“No,” I answered, “but she collapsed the same way Inga did at the city council meeting. Douglas seemed more concerned about her lawsuit against me than her health. I wonder if someone poisoned her, too. Maybe Douglas is Inga’s killer, the person who threatened me, and now he poisoned Mags. We argued in the elevator, and she looked sick. I thought she was terribly angry, but maybe she had been poisoned.” I leaned my head on his shoulder.
It felt good to have someone by my side during this insanity.
“You might be right. Douglas could be the killer. I’ll be at your house tonight after work. Who’s cooking?” He laughed.
“I will. I’m not sure I’ll open the store this afternoon. I think I’ll get gawkers and gossipers mostly. I’d rather be home cooking.”
“Okay, I have to get back and watch the hardware store while dad goes to a doctor’s appointment. He enjoys having me in the store more and more. Mom suggested I take it over permanently.” He turned my face toward him and gave me another one of his breathtaking kisses.
He grinned as he left me speechless on the couch.
#######
I walked to the front of the store to find Yummy when I saw a lime green VW bug pull up out front. Only one person in town owned a lime green VW, and that would be my Aunt Irene. When she lived with mom and dad, she went everywhere with them. When they decided to move, Aunt Irene decided she should be more independent. She took private driving lessons and passed her driving test with flying colors. Since she was worried about driving a large car, she found the VW bug. It is perfect for her, and when I drive it on occasion, I find that it is fun and comfy. She must have heard about this morning and is worried about me. She doesn’t usually come and see me in person if there is a problem. She also learned how to text and she texts more than Georgie. She must feel this is important. Yes, I have unique friends and family, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
I hugged her when she entered the shop.
“Tell me what happened. Rumors around town say you inherited all of Inga’s estate, and someone tried to poison Mags.” She took a breath and dropped her purse on the counter.
I explained what took place, but said I didn’t know what happened to Mags.
The bell above the door jingled, and my heart sunk when I saw it was Detective Berg.
“Good afternoon, detective,” I said. “What can I do for you?”
The scowl never left his face and he said, “You can come down to the station with me and explain why you would want to poison Margaret Kelleher.”
I felt my eyes open wide, and I looked at Aunt Irene. “I have to go to the police station. Please lock up and take care of Yummy.”
Detective Berg grabbed my arm, and I felt he was on the verge of arresting me for attempted murder. I called out to Aunt Irene, “Call Lucas and Clark.”
Chapter Twelve
Goodness gracious, Annie. You’re sitting in the back of a police car. How did this happen? He thinks I tried to kill Mags. I’ll lose Yummy for sure. Oh no, if he thinks I tried to kill Mags, then he must think I killed Inga. I’m going to prison. I don’t look good in orange or stripes. What am I going to do? Who will be here for Laci? Aunt Irene. She loves Laci. Georgie and Paul are her godparents. They’ll take care of her. Get a grip, Annie! You didn’t do anything. They can’t prove a lie, can they? Lucas will get you out of this mess. Breathe.
The police cruiser took a sharp turn to the right and I steadied myself. I have never been in a police car before today. I can see people walking down the sidewalk. I slink down in the backseat, so they don’t see me. I can see the back of Detective “Obnoxious’” head through the screen that separates us. Thank goodness he didn’t handcuff me. The car stopped suddenly, and I can see the back of the police station.
“We’re here. Get out.” He’s still glaring.
I climbed out of the backseat, and he grabbed my arm again. He’s at least a foot taller than me, and it’s hard to keep up with his long strides. Usually, it wouldn’t be a problem since I normally wear flats or running shoes. Today I wore sensible heels with my suit, but still he’s practically dragging me. I hate running in heels. If one breaks, I’m doomed.
Everyone in the station is staring as he continues to pull me down a long hall. He opens the door and says, “Inside.”
Well, at least it isn’t a cell. Not yet, anyway. Stop it, Annie.
He looks at me and says, “Sit; I’ll be back.” The door slams as he leaves.
It is an ugly room. I think it might have been pale green at one time. It looks exactly like ones I see on police dramas. A rectangle metal table sits in the middle of the room with two metal folding chairs. One on each side. The window has bars on it or rather some metal mesh. It has the same effect. I feel trapped. The large mirror on the wall must be a two-way mirror. I sit and place my hands on my lap. I refuse to cry.
Detective Berg returns with two cups of water. I see through him. He wants my fingerprints or my DNA. My prints are already on file since I own a business in town. Maybe he’s trying to show the others his good side if he has one.
He sits across from me, and I can see ice form in his eyes. I think they truly changed color. He leaned forward and said, “Tell me in your own words why you want to kill Margaret
