Norman gave a nod. “I think you’re right about that.”
“Yes, you’ve definitely got a point,” Michelle agreed. “Usually murders between two people who have loved each other are done in the heat of passion and not premeditated.”
Hannah turned to her younger sister in surprise. “You sound like you’ve been reading up on violent crime.”
“Guilty as charged,” Michelle admitted. “I took a night class last semester.”
Norman looked shocked. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of going into law enforcement!”
“Oh, no. I’m definitely not considering that as a career choice. This class was taught by a psychology professor and it was called Why People Kill. It went into motives and things like that, and I was hoping it would give me something to talk about with Lonnie.”
“And did it?” Hannah asked her.
“Yes, it did. Lonnie was really interested in the psychology of murder and he even sat in on a couple of classes with me.”
“Did you learn anything that would apply to Tori’s murder case?” Norman asked.
“Not really. But I did learn something about myself that I hadn’t known before.”
Hannah winced slightly. “That you’re capable of murder?”
“That certainly. Everyone is, given the right circumstances. But I also learned that I don’t want to understand a killer’s mindset.” She stopped and gave a little shiver. “It’s really frightening. I hoped that by taking the class, I’d learn something that could help Hannah in her next investigation.” Michelle turned to Hannah. “Where are you now, Hannah? Maybe if we talk about it, Norman and I could help you.”
Hannah pulled the shorthand notebook from her purse and flipped to the suspect page. “Two suspects left,” she told them. “One is Tori’s business manager and the other is the man with the black tennis shoes and silver laces. That’s it. I’ve eliminated everyone else.”
“You always do that,” Norman pointed out.
“I know, but I haven’t found any new suspects to replace them.”
“Dig deeper,” Norman advised.
“Dig deeper?” Hannah repeated, wishing she could do exactly that. “But there don’t seem to be any other suspects on the horizon.”
Her cell phone rang, interrupting her thoughts, and Hannah glanced down at the display. Ross was calling!
“I have to take his call,” Hannah said, getting up with more energy than she’d exhibited all day, and heading for the pantry. “I’m . . . uh . . . I’m going to see if we’ve got any dried cherries so we can try those Cheery Cherry Cookies.”
“Hold on, Ross. I’m here.” Hannah said, ducking into the pantry for privacy. “Did you get a chance to go over to the business management firm that Tori used?”
“I just came from there, Cookie.” Ross said, sounding very far away.
“Where are you?” Hannah asked, noticing the hollow tone in Ross’s voice.
“I’m in the subway. The connection’s not that good so let me tell you fast before I lose you. His name is Roger Ainsley and he didn’t do it.”
“Really? How do you know that?”
“Because I got in to see the head of the firm. Roger is his second in command and he’s in the Bahamas for his oldest daughter’s wedding.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m positive. He showed me a photo that Roger’s wife sent of Roger walking his daughter down the aisle. The photo was time stamped and it was a night wedding at eight o’clock last Saturday. And that was the night that Tori was killed, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was.” Hannah sighed heavily.
“Even considering the time difference, Roger couldn’t have been in Lake Eden. It’s impossible.”
“Thank you, Ross. I’ll put Roger Ainsley’s name on my suspect list and cross him off immediately. I really appreciate this. I want you to know that.”
“Anything you need, Cookie, and I’m there for you.”
“And I’m here for anything you need,” Hannah said quickly.
“That’s great, but what I’m thinking about can wait until I get back home.”
Hannah started to blush, even though she wasn’t precisely sure what Ross was thinking about. But his next comment set her back on her heels.
“I want one of those Banana Cream Pies. Will you bake one for me and have it ready when I come home?”
“Of course I will!” Hannah felt like laughing at the direction her mind had been taking. “It’ll be right there in the refrigerator.”
“I can hardly wait. I should be home tomorrow night. P.K. and I have to get a clip of Michelle’s pie eating contest on Saturday for the evening news. I ran it past the president of the station and he said it was a go.”
“Wonderful! I’ve missed you, Ross.”
“And I’ve missed you.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Yes. I overnighted some footage to you. Feel free to watch it if you want to, but be sure to keep it for me.”
“Okay. I’ll watch it and keep it for you.”
“I sent it FedEx and it should arrive at the condo by ten tomorrow morning. Will you alert one of your neighbors to take it in? I wouldn’t want to lose it.”
“I’ll stay home and wait for it. Michelle can take my place at The Cookie Jar.”
“Are you sure? I could always get someone from the station to drive out and sit on the steps until it comes.”
“It won’t be a problem, Ross. There are some things I need to do at home anyway, and that’ll give me a chance to get them done.”
“Okay, then. I’ll see you on Friday night, Cookie. It’ll probably be eight o’clock or so when I get there.”
“That’s okay. I’ll be at the condo with your pie.”
“I love you, Cookie.”
“I love you, too.” Hannah listened to the click as Ross hung up and suddenly she felt bereft. She missed him so much. She brushed a tear from her eye and then she squared her shoulders and snatched a bag of dried cherries from the shelf.
When Hannah emerged from the pantry, she found Norman and Michelle deep in conversation at the workstation.
“Ask her,” Michelle prompted.