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clientele. It says right on her website, ‘Come spend a quiet, comfortable holiday at the Inn.’ Doesn’t say anything about drinking too much and causing a scene.”
    “What kind of scene?” Liv asked.
    “One of them got in a scuffle with one of the local boys.”
    “Did she say which one?”
    Ida shook her head.
    “It seems odd,” Edna added. “Most of the locals don’t come to the Inn to drink. They go to McCready’s or one of the places out on the highway. The Inn attracts an older, more sedate crowd. I wonder what the ‘scuffle’ was about?”
    So did Liv, and whether it had anything to do with Max’s death. “I’m sure Bill asked. He might want to question whoever it was about his whereabouts.”
    “You mean Henny didn’t kill him?”
    “Oh, I don’t know. It’s just that I’m sure Bill will do a thorough investigation.”
    “Hmmph.” Edna wiped her mouth with a napkin decorated with an embroidered turkey in the corner. “He generally does, but he takes his own good time about it. Corinne won’t be happy if she has to put them up until he finishes with whatever he’s looking for. Her rooms are reserved through New Year’s and beyond.”
    “Then let’s hope things are wrapped up quickly.”
    “I don’t know what this town’s coming to.” Ida leaned over and patted Liv’s knee. “Not that it has anything to do with you.”
    “Of course not,” Edna said. “Once you start things in motion like becoming a successful tourist town, you can’t stop it. And the bigger you get, the bigger the problems. Next thing you know, we’ll be having to get our own police department.”
    “Perish the thought,” Ida said. “Bill Gunnison is good enough for us.”
    “But he has to take care of the whole county.”
    “I’m working on hiring an outside security team,” Liv said.
    “That will be good,” said Miss Ida. “Oh, before I forget. I told Corinne if she had any more trouble to call you.”

Chapter 5
    “Me?” Liv said so loudly that Whiskey jumped up from where he was lying on the floor and came to stand beside her.
    “Well, not for legal things, but for suggestions on how to handle unruly guests.”
    “Um . . .”
    “Because you have experience with people getting out of line and acting out,” Edna interjected. “I believe that’s what Ida meant.”
    “I’m always glad to help, but I think she would be better off calling the sheriff’s department.”
    “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Edna said. “Now, you don’t give it another thought. I think we’ve bothered you enough. You just go get a good night’s sleep and don’t worry about a thing.”
    “I think I will. It’s been a busy day.” Liv put her cup down and stood. Whiskey headed for the door. He had been perfectly behaved during tea, no begging, no pitiful looks—at least none that Liv had noticed. But he was ready for his dinner. And Liv was ready for bed.
    As soon as they were outside, Whiskey headed for a pile of leaves that covered the curb, waiting to be picked up and composted by the town. He burrowed through until all Liv could see was a volcano of dried leaves and a wagging white tail. He came out the other end covered with twigs and leaves, shook violently, and trotted up the driveway to their rented carriage house.
    Liv followed more slowly, already stiff from the race and her jog to the cannery. Which reminded her of the importance of stretching and warming up—though really, she didn’t go chasing developers every day.
    A hot bath was in order, then supper and bed. It was already getting dark, though it was still late afternoon. That didn’t matter; early to bed, early to rise, and she had a feeling she’d need all her energy and brainpower in the next few days.
    • • •
    It was eight o’clock when she pulled the covers up and settled down for a long sleep. It was eight twenty-five when her cell phone rang.
    “No-o-o-o,” she cried and put the pillow over her head. Took it