Finally he cracked the shaker and poured its contents into a martini glass. He took a sip and let out a deep sigh, standing there with his eyes closed for a moment. Again the bartender and I exchanged a glance. Then he opened his eyes and said to me: “C’mon, Zara, time to meet our fate.”

Being a good mother meant looking forward, not backward. Slowly I began to see my way through my anger. I’d have to let go of that. But then a couple months later I was reading the paper on a break at the diner and I saw the announcement. It was so small that I almost missed it. The newly formed boutique firm of Calhoun + Calhoun had purchased the Miller property. Though the exact sale price was not disclosed, it was rumored to be a fraction of the estimated value. Apparently there was a lack of interest due to the murders. Along with the story was a small photo of the buyers. They were a good-looking couple. She had short hair, professional and polished. He looked strong, which made more sense.

Zara

It was Jerry’s turn. He didn’t waste any time and ended up opening a pair of pretty sweet Prada sunglasses. He was stoked. It was funny: you could tell he didn’t usually buy stuff like that—bling. He put them on and you just knew he’d sleep in them tonight. They looked good and he kept checking out his reflection in the window.

“Well, I believe I’m next,” said Captain Tiggleman.

He shuffled to the table and took a brief survey, then turned to Jerry and said, “Son, I believe I’ll take those sunglasses.” Jerry’s gasp was audible. He thought they’d never leave his face again. But there they went. What a cruel game this was.

At that moment the piano player started into “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I couldn’t contain my excitement.

“Oooh, Andy Williams!” I said. “I love this song.”

“Dear old Andy,” Mrs. Tiggleman said. “He was a great friend. We were so sad when he passed.”

“We miss him dearly,” said Captain Tiggleman, “especially around this time of year.”

“The most wonderful time of the year,” Mrs. Tiggleman said.

“You knew Andy Williams?” I asked them.

“Oh yes,” she said. “We were quite close.”

“And did you know Claudine Longet too?” I asked. “I am fascinated with her.”

“Of course, dear. Never has this town seen a more beautiful woman. Until your arrival tonight.”

“Shame we don’t see her anymore,” Mr. Tiggleman said. “But after the murder she became very withdrawn. Estranged even from her oldest friends.”

“What murder?” Jules asked.

“You’ve never heard of the Spider Sabich murder?” Bobby Alpine said.