As I crouched there uncertainly, Chip and Marybeth disappeared inside the house.
“Come on, Jasper.” I sprinted for the old tree, and the dog, delighted by my unaccustomed speed, bolted with me. Once I was behind the trunk that was wide enough to hide us both, I realized I was no better off. The windows were shut. I could see them in the downstairs living room, but couldn’t hear a thing.
Marybeth stroked a long red fingernail down his chest, while Chip, who was facing my way, looked as if he was about to choke.
Suddenly he strode toward the window and my heart lurched in my chest.
He threw up the sash and leaned out a little, sucking in air. “God, it’s stuffy in here. Sophie always kept this place locked up like a tomb.”
“Well, it’s sold now, and you know how I can’t wait to get started on our next project together, Chipper.”
“For the last time, don’t call me that.” He gritted his teeth. “And I already told you, things are right on schedule, so chill out. The site plan’s been reviewed by the county planning commission. It’s at the township for approval.”
She shook her head. “I still can’t believe it. Good old Sophie owning all those prime acres along the Delaware River.”
Aha. Guess I could kiss any help with the zoning good-bye. Marybeth was snuggled up in bed with Chip, and would have his best interests at heart. Maybe that’s why she’d been so accommodating to try to find me another location.
“The bank has assured me financing won’t be a problem,” Chip said. “As soon as we have the building permit, you can start taking deposits.”
Jasper was pulling on the leash, so I fumbled in my pocket and found a single dog biscuit. I broke off one minute crumb at a time and fed it to him. He looked at me as if to say, I knew you were cheap, Daisy, but this is ridiculous.
“This development will be an asset to the waterfront, and the township knows it,” Chip said. “Plus we’re improving the roads and adding connections to the public sewer, which should keep everybody happy.”
Jasper nudged my pocket and gave a muffled whine, and I searched frantically for another treat.
“Did you hear that?” Marybeth came to the window and scanned the yard while I gently cupped my hands around Jasper’s mouth. Sweat beaded on my forehead.
“What?” Chip’s cell phone rang. It was the theme from Pink Floyd’s “Money,” and the sound of cash registers and falling coins drowned her out.
The window slammed shut, and soon after that I heard the sound of the front door closing. I waited until both cars had driven off down the street before I headed back to the Subaru.
Could the unholy alliance of Chip and Marybeth have killed Sophie to get the prime commercial land, and then Harriet, too, to shut her up about the will?
Nothing like killing two old birds for one condo development.
Chapter Twelve
On Friday, I was at Sometimes a Great Notion, looking through my auction listings when Eleanor walked in. “What are you doing today, Daisy?”
“There are a couple of auctions I’m interested in, but I’m not sure I should be buying more merchandise with the way things are going. Where’s Martha?”
“Shopping for her big romantic getaway. And you need a day off to forget about your troubles. Come with me to Fabric Row.”
I grinned. “Now that does sound tempting.”
“Come on. It’s the best offer you’ve had all week and you know it.”