“Ooooh! Fun! I’ve never seen a digital popcorn machine before. And that reminds me . . . is it portable?”

Norman looked slightly confused. “Actually . . . yes. It doesn’t weigh that much. And it makes a ton of popcorn.”

“You saved my life,” Hannah told him.

“Okay.” Norman’s eyes narrowed. “How did I do that? Or will I be sorry I asked?”

“You may be sorry, especially when you have to lug that popcorn machine all the way over to Jordan High.”

It took Norman a moment, but then he gave a nod. “I get it. Their popcorn machine is broken again, and you need one for the concession stand at the Christmas play. Am I on the right track?”

“Not only are you on the right track, you won the race! Will you lend it to me, Norman? It’s just for three nights. Michelle and I are manning the concession stand at the play because Lisa’s going to be Mrs. Claus. The Lake Eden Players usually borrow Jordan High’s machine, but theirs is broken and the new one they ordered won’t be here until after the holidays.”

“You can borrow mine on one condition.”

“What’s the one condition?”

“It’s simple. You have to teach me how to use it and let me make the popcorn for you. You and Michelle will be busy enough selling everything else. I want to help.”

“Then you’ve got a job,” Hannah said happily, reaching out to take his hand. “Thanks, Norman. You always come through for me in a pinch.”

Norman gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and then he looked very serious. “Are you doing it again, Hannah?”

Hannah’s first instinct was to ask him what he meant, but she already knew exactly what he was asking. “Yes,” she admitted. “Lisa’s a suspect and so is Herb. I have to clear them.”

“By catching the real killer?”

“That’s the plan. Lisa doesn’t have an alibi for a critical period of time last night. She was with me until nine, and then she went home alone to feed Dillon and Sammy. She didn’t join me again until around ten at the Corner Tavern.”

“And Herb?”

“Herb told Lisa that he’s been working late, but . . .” Hannah’s voice trailed off. She really shouldn’t be discussing Lisa’s marital problems with Norman.

“But what?” Norman prompted.

Hannah sighed. “But Lisa has her doubts.”

“Let me get this straight. You want me to find an alibi for both Lisa and Herb?”

“That’s right. An alibi for one would be good. And an alibi for both would be even better.”

“Okay. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open. Do you know the time of death?”

“Not yet. Doc can’t tell exactly, but he always puts a window of time in the autopsy report. My problem is, I don’t have the autopsy report yet.”

“It shouldn’t be long now.”