Trial and Terror Read Online Free

“Sorry.”
    â€œThat’s okay. Nothing’s been published yet,” Alex said. “That’s why I have the super job. I get some money, a free apartment, and the hours are short enough so I have plenty of time to work on my books.”
    â€œDo you know much about what happened to Karen Lee?” Frank asked.
    â€œA little,” Alex said, sliding back under the sink to continue his work. “I was in my apartment writing that night. I was in the middle of a scene in which a woman is moving through a dark basement. She has the feeling someone is in there, hiding in the shadows. Then I heard this bloodcurdling scream come from upstairs.”
    â€œYou must have jumped,” Joe said.
    â€œBoy, did I,” Alex said, wrapping a strip of string around the pipe. “I ran upstairs and found several people already in Karen’s apartment.”
    â€œDid you see anyone leaving the building right around then?” Frank asked.
    â€œNo,” Alex said, inserting the pipe under the sink. “I didn’t hear the elevator in use or see anyone on the steps. I think the attacker left through a hatchway to the roof, because later I noticed the hatch was left open.”
    â€œThe attacker could have run to another rooftop and then come down a fire escape,” Joe said.
    â€œThat’s probably what happened,” Alex said, turning the pipe in place with the wrench.
    â€œAre you friendly with Karen?” Frank asked.
    â€œWe talk now and then,” Alex replied. “She’sinterested in my stories, and I’m interested in her acting career. Fellow artists, you know.”
    â€œAside from Rodriguez, do you know of anyone who would have reason to kill her?” Joe said.
    â€œI can’t say I do,” Alex said, grunting as he gave the pipe a final turn. “Karen Lee is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I can’t imagine anybody would be out to get her.”
    Finished with the pipe, Alex dropped the wrench into a plastic bucket filled with tools. When he stood up, Frank noticed he was tall and well built. “Okay, Frank and Joe,” Alex said, lifting the bucket. “I can’t let you stay in here.”
    â€œIt’s cold in this building,” Frank said as Alex escorted the Hardys down the hallway.
    â€œYeah, there’s a problem with the thermostat,” Alex explained. “Until I get a repairman in here, there’s no heat. Everyone’s been complaining.”
    When Alex and the Hardys stepped out of the apartment, Alex locked the door and pocketed the keys.
    â€œHere’s a phone number where you can reach us,” Joe said, handing Alex a piece of paper. “If you think of anything that might fill in any details for us, please call.”
    Frank saw an elderly woman in a heavy coat standing at the door next to Lee’s apartment. A knit cap covered most of her gray hair. She was rummaging through a purse, but she now looked up.
    â€œOh, Alex,” the woman said. “I’m so glad you’re here. I can’t seem to find my apartment keys. Could you please lend me the set you have?”
    â€œSure thing, Mrs. Petrowski,” Alex said with a wave. “I’ll be right back with it.”
    Alex took the elevator down, but Frank and Joe stayed upstairs, hoping to get some information from Mrs. Petrowski.
    After giving her the same cover story they had told Alex, Joe said, “Mrs. Petrowski, do you remember anything about the night Karen was attacked?”
    â€œI certainly do,” Mrs. Petrowski said, clearly eager to be of help to the nice-looking high school students. “I saw Nick Rodriguez leaving Karen’s apartment around nine. I was just coming home from my Tuesday evening bridge game. Then I went into my apartment. I was just about to turn on the TV to watch that police show with that actor who’s so good.”
    â€œAnd then . . . ” Joe