In Sickness and in Death Read Online Free Page A

like to be more comfortable on my own time.”
    “No, no,” she said, straightening his tie. “Just go as you are.”
    Reluctantly, Brian did as she requested and, twenty minutes later, they were entering what Brian recognized as one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city. He didn’t even realize that they had apartment buildings in this neighborhood. He drove slowly down the main thoroughfare and searched the side streets for buildings that looked like apartments. He saw none.
    “That’s it,” Adrienne pointed at a high-rise ahead on the right. Brian whistled through his teeth as he surveyed the steel and turquoise glass structure.
    “These are apartments?” he asked incredulously.
    “Actually, they’re condos. But we can lease the one I looked at this afternoon.”
    Where had Adrienne learned about this place? Did it belong to one of the doctors who operated at the hospital?
    In a daze, he followed Adrienne into the spacious lobby with its central atrium. At the security desk, Adrienne spoke to the guard on duty who, keys in hand, led them to an elevator. The glass-walled car presented an overview of the atrium as they rose to the twelfth floor. The three-bedroom, thickly carpeted living quarters sported window walls in the combination living-dining area as well as in the master bedroom. The master bath was enormous with mirrored walls, sparkling golden fixtures and what seemed like miles of gleaming white marble counters.
    Brian followed numbly as they were escorted from the living area to a spa on the top floor that contained not only a large swimming pool and Jacuzzi, but also had a workout room with what seemed to be an unlimited array of exercise equipment.
    “Isn’t it wonderful ?” Adrienne gushed as they left the building. “Can’t you just picture us living here?”
    “It’s kind of hard to imagine,” he answered. He had said he wanted an upgrade and an upgrade it certainly was – even though the rent would be more than double.

Chapter 4

    Doctor Harris was pleased when, the next morning, Adrienne approached him with her face happily glowing.
    “Oh, Dr. Harris, thank you so much for telling me about your friend’s condo. Brian and I went to see it last night and,” she paused for effect, “we’re going to take it.” She impulsively grabbed his hands and squeezed them. “I’m just so excited! I can hardly wait to move.”
    “Well, Adrienne, I’m glad you and your man liked the place. My friend, Harry, will be pleased to hear that such a fine couple has leased it. He still doesn’t have any idea how long he’ll be on that European assignment.”
    “Well,” she laughed, “I hope he doesn’t come back too soon. I just love the place!”
    Dr. Harris laughed. “I’m sure it’ll be a year or two anyway.”
    Brian didn’t tell his mother they planned to move until he called to give her his new address. When he told her the street, she nearly dropped the phone.
    “Mercy, Brian,” she exclaimed. “You must have got one really big promotion to be able to afford that neighborhood.”
    “I told you, Mom, that I did get a two-level bump-up. That’s pretty nice considering how infrequently it occurs.”
    “Yes, but, darling, it’s primarily doctors and lawyers who live in that area – and maybe the owners of professional sports teams. I didn’t think corporate management made that kind of money.”
    Brian laughed. “Well, maybe I don’t make that kind of money, but I’m doing all right.” As long as Adrienne doesn’t get her heart set on a mansion somewhere , he thought.

    Shortly after he and Adrienne moved into the condo, Brian came home to find her standing in the middle of the living area, surveying the room with pursed lips and a frown creasing her brow.
    “Something wrong?” he asked.
    She turned slowly toward him. “I was just thinking,” she murmured. “We should really be planning on doing some entertaining. Aren’t we going to be having your business