The Double Exposure Murder

Chapter Two

Chapter TwoI

didn’t venture beyond my backyard on Friday until dinnertime when I went into town to pick up a pizza for that night’s dinner plus a few more meals. I met Jessica on the way into Andretta’s and chatted with her over the busy pizzeria’s din while we awaited service.

“Going to a party?” I gestured at her ensemble of black chino pants and a cotton blouse with a pastel floral print.

“Nope. Just got off work at Schmidt’s. I’m taking dinner home for my parents and me.”

“You work at Schmidt’s?” A long-established Garland shop, Schmidt’s sold clocks and crafts imported from Europe.

“Part-time. I work Saturdays during the school year and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in the summer, plus extra time when needed.”

“Wow. You and Brooke are such hard workers. No one can say you became teachers to have the summers off.”

Jessica offered a satisfied smile. “I guess it’s in the Gibson blood. I’ve been meaning to ask you—do you think we can meet soon and talk about my financial situation? I’d like to buy a home, and I have a lot of questions. Like how much of a down payment and mortgage I can afford. Taxes. Those sorts of questions.” Jessica’s fingers worried at the tip of the braid that held her tawny hair, and an anxious look filled her gentle gaze.

“Have you talked with a financial planner?”

“No. Brooke’s said many times what a great accountant you are. I figured you’d be a good adviser.”

I noted Jessica’s shyness and guessed she was more comfortable discussing her money with someone she knew rather than with a stranger. “I’d be happy to talk with you. It’s smart to put together a financial strategy. Not everyone plans before they buy a home. Later, they discover they’re in over their heads.”

“I don’t want that to happen. I’ve tried hard to save, but I’ve got the usual debt.”

We chatted for a minute or two about mundane things until Jessica’s pizza was pulled from the oven, boxed, and sliced. My pie was ready moments later. We walked out together and along Hudson Road to our cars.

Jessica slowed in front of Yoon’s Antiques and moved closer to look in the shop window. “Mr. Yoon has the most beautiful antiques. If only I had the money to buy them.”

I lingered for a moment in front of the shop until the pizza’s aroma tempted me to eat my dinner right there on the sidewalk. I bid Jessica a good night and walked a few yards up Hudson to my car. I took one final glance at the antique shop. Jessica remained outside Yoon’s, her gaze fixed on the treasures beyond the window.

What does she think of Brooke’s grand wedding plans? While I waited for traffic to pass so I could pull from the parking space, I considered the contrast between the cousins. Brooke was spending thousands of dollars on her wedding, and Jessica’s dream of owning a home was hampered by loans and life’s various expenses. Does she look at Brooke’s two wedding gowns and shake her head at the extravagance?

“How is Brooke paying for it all?” I wondered aloud. I knew she also had student loans and monthly car payments.

Brooke could be splitting the cost with Frank. Or she put it all on her credit cards and will worry about the debt later.

I tossed aside the nosy thoughts. My work week was done; I wouldn’t play forensic accountant on how she had paid for her wedding.