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almost didn't expect her to answer. Although Samantha considered Jo a friend, the jury was still out on Jo's opinion about her. Jo was a hard woman to get to know, and a harder woman to befriend. To Samantha's surprise, she did answer.
    “Hi Sam. I was wondering when you would get around to calling me.”
    “What do you mean?” Samantha asked.
    “I heard about the murder. I knew you'd be calling to fill me in sooner or later.” She laughed a little. Samantha was relieved to hear that she was in a fairly good mood.
    “I was wondering if you'd like to join me for lunch.” Samantha gripped the phone tensely. She hoped she wasn't making a mistake by having Jo over. Although Samantha had a lot of respect for the woman, her friends, Walt and Eddy, didn't always share the same opinion. They were more interested in Jo's past than the present.
    “I'd love to. I'll bring some wine!” Jo hung up before Samantha could argue about the wine. The truth was Samantha could really use a glass. She put together a salad to go along with some chicken for lunch. Within a few minutes Jo knocked on the door.
    “Come on in!” Samantha called. She carried the food from the kitchen to the dining room table. Jo opened the door and stepped inside. Samantha was always a little dazzled by the sight of Jo. While Samantha had more of a simple beauty, Jo's looks were quite exotic. Between her olive skin and her thick, black hair she looked as if she could have walked right off a runway, even though she was in her sixties just like Samantha was. While Samantha's copper-red hair had a smattering of gray in it, Jo's was pure black. While Samantha's bright green eyes were crinkled by smile lines, Jo's face still had a youthful tautness to it. The woman was in immaculate shape as well. Despite her younger looks, it only took one look into her dark, haunted eyes to make her seem much older.
    “Hi Sam.” Jo placed the wine on the table and smiled at Samantha. “So, are you ready to give me the details? Did you solve the crime yet?”
    “Not even close,” Samantha said shaking her head. She walked back into the kitchen to get two wine glasses. When she returned, Jo had already opened the wine. She poured glasses for both of them. “The only thing I know for sure is that the police have arrested the wrong man.”
    “Oh really?” Jo raised an eyebrow. “Are you championing the underdog, yet again?”
    Samantha took a sip of her wine. “I guess you could say that. But I know I'm right. They arrested the gardener, Simon.”
    “He seems harmless.” Jo frowned and sipped her own wine. “Why did they arrest him?”
    “He had the murder weapon.” Samantha cringed.
    “Well, that's a pretty good reason. But it certainly doesn't make him guilty. How did you find out why they arrested him?” Jo eyed her curiously.
    “It's a very long story.” Samantha sighed and closed her eyes a moment. “Have some lunch.”
    Jo began eating her salad. She was still watching Samantha when Samantha opened her eyes again.
    “So?” Jo prompted.
    “So, I found this backpack filled with drugs…” Samantha began.
    “Wait, what?” Jo set down her fork. “What kind of drugs?”
    “Cocaine, I think. I don't know for sure because before I could turn it over to the police it disappeared. When I left it outside because the bag was wet someone took it.” Samantha took a bite of her salad.
    “Samantha, this isn't good. You shouldn't be involved in any of this.” Jo frowned. Her voice was heavy with concern. “Does anyone else know that it was you that found the backpack?”
    “Only the police and Walt. I suppose it might have gotten around Sage Gardens, but I'm not sure. I think the news of the murder probably swept away any rumors about a backpack. Oh, and Eddy, of course,” she added as an afterthought.
    “Of course.” Jo's eyes narrowed a bit. “Well, I think you should be very careful about who you tell, Samantha. You really should stay out of this.