“Believe me, I know all about cheating spouses. And I’m sure everyone and their brother discussed my marriage with Henry.”

“That didn’t bother you?”

“I didn’t love it, but I didn’t think less of anyone for talking.”

“Saint Ellison. Not all of us feel that way.” Then, realizing she’d revealed too much, she marched toward her own cabin.

I lifted my hand to knock on Liz’s door, but she opened it.

“I heard you talking to Merit.” She took a step back. “Come in.”

I stepped inside. The cabin smelled of Liz’s perfume and was impossibly tidy.

Liz went to the bed, where a stack of neatly folded clothes sat next to an open suitcase.

She saw me looking, and said "Perry says the sheriff can't keep us here. We're driving home this afternoon."

“It’s been a rough weekend.”

Her expression softened. “Especially for you. How’s Anarchy?”

“Mother’s on her way to the hospital.”

“You’re worried about him?”

My throat tightened, so I nodded.

“She’ll have the whole hospital jumping whenever she says, ‘boo.’ He’ll get the best care in the world.”

“I hope so.”

“You didn’t come to talk about Anarchy.”

“No. May I ask you a few questions?”

“As a friend, or as homicide detective’s wife?”

I thought before I answered. “As a friend.”

“Go ahead.”

“Who was supposed to come this weekend?”

“What do you mean?”

“Were Anarchy and I a late addition?”

“We were thrilled you could come.” Of course she was gracious and polite.

“We were thrilled to be asked. On Tuesday. Who bowed out?”

“Rosalind and Gregory Frasier. Rosalind’s mother fell and they needed to stay with her.”

“Whose idea was it to invite us?”

“Mine.”

“Did you check with Willa first?”

She frowned. “No. But why would Willa care? She adores you."

Adores me? That was a stretch.

Someone had plotted a murder and seen it through despite the presence of a homicide detective. That spoke of desperation.

“Who decided to invite Sumner and Graham?”

“Thatch wanted them here.”

“Thatch says you and Willa invited them.”

She flushed, and covered her cheeks with her palms.

“What is it, Liz?”

“It doesn’t reflect well on Willa. Or me.”

I waited.

“Graham was a horrible man. He stole Perry’s biggest client and he decided to run for managing partner just to unnerve Thatch.”

“So you invited him on a weekend trip?”

“Graham had an affair.”

“Buffy told me. Some woman at the firm.”

“No.”

“Then who?”

“Misty.”

I stared at her. “Misty, the pretty-young-caterer Misty?”

“We wanted him to know that if he messed with our lives, we’d mess with his.”

“Does Sumner know about her?”

“No. We’re not monsters.”

“You’re sure she doesn’t know?”

“Positive.”

“What about Misty? Did she know Graham would be here?” I didn’t need Liz’s confirmation. “She made his favorite dessert.”

“What are you talking about?”