“Why isn’t he?” Hannah was certain that she looked just as shocked as she felt.

“Herb has an alibi.”

“Wonderful!” Hannah began to smile. “That’s a big relief! Does Lisa know that Herb has an alibi?”

Mike shrugged. “I don’t know, but I doubt it.”

“Can I tell Lisa that you cleared Herb?”

“Sure, you can.”

“Good! She’ll be really happy to hear that Herb’s got an alibi. What is it?”

“Sorry, Hannah. I can’t tell you that.”

Hannah began to frown. “Why not?”

“Because I promised Herb that I wouldn’t tell anyone. And I don’t break my promises.”

Hannah’s frown deepened. “Will Herb tell Lisa his alibi?”

“I’m sure he won’t.”

Hannah swallowed hard. “Please tell me that Herb’s alibi doesn’t involve a girlfriend.”

“I can do that. Herb’s alibi doesn’t involve a girlfriend.”

“Are you sure? I mean, he’s been telling Lisa that he’s working late and she’s driven past city hall. Herb’s not at his office and his car is gone. She’s worried that he’s spending time with another woman.”

“He’s not.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.” Mike reached out to take Hannah’s hand. “Stop worrying, Hannah. And try to get Lisa to stop worrying. Herb isn’t with another woman.”

“Then where is he until after midnight almost every night?”

“That’s privileged information between Herb and me. I can’t tell you, Hannah. Now just let it go, okay?”

Hannah didn’t like it one little bit, but she nodded. “Okay. I won’t ask you any more questions about that. But now that Herb is cleared, who’s left on your suspect list?”

Mike laughed. “I knew you’d get around to that, but I just gave you a piece of information. It’s your turn to cough up something for me. Who’s on your suspect list?”

“Mayor Bascomb, but I cleared him.”

Mike reached out to tip her chin up so that he could look into her eyes. “Do I detect a slightly disappointed look on your face?”

“Maybe. He did have a perfect motive.”

“I know. And I cleared him, too. But I asked you who was on your list, not who you cleared.”

Hannah sighed. She wished that Mike wasn’t quite so logical. She had to give him something before he’d divulge any more information.”

“Give it up, Hannah,” Mike prompted her.

There was no choice. Hannah knew that she had to tell him. “All right. You win. It’s Stephanie Bascomb.”

“Stephanie?”

“Yes.”

“But she got what she wanted from the mayor. I talked to Claire, and the clothes she bought cost a lot of money. And then I went out to the mall and talked to her jeweler. The mayor paid a small fortune for that ring. Stephanie got her usual revenge and then some.”