“Trumped up charge?” Hannah asked, even though Bill was right behind her.

“It’s all politics, Hannah. These ridiculous charges won’t stick. Ask Howie when he comes in to see you tonight. I called him and he knows all about it.”

“You called Howie?” Hannah was doubly amazed. What happened to the one phone call people who were arrested were allowed to make? Cops weren’t supposed to jump the gun and do it for them.

At that exact moment, Hannah realized that it was deathly quiet in the dining room of the Lake Eden Inn. There was no murmuring from the surrounding tables, no clink of silverware as diners enjoyed their food, not even a whisper or a rustle of clothing as people shifted in their chairs. Everyone around them was silent and still, staring in shock at the spectacle that was taking place right before their very eyes.

Oh boy! Hannah thought. If Mother thinks today’s article was mortifying, just wait until she sees tomorrow’s Lake Eden Journal. Rod’s going to have a heyday with this one!

“Hannah Louise Swensen,” Bill said, his voice loud in the silent dining room. “I have a warrant for your arrest on the charge of vehicular homicide. Come with me quietly, please.”

Hannah glanced at the others at the table. Delores looked every bit as shocked as the other diners and Doc resembled a fish out of water with gaping mouth and a face drained of color. Michelle was staring at her with tears running down her cheeks, and Norman looked sick at heart and highly frustrated that he could do nothing to help her. Even Sally, who had come over to their table, looked as if she wished she were anywhere else but there. The only person who didn’t look shocked, or sad, or completely helpless was Andrea. Andrea was staring at Bill with blazing eyes and a venomous look.

Better hide your service handgun tonight, Hannah thought as Bill marched her through the quiet dining room, across the lobby, and out the front door. If Andrea finds it, I might not be the only Swensen sister charged with a homicide.

Chapter Eight

Less than thirty minutes later, Hannah was being processed at the Winnetka County Sheriff’s Station. Bill had taken her in, and ordered Lonnie’s brother, Rick Murphy, to book her and lock her up in a cell. After informing Rick that he would be personally responsible for the prisoner for the night, Bill had turned his back on Hannah and gone out the door. Hannah suspected that Bill would be heading straight home to attempt to appease his angry wife. Of course, there would be nothing Bill could say or do that would work, at least not tonight. Hannah had grown up with Andrea and she had never seen her sister this angry before. There was no way Andrea would forgive Bill right away.

“I’m so sorry, Hannah,” Rick said as he finished the paperwork and took her to the holding cell. “I really don’t want to do this, you know.”