“Please. The differences are too many to count,” she said. “Acting is taking on the life and loves of a person completely different from yourself. It’s not you up on that stage or in front of that camera; it’s someone else, and that someone else doesn’t get stage fright.”

“Okay,” I said slowly. “I get that.”

“But speaking in public as myself?” Julia shuddered. “My own words? That would leave me open to blanket criticism. I can’t believe anyone ever willingly does it.”

I smiled, thinking of the many times I’d spoken in front of groups without any real fear. Small groups, sure, but still. “Most audiences are friendly. They’re on your side. They want you to succeed.”

“Not worth the risk,” Julia said. “My second career as a bookmobile clerk and children’s storyteller is the one I want, thank you very much.”

I was sure she wasn’t telling the exact truth about having a fear of public speaking, since she’d been teaching acting classes at the college where Aunt Frances worked when I’d lured her away, and what was teaching if not speaking in public?

Also, I hadn’t thought that her job as the bookmobile clerk could rise to the level of career. But her consideration that it did made me proud and pleased.

“Say, how is that murder investigation going?” Julia asked. “Any new leads?”

I filled her in on the narrowing of suspects to Ariella and Drew. “The bike connection might be there, but we really think it’s more to do with working for the city. Somehow. Brown recently retired from there and Emily worked there decades ago, so what’s the common thread?”

“Hmm.” Julia tapped the top of Eddie’s carrier with her toes. “Both victims worked for the city and they both recently retired.”

“That’s the other connection,” I said. “The retirements. What I’m worried about is if other people who retire will also be targets.”

Julia tapped her toes again. “Hard to warn people of that. I can see the press release now. Anyone who has just retired or is about to retire, please contact Minnie Hamilton, as your life might be in danger.”

I smiled. “The one good thing is I don’t know anyone who’s planning to—” My words caught tight in my throat.

Because I’d suddenly remembered that I did know someone about to retire.

*   *   *

As soon as I got back to the houseboat and returned Eddie to his current favorite place of the driver’s seat, I sat at the dining table and pulled out my phone.

Minnie: Do you know what Keith Tanaka did before he started teaching?

Rafe:

Minnie (after thirty seconds of glaring at the phone as if that would make him respond faster): Hey, did you see my last text?

Rafe: