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mess.”

    Cora described Sherry in terms that would have impressed your average drill sergeant.
    Sherry said nothing, piloted the Toyota around the curve.
    After a while, Cora said, “I can’t let her get away with it.”
    â€œOh, no.”
    â€œI can’t, Sherry. I have Chief Harper to think of. If I did nothing and he got fired, I’d feel awful.”
    â€œPlus Minami would win.”
    â€œThat’s not the point. True, rubbing her nose in it would be an added bonus. It’s really for Chief Harper.”
    â€œWhat do you have to do?”
    â€œWhat I have to do is prove Mrs. Fielding wasn’t having an affair.”
    â€œIsn’t that next to impossible?”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œIt’s proving a negative. Isn’t that what you always say? If she’s having an affair, it’s easy to prove. If she’s not having an affair, you have to prove there was no opportunity whatsoever for her to have an affair. Which is damn near impossible.”
    â€œYou’re learning,” Cora said.
    â€œI’m glad to hear it. The point is, how do you plan to do it?”
    â€œI’ll start with the neighbors.”
    â€œDon’t you think Minami’s done that?”
    â€œYeah. Maybe I should just ask her ,” Cora said sarcastically.
    â€œAccording to Minami, the woman never had visitors but often went out.”
    â€œDoes that mean the neighbors are no help?”
    â€œ You’re certainly no help.”
    Sherry smiled. “Nothing like competition to bring out the best in you.”
    â€œYeah, right.”

    Sherry turned into the drive.
    There was a black rental car parked in front of the house.
    â€œWho the hell is that?” Cora said.
    â€œI have no idea.”
    â€œExpecting someone?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œIf that’s our Japanese friend, I’m going to send her packing.”
    Sherry pulled up next to the car and stopped.
    Dennis Pride got out.
    Cora flung open the door, hopped out, and put herself between Dennis and her niece.
    â€œSherry, call the cops!”
    Dennis put up his hand. “Please.”
    â€œThat’s closer than a hundred yards.”
    â€œI need to talk to you.”
    â€œNo, you need to leave. Sherry, get inside!”
    â€œDennis, please.”
    â€œDon’t talk to him!” Cora snapped. “You’re just playing into his hands. Go on. Get inside.”
    â€œI’m not leaving you alone with him.”
    Cora reached into her drawstring purse and pulled out her gun. “I’ll be fine. If he doesn’t leave, I’ll shoot him.”
    Dennis smiled. “No, you won’t.”
    â€œWanna bet?”
    â€œIt’s not even loaded.”
    Cora pointed the gun at the sky, pulled the trigger. The report was deafening. She trained the smoking gun on Dennis. “Change your mind?”
    â€œNow, see here.”
    â€œSherry, make the call.”

    â€œI’m trying to tell you something. Don’t you want to know that Japanese woman’s been snooping around?”
    â€œGood-bye, Dennis.”
    â€œI did a little snooping myself. Guess what I found out?”
    Cora glowered at him. Still, she couldn’t help asking, “What’s that?”
    â€œMrs. Fielding had a boyfriend.”

Chapter 17
    Steve Preston was a handsome young man, with a square jaw and a crewcut, and lithe muscles rippling under his fashionably casual suit. “Uh oh. What’s wrong?”
    â€œWhy should anything be wrong?”
    â€œYou’re the Puzzle Lady. When you show up, people die.”
    â€œI wondered how long it would take to get that reputation. As it happens, someone is dead. Mrs. Fielding.”
    â€œOh.”
    â€œYou know her?”
    â€œSure. Jason’s wife.”
    Cora raised an ironic eyebrow. “Yeah. That’s probably the best way to refer to her.”
    â€œWhat do you mean by that?”

    â€œRumor has