Sam said, “She did?”
“Definitely.You should have seen her at last month’s meeting.We readThe Cardiac Protocol.It was this medical thriller.Not a bad book.But Margaret found all kinds of reasons to hate it.Although she’d said the medication part of the story was accurate.She over-shared about her heart medications and blood pressure prescriptions.”
Sam nodded.Maybe it had been a natural death, after all.It sounded like she’d had a hard time regulating her blood pressure.She’d see if Aiden had more information from his police source later on.Surely by this point, the medical examiner should have been able to glean more information about Margaret’s death.“Well, I’m sorry she’s gone.And Charlotte seemed very upset, too.”
“I’m sure sheseemedthat way.But her life will be a lot easier with Margaret out of the way.”
Sam said, “If it was actually foul play, who do you think might have been responsible?Any ideas?I’m sure you must know everyone pretty well.”
“I can’t really picture anyone doing it.And you know I’m not saying Charlotte had anything to do with Margaret’s death.She was always very congenial with her.”
Sam said, “Did anyone in the club have an especially tough time with Margaret?”
Gerald considered this as he munched what looked like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.“I guess I’d have to say Sofia always acts a little shifty.”
“Shifty?I thought she was just shy.She seemed very friendly, though.”
Gerald said, “Yeah, she’s probably shy.But she was especially uncomfortable around Margaret.Like she wanted to talk to her butdidn’twant to at the same time.”
“Maybe she thought Margaret had good feedback?Could she have just been interested in her insights on the selections?”
Gerald shrugged again.“Who knows?Maybe.”He looked back again at his book.
Sam said, “Did you notice anybody lingering behind at the shop after the meeting was over?”
“Nope.That’s because I didn’t linger, myself.I don’t have any idea who might have stayed behind.The police have already asked me about that.”He made a face.“I guess they need to talk to everybody at book club.”
Gerald gave a regretful glance at his watch.“Well, that’s the end of my break.If you want to come back in, I’ll open up my window again.We’ll get that check of yours deposited.But you really should consider online banking.It’s so much more convenient.”
Sam totally agreed.
Chapter Seven
It was much later inthe afternoon when Sam headed over to Aiden’s house.As instructed, she brought Arlo with her.The evening air was cool as they walked the few blocks to Aiden’s house.The craftsman bungalow glowed with warm light from within, and smoke curled from the chimney.Even from the sidewalk, Sam could smell something delicious cooking.
Aiden opened the door before she could knock, as if he’d been watching out for them.He wore jeans and a navy Henley that brought out his eyes, his dark hair slightly damp as if he’d just showered after school.
