Page 17 of Murder on the Page

“I can’t believe Auntie was . . . was . . . murdered,” Tegan sputtered.

The word “murdered” stuck in my throat. Why kill Marigold? Why end the life of one of the nicest people in the world? Was this a random attack, or was the killer someone Marigold knew? Both possibilities made me shudder. “Tegan, were you able to contact all of today’s attendees?”

“Yes. They are beyond upset. A few asked what would happen to the bookstore. I said I didn’t know. I imagine Auntie left her estate to my mother. Do you think she’ll keep it open? The B and B is requiring all her energy.”

“We’ll see. Was that what you and your mom were talking about? You seemed concerned.”

“No. She was telling me where she was this morning. It was odd, like she wanted to prove that she didn’t do this, as if I’d think she could have.Ever.”

“Suspects blurt alibis all the time. They get jittery, and the weirdest things pop out of their mouths.”

“She said she was at the B and B.”

“Of course, she was. She serves breakfast. She greets the guests.”

“Right. So there will be plenty of people to confirm that.”

“Maybe she was telling you her alibi because, in truth, she wanted to know where you were.” I waited a beat for her to offer an answer. When she didn’t, I said, “So, where were you? Why didn’t you return my text earlier?”

Tegan folded her arms across her chest. “I—”

The door to the shop flew open and Vanna stormed inside,the tails of her white-checked scarf flying behind her. Rick chased her, unable to prevent her from advancing.

“What the heck!” Vanna shrieked. A hurricane couldn’t have entered with less subtlety. “You did this!” She rushed at Tegan. “You!”

Tegan’s cheeks burned pink. “What are you talking about?”

“If Auntie’s been murdered, like everyone outside is saying”—Vanna thrust an arm in the direction of the crowd—“then you killed her.You!”

All sound ceased in the shop. Zach and Bates pivoted and stared in our direction.

I wrapped an arm around my friend and said to her vicious half sister, “Stop it this instant. What has gotten into you?”

“They’re saying Auntie is dead,” Vanna wailed. “She was murdered.”

“It’s true,” I said. At least, the dead part. Not necessarily the murdered part.

“Then Tegan killed her.” Vanna’s voice could have cut ice. Honestly, at times I marveled that she had been born with any of Noeline’s genteel genes.

“I did not kill Auntie, Vanna.” Tegan wrenched free of me and balled her hands into fists. “Take it back.”

Zach strode to us. “What’s going on, ladies?”

“My aunt left her portion of the bookstore to my half sister,” Vanna blurted. “That’s motive. Tegan, where were you this morning?”

“How dare you!” Tegan squawked.

I glowered at Vanna. She truly believed Tegan was capable of murder? She wasn’t just jabbering?

“Where were you?” Vanna repeated, smugly smoothing the front of her silk dress.

“Auntie did not leave the shop to me,” Tegan said, avoiding answering the question. “Where did you hear such a thing?”

“I . . .” Vanna faltered, but recovered and raised her chin. “Isaw a letter Auntie wrote. It was on her desk at home when I visited the other day. It wasn’t there this morning.”

“Why did you go to her house this morning?” I asked.

“I saw her after she closed the shop last night. Her car was sputtering like a sick dog. I thought she might need a ride today.”

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