Chapter 17

“Francesca Dashwood. She’s the Realtor. She’s also the…” The pause was almost minute. “…sister-in-law of a friend of mine. Allison and I were in the same society at Wellesley, Tau Zeta Epsilon.”

Society. Right. That was kind of like a sorority, but not. “And you trust this Dashwood woman enough that I won’t be taken to the cleaners?”

“No. I don’t know her, Mark. Allison told me that Ms. Dashwood is offering the condominium. She asked if I’d send some business her way. I’d like to help Allison if I can. The price isn’t unreasonable.”

Mrs. Mann was a good woman; nevertheless, I’d do a little investigating. That minute pause.

“How much is it?”

She named a figure, and she was right—for that type of community in Virginia, it wasn’t at all unreasonable. In fact….

“Y’know, Mrs. Mann, there’s usually a reason if something sounds too good to be true.”

“One might say so. Apparently something the prospective buyers learned has made them unwilling to go ahead with the purchase.”