“CTI.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Who rented the box and an address for the company?” Carmen paused and leaned a little closer to him. “Please.”
Even though her please was sugary sweet and he had literally been in love with Carmen since he first saw her on that magazine cover years ago, he was reluctant to give Carmen the information that she requested for fear of losing his job. The last thing he wanted or needed was for a bunch of news trucks to be parked outside his store over something he told Carmen.
But after using her considerable charm and a hundred dollars, the clerk told her who rented the box and gave her the address that was used to rent the box. When she got outside, Carmen looked at the paper.
“Richard Castor.”
While Max drove, Carmen used her tablet to do some research and found that Richard Castor was the head of Castor Technology Inc.
“Castor Technology Inc. - CTI. Cute,” Max said as he drove away from the store.
When the address for CTI turned out to be a private residence and not an office, it piqued Carmen’s curiosity even more.
“I know what you’re thinking, Carmen,” Max said,
“Okay, Mad Max, what am I thinking?”
“You’re thinking about going to this guy’s house, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
Carmen entered the address in Max’s navigator. When they arrived at the house, Max rang the bell, but got no answer. “I guess nobody’s home,” Max said and started to walk away.
Not willing to accept that, Carmen knocked on the door.
“Mr. Castor, it’s Carmen Taylor with Channel Four news,” she said before trying the doorknob and finding that it was unlocked. Carmen kicked the door open with her foot. “Mr. Castor.” She stuck her head in. “It’s Carmen Taylor with Channel Four News.”
When Carmen took a step to go inside, Max grabbed her arm. “This is breaking and entering.”
“No it’s not. The door is open.”
“Because we opened it,” Max said excitedly.
“It’s still open,” Carmen said and started to go inside. Then she stopped and turned back to face Max. “If you wanna wait in the car, Max, I’m good with that.”
Max shook his head, pushed the door wide open and extended his hand for Carmen. “After you, M’lady.”
“Thank you, sir,” Carmen said and went inside.
“May fortune favor the foolish,” Max said and followed Carmen inside the house.
“Mr. Castor. It’s Carmen Taylor with Channel Four News,” she said again as she and Max entered the foyer.
“I don’t think he’s gonna answer you, Carmen,” Max said as soon as he passed the living room.
“Why’s that?” Carmen asked and Max tapped her on the shoulder. When Carmen turned, she saw the body. “Oh.”
“That him?”
“How should I know from here,” Carmen said as she walked into the living room. It was in shambles, and directly in the center of the mess was a body.
“Where are you going?” Max asked, remaining in the foyer.
“I’m just gonna take a look to see if it’s him,” Carmen said and continued toward the body. When she was close enough, Carmen looked down at the body.