Before I could respond, Laura asked, “Is the sheriff investigating this? And not Kanesha?”

“Yes, the sheriff is in charge. It wouldn’t be ethical for Kanesha to investigate, I suppose, because her mother was found with the body.” I sighed. “Kanesha’s not going to be happy having to sit this one out.”

Sean reminded me I hadn’t answered his question.

“I know from my own experience that they tend to be suspicious of the person who finds the body. But I think once the sheriff and his team have had time to evaluate the evidence, they’ll have to conclude that Azalea couldn’t have pushed Vera down the stairs.” I paused. “If that’s what caused her death.”

“You sound awfully sure,” Laura said.

I explained my reasoning, keeping an eye out for Azalea. She’d been in the laundry room for a good ten minutes or more, and she might pop back in any minute now.

She hadn’t reappeared by the time I finished my explanation. Sean looked particularly thoughtful. “How wide is that stairwell?”

I thought for a moment. “Maybe an inch or so wider than my shoulders. It really is a tight squeeze.”

“Then I don’t see how Azalea could have done it, unless she’s a world-class gymnast.” Sean rolled his eyes. “I thought the sheriff was smarter than that.”

“I’m sure he is,” I said. “I don’t know him personally, but I know he’s highly regarded. He seems to run the department effectively—and honestly, from all I’ve heard.”

Laura pushed her plate aside. “Then by now he’s surely realized that Azalea is innocent. Just unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“For her sake,” Sean said, his tone grim, “let’s hope the murderer didn’t know she was there, or she could be next on the list.”

“That thought had occurred to me.” I got up to refill my coffee. “I’m sure it’s occurred to Kanesha, too. Frankly I’m surprised she’s let her mother out of her sight.”

“Do you really think Azalea is going to let Kanesha tell her what to do?” Laura grinned.

“That girl don’t need to be minding my business.” Azalea walked into the room with a basket of laundry. “I been taking care of myself just fine on my own.” She disappeared in the direction of the stairs, and seconds later we heard her going up to the second floor.

Diesel meowed, and we three humans shared a smile. Azalea truly was indomitable. The sheriff was no match for her.

SIXTEEN

On the walk to work at the college library I pulled out my cell phone and called Helen Louise. I figured by now the morning rush had subsided and she might have a moment to chat. She answered after two rings.

“Good morning,” I said. “Are you totally exhausted?”

“Pretty wrung out,” she responded, and I could hear it in her voice. “I think I managed about four hours’ sleep, if that much.”

“Any chance you can sneak in the back and have a nap in your office? Or take the afternoon off to get some rest?”