Ophelia met us at the door of a bright blue and yellow room that boasted a tasteful, marble-mantled fireplace. Her frosted blonde hair was perfectly coiffed and a strand of creamy white pearls hung around her neck, the only accent to her tasteful beige and black dress.

I pushed my frizzy red curls into place self-consciously.

“Wilhelmina; how nice to see you.” Ophelia held out her hand and I got a whiff of Chanel No. 5. Although her voice sounded pleasant, her dark eyes bore into me with a predatory glare. It was clear to me that Ophelia was interested in only one thing—getting big commissions from selling houses.

“Same here,” I lied as I shook her hand.

She gestured toward a chair and I sank down into the tufted leather while she went back around to the other side of her desk.

“So, what brings you here?” Her brows raised in hopeful arcs. “Did you finally decide to sell? That property is so much for a single woman to manage.”

“It is, but that’s not why I’m here,” I said, ignoring her obvious disappointment. “I’m sure you’ve heard that Lavinia was found dead at the library this morning.”

“Yes, such sad news.” Ophelia’s face showed no emotion.

“Well, I heard you were there this morning and I wondered if you saw anything.”

Ophelia’s back stiffened. “Me? I wasn’t at the library. And why are you asking about it? I heard she slipped and fell.”

“Oh, she did,” I said to soothe her and put her off guard, afraid she might clam up if she thought I was accusing her. “It’s just that Lavinia was in there earlier than usual and I was wondering if someone else was there, too. Someone said they saw you near the church right down the street. I was wondering if you noticed anything unusual or saw anyone.”

Ophelia’s eyes darted around the room, her mouth set in a firm line. “Who told you they saw me?”

“I’d rather not say. What were you doing there that early anyway?”

“Well, I’d say that’s none of your business,” she huffed. “But if you must know I was … err … lighting a candle in memory of Pete.”

She placed her palms on the desk and pushed up from her chair. I noticed she still wore her wedding rings—a large diamond and wide gold band that blinked in the sunlight.

“So you didn’t see anything strange or notice anyone at the library? Did you see Lavinia?”

“No. No. And no.” She came around the desk and opened the door, inviting me to leave.

I can take a hint, so I stood. “Okay, let me know if you remember anything. Sorry to bother you.”

I felt her eyes drill into my back as I walked down the hall, through the reception area and out the door.