Read Online Take a Dive for Murder by Millie Mack - Free Book Online

offered. “Let me see if I can find it.”
    “No need, I’ve a handy little tool that will fix this dilemma.” Joel pulled out a silver pocketknife with all the fancy attachments and clipped the broken nail.
    “That’s quite a fancy version of that knife. May I see?” Carrie held out her hand.
    Joel handed Carrie the knife, and she found it was even heavier than it appeared. It must be solid silver. She turned it over in the palm of her hand and saw the initials J.W. engraved on one side.
    “Very nice,” she said as she handed it back to Joel.
    “Let me just say, although the circumstances are not the best, I’m glad you’re here. I toast to a good meal, good memories, and you.” Joel raised his glass, and they touched their glasses together.
    “Thanks, Joel, and thank s for lunch. It’s a nice break from all the other issues.”
    Carrie meant what she said. She was glad for lunch away from the Faradays. She enjoyed the food, the company, and the small talk about the past.
    Joel reached over and touched her hand gently, held it for a moment, and then said, “Tell me about the mystery book you’re writing.”
    “It’s more of a thriller, but it’s not at the top of my priority list. Right now the only mystery I’m working on is this little problem Jamie has left for me.” Carrie wanted to get to the subject of Jamie. “Is Simpson a good lawyer?”
    A small grin formed at the corner of Joel’s mouth as he answered Carrie’s question. “Simpson is a very good lawyer, although he’s from that old-school mentality we talked about earlier. He comes from a good family, has impeccable law credentials, and a client list that includes the best families in Tri-County. He is also totally dedicated to the Faradays and has been their lawyer for as long as I can remember. That’s why if you want someone outside the family to help you with your work, please remember I’m here for you.”
    “Thanks. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I decided to have lunch with you. I need a fresh approach to the situation. What’s your take on Simpson being mugged?”
    “Whoa, easy does it. What happened to our quiet lunch?”
    Before Carrie could answer, their lunch was interrupted by the sound of a boat horn warning people on the dock that a large fishing boat was approaching. After watching the boat slowly ease into its slip, Carrie returned to the conversation. “It’s all right, Joel. I know that one of the reasons for the lunch is to discuss Jamie’s letter. I’m willing to trade a nice lunch in a beautiful location for some serious talk.”
    “All right then, back to more serious subjects. I’m not sure the mugging has anything to do with Jamie. In fact, according to Simpson, nothing was taken. It was probably a prank from a couple of teenagers.”
    “I think it is a little more than a prank when someone gets clubbed over the head,” offered Carrie. She didn’t want to share with Joel that Simpson just confirmed the muggers were after the letter.
    “Wait a minute. You think Simpson was mugged for Jamie’s letter ?” He paused for a moment to mull over what she just said. “Is the letter missing?”
    “Simpson didn’t have the letter. I took it back from him just before he left the house. But only Simpson and I were aware of this fact. Everyone else thought Simpson walked out of the Faraday house with the letter in his pocket.”
    “Why did you take the letter back?” Joel asked.
    “It’s quite simple. Everyone seemed so interested in the existence of the letter I decided that I better read it before the meeting in Simpson’s office. And before you ask, the letter provided no information about what Jamie was doing.”
    “Surely Jamie’s letter must have provided some information, or why write the letter?” Joel cocked an eyebrow at Carrie.
    “The letter started out as we did today, reminiscing about the past. Jamie acknowledged that if I was reading the letter, he was dead. He told me I’d have