Free Angel Sleuth by Lesley A. Diehl Page B

room.
    “That’s better,” said Brittany. She pushed her damp bangs off her face and continued to read the documents and listen. When Kaitlin told her about the meeting for that night, Brittany paused in her work. “You should have someone go with you. I would, but I’ve got a date tonight. Ask Mary Jane, why don’t you?”
    “She’ll probably be playing pool. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
    Brittany sat back in her chair. “There’s nothing here.” Her shoulders drooped as did the perky look of earlier in the morning.
    “I guess Leda used her computer only for newspaper-related work, nothing personal. Unless… Move over.”
    Kaitlin hit “Internet Explorer” and clicked on “Favorites,” the web sites Leda visited frequently or thought important enough to mark for future reference. Toward the end of the list a number of sites appeared that Kaitlin didn’t recognize.
    “Do you know what these are?” she asked Brittany.
    “Nope.”
    She moved the mouse to Socrates.com and hit “Go.” She and Brittany exchanged looks as the site loaded.
    “Now we’re on to something,” she said.
    “These are sites offering forms for constructing wills using the internet. For a price, an individual could either download an appropriate form or have it delivered through the mail,” Brittany said.
    “Leda was interested enough to have explored at least four websites on writing wills.”
    “And I doubt the research was for her column,” said Brittany. “Kaitlin, you’re brilliant.”
    “Yeah, but no matter how she did it, she’d need to have it witnessed. Who would Leda choose for that?”
    The back door slammed. Both of the women’s heads jerked up and turned toward the sound.
    “Who’s there?” called Brittany. Kaitlin clicked off the internet.
    No one answered.
    “I’m going to see what’s going on,” said Brittany.
    “Careful.”
    “Right.” Brittany looked around the office and her glance settled on a ceramic vase sitting on the window sill. She picked it up and headed out into the hall. Kaitlin followed.
    “I’ve got your back,” Kaitlin said.
    Without windows and no lights on, the hallway was shadowed. The rear door was closed as they’d left it when they entered earlier. They approached the door and stopped, neither willing to open it and pursue whoever might have let it slam when leaving. Suddenly the knob turned. Brittany stepped to one side and raised the vase over her head. The door opened, and Delbert stepped in.
    “Damn, Delbert,” said Brittany. “I almost crushed your skull. What are you doing creeping around here today anyway?”
    “I’m the editor of this paper, remember? Who left this door open? Anyone could have come in here.” Delbert grabbed a hanky out of his pocket and wiped sweat off his face. “You nearly gave me a coronary.”
    “Oh dear, I guess I left the door unlocked when we came in,” said Brittany.
    “Just a minute ago we heard the door slam. That wasn’t you, was it?” asked Kaitlin.
    “Nope. I just got here. When I tried the knob, it turned. Wind must have caught the door. And what are you doing here anyway?”
    “Working,” they said in unison.
    “Well, keep the door locked,” he said. His tone was momentarily admonishing, but then he smiled, his round cheeks bulging out like a chipmunk pouching walnuts. “Such dedicated employees.” He flipped on the hallway lights and walked into his office.
    “I know someone was in here. Who was it if not Delbert?” asked Brittany.
    “Maybe some kid snooping around?” Kaitlin opened the door and stuck her head out into the alley. Sunlight reflecting off purple satin caught her eye as someone ducked behind a dumpster at the end of the passage. She thought she knew who was spying on them in the hallway, but she decided Brittany didn’t need to know her suspicions…at least not now anyway. “Ready to go?” she asked.
    “I’ll grab my jacket,” said Brittany.
    Brittany twisted the door knob to make