When she reached the conservatory floor, she adjusted the sash and cautiously opened the door. She spotted Myra, who was clutching her pearls. Not necessarily a good sign.

Annie frantically gestured to get Myra’s attention. Finally. Eye contact. The relief on Myra’s face could be seen across the room. She was standing with Dr. Marcus as Norma edged her way in.

“There you are!” Norma exclaimed, as she saw Annie walking toward them. Dr. Marcus was beaming. Myra was not. She softly closed her eyes and slightly shook her head. Annie was good at scaring the wits out of Myra. Not intentionally. It was Annie’s wild nature. One of the many things Myra loved about her dear friend.

“Sorry. I’ve been pulled in all sorts of directions,” Annie replied, recovering from the edge of hyperventilating. She had gotten herself out of a lot of jams in the past. Had Norma discovered Annie in her bedroom, that would have been one hell of a calamity. “My, what a stunning necklace!” Annie pointed to the Cartier. “Sorry I didn’t mention it earlier.”

Norma didn’t flinch. “No worries. You were busy being the perfect hostess.”

Annie smiled her most charming smile, all the while thinking, Rubbish, you moron. She leaned into Myra, knowing they were both thinking the same thing.

“Where’s Charlotte?” Annie asked.

Myra had a twinkle in her eye. “She has been spending some time conversing with Lincoln.” She nodded in their direction. Charlotte was giggling like a schoolgirl. Myra was elated to see her friend laughing and what could be construed as flirting!

“Bravo!” Annie replied. “Lincoln is a wonderful man. Widower for about five years. He said it’s hard to meet someone at this point in his life. I’m happy to see him enjoying himself.”

“Would you excuse us a moment?” Annie said to the Marcuses. “Myra and I have a little matter we need to resolve before the evening ends. Nothing major, but you know how caterers can be.” She took Myra by the elbow and shuffled her through the guests.

Myra started. “You gave me such a fright! What took you so long?”

“You had such a fright? You were supposed to keep an eye on them!” Annie was trying to keep her volume to a whisper. “Norma went back to the flat to get that necklace. I hid behind the bedroom door and held my breath.”

“It happened so fast, I couldn’t stop her. At first, I thought she was going to the ladies’ room, and she melted into the crowd. I didn’t realize what had happened until she came back with that necklace on! Thank goodness you weren’t caught.” She and Annie hugged.