Sheriff Bascom nodded, as if Thatch had given him the answer he wanted. “Will Mr. Brandt receive part of the proceeds from the firm’s policy on Mr. Landingham?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“There’s a formula.”

“Yes, yes. The formula. Venture a guess.”

“Two hundred thousand.”

“I see.” He sat straighter in his chair. “This has been helpful. Thank you for your time, Mr. Cooke.”

Thatch rose from his chair, but before he reached the door, Sheriff Bascom said, “One more question, Mr. Cooke.”

“What is it?” Thatch didn’t try to hide his annoyance.

“Does the firm carry a policy on your life?”

“I told you. We carry policies on all the partners.”

“For how much is your life insured?”

A flush darkened Thatch’s cheeks. “A hundred thousand.”

Sheriff Bascom allowed himself a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Cooke. That will be all.”

Without a word, Thatch left.

The sheriff let a few seconds pass, then stood and went to the door. He poked his head out and nodded.

Bear took the opportunity to squeeze past him.

“Hey, buddy.” I held out my hand.

His furry bod wriggled in anticipation of scratches, and he trotted to my side.

As soon as I touched his ears, his tail wagged.

Sheriff Bascom watched me pet Bear. “What are your impressions?”

“Thatch was posturing.”

“Agreed.”

“He’s worried. He had two reasons to kill Graham. The money and protecting his job as managing partner.”

Sheriff Bascom nodded.

“Do you think Thatch and Willa planned Graham’s murder?” I asked.

“Mrs. Cooke seems like a very nice lady.”

“Not an answer.”

“I think it’s possible. You’re the one who said Buffy wouldn’t leave the safety of her cabin to meet a man. Would she leave to meet Willa? Or Liz?”

Liz? My heart stopped as I thought of her appearance at brunch. The woman who was always perfectly poised had seemed distracted. Had she felt guilty? No. I refused to believe that. Liz would never commit murder. Never. “You suspect them because they planned the weekend?”

“Would you invite someone you can’t stand to spend the weekend with you?”

I thought of Prudence Davies and her horse teeth and her barely contained disdain for me. I’d do a lot to avoid spending a weekend with her. “No,” I replied. “I wouldn’t.”

“You see why I suspect them?”

“I do. But if Liz and Perry were planning to murder Graham this weekend, why would they ask a homicide detective to join them?”

Sheriff Bascom rubbed his chin. “An excellent question. Can you find the answer?”

Could I question my friend? I glanced at the phone. “If you don’t mind, I’ll check on my husband first.”

He chuckled. “I’m sure whoever answers will put through your call immediately.”

“You heard about that.”

“Your mother has friends in high places.”

“It’s best not to cross her.”

“She must be very proud of you.”