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amounts on their invoices and never getting paid on time. And a few irate customers threatened to sue the sisters after they discovered that poor-quality paint and wallpaper were used.”
    “Hmm. So there are a few unhappy campers out there. I could see them wanting to kill Anna May, but what could they possibly accomplish by killing Carrie Ann?”
    “I don’t know,” she replied.
    “Where are all these women getting their information?”
    “Two of the women are wives of police officers, and they hold nothing back.”
    “What about confidentiality?”
    “Are you thinking of reporting them?”
    “Of course not. I have no intention of stirring any more pots.”
    Sofia changed the subject. “But I called for another reason. I wanted to make sure you knew about the memorial service this afternoon.”
    I knew about the service and still wasn’t sure if I wanted to go. I decided to focus on the murder investigation. “Did you find out how Carrie Ann died?”
    “She hit her head on the edge of the Dumpster and died instantly,” Sofia said. “They also found bruises on her upper body. They’re not certain about the exact time, but they’re pretty sure the crime took place Wednesday evening.”
    “Why would anyone want to harm Carrie Ann?” I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. How could someone so kind and considerate die such a brutal death?
    “The police are thinking it could be a robbery gone wrong. There was no money in her wallet.”
    “Anything else missing?”
    “No one seems to know.” Sofia said. “Back to the memorial service. Visitation is at two. At three, Father Cleary will conduct a prayer service.”
    “Father Cleary must be ancient.”
    “I don’t know how old he is, but he is their uncle, and he is willing to do it. From what I hear, the prayer service will be short. Then, there will be refreshments in one of the meeting rooms.”
    “It’s surprising how much you learn at Curves. Do you get any exercising done?”
    “Very funny. I double-checked everything with the funeral home. So, do you want to go?”
    “No…yes…I don’t know what to do. Are you going?” While I didn’t want to see Anna May again, I didn’t want to spend another day cocooning.
    “I’m going if you’re going.”
    “Okay, I’ll go.” It sounded much tamer than the traditional Italian funeral with the receiving line. I didn’t think I could handle anything like that. “What time do you want to go?”
    “Around a quarter to three. That way, we wouldn’t have to mingle too long, and we could stay for the prayer service. I can pick you up around a quarter after two.”
    “Sounds like a plan. See you later.” I put the telephone down and forced myself to get out of bed. I had almost four hours to get ready for the service and nothing else planned for the day. I put on my track suit, grabbed several CDs, and took the elevator down to the exercise room. I spent the next ninety minutes exercising vigorously, and then I went for a swim in the pool. I often ran into a few other residents, but I welcomed the time alone today. I needed time to think and get re-energized before the service, and I didn’t feel like talking with anyone.
    I went back up to the condo and took a long, luxurious bath. Something else I hadn’t done since I relocated to Sudbury. Setting up the office had taken up a lot of time and energy. I decided on a light black wool pantsuit with a lilac blouse. As I finished applying my makeup, I heard Sofia’s distinctive knocks at the door.
    I opened the door and greeted my cousin. Her eyes widened. “Wow! You’ll be the belle at this funeral…oops…I mean memorial service.”
    She had also gone with a black pant suit, but she had chosen to wear a cream-colored blouse. “You’re looking slim. Curves is paying off.”
    “Yeah, I guess. But I wish I could lose the inches faster.” She glanced at her watch. “We should leave now if we want to get a good parking spot and arrive before