A forensic team cordoned off the area with police tape as noise from the crowd increased. Detective Turner looked over his shoulder at the three deputies. “Get those people’s statements and then start letting them go. We don’t need onlookers hanging out while our guys work. I want to talk to anyone on the committee, her friends, and any staff working the event, but the guests can leave after you get their info. And see if you can tent off the area,” he said to the three deputies, who fanned out around the seating area.

  “The members of the committee are Kelly Mason Todd, Anastasia Young, and Darcy Branch. Vince Mahoney, the current husband, and Mac Gibson, the ex-husband, are also supposed to be here tonight, but I haven’t seen any of them in a while,” Cassidy added.

  “Uh-huh.” Turner jotted notes. “Does she have any enemies that you know of?”

  Cassidy paused, and the detective stared at her until she answered. “She’s very direct, and she steps on toes from time to time. Her inner circle seems to be her biggest fans. She is very demanding and expects to get her way. Let’s say not everyone agrees with her.”

  An ear-splitting shriek, followed by wails, caused everyone to freeze.

  Kelly Mason Todd had slipped through the crowd and stepped behind the two forensic technicians who were snapping pictures. Stumbling backward, she shrieked again. Kelly sank to her knees, crying and pointing at the lifeless Britt. “What happened? Who could have been evil enough to do this? I hadn’t seen her all evening, and now I’ll never get to talk to her again.” She seemed to melt onto the floor. A tall man with a goatee gently lifted her to her feet and led her to a nearly empty table near the bar. She buried her head in his shoulder and sobbed loud enough to be heard over the crowd noise.

  Anastasia pushed her way through the small groups of people clustered nearby. “What is going on? Holy sh—. Who would do this to our decorations? This is not the epic reunion that we had all hoped for.” She grimaced. “It’ll be memorable, but not the way Britt wanted.” Her voice trailed off as she stared at the scene. “This scene was Darcy’s idea. She loved the gothic look. Britt hated it. But she let Darcy do it. Britt was trying to ingratiate herself for a primo spot in an article that Darcy might write. Geez Louise. Now everybody will remember our reunion because it’s where Britt died. I can’t believe this is happening.” Anastasia ran both her hands through her straw-like hair, causing it to stick out at all angles like she’d been caught in a windstorm.

  Cassidy paused for a couple of seconds, struck by Anastasia’s callous comments about her friend and wild look about her. Before Cassidy could speak, Anastasia said, “What are they doing over there? Nobody told the DJ he could pack up.” She scrunched up her face and stomped toward the stage.

  As the minutes and hours ticked by, the crowd thinned as the deputies finished gathering statements. By eleven-thirty, only a handful of people remained. The occasional whispers in the eerily silent barn created a surreal feeling as the forensics team worked under their bright portable lights. Cassidy scrolled through her social media feeds, trying to pass the time until the police provided an update.

  Word had already leaked out on Facebook about Britt’s murder. Nothing compared to the speed of a small town’s gossip grapevine. The comments were a mix of condolences and rumors about who could have done it. The latter listed names that included serial killers and zombies.

  “Well, that was not what I expected to see tonight. Gruesome,” Aileen said, shuddering as she plopped down in the seat next to Cassidy.

  “As tragic as tonight was, I was surprised people were grousing about cutting the evening short and canceling the fireworks. They seemed more concerned about that than they were for the dearly departed,” Kate said, sitting in the chair opposite Aileen. “I can’t believe there wasn’t more sympathy about what occurred here tonight and the life that was cut short.”

  “I’m wondering if we’ll need to cancel the rest of the events. I can’t see folks wanting to celebrate after tonight,” Cassidy said in a low tone.

  “If their earlier comments and morbid fascination with the gory details are any indication, they’ll all want to come back to the scene,” Kate muttered, rummaging through her purse. “They like to gossip about the infamous Britt. I heard tales of her romances, bad marriages, and a couple of pyramid schemes where she lost a boatload of money. Nobody was singing her praises, except Kelly.” She gave a little one-shoulder shrug.

  Before anyone replied, Austin strode over, carrying three water bottles. “In case you need a drink,” he said.

  “Many thanks. I’m parched,” Aileen said.

  “Sure, Mrs. Roberts. It’s good to see you. It’s been a while,” he said with a grin.

  “You’ve grown a bit since you were in my class,” Aileen sized up Austin and winked. “I hope life is treating you well.”

  He nodded. Before he could comment further, Kate blurted, “Hey, did you hear any chatter over at the bar while the deputies were questioning people? What were people saying about what happened to Britt?”

  He paused and scanned the room before he said anything. “There was some talk. A lot of people seemed shocked. Others were tired and just wanted to leave. And a bunch were annoyed about no fireworks. They gossiped about Britt and her husband and their troubles, but no one seemed too broken up about it except the blonde woman who’s always with her. A couple of people wondered about where her ex-husband was.”

  “What about Darcy, the one with the darker hair?” Cassidy asked. “She was on the committee too. Did you happen to see her?”

  “I haven’t seen her in a while. She’s the one they fall all over themselves when she’s around. Can I get you all anything else? I’m packing up. As soon as the detective says we can leave, Annie and I are headed out.”

  “Thanks,” the three women said at the same time.

  “It’s been a long evening,” Kate added. “I’m ready to go home too.”

  “We have to finish that thing,” Aileen gave her a sideways look. “No rest for the weary.”

  Kate rolled her eyes. “I need a break from our project.” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “I think I’ve lost feeling in these babies. After this, I won’t be doing any crafting for a while.”

  Before Cassidy could ask about what the thing was, Detective Turner sat down in the seat across from the women. “I know it’s been a difficult night. Is there anything else you all can remember?”

  “You want something to drink?” Cassidy asked.

  The detective shook his head. “Did you happen to hear anything from the other guests?”

  The three shook their heads. “What happened?” Cassidy whispered. “Should we be worried about a crazed killer on the loose? And do you think we’ll need to cancel the rest of the events?”

  “You always need to be aware of your surroundings. I don’t think there’s any imminent danger, but it’s always good to be vigilant.” He stopped and glanced at the forensic technicians. “We’ll be out of here tonight or maybe early tomorrow. That shouldn’t interfere with your events.”

  “How did she, well, you know…die?” Aileen whispered. “I heard there was blood everywhere. Was it a stabbing or something? I was in the restroom and some gals were talking about it and the fact that Mac, her ex, was an avid hunter with a huge gun and knife collection.”

  Detective Turner nodded and wrote something in his notebook. “Keep this to yourselves, but it may ease some worries. It’ll hit the paper tomorrow, I’m sure. But let’s not spread it until we have to. The scene here was all staged. It wasn’t real blood. We have to wait for the medical examiner’s report on the official cause of death, but there was no evidence that she was stabbed or shot.”

  Kate let out a stream of air that sounded like a leaky balloon. “I knew she was covered in paint. It didn’t have the consistency of blood. But it was foul play, right? I’ve seen enough episodes of Dateline. But why would someone put her there in the decorations unless they were trying to make a statement?”

  Detective Turner’s lips formed a straight line, and something in the distance caught his eye. “Y’all are free to go and close up here. Forensics is packing up. If you hear anything related to the murder, let me know.”

  I can’t figure him out. Sometimes he acts like he’s willing to share information or ask for my help, and then other times he clams up and tells us not to get involved. He’s cute and smart, but he puts out too many mixed signals. He’s impossible to get a read on.

  “We definitely will,” Aileen said with an impish grin. “We’ll have Cassidy call you right away. Right, girls?”

  “And you may want to stop by for a chat or coffee or something sometime later in the week too,” Kate added with a wink.

  Great. The Pearly Girls are looking for every opportunity for a fixup. Cassidy could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. She and the detective had a flirty relationship that never led to anything. She felt like he would have asked her out if he were truly interested, but the Pearly Girls still wanted to take every opportunity to stir the pot and push them toward a date. He’s vexing, and right now, that’s not working for me.

  “Thanks for all of your help. Let us know if we can answer any other questions.” When she realized no one had said anything, Cassidy added, “I’m going to check the kitchen and lock the back doors. If you two feel like it, could you make sure the loft and restroom areas are clear?” She and Aileen rose and made their way around the empty tables as the detective walked in the other direction.

  “Not a problem,” Kate said, rising. “It looks like the only ones left are the police.”

  Cassidy stopped, and Aileen almost crashed into the back of her. “I’ll have to see if the reunion folks want to cancel the rest of the events. I wouldn’t blame them under the circumstances.” Cassidy blew out a long puff of air.

  “Don’t fret until you know something definite.” Aileen patted Cassidy’s arm. “I’m gonna check the bar area and then help Kate.”

  After locking the doors behind the forensic team, Cassidy made her way home on autopilot.

  She cast a bleary eye at her phone one last time before she crawled in bed. One o’clock. She yawned and turned the light out, but her thoughts about who could have killed Britt drowned out any of her attempts to fall asleep.

  7

  SATURDAY MORNING

  “Come on, Elvis. Sleep didn’t come easily after last night’s horrible discovery. And now I can’t seem to wake up. Let’s get a move on and see what’s going on downstairs.” His pointy ears shot skyward as he darted for the door.

  Downstairs, she dropped her things on her desk and took Elvis for a walk in the cool morning breeze. That car was still sitting in the parking lot. She made a mental note to let the detective know about the lost keys, in case they might have something to do with his case. In all the hubbub last night, she had forgotten to mention what she had found in the garden.

  Elvis chased a bug to the edge of the pond, looking befuddled when he could no longer find it.

  “Come on. We need to get back. I hope you didn’t accidentally swallow that bug.” Cassidy wrinkled her nose, and Elvis reluctantly followed her to the office.

  Hearing a car door, the pair hurried closer to the parking lot for a better view as a deputy closed the passenger door. Detective Turner slammed the driver’s side and strode toward Cassidy and her dog.

  “Good morning. We’d like to take one more look at the barn,” Turner said. Today, he had on jeans and a long-sleeved shirt that hugged his biceps and chest.

  Cassidy shook off thoughts of his physique and said, “Sure. Can I get you some coffee?”

  Both men shook their heads and followed her to the office. She handed the keys to the detective and jotted the security code on a sticky note. “If the alarm is flashing, this is the code.”

  The tall detective folded the paper and put it in the front pocket of his jeans, palming the keys. “I’ll bring these back when we’re done.” He’s all business today. Not even a smile.

  The younger deputy remained silent, shifting his weight from foot to foot and adjusting his utility belt packed with his holstered gun, a taser, a baton, a flashlight, and what looked like twenty pounds of other gear.

  “Uh, Cassidy Jamison,” Detective Turner said, “this is Diego Sanchez. He joined the force about three weeks ago. We were fortunate to pick him and another deputy up for our team.”

  “Hello,” Deputy Sanchez said with a nod.

  “It’s nice to meet you. If you all change your mind about coffee or water, just let me know.”

  As the pair turned to leave, Cassidy remembered the lost-and-found items. “Oh, the other day, we found a lipstick, a motel key, and a car key in the garden. Nobody has asked about them, but the car key is to the black Toyota Avalon TRD in the parking lot.”

  Detective Turner nodded at Diego, who pulled a small evidence bag and a pair of gloves out of his Batman utility belt. He snapped on the gloves.

  “They’re in a bag in the office. Let me get them,” she said.

  She headed to the office and realized Detective Turner was right behind her. She punched in the code for the door and retrieved the found items from her desk. “Here you go. Nobody claimed them.”

  “Thanks. We’ll check on it. If anyone asks about the car, send them to the sheriff’s office. I’ll run the plates on it.” Detective Turner stepped outside and jogged toward the barn.

  She felt her pulse race. You’re amped up because of another murder investigation. It has nothing to do with the tall detective and his spicy-scented aftershave. Cassidy retrieved her phone and fired a text to the Pearly Girls that the police were back in the barn. As she hit send, her phone lit up with a flurry of texts from Anastasia.

  Met with the team. The rest of the events are still on.

  It’s what Britt would have wanted.

  Plus, everything’s planned and paid for. The yoga people should be there soon. We’ll be there after lunch to set up the barn.

  I’m surprised they decided to hold the rest of the events. Cassidy settled in her office chair and tapped a quick reply.

  Staring at her computer screen for what seemed like forever, she finally opened a blank spreadsheet and started typing names. The list of people who had had issues with Britt was long. And whatever had happened to Darcy? That has to be her car, right? She opened her browser and did a search. Nothing recent on her work page or her socials. She added the gals on the planning committee to her list of suspects, along with Britt’s former and current husbands. At least hosting some of the upcoming events will give me a chance to poke around and pick up some more ideas about who really had it in for Britt.

  “Hey, Casssssssidy,” Roxie yelled, stepping through the front door. “I’m surprised they’re continuing with the reunion. The Britt thing should have been the nail in the proverbial coffin. Though everyone in town seems to have an idea about who could have killed her. For a popular girl, she had quite a list of detractors. It’s all that anyone is talking about today.”

  Footfalls on the porch turned Elvis into the morning greeter. Kate and Aileen hustled in with several bags stuffed with yarn spilling out the top.

  “I’m sure Britt would have loved being the talk of the town, but she probably wouldn’t have liked what they’re saying,” Kate said, dropping her bags near the couch in the lobby. Squeals rang out and the Pearly Girls, Cassidy, and Elvis rushed outside onto the porch. Elvis let out a low, guttural growl after another squeal and a “Nooooooooo!” came from the front lawn.

  Ruthanne scurried closer, waving both arms and yelling as a small goat chased her across the grass. “Nooooo. Go back with your friends. Stop chasing me.”

  “Who’s your friend?” Aileen asked as Ruthanne scooted up the porch steps and used a white wooden rocker to block the charging goat.

  “Oh, my stars,” Ruthanne said breathlessly. “I went over to see what the goat yoga was about, and this little guy followed me to work. Now he doesn’t want to go back and join the others. He’s a tad aggressive. So much for peace and Zen in the serenity garden. He’s cute, but I’m afraid he’s going to hurt me with those little horns. He nipped at me already. Naughty goat.” Ruthanne waggled her finger at the goat, who bleated three times and put his front hooves on the base of the rocking chair.

  “Maybe he doesn’t understand goat yoga or peace and harmony,” Aileen said, reaching out to pat the brown and white kid. “He’s kinda cute. Did you wave a red cape or something at him to get him all riled up? He seems friendly enough to me.”

  Cassidy scooped up the wiggly Elvis before he could get in on the action. He wasn’t quite sure what the new critter was.

  “No. I just patted his head. Then he turned into an attack goat when I tried to leave,” Ruthanne said.

  “Maybe he bonded with you. You said goat yoga?” Kate’s eyebrows shot up under her straight silver bangs.

  “The goats frolic and hop on the participants. It looks like fun, but I wasn’t dressed to give it a whirl this morning.” Ruthanne tried to shoo the kid back toward the garden, but he climbed on the porch and wound around her legs like a cat. Elvis let out a low growl to let the intruder know this was his territory.

  “They hop on the people doing yoga?” Kate asked with a look like someone was trying to pull a prank on her.

  “Yes. It’s supposed to be relaxing, and it allows the participants to be one with nature. They have kitten and puppy yoga too,” Ruthanne said.

  “And they hop on the people on the mats?” Kate repeated.

  “Yes, it’s a real thing,” Ruthanne said, still trying to shoo the little goat away. “Oh, no. You need to go back to your yoga friends. You can’t hang out here.” Ruthanne inched toward the door.

  “Here,” Roxie said, stepping closer to the kid. “Goat, come on. You need to go find your little barnyard pals.” She put her hand on his neck and guided him down the wooden steps and across the grass. She continued to talk to her new four-legged friend as they crossed the grassy area.