Free Deadly Diamond: A Murfy the Cat Mystery by Anna Kern Page B

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    The conversation shifted to the real reason for the lunch date when the waiter left our table.
    “Mom, you’ve probably guessed that I have another reason to have lunch with you,” said Ethan, quickly adding, “I mean other than wanting to spend time with you.”
    She smiled in answer. “I figured as much. So, what’s up?”
    He took a deep breath. “I want to buy my own place. I think I’m ready for the responsibility, and I’ve been thinking about settling down.”
    “Have you asked Nikki to marry you?” she asked, excited at the prospect.
    “No. We’re not ready to get married; only to start working on it. So, here’s what I want to do,” he said sitting forward a little, “I want to buy a house that needs work, move in and fix it up at my leisure when I can afford it. What do you think?”
    “I think it’s a great idea if you’re ready to make the long-term commitment and put in the hard work required.”
    “Yeah, I am.”
    “Okay then, how can I help you?”
    “I could use your help talking with mortgage lenders and afterwards with the renovation itself. You know, finding some authentic stuff or good reproductions, like light fixtures and things.”
    “Have you looked at any places, yet?” His wide grin made her joyful. “What? What did you find?”
    “You know that rundown house with the plantation style wrap-around porch on Peninsula Drive?”
    When she shook her head, he continued, “The one I wanted you to buy when you were looking for a house.”
    “You mean the house on the river that wasn’t for sale when you wanted me to buy it?”
    “Yup, that’s the one, only it’s for sale now. The owner’s in a nursing home; his family is scattered, and they don’t want to fool around with it. It’s on the market for one-eighty. You think it’s a good price?”
    “Your uncle would be the one to talk to about that. He’s the real estate investor.”
    “Yeah, that’s what Dad said, too. He offered to help with the down payment. Can you help me out if I need a co-signer?”
    “I’ll be glad to. I know you’ve learned your lesson about financial responsibility. After you get your uncle’s opinion on the property and its value, I’ll talk to some lenders and see who offers the best deal.”
    When the lunch had finally ended and the conversation too, Ethan paid the check and dropped us off in front of the store.
    “I’ll call Uncle Tom and see if he can look at the place today,” said Ethan. “I’ll let you know what he says.”
    “Okay, sweetheart, and thanks for lunch.”

“The smart cat doesn’t let on that he is.”
–– H. G. Frommer

    CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Murfy, the Escape Artist

    Alyx was on the phone when I wandered into the workroom. I heard her greet Ethan on speaker phone and I didn’t hear a response. He went straight to the reason for his call.
    She looked amused. “Take a deep breath, Ethan. I can tell you’re a little excited; it’s not every day you buy your first home. I’ve already made some calls, and the bank we do business with offers the best interest rate. Colonial Bank is at the end of our block. If you can come to the store in about an hour, we can walk over.”
    I realized she was talking about the building where I had seen the man arguing in the alley enter. One never knows, though I was fairly certain that Alyx wouldn’t bring me with her to the bank, I patiently waited by the door for Ethan to arrive. I had been looking for a way to communicate what I knew about the man in the alley, whom I suspected was the diamond thief, and it couldn’t have worked out better. My only concern was that if he did work in the bank, she wouldn’t recognize him and––for that reason––it was imperative that I go with them. Also, while waiting I sent out a special call to a friend. When Ethan stuck his head in the door, Alyx grabbed her purse and followed him. Distracted by Ethan’s haste, she didn’t see me slide out the door on her heels. I trotted