"Let me help out," I offered. "Let me bring your meals over. I mean," I added hastily, "if you want."

"I would, honey," she said in a lower tone, "but you know John Richard is just in such a state about that food from yesterday. Lord! What does Goldy have against Fritz, I asked him. Exactly nothing, that's what." Another yawn. "I said to John Richard, Well, you know, son, there's lots of women thought your daddy was a rat." She giggled. The painkiller was taking effect.

"Vonette," I said before the conversation degenerated further, "I'm coming over on Tuesday, and I'm going to bring Fritz some things to eat I know he likes. Okay?"

She giggled again. "You can even test them," I said, "and I want to visit with you, anyway. Make sure there are no hard feelings with old Fritz."

Vonette inhaled. She said, "Goldy, honey. Thanks. That would be sweet. I'll taste them if you want. Hell, nobody cares if I die. Just kidding, of course. Laura Smiley had that kind of attitude and it did her in, didn't it? Well, who knows. And you know what else? John Richard will be taking over the whole practice for Fritz for a couple of days anyway, so he won't be around to bother you. You know."

Did I ever. Maybe I should have adopted Marla's attitude and actively avoided John Richard. My life might have been a lot easier. It would be good to have the son out of the way when I chatted with the mother. Though I hated to use Vonette, I needed information she might have. I didn't know what in the world was going on. I had to start somewhere.

"Guess what?" I said. "Those cops are going to close down my operation until this is all cleared up. Maybe you can help me out a little."

"Oh, honey," she said, "I'll give you all the cash you need. It'll just be our little secret."

"No no no. I mean, thanks, really, but I don't mean money. All I want to do is talk to you, about some of the possibilities. Of who could have done this to Fritz."

"Goldy honey, I keep telling you. Fritz is fine. Just let the police handle it." She was quiet for a minute. Then she said, "Do you know what? Maybe nobody did it to him. Maybe somebody did it so's your catering business would be busted. Ever think of that?"

As a matter of fact, I had not. Besides John Richard, who hated me? The flowers from yesterday seemed to indicate I was not the target. No need to confuse Vonette with that, however.

I promised to see her in two days, rang off, and phoned Marla.

"You'll never guess what happened to Fritz Korman," I began.

"Pfft!" she answered. "Old news, sweetie pie. The way I hear it, you're the one tried to do it."

Wait a minute.