“It’s got to be. How could we have two killers in a town the size of Lake Eden?”

“Did you discover Max’s body?” Bertie lowered her voice and glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “You can tell me, Hannah. I promise I won’t repeat it to a soul.”

Hannah had all she could do to keep a solemn expression. Telling Bertie would be tantamount to calling KCOW’s talk line and broadcasting it over the radio waves. “I can’t say yes or no, Bertie. All the facts are a part of the ongoing investigation.”

“You did! I can tell by the look on your face!” Bertie gave a theatrical shiver and Hannah wondered if she’d joined The Lake Eden Players. “Was it terrible, Hannah?”

“It’s always terrible when someone loses his life.” Hannah parroted another polite phrase, the same one she’d used countless times this morning.

“They’ll catch him soon, won’t they? I swear I haven’t slept a wink since I heard about Ron. To think that there’s a killer out there among us!”

“I’m sure they will, Bertie. Bill’s on the case and he’s a very good detective.”

Hannah was saved further questioning by the arrival of Lisa, bearing more cookies on a tray. Lisa took one look at her employer’s frustrated expression and winked. “Your mother’s on the phone, Hannah, and she says it’s urgent. Why don’t you catch the phone in back? It’s quieter there. And take some coffee with you.”

“I’ve got to run, Bertie.” Hannah shot Lisa a thankful look, filled her mug with coffee, and headed off through the swinging door. She’d answered so many questions, her head was spinning, and it was only eleven in the morning.

She was about to sit down on a stool at the work island when the phone rang. Hannah grabbed it up before she could think better of it, and she heard her mother’s excited voice.

“Hannah? Are you there?”

“Yes, Mother.” Hannah took a slug of her coffee. “You must be psychic.”

“What, dear?”

“Never mind. What can I do for you?”

“Have you seen the pictures Carrie took at the Woodleys’ party yet?”

“Not yet.” Hannah glanced up at the clock. “Norman said he’d bring them over at noon.”

“Well, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. There’s one of you that’s very nice. You don’t look like yourself at all. Norman promised to make me an eight by ten to put in a frame.”

Hannah had all she could do not to laugh. She looked nice? Not like herself at all? Leave it to a girl’s mother to destroy her confidence.

“I’ve got to rush, dear. I’m just on my way out, but I wanted to call you first.”

“Thanks, Mother. I’ll talk to you later.” Hannah groaned as she hung up the phone. Maybe she should accept Lisa’s advice and take the rest of the day off. She’d already heard all there was to hear from her customers. She’d stick around to see that “nice” picture of her and then she’d go home and concentrate on the important things. If she really worked hard, she might be able to solve Bill’s murder case before Mike Kingston came on board.