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She’d earned her salary Noith her children grown, she earned her retire her home, her husband, and her reputation as a hostess Whenever she could, she filled the house with her grandchildren In the evenings, she filled it with dinner parties

Anna Whitney hated solitude

But she was alone when Eve arrived As always, she was perfectly groomed: her cosmetics were carefully and expertly applied, and her pale blond hair was coiffed in a swept-back style that suited her attractive face

She wore a one-piece suit of good American cotton, and held out a hand adorned only with a wedding ring to welcome Eve

“Lieutenant Dallas, my husband said you would come”

“I’m sorry to intrude, Mrs Whitney”

“Don’t apologize I’m a cop’s wife Come in I’ve made some lemonade It’s tablet, I’m afraid Fresh or frozen is so monstrously hard to come by It’s a little early for lemonade, but I had a yen for it today”

Eve let Anna chatter as they walked into the fored sofa

The lemonade was fine, and Eve said so after the first sip

“You know the memorial service is at ten tomorrow”

“Yes, ma’am I’ll be there”

“There are so ements to have them distributed afterbut that’s not why you’re here”

“Prosecutor Toas a good friend to you”

“She was a very good friend to me and my husband”

“Her children are staying with you?”