Read Online Moss Hysteria by Kate Collins - Free Book Online Page B

then took Rye to the dining room and showed him the floor in front of the sliding glass door. He got down on his knees to examine it, then used a screwdriver to take off the metal threshold and look beneath. “You’ve got water damage,” he said, as Marco joined us. “Looks like your door might have been standing open during a storm.”
    â€œThat doesn’t make sense,” Marco said. “Wouldn’t the workmen notice?”
    â€œIf they were here when the rain started,” Rye said. “My guess is that it was open when they quit and the rain came in later.”
    My floor was damaged because of a worker’s carelessness? That started my temper rising. “Shouldn’t someone check the houses at the end of the day?”
    Rye put the threshold back and stood up. “Yep.”
    Marco was annoyed now. “Then why wasn’t it checked?”
    Rye twisted his cap in his hands. “I can’t say for sure.”
    â€œWhose responsibility is it?” I asked.
    â€œWhen your house was built, it was Dirk’s. Now it’s mine.”
    â€œI hope you’re doing a better job than he was,” I said.
    â€œYes, ma’am. I check every house under construction before I leave for the day.”
    â€œWhat can be done about the damage here?” said Marco.
    â€œThis whole section around the door will have to be removed and new wood put in, maybe the subfloor, too, depending on how far down the water traveled. If you want my opinion, I’d ask for a whole new floor. You’ll never get a perfect match to this floor color otherwise.”
    â€œWill you relay that to Thorne for us?” Marco asked.
    Rye used his thumb to scratch his head, looking doubtful. “I sure will try.”
    â€œYou don’t sound too confident,” I said.
    He gave us an apologetic look. “I know from experience Mr. Thorne is just gonna tell me to have the flooring contractor replace this area only. A whole new floor would cost him a lot of money.”
    â€œI understand, but unfortunately, that’s his problem,” Marco said. “Tell Thorne we expect a new floor.”
    â€œYes, sir, I’ll tell him what you said first thing in the morning when I report in. Is there anything else you need while I’m here?”
    â€œYes, there is,” I said. “We want to pick your brain about something. Would you like a beer or an iced tea?”
    â€œA glass of sweet tea, if you’d be so kind.”
    I headed toward the kitchen. “Have a seat. I was about to have lunch, so would you like a sandwich? We have turkey and cheese.”
    â€œNo, thank you, ma’am. I already ate. But you both go ahead. I know you’ve got businesses to get back to.”
    I poured glasses for all of us, found some sugar packets for Rye, and put everything on the table.
    â€œWhat can I do for you?” Rye asked, placing his baseball cap in his lap.
    â€œWe’re investigating Dirk Singletary’s death,” Marco said. “We’d like to get your input on it.”
    His friendly smile dissolved, his expression turning guarded. “I’m afraid I can’t help you there. I don’t know anything except what I read in the newspaper.”
    â€œThat’s okay,” Marco said, folding his hands on the table. “People often know things they don’t realize they know. For instance, we were told there was friction between Dirk and Brandon Thorne. Would that be your assessment, too?”
    Rye shifted uncomfortably. “Look, I’m not trying to be rude or anything. I just don’t feel right talking about my boss. I hope you understand where I’m coming from.”
    â€œNo problem,” Marco said. “I’d like to think my employees would be that loyal. How about the Brandywine residents? Any problems between Dirk and any of them?”
    â€œJust the ones who had things stolen. They’re pretty angry