Carolyn Arnold - McKinley 03 - Money is Murder Read Online Free Page B

beading in the corners of her eyes. “They never had a chance to have kids. Cindy was probably Quinn’s only child.”
    Sean pointed to the laptop. “Can you find that out on there?”
    “Sadly it’s only helpful when people have passed on. From what I’ve seen in my various searches, Cindy was Quinn’s only daughter.”
    “Maybe we could ask Jimmy to look in—”
    She shook her head. “I don’t want to pressure him any more than we have to. Maybe Mr. Cranston will be able to provide us some information?”
    “You don’t mean telling him about the letter?”
    “My gut’s telling me we should keep that part to ourselves until we know more about what’s going on. If he’s involved—”
    “The man who wears bowties? No, I doubt he’s involved. He was smiling and happy. He didn’t seem jealous, if you’re thinking money may have been a motive.”
    “I wasn’t, until you said that, but it’s not a bad idea—assuming she is the only family Quinn had left. With her out of the way, where would the fortune fall?”
    “Might not be a bad idea to find out when Quinn added me to his Will.”
    “I think that would be a terrific idea.”
    Sara walked into the living area and dropped on the arm of a sofa.

    “If this was all about money and wiping out heirs, was Mr. Quinn’s death suspicious? Did he die peacefully at home, or did someone help him along?” Her eyes rose to level with Sean’s. “Are we safe?”

 

     
    Meeting The Staff
     
    THE WOMAN WHO SAT BEHIND the front reception desk stood and extended her hand to them, her large smile showcasing her teeth. Her eagerness didn’t affect her handshake, which was rather weak.
    “Mr. Cranston will be thrilled that you’re here already. I must say, I’m pleased to meet you both. There’s been a lot of talk around here about the new owner.”
    “Thank you, Miss?” Sara pulled her hand back, passing a quick glance to Sean. His focus was on the receptionist.
    “Beverly Clark. I just got engaged.” Beverly smiled.
    “Congratulations.” Sara’s eyes fell to a framed photograph of Beverly with a handsome man, about her age. “That must be him.”
    Beverly, beaming, picked up the picture and extended it to Sara. “Yes, it is.”
    She looked at the smiling couple in the photograph. “Very nice.”
    Beverly waved a hand before taking the frame back. “Oh, thank you, but things must be exciting for both of you too.”
    “Did you have a chance to meet Mr. Quinn?”
    “Absolutely. He wasn’t around much. I mean, the man was getting up there. I’m sure he had better things to do than worry about this place. Things were covered.”
    “By Mr. Cranston?”
    “Well, yes, recently, but before that Mr. Quinn’s daughter had her hand in everything.”
    “Lovely that she wanted to be involved in her father’s business.” Sara passed another look to Sean. This time he met her eyes.
    “Yes, I suppose so,” Beverly said.
    “I heard that she died about six months ago.”
    Beverly nodded. “It was such a shame. She lived for this company, worked night and day for it.”
    “Sounds like she had a lot to live for.”
    “There must have been more going on in her life.” Beverly looked away, but when her eyes flitted back and met with Sara’s gaze, she continued. “It’s rumored that she killed herself. At least, that’s what the papers say.”
    “You don’t believe it?”
    “Oh, I never said that. It’s just, I guess we don’t really know how other people are feeling or what they’re going through, do we? We have to be so careful about how we treat one another.”
    Sara smiled. “So many people forget that and say whatever comes out—without any thought.”
    “So very true.” Beverly’s phone rang. “Excuse me.” She lifted the receiver and spoke into it. “Yes, Mr. and Mrs. McKinley are here. All right. I will tell them.” She hung up. “That was Edward Cranston. He’ll be down shortly to escort you up. He’s wanting to give you a