“Not really.I figured it was because my mother was being impossible, as usual.But Pamela sounded pretty upset.She said something like ‘you can’t do this’ or ‘don’t, Margaret.’”
Sam asked, “Did your mother say anything in response?”
“No, because they both suddenly noticed I was there.I couldn’t really read Pamela’s expression.My mom just looked satisfied, like she’d won something.That’s when Charlotte came to the back room, and the meeting started.”
Sam asked, “Did they speak to each other again during the meeting?”
“Not that I saw.Pamela sat on the opposite side of the room and left right after the meeting ended.”
Sam said, “I think you should tell the police everything you remember about that book club meeting.Even details that seem small.Did you tell them anything about this?”
Sofia shook her head.“It didn’t seem important at the time.My mom was always getting under people’s skin.I didn’t remember it again until yesterday.”She stood.“Thanks for coming over.And for coming to my mom’s service.”
Sofia left, looking more composed than she had at the beginning of their conversation.Sam joined Olivia outside, where Charlotte was speaking with her.
Dylan called out to Charlotte as he exited the chapel, and Charlotte walked over to speak with him.
Sam said ruefully to Olivia, “I’m sure Dylan isn’t eager to talk to me again anytime soon after our conversation at the community center.”
“Well, he shouldn’t have been posing as something he wasn’t.”Olivia glanced behind Sam.“Claire Mills is coming in our direction.Need to speak with her?”
“She’s probably not dying to chat with me again, either.”
Olivia said, “I can take the lead.I haven’t spoken with anyone since the book club meeting.I should have been reaching out, but I’ve been dealing with my anxiety over the whole thing.”
Olivia turned and smiled at Claire, motioning her over.Claire’s lips tightened before she gave a return smile and headed in their direction.“Hi ladies,” she said in an upbeat tone.
“How is everything going?”asked Olivia.“I’ve been thinking about you.I should have texted to see how you were doing.”
“It’s been a real mess,” said Claire, blowing out a big sigh.“I can’t believe Gerald is gone.”
Sam noticed she didn’t mention Margaret’s death, despite being in the process of leaving her memorial service.
Olivia gave her a sympathetic look.“I know you two were close.”
Claire nodded.“We were writing buddies.He was such a supportive guy.Gerald’s probably the only reason I kept on writing after that whole thing with Margaret.”
“She should never have criticized your work like that,” said Olivia, frowning.“I don’t like speaking ill of the dead, but everybody knows that’s not the way you deliver a critique.Maybe she was just jealous of you and was trying to cut you down to size.”
“You’re sweet, but I don’t think that was it,” said Claire.“I did want to improve the manuscript, so I shouldn’t have been so sensitive.”She glanced at Sam.“And, of course, there was the rest of it.Margaret sabotaged my submission to a publisher.”
Olivia affected surprise, although she’d known about the sabotage from Sam.“I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah.It was hard.But I’m trying to move past it.What’s the old expression?Get better, not bitter?That’s what I’m working on.But I’m not going to lie; it’s been hard.First the big mess with Margaret, which totally messed up my confidence and my self-esteem.I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep on going.Then, Gerald encouraged me to keep working on my book.Losing him has been another huge setback.”Claire’s voice broke a little at the end, and she shook her head.
Olivia said, “You know, I’m not saying I’m a great at giving critiques, but I’d be happy to read through your book.”
“Me too,” said Sam.
Claire’s face brightened.“You guys are the best.I don’t think I’m quite ready yet to put my work out there again, but when I am, I’ll be sure to check in with you.I really appreciate it.”
They spoke of other things for a few minutes before heading their separate ways.Claire walked to her car, looking lighter than she had at the start of the conversation.
“She’s going to be okay,” Olivia said, watching her go.
“I think so too.”Sam checked her phone.“I should probably head home.Arlo’s been alone most of the day.”
“Give him extra treats for me.”Olivia gave her a quick hug.
