It turned out that they were in luck because right after the slow dance had ended, the music stopped and a few moments later, Danielle’s customers began to emerge from the practice room and file out. After Hannah and Michelle had greeted the people they knew and exchanged pleasantries with the ones they didn’t, Danielle came out and saw them sitting there.

“Hi, Hannah. Michelle. How are you?”

“We’re fine,” Hannah said, handing her the bag Lisa had filled for her. “We brought you something.”

“Oooh!” Danielle began to smile as she peeked inside. “Candy! What kind is it?”

“Chocolate caramels that Lisa made.”

“I love caramels.” Danielle held out the bag. “Would you like one?” she offered.

“We already tested them down at The Cookie Jar,” Michelle told her. “We wanted to make sure they were as good as they looked. Do you have a few minutes to talk, Danielle?”

“I have at least a half hour before my next class comes in. Come with me, and I’ll put on the coffee.” Danielle led them into the interior. They walked through the class area and into her living quarters. It was one large area, almost like an artist’s loft, with a bedroom that was cordoned off with a curtain, a living room with a sofa and an easy chair, a tiny bathroom off to the side of the bedroom alcove, and a small, but workable kitchen.

“Sit down.” Danielle gestured toward her kitchen table. “I’m sure you’re here for a reason, and it’s probably not for dance lessons.”

“You’re right,” Hannah told her, noticing the coffee machine on Danielle’s counter. “I thought you drank tea, Danielle.”

“I do. Benton gave me this machine, and it makes both tea and coffee.” She held up a small cup-like pod. “Would you like French roast, Italian roast, or espresso?”

“French roast,” Hannah answered, choosing her favorite.

“The same for me,” Michelle concurred.

“Just listen,” Danielle said as she put a coffee pod into the machine and set an empty cup on the tray below. “It pokes holes in the pod and forces hot water through. And it takes less than a minute.”

Hannah and Michelle watched as the machine worked. And less than a minute later, Hannah had her cup of coffee. Another thirty seconds or so, and Michelle had hers. And then Danielle made her cup of tea.

“You look too serious for a social visit,” Danielle said as she sat down. “Is this about Phyllis Bates?”

“Yes,” Hannah answered.

“And you’re investigating?”

“That’s right. I have to find the killer, Danielle. Lisa is a suspect and it’s the only way I can clear her.”

“She doesn’t have an alibi?”