So the upshot of this long story is that the family pharmacy has spread like a veritable plague. There are Jeffry pharmacies all over the Chicago area, and they're opening two in St. Louis this month and one in Indianapolis. I still get my third share of the profits. And they're substantial. In short, I can afford to build out a new room where you can have lots of space, lots of light,and all your stuff. And if you don't want to use it, I'll do it anyway as a storeroom. By the way, my first book about Priscilla comes to the bookstores in a week or two and I also make a nice little wad of money when it does. I could store my author's copies of my book in that room if you really don't want it," she said with a sly smile.

"Then I'm going to take you up on this. Without feel‑

ing like a kept man."

"Too bad. I intend to keep you at least until we're both using walkers and hauling around oxygen canisters on rollers to go to cheap buffet dinners."

Mel laughed out loud. "It's a deal, Janey."

Chapter

FIVE

T

he architect Uncle Jim had recommended was quick to contact Jane early the next morning. "Jim and I are old friends. We shared a dorm room back in college. He told me you needed advice on adding a room for your soon-to-be husband. He thinks the world of the man you're marrying. So I'd like to meet with both you and Detective VanDyne as soon as possible. By the way, I'm Jackson Edgeworth." He gave her his office number.

"Anytime is good for me except this morning," Jane said. "A friend and I are attending a class Mel recommended. I'll call him and ask if later today suits him, if that's convenient for you," Jane said, thinking how timely his call was.

She phoned Mel, saying, "The architect my uncleJim suggested wants to know if you could be free this afternoon?"

"I'm due some time off. I could just take today off if you want."