The first item Hannah wrote was Sparklettes. She had to call to find out what time Danielle’s water had been delivered on Wednesday morning. If what Danielle had told her was true, Danielle was in the clear.

Hannah made another note: Herb—Lisa. She wanted to corner Herb Beeseman on her way to work and convince him to call Lisa to invite her to the Woodleys’ party. It was late notice, but Hannah was almost sure that Lisa would accept. When she’d asked last night, Lisa had told her that she’d received an invitation to the Woodleys’ party, but that she wasn’t planning to go. It wasn’t because of her father—one of the neighbors had volunteered to sit with him—but Lisa really didn’t want to attend the biggest party of the year by herself. She hadn’t wanted to tag along with Hannah and Norman, either, and that was when Hannah had decided to talk Herb into asking Lisa.

The third item on her list was Lisa—dress. Hannah planned to take Lisa to Beau Monde during their slow time between eleven and twelve. She’d put a sign on the door and if anyone was that desperate for a cookie, they could come next door to get her.

The next line on Hannah’s list said: Clue Claire. She’d dash over this morning, while Lisa was baking, to tell Claire that the dress Lisa chose should be “on sale” for sixty dollars. She’d make up the difference and they could settle up later, when Lisa wasn’t around.

Moishe gave another yowl and Hannah noticed that his food bowl was empty again. Her cat was a regular feline garbage disposal, but he didn’t seem to be gaining any weight. Perhaps he did kitty aerobics when she wasn’t home.

“That looks lovely on you,” Claire announced as Lisa walked out of the dressing room wearing a wine-red dress. “What do you think, Hannah?”

Hannah laughed. “You’re asking me? You should know better, Claire. How many times have you wanted to tell me that all my taste is in my mouth?”

“Too many times to count.” Claire laughed lightly and then she turned to Lisa. “What do you think, Lisa?”

“I’m not sure. I really like this one, but the emerald green is such a wonderful color.”

“Too bad they’re not twofers.” Hannah winked at Claire, hoping that she’d take the hint. It was unlikely. Beau Monde was a boutique, and Claire thought of herself as a fashion consultant, several cuts above an owner or a saleslady. Hannah doubted that her high-fashion neighbor had ever considered having a two-for-one sale.

“It’s strange that you should mention it, Hannah.” Claire surprised Hannah by taking the hint immediately. “As it happens, I just marked these two particular dresses down. The wine satin sheath has a slight imperfection in the bodice and the button on the back of the green silk doesn’t quite match the color of the dress.”

Lisa’s eyes opened wide. “I didn’t even notice!”

“Perhaps not, but I did. And I refuse to let my customers pay full price for something that isn’t absolutely perfect.”