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expensive. But,” she sighed, “I guess he done right by taking his old mama out to dinner.”
    â€œYes, that was thoughtful, but Harriet—or do you prefer Mrs. Spanky?” The strictures of our working relationship had required we use last names.
    â€œHarriet. I don’t stand on no formality, Mrs. Tomberlake. Now that I ain’t serving you no tea.”
    â€œThat’s Tim berlake—and really Washburn now. So just call me Abby. Anyway, Harriet, I just wanted you to know that Mrs. Crawford would never have done anything like that.”
    â€œFolks is capable of anything, ma’am, if you don’t mind me saying so.”
    â€œThat may be. But Wynnell is my best friend. I’ve known her for years. She isn’t capable of murder. Besides, what would be her motive?”

5
    H arriet snorted. “They didn’t get along, them two,” she said, “she and the missus.”
    â€œThat’s news to me.”
    â€œYes, ma’am, they sure didn’t. Had themselves an awful row during them weeks your friend was working here.”
    â€œWhat was it about?”
    â€œMrs. Crawford wanted to use the bathroom in the main house, on account the water was turned off in the outbuildings the day you was having them tubs changed. But the missus said she weren’t going to have no help coming inside—except for me, and I have to use the third floor bathroom—but your friend said she weren’t no help, but a professional. Then the missus said she was acting pushy like a Yankee, and that’s when all hell broke loose—pardon my French.”
    To Wynnell, those would certainly have beenfighting words, but she’d never kill over them. Not unless they’d been uttered by a Yankee, and even then she was only likely to maim.
    â€œHarriet, where was I when this happened?”
    â€œYou was with them shower installers. Took them forever, if you ask me. The missus was all upset about them blocking up Legare Street like that. She was sure she was going to get a situation.”
    Ah, a citation. “Harriet, I assure you, no matter what you heard, my friend would never kill anybody.”
    She tucked a wisp of gray hair under her white maid’s cap. “Ma’am, you ever look closely at your friend?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œDon’t it bother you that she has just one eyebrow?”
    â€œBut it stretches all the way across her face. Besides, you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
    â€œI ain’t judging no books, ma’am.”
    â€œWhat I meant was—”
    â€œExcuse me for interrupting, ma’am, but if the mister sees me standing here talking, he ain’t gonna be too happy. I need this job.”
    â€œYes, of course. Although I must say, I’m surprised he made you come in today. You’d think he would have things on his mind other than housecleaning—not that it isn’t necessary,” I added quickly.
    â€œIt’s them tourists, ma’am. The ones renting them rooms you fixed up. The police are making them stay until they’re done investigating. Don’t none of them want to stay someplace where someone’s been killed, so they ain’t at all happy. Just wish they wouldn’t take it out on me.”
    â€œI understand. Maybe I can help.”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œI could talk with them—maybe calm them down a bit.”
    Her laugh was like marbles being shaken in a jar. “You gonna make them lunch, too? ’Cause I ain’t seen a bunch of pickier eaters.”
    Unfortunately I cook about as well as I can sing. The last time Greg cajoled me into trying karaoke, the manager of the establishment refunded our admission charges and bought us drinks, after I promised never to sing in his establishment again.
    â€œWell, I guess I could take them to lunch—somewhere not too expensive. But I’m sure they’re not allowed to leave the