The Stark Reality

My new book "The Stark Reality" ISBN #9781386582618

https://www.books2read.com/u/3k0V1g

                                                   A Teaser of the story

It was a cool day in November when I got a call, a woman wanted to meet me after she got off work. I told her I normally close at 4:00 PM but I would wait for her. I gave her the address and directions to get to my office. She said it would not be later than 4:30 then she hung up. I had some book work to close up so I decided to get on with that and just wait for her. I made a pot of coffee to keep my head straight I had been working a case that kept me up late for the last week. The end result of the case was simple her husband was not cheating on her he took on a part-time job so he could get her something special for Christmas. I like cases with happy endings and this one was great. It did rather spoil the surprise but the happy couple kissed and it all ended happily. I get lots of cases of woman looking for cheating husbands. It’s challenging sometimes but it keeps the money flowing in the door.  It was 5:00 and I poured myself a final cup of coffee. There was one more cup left in case my visitor would like some.  The phone rang I answered it with the Melody’s detective agency. It was a friend Mike who I work with occasionally, he wanted to meet up after I get out of work. I told him I have a late customer coming in soon but I should be out of here by 5:30 if that was good with him. He said he would meet me then. I was just hanging up when the lady I spoke with on the phone walked in. I stood up and shook her hand, Good evening, I am Melody. She said I am Julie, I asked her to sit. Would you like a cup of coffee I have a little left? She declined but asked if I had some water. I keep bottle water in the small fridge in the office. I got one for her and set it on the desk. She opened it and drank a swallow or two. She looked nervous and I asked what can I do for you Julie? She said in a trembling voice, I am worried about my sister, she is always showing bruises and aches and pains. She says she is just accident prone and always is falling. The other day when I saw her she had marks around her neck she said she walked into the clothes line outside. I said well has she always been clumsy? She said no, she used to be a cheerleader very athletic I am just beginning to doubt her excuses on how she is getting hurt. I said well my normal fee is 150 dollars a day, if you will give me her name and address I assume she is married. Julie said Oh wow, I don’t know how I will afford that. She continued yes I am married to a cop. I was taken back a bit but I asked how much you can afford to get the answers you’re seeking. She said she had five-hundred in a Christmas account. I said okay, I will see what I can find out what I can and I will not charge you more than the five-hundred, if that’s good with you. She smiled and said agreed.