Frankie's Back in Town Read Online Free Page A

found herself awaiting that answer. Neither Jack’s nor Detective Tanner’s expressions gave anything away. But Jack produced a business card. “We just had some questions that needed answers, sir. We’ll be back in touch.”
    “And if you wouldn’t mind,” Detective Tanner added. “Will you make us a list of all the places you’ve used your debit and credit cards recently? Online purchases, too, if you’ve made any. Call the number on that card when you get the list together. I’ll swing by to pick it up.”
    Francesca was not happy with that answer, which said nothing and everything all at once, and left a nice couple looking confused and worried.
    “Ms. Raffa.” Jack turned to her.
    He didn’t need to say another word. Reaching for the door, she politely refused his bid to hold it for her. She waited while both men strode through then used the moment to address the Hickmans. “Don’t worry. I’ll see what I can find out.”
    She slipped into the hallway and shut the door behind her. Neither man said a word while awaiting the elevator but, once the door hissed shut and the elevator began its descent, Francesca took advantage of her captive audience.
    “Frankly, gentlemen, you’ve got me worried. I can’t imagine the police department has the time or staff to investigate every reappearing wallet. I assume you’re concerned about something else.”
    What other explanation could there be? True, Bluestone Mountain hadn’t grown up all that much in the sixteen years she’d been away, but she read the papers. There was enough crime in and around town to keep the police force busy.
    “I’m sure you understand we can’t discuss an open investigation, Ms. Raffa.” Jack sounded cordial enough.
    “Precisely the problem since the investigation had been closed the last I heard.” She wasn’t going to be sidetracked. “We outsource our personnel screening with a highly reputable firm. I’ve worked with them in the past with another management company. I need to know if you’re concerned about theft, Chief Sloan. I’m responsible for ensuring the residents’ safety.”
    “Do you have reason to suspect any of your employees of dishonesty?” Jack asked.
    “If I did, the party or parties in question wouldn’t be on my staff.”
    The corners of his mouth twitched as if he was holding back a smile. “You have to do a lot of documenting before you can let an employee go.”
    “True enough.” That thought was enough to distract her from his almost grin. Terminating an employee potentially opened up the property to a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Defending one claim cost nearly eighty person-hours in information gathering alone. Greywacke Lodge was a well-staffed facility, but administration had enough on its hands without that additional workload.
    “Let me rephrase,” Detective Tanner said. “Are you in the process of documenting to terminate any of your employees for suspicion of theft?”
    “No, Detective, I’m not.”
    “I understand your concern,” Jack said, and something in that whiskey-warm voice assured her he did. “You have my word that if suspicion falls on any of your staff, you’ll be the first to know.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Will you tell us about Greywacke Lodge,” Jack asked as the elevator stopped at the first floor.
    Francesca moved through the lobby, catching June’s inquisitive gaze as she circled the desk and led the way down the administrative corridor.
    “What exactly would you like to know?”
    “Who lives here?” The detective cast a meaningful glance around. “Looks like a hotel.”
    Francesca smiled. “Greywacke Lodge is a senior-living community, upscale as far as these communities go. Seniors come to enjoy their retirement years in comfort and convenience, and we provide long-term housing and a level of assistance tailored to their individual needs.”
    She filled them in on the stats of the property and the lodge’s mission to