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a client. Built into that figure was her margin of profit, an allowance for cleaning supplies, and insurance, as well as the employee’s hourly wage and benefits. Circling the final figure, she pointed at it with the pen.
    â€œThis total per week should be pretty accurate,” she told Marian.
    Marian stared at the figure for several seconds, then nodded. “Good. At least now I have something to work with.”
    When the phone jangled, both women jumped at the unexpected intrusion. Just as Marian reached for the receiver, Aaron cried out.
    â€œMom! I’m sick again!”
    With a long-suffering but worried look, Marian shoved away from the computer and stood. “Guess I spoke too soon,” she said, casting an irritated glare at the phone as it rang again. “That could be a call I’m expecting.”
    â€œMom! Hurry!”
    â€œI’m coming, Aaron,” she yelled. To Charlotte she said, “Could you get that for me?” Then, without waiting for an answer, she rushed toward the door. “Just take a number,” she said over her shoulder, “and tell them I’ll call them right back.”
    As Marian disappeared through the door, Charlotte picked up the phone. “Hebert Real Estate. May I help you?”
    There was no response for several seconds, then…“Charlotte? Is that you, Charlotte?”
    â€œAh…yes. May I ask—”
    â€œSo now Marian has you answering the phone too. Or have you gone into real estate instead of the cleaning business?”
    Charlotte frowned, trying to place the familiar female voice. When a mental image of a former client named Katherine Bergeron suddenly clicked into place, her frown turned into a warm smile. “No, Katherine,” she answered. “I still run Maid-for-a-Day. I wouldn’t know the first thing about selling real estate. But my goodness, what has it been, at least a couple of years since I’ve seen you? I’m amazed you recognized my voice.”
    â€œProcess of elimination, Charlotte. Marian probably didn’t mention it, but I’m the one who recommended you to her in the first place. We’ve known each other for years. Why, Bill and Marian grew up with my husband, and we were all the best of friends. Bill even once worked for my father. Then after Daddy died and Drew took over the firm, Bill worked for him as well until he decided to jump ship and form his own company.”
    Charlotte already knew about Bill Hebert’s association with her former client, thanks to Bitsy. Once Bitsy had learned that Charlotte was working for Marian Hebert, she’d been quick to fill Charlotte in on all the gossip concerning Marian’s husband. And according to Bitsy, Bill’s and Drew Bergeron’s parting had been a bitter one, though Bitsy didn’t know exactly why.
    â€œBut, Charlotte,” Katherine continued, “I would have recognized your voice anyway. You know I’ve never forgiven you for leaving me, especially in my delicate condition.”
    â€œNow, Katherine, that’s not fair and you know it. There’s no way I can work exclusively for anyone, besides which, with you threatening to miscarry and all, you needed specialized help at the time. And speaking of your former delicate condition, how is that baby girl of yours? What is she now? Almost four?”
    â€œShe’ll turn four in November. And she’s not a baby anymore. What she is, though, is a handful. I’m afraid I’ve spoiled her rotten ever since…”
    â€¦ever since Drew’s death…. Charlotte mentally completed Katherine’s sentence. It had been a tragic accident—Drew Bergeron’s small private plane had gone down in a storm over the Gulf of Mexico two years earlier—made even more tragic since his body was never recovered. And knowing the reason for the sudden silence on the other end of the phone, Charlotte rushed in to fill the gap.