Free Take Stock in Murder by Millie Mack

trades. We wanted to learn more about these items and managing an actual portfolio of investments. And it’s been proventime and time again that women have good instincts.” Marilyn was talking excitedly.
    “Marilyn, you’ve piqued my interest. This Investment Club really does sound exciting.”
    “We started out with a series of lectures and workshops. Then we started our own Investment Club.”
    “You actually invest money?”
    “Of course we do. Once we felt comfortable with the process, investing money was the next step. We meet every two weeks, review our portfolios, and then decide what to keep, sell, and buy.”
    “Marilyn, would you be willing to let me join the Investment Club?”
    “Yes, I don’t believe the ladies would mind, but…” Marilyn hesitated.
    “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t put pressure on you. Do you need to discuss my joining with the other ladies first?”
    “Oh, no. I’m sure everyone would be delighted with you joining. It’s just that the Investment Club was under the guidance of Todd Barrington. With his death, there may be some changes.” Marilyn was thinking aloud. There was a clicking sound on the phone. “Hold on, dear. Someone else is trying to get through.”
    Marilyn was off the line for just a few seconds. Then she came back.
    “I’m sorry, dear. It’s Frank’s mother on the line. Got to go! I forgot we have an appointment this morning to get our hairdone, and she’s on her way. Look, our group is playing golf this afternoon. Why don’t you join us at two?”
    “Well, OK, if you’re sure.” Carrie hesitated.
    “I’m sure. See you there.”
    Carrie wasn’t sure. However, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to be part of the group. If the ladies accepted her, she could find out firsthand what Todd Barrington had been doing with the investments. Carrie went back to finish her article so she would be free by 2:00 p.m.

    Several hours after Carrie’s phone call to Marilyn, another phone call was taking place.
    “That’s easy for you to say. I just received a call. Carrie Faraday will be joining the ladies of the Investment Club for a golf outing today.
    “What do you mean? It sounds like a good idea.
    “I get it. There isn’t anything for the nosy Mrs. Faraday to see except a legitimate Investment Club designed for the entertainment and education of the ladies.
    “Yes, I feel better. I just wish I was sure I got everything when I searched Todd’s condo.
    “I’ve checked the laptop. I even checked all the software manuals, and there’s nothing.
    “But that’s the point. I should have found something about the investments.
    “There may be more in the folders of material or the disks I took. I haven’t finished looking at everything.
    “You’re probably right. If I can’t find the information, no one else will find it either. Or even if they did, knowing Todd, it’s probably in some childish code they won’t be able to crack.”

arrie wasn’t sure what the ladies of golf were wearing these days, but she changed into dark blue pants with a white polo shirt and a matching jacket of blue and red. She pulled her hair back with a blue band. She hoped her outfit would be acceptable to the ladies. She made a sandwich, which she ate while driving to the Club, and arrived in plenty of time to tee off.
    Carrie found the five women in the Clubhouse and was pleased to see they wore outfits that were similar to hers. They were all wearing slacks in various autumn shades with matching golf jackets. Unlike her jacket, theirs displayed the Club emblem stitched across the breast pocket, indicating they’d been purchased at the Clubhouse store. There was no question about the ladies being glad to welcome her to their golf game.
    Only five members of the group had made it for today’s game. Six were too many for one team, but just right for two groups of three. Marilyn insisted that Carrie join the team ofDelores Chaney and Pat Sloane for the game, while Marilyn, Judy