I brush imaginary crumbs from my lap and stare down at my tennis shoes. “I understand this is hard for you, that you and Betsy were a thing for a while. And I’m sorry you kids broke up. I didn’t know Betsy was spending so much time with that teacher.” Of course, I already know she’s in a relationship with that man. I wonder if Josh is still a sucker, if he still believes her after all of this. I take another sandwich, chew my bite of the cool cucumber slowly.

Josh flushes. “Oh, gosh, I don’t know that. I mean, I think he was hitting on her, but Betsy and I still had a thing. We went out at Christmas break, and talked almost every day.” He puts his plate on the coffee table and leans back.

He’s telling the truth. They did text all the time. I saw their messages. But nothing from Bo, nothing. Did Betsy keep Josh around to trick me, as a beard, for one reason only: to hide Bo from me?

“It got really confusing at the end. She said she just wanted to take a break.” Josh shrugs and looks at his mom.

Sandy stands up. “It’s time for Josh’s piano lesson. Nothing like music to soothe a broken heart.”

“Mom,” Josh says sharply. Poor guy. Momma’s boy.

At least I’m not a walking Hallmark card of motherly advice. It’s time for me to go and deal with Betsy, my little heartbreaker. “Thank you for the tea, Sandy, and, Josh, I’m sorry it ended up that way. I’m sure she’ll come around and realize everything she gave up here.” My hands encompass their stately home, the art, the view and Josh, of course.

Josh doesn’t look so sure but he escorts me through the all-white mansion. When we reach the front door, he whispers, “It’s nice seeing you, Mrs. Harris.”

“You, too.” I pat his arm.

He whispers, “You should ask Betsy more questions. About everything.”

“I don’t understand?” I look into his eyes.

“Mary’s death was not an accident.”

My heart thumps, leaping out of my chest. “Did you leave me that note?”

“Josh?” Sandy is at the door.

“Goodbye, Mrs. Harris,” he says and the door closes between us.

I’m left standing on the front step of the mansion, heart racing. What does Josh think? What does he know? Did someone see something, someone the police haven’t talked to? That seems impossible given the monthlong investigation.