“Hmm. Why does that sound familiar?" Shelley said.

7

"Why are we rushing off?" Jane asked.

“Because she's not a real person. She's a recording. She's not going to say anything interesting or useful. Not unless you're willing to be patronized for days on end while you wait."

“But did you see the looks she was giving Tony Belton?”

Shelley nodded. "That's a woman who is either having an affair or wanting to have an affair."

“I agree. There was something hungry and greedy in the looks, the little touches, the sad but provocative smiles. I wonder if Mel has seen them together. Do you think a man would pick up on that?"

“Even if he did, it wouldn't be evidence—" "But it's sure a nice motive, isn't it?" Jane said, getting into the car. "The wife and part‑ ner could get all the benefits of his business, his investments, everything — and without the bother of having him around. Which has to be a relief to both of them on general principle. A person like that can't be easy to live with or do business with."

“Do you really think we ought to go to visit Sarah in the hospital?" Shelley asked.

“Why not?”

Shelley shrugged. "I'd feel perfectly all right about it if she were in for surgery, but a mental breakdown? What do you say to somebody who's gone off the deep end?"

“The same things you say to anyone. Hope you're feeling better. Chat about neighborhood news — well, maybe not. Let's deliver the flowers and ask at the nurses' station if they think she'd like company. She probably doesn't. And if she does, we'll just be cheerful.”

They stopped at a florist shop and got a couple sprays of fragrant pink lilies in an especially pretty clear vase. "We're bringing these for Mrs. Baker," Jane said at the nurses' station when they finally found the right floor. "Should we leave them with you, or—"