Interesting,Fish notes.She’s painting herself as theconcerned friend.
“What kind of meetings?” Ree asks, pen poised.
“I have no idea, and that’s what worried me. In thirty years of partnership, we never kept secrets from each other. But these past few weeks, she was different. Nervous, almost. Like she was afraid of something.” Nadine’s voice carries what sounds like genuine worry. “I keep wondering if someone was threatening her, or if she’d gotten herself into some kind of trouble.”
From the stage, Dilly’s hologram pipes up again, “Death becomes me better than life became some people. At least I’m consistent now.”
A tourist giggles nervously and snaps another photo.
“You must be devastated,” I say carefully. “Losing someone you worked with for so long.”
“Devastated doesn’t begin to cover it,” Nadine replies, and the emotion sounds completely genuine. “Dilly could be difficult, but she was my dearest friend. We built something beautiful together, and now I have to figure out how to carry on without her.”
She’s getting warmed up now,Chip mewls.This is about to get good.
“Speaking of surprises,” Nadine continues, as she nods my way, “have you talked to Savvy Sparrow yet? I certainly hope the sheriff’s department has. That sweet Southern belle act of hers hides some serious claws.”
“Oh?” Georgie leans forward, nearly walking into a concentrated cloud of fog from the machine.
“Years ago, Dilly absolutely destroyed Savvy’s mother’s bakery on national television. Called it ‘amateur hour with delusions of sugar sweet grandeur’ and suggested they stick to church bake sales. The poor woman never recovered—lost a ton of business, her confidence, everything. Savvy’s been carrying that grudge ever since.”
“But that was years ago,” I point out.
“Some wounds never heal, especially when they involve family.”Nadine’s expression turns knowing. “Just this morning, I heard Savvy on the phone with someone, talking about ‘finally getting even’ and ‘making sure some people get what they deserve.’ Sounded pretty threatening to me.”
Ree scribbles so fast her pen might catch fire. “Did you tell the sheriff’s department?”
A part of me bristles at the thought of Savvy being the killer. I really do like the woman. But do I like her enough to let her get away with murder? That remains to be seen.
“Of course, I did! But that handsome Detective Drake seems more interested in protecting certain people than investigating them.” Nadine’s tone turns pointed. “Speaking of which, has anyone mentioned Delora’s little situation?”
Here we go,Fish mutters.She’s about to drop the bomb.
“What situation?” I ask, though I have a sinking feeling I already know.
Nadine glances around again, then leans in so close I can smell the peppermint on her breath. “Well, I probably shouldn’t say anything, but since it might be relevant to the investigation... Delora Drake had an affair with Dilly’s husband about fifteen years ago.”
The collective gasp from my squad could probably be heard in the next county. And to be honest, I may have been the only one gasping.
“No way,” Georgie breathes, her fog-riddled hair bobbing with dramatic emphasis.
“Oh yes.” Nadine nods grimly. “Lasted about six months. Dilly found out, of course. She always did have excellent radar for that sort of thing. But instead of making a scene, she just... filed the information away. Used it whenever she needed leverage with Delora.”
“Blackmail?” Ree squeaks.
“Not exactly blackmail. More like... insurance. Whenever Delora got too uppity about event planningor tried to take control, Dilly would make little comments about ‘old indiscretions’ and ‘things that might interest the country club set’. Kept Delora in line beautifully.”
From the stage, Dilly’s hologram delivers a cackle with what sounds suspiciously like perfect timing. “Some people think they can bury their mistakes, but the truth has a way of rising from the grave.”
A tourist nervously asks if the ghost is talking to her specifically.
“But recently,” Nadine continues. “Dilly had been hinting that she might be ready to share some old stories at this symposium. Said it was time for certain people to face the consequences of their actions. Delora was absolutely frantic. She kept cornering Dilly, begging her to reconsider.”
And there’s the motive,Fish observes.Delora couldn’t let her dirty laundry get aired in front of half the baking community.
“You think Delora killed Dilly to keep her quiet?” I ask.
“I think Delora’s the type of woman who’d do anything to protect her reputation,” Nadine replies carefully. “She’s spent decades building this image of herself as the perfect society matron. The idea of everyone knowing she’d cheated with her event coordinator’s husband? That would destroy everything she’s worked for.”
