Page 128 of Murder on Charity Lane

Karina reappeared with the drinks. She set them on the table, then sat opposite Mrs. B and said, “So you mentioned that Nicholas has been in his current job for seven years?”

“Almost eight now. He didn’t mention his work when you met?”

Karina blinked her. “We met?”

“Oh, yes! I didn’t know if I should say anything, but I am twice-widowed myself.”

Ocean almost snorted in disbelief. Now the old lady was inventing a dead husband? She’d seen her get this way before, reveling in her own outrageousness, but it still took her by surprise.

“Don’t choke, darling!” Mrs. B patted her arm before telling Karina, “Nicholas was here on the night of your husband’s death. That’s how I know about the potential of the property.”

Karina frowned. “I don’t remember. Oh, he came with the pretty Asian girl?”

“Sophie, yes.”

“So … so he knows CJ? She invited him?”

“CJ?” Mrs. B asked. “Your husband’s secretary? Well, I suppose—”

“Wait!” Karina’s mouth turned down. “One second.”

“Yes, dear?”

Karina didn’t speak for a moment. The muscles in her neck strained and she clenched one of her fists, then she stood abruptly from her chair. “You’re the old woman from the YMCA.”

“Why, thank you!” Mrs. B pressed her hand to her chest as if thrilled. “I am, indeed!”

“What are you doing here?”

“Well! Nicholas tells me that zoning permission isn’t—”

“You’re CJ’s friend,” Karina spat.

“I’m everyone’s friend, dear. And it sounds like you need one. Also, I may have accidentally used my home as collateral for CJ’s release from jail.” Mrs. B blinked as if suddenly teary-eyed. “Now I’m afraid she’ll flee and leave me homeless, so please, really, we’re on the same side—”

Karina pointed toward the driveway. “It’s time for you to leave.”

“I’m so sorry!” Mrs. B wailed. “But won’t you just listen for a moment, I’m sure we—”

“Get off my property this instant.”

“C’mon.” Ocean tugged Mrs. B up from her chair. “We’re leaving.”

Mrs. B stopped wailing and glared at Karina. “Why aren’t you honoring Frank’s last wishes?”

“What?”

“You cut off his donations. He trusted you with his legacy, and you betrayed him.”

“Screw you.”

“That’s a good point, dear, but I’m worried you’ll regret not supporting his—”

Karina took a sharp breath. “Do you want me to call the police?”

“And why blame CJ?” Mrs. B asked.

“Because she fucking pushed him!”