him at all? Just keep the whole thing to myself. It’ll save all those I-told-you-sos if I should fall flat on my face.
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    HARRY AWOKE THE next morning to the smell of brewing coffee. He realized that Margaret must have risen early, and as he struggled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom, he peered over the banister and was surprised to see her fully dressed in a navy-blue skirt and a cashmere twin-set in a pretty shade of coral. Before going downstairs, he showered, shaved and dressed, and when he descended to the kitchen, he found her already sitting at the table, sipping a glass of orange juice.
    â€œYou’re up early,” he commented as he sat down and picked up his morning newspaper. “Off somewhere?”
    â€œThought I’d spend my birthday money.” She felt a telltale blush starting, but she had no need to worry, as Harry was alreadyimmersed in his paper and munching on a piece of toast. Quietly, she picked up her plate and cup, put them in the sink and started for the stairs.
    Harry looked up. “Mmm . . . sorry, dear. Where did you say you were going?”
    â€œShopping,” she answered shortly.
    â€œHave a nice morning, then,” he said, before sticking his nose back into his paper. “Going to spend my gift on something pretty?” But Margaret could see he didn’t really expect an answer, as he was totally engrossed in the financial section.
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    THIS TIME MARGARET was lucky and found a parking place quite close to the office; to her relief, she was five minutes early. She hesitated at the door before pushing it open.
    â€œYou’re here. Great!” her new boss greeted her with an affable smile. “I was afraid you’d have second thoughts.”
    She shook her head, and slipping her coat off, looked for someplace to hang it.
    â€œHere, give it to me,” Nat said, taking it from her. “You can use this little closet for your things.”
    â€œYou know,” Margaret said, “I almost did.”
    â€œAlmost did what?”
    â€œHave second thoughts about coming this morning. I don’t know that I’ll be able to handle the job to your satisfaction.”
    Nat laughed. “You’ll be fine, “he said. “In fact, you can get the hang of things right away. I have to go out.”
    â€œGo out?” Margaret was horrified at the thought of being left in sole charge. “What will I do if the phone rings or if someone comes in?”
    â€œDon’t worry,” he said as he struggled into his overcoat. “If the phone rings, just take a message. Putter around. You can get acquainted with the office this morning.” Nat opened the door.
    â€œFind out where everything is. In