Page 14 of Little Merry Murder

“It’s possible. It’s happened on cases I’ve investigated in the past.”

“Huh. I hadn’t considered that.”

I crossed my arms and said, “I was hoping you could tell me more about Claire.”

Leah fiddled with one of her braids. “In many ways, we were opposites. She was an introvert. I’m an extrovert. She cried at the drop of a hat. And then there’s me—unemotional … well, most of the time. It’s been a rough year. First Claire’s mother, and now Claire.”

“I heard Claire struggled with her mother’s death.”

“Oh yeah, she was devastated. It was hard to connect with her at times. If she wasn’t at work, she was at home, distancing herself from the world and everyone in it.”

“When was the last time you saw or talked to her?”

“We were together the day she died, earlier in the day, I mean. I talked her into going Christmas shopping, and it was the happiest I’d seen her in a long time. I thought she was finally coming around, returning to the Claire I recognized.We shopped for most of the day, and then I dropped her off at home. She was whistling a holiday tune when she got out of the car. She planned to sit by the fire and wrap the presents she’d bought before Owen came home. I had no idea it would be the last …” Her voice cracked. “I didn’t know it would be the last time I ever saw her.”

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I know how hard this must be to talk about.”

“Itishard, but if it turns out Owen didn’t kill Claire, then someone else did, and if I can do anything to help you catch that person, I will.”

I was glad to hear it.

“Can you think of anyone who had a problem with Claire?” I asked.

“I can’t.”

“What about her coworkers?”

“At the school? I can’t imagine any of them having an issue big enough to make them want to murder her over it.”

“Did she ever talk about them?”

“Here and there. She never had a bad thing to say about any of them, but then, that was Claire. She always tried to see the best in people, even when they didn’t deserve it.”

“How long had the two of you been friends?”

“We were roommates in college. When we first met, she was so shy and reserved, I never thought we’d become such good friends. Given she didn’t let many people into her inner circle, it was a long time before we became close. But once we got there, we were inseparable.”

“What’s your opinion on Claire and Owen’s marriage?”

Leah tipped her head to the side. “Hmm, that’s a tough one.”

“How so?”

“I get along with Owen just fine. It’s just, he’s different as a friend than he is as a husband. I could never be married to a guy like him.”

“Why not?”

“He kinda runs hot and cold. One minute, he was showering her with compliments and affection, and then next, he’d make a comment that wasn’t so nice. If you ask me if I thought he loved her … yes, I know he did. He just didn’t always have the best way of showing it.”

It looked like she was gearing up to elaborate on what she’d just said when the bells on the front door jangled, and a customer walked in, eager to pick up her order. Leah dealt with the woman and then made her way back over to me, sweeping her hands up and down her arms. “I’ve had a chill running through me all day today. I need a hot drink. I have a little kitchen area in the back. I’m going to make some tea. I also have coffee, hot chocolate, and orange juice,I think. You want anything?”

“I’ll take Earl Grey tea if you have it.”

“I don’t have Earl, but I have Lady Grey.”

“Even better.”

Leah turned, heading to the back of the store. She dipped behind a blue velvet curtain and then returned a few minutes later, carrying a tray. On the tray was a fancy pink-and-black-striped teapot and matching cups and saucers. She set everything down on a bistro table and took a seat. I joined her.

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