Arson Takes a Dare: The Third Marisa Adair Mystery Adventure (Marisa Adair Mysteries Book 3) by Jada Ryker Page B

we’ve heard you’re an excellent realtor,” Will Stanton said. “We’re desperate to sell.”
    “Please, call me Dee.” The realtor touched the heavy bun at the back of her head. She pulled the lapels of her jacket straight. She glanced down her body. The pinstripes and the tailored lines disguised her huge bosom. The relaxed fit pants hid her curves and sculpted legs. A thick layer of pale foundation and beige powder covered her exotic features. A touch of nearly colorless pink lipstick thinned her full mouth, while clunky, plain glass eyewear lent a scholarly air.
    “Dee, we decided to sell our home because it’s too close Lacey’s brother’s place.” His wrinkled face sagged as Will put his arm around his wife’s bent shoulders. “We could have our own Neighbors from Hell television show.”
    No one will recognize me as Diana, the exotic dancer, the realtor thought in satisfaction. She focused on her new clients, frowning in sympathy. “Oh, no, that sounds terrible.”
    Lacey Stanton nodded, her round ball of white hair bobbing above her distressed old face. “After our parents died, my brother Sam turned into a greedy, grasping fool. He believes I and our two sisters wanted to ‘cheat him out of his inheritance’. Mom and Dad eked out an existence on the old farm and didn’t leave much. Sam thought since he was the only male, he should inherit the farm.”
    “My brother-in-law bought a computer so he could start meeting women online,” Will said. “He figured it would be akin to going to the animal shelter and picking out the dog he wanted. He’d click on the women he wanted to play with, and then he thought he’d simply choose one to go home with him.”
    Lacey’s smile was devoid of humor. “He found out it wasn’t quite as easy as he thought it would be. After he got frustrated with online dating, he poked around on other areas of the internet. He stumbled across old-fashioned laws, like the eldest son inheriting estates in England.”
    “That clinched it,” Will said. “Sam decided he was getting the old farmstead, and his sisters were out of luck. Lacey and the other girls had to hire a lawyer to get their shares under their parents’ will.”
    “And now my brother is a bitter and mean old man,” Lacey said sadly. “He’s making our lives miserable. He even sent my sisters and me copies of his will. It says none of us are allowed to go to his funeral when he passes away.” Tears slipped down her cheeks, smearing the bright pink powder and leaving tracks of black mascara. “He was such a sweet boy. He taught me how to fish. I was squeamish, so he always baited the hooks and cleaned the catch. Now, he breaks our windows and ruins my flower gardens.”
    “Lacey and I decided it’s not worth the fight. We’re in full retreat mode.” Will stared up at Diana. “Now, we need your help, Dee. We’ve heard you’re an excellent realtor who won’t try to pressure us or browbeat us into buying a house that’s not right for us.”
    The conference room door opened. “Dee, may I speak to you for a moment?” Her mouth a grim slash across her pinched face, the newcomer grasped Dee’s arm and propelled her to the hall. She shook her finger in Dee’s face. “It’s my turn for the next walk-in client. You cut line to steal my sale.”
    “Amber,” Diana said, “Mrs. Stanton called and asked for me by name. I made this appointment with them. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”
    “Dee, or whatever your name is, I’m onto you.” Amber hissed angrily, sending spittle flying.
    She knows Dee is short for Diana, and I’m a stripper. Diana’s stomach clenched.
    “You think you can waltz in here with a brand-new realtor license, trying your best to outdo me in sales. Your employment application shows you’re a freelance entertainer, but not what you do to entertain.”
    This is my new life and you’re not taking it away from me. Diana pulled herself upright to her six-foot height and took