Hannah watched in amazement as everyone did exactly as Mike had instructed. His was the voice of authority, and they needed some authority right about now.

“Let Deputy Murphy through, please,” Mike ordered, but in a softer voice. “I want complete quiet while we remove Mrs. Larchmont from the scene. She’s had a bad shock and she needs to rest.”

There was complete silence on the set. Those who knew what had happened were thankful they hadn’t been in Lynne’s place, so close to their director’s violent death. And those who didn’t know weren’t about to disobey an acting sheriff’s orders.

“As soon as Deputy Murphy leaves with Mrs. Larchmont, I’m going to divide you into groups. The deputies I’ve called in will escort you to three different locations to be interviewed. Everyone must wait there until a deputy takes his or her statement. Whether you actually witnessed the unfortunate incident or not, we need to interview you. Do you understand?”

There were assenting murmurs and Mike was about to go on when he was interrupted by a question from Lynne.

“Excuse me, but

I just have to ask. Dean

he’s

he’s dead, isn’t he?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Mike answered her. “Just go with Deputy Murphy and he’ll take care of everything.”

Hannah watched as Tom Larchmont approached Lonnie and asked him a question. Lonnie nodded and Tom joined them as they went out the door.

“I know this may inconvenience some people,” Mike went on, “but everyone here will have to be searched before they leave Granny’s Attic. It’s not that we don’t trust you, but it’s standard operating procedure with this many witnesses.”

There were the predictable grumbles and Mike spoke up again. “If you’re good boys and girls, we’ll make sure we have coffee at the three locations, and some snacks to tide you over. How’s that?”

The grumbles faded and a few people smiled at their acting sheriff. Mike looked pleased as he addressed them again. “Thanks, folks. Let’s all cooperate so I can get you home in a timely manner. And just let me add that you are the best-dressed witnesses that the Winnetka County Sheriff’s Department has ever interviewed!”

There were a few grins and a couple of tentative chuckles. Hannah couldn’t believe it. Mike had done such a good job of covering up the gruesome details that people were feeling much better. Mayor Bascomb, the ultimate politician in Hannah’s opinion, had nothing on Mike. If the first man of Lake Eden wasn’t careful, Mike might just unseat him someday!