Brotherhood in Death by J. D. Robb

dead, would you tell me quickly?”
    â€œThere’s been no homicide or death I know of at this time.”
    Tressa let out a short breath. “All right, that’s a relief. Please, sit. Can I offer you coffee? Aiden’s assistant makes a killer latte.”
    â€œI’d love one,” Peabody said before Eve could deny them both.
    â€œThat’s two lattes. Lieutenant?”
    â€œJust coffee. Straight coffee. Black.”
    â€œThanks, Aiden.” Tressa gestured to her sitting area, taking the sofa in nearly the same shade as her eyes while Eve and Peabody sat in deep blue chairs. “What’s this about?”
    â€œYesterday at approximately five P.M. Edward Mira was assaulted—”
    â€œWhat?” Tressa’s spine snapped straight. “Where is he? How seriously was he hurt?”
    â€œI can’t tell you because he’s missing.”
    â€œWhat do you mean ‘missing’? I don’t—” She stopped herself, shook her head. “I’m sorry. I know better. One second.” She looked away, drew a breath, then another, slower. “Please, tell me what you know.”
    â€œWere you aware that Senator Mira had an appointment yesterdaywith a real estate agent regarding the sale of a property he owns with his cousin Dennis Mira?”
    â€œNo.” She rubbed two fingers over the space between her eyes. “No, I wasn’t aware.”
    â€œDo you know the name of the Realtor he worked with?”
    â€œHe’d worked with Silas Greenbaum—Greenbaum Realty—until recently.”
    â€œUntil recently?”
    â€œYes.” She glanced over as Aiden brought in the coffee, with a dish of thin cookies, on a tray. “Thanks, Aiden. Do you know what Realtor the senator was using?”
    â€œNo, I don’t, not since he severed ties with Greenbaum.”
    â€œCheck with Liddy, would you? See who he had an appointment with regarding the Spring Street property yesterday.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œAnd close the door please, Aiden. You believe whoever he met assaulted him?”
    â€œHe was assaulted in the house. His cousin Dennis Mira entered the property, followed the sound of voices to the study. He saw Edward Mira, injured, started in to assist him, and was himself attacked from behind.”
    â€œDennis?” Her fingers lifted to the white frill at her bodice. “Is he all right?”
    â€œYou know Dennis Mira?”
    â€œYes, very well. You can’t possibly think he had anything to do . . . Of course you don’t.” Now she pushed at her hair. “You work with his wife, you know him. And from everything I know about you, the two of you, you’re not idiots, so you know Dennis would never hurt anyone. I’m sorry to keep interrupting. I can’t sit.”
    She rose, began to pace. “I’ll handle it better on my feet.”
    Since Eve generally felt the same, she nodded. “When Dennis Miraregained consciousness, the senator was gone. Unless he’s shown up since we came in here, he hasn’t been seen since.”
    â€œKidnapping? But no demand for ransom? You’ve spoken with Mandy, surely. If there was a ransom demand it would go to her, or come through here.”
    â€œYes, I’ve spoken with her. She wasn’t able to offer any information.”
    â€œHe has a house in the Hamptons, and an apartment in East Washington. But you’ve checked.”
    â€œI have.”
    After a brief knock, Aiden opened the door. “The senator didn’t give Liddy a name, just told her he had an outside appointment. A four-thirty with a new Realtor. He left shortly after four. Vinnie drove him to the Spring Street property. The senator told him not to wait, he had transportation from there. Liddy doesn’t have any information about a new Realtor.”
    â€œThank you, Aiden. Would you tell Wyatt to put aside whatever he’s doing and