Derek pressed the doorbell then stepped back, waiting for Mrs. Sullivan to answer. The door was on the chain when she opened it, giving him a view of half her face, one eyebrow arched in question as she said, “If you’re selling something, I’m not interested.”
“No, ma’am. I would like to speak with you about this afternoon.”
She visibly paled, quickly closing the door, and he was certain he’d blown it. Then he heard the chain being released and she opened it again. She stood defiantly, one hand on the door to keep him from entering. “Who are you?”
“My name is Derek Clarke. I’m a licensed private detective.” He held out his wallet with the license visible. She barely glanced at it, her gaze going to Joe, standing right behind him. “This is my assistant, Joseph Lawson,” Derek said. “We wer
