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knowing whether one was missing. The book fair crates
were still in front of the main doors, although
someone had moved them back a bit to allow entrance.
    I zoned out as the
minutes from the last meeting were read, only snapping to attention when Janet
called my name. “Yes?”
    “You had something to
discuss with the group?”
    “Oh, yes. I’d like to ask
for help with this year’s book fair. Principal Dean asked me to continue for
the sake of Mrs. Grimes and I thought a Haunted House, or tunnel, would be a
good way of attracting the attention of high school students.”
    “While I don’t approve of
celebrating Halloween,” Janet stated. “I do see how this would draw in the
students. Today’s youth love this type of evil entertainment. What will the
PTSO get out of helping?”
    I wasn’t aware they would
want part of the funds. “What do you usually get?”
    “We’ll want twenty
percent. I refuse to dress in costume but will be more than happy to run the
cash register.” Janet motioned for Cheryl to write her name beside cashier.
“The rest of you can help in whatever manner you see fit.”
    My family didn’t
celebrate Halloween either, but now that Lindsey was sixteen, she often joined
in with her friends in harmless pranks. The Haunted House might be another way
of keeping the students from wandering the streets.
    “What about flowers for
Harriet’s funeral?” Cheryl blinked, her eyes glistening. “I motion that we send
an arrangement.”
    Janet glanced around the
group. “Is there going to be a service? I wasn’t aware she had any family.”
    Estelle nodded. “A small
memorial is being set up by members of the school. I think flowers are a great
idea.”
    “What kind?” Janet
shrugged. “We knew very little about her.”
    I spotted silk daisies in
a pot on her desk. “Daisies.”
    “Very well. Cheryl, write
that down.” Janet reached for a bottle of water. Her hand shook, spilling some
on the table in front of her.
    “Are you all right?” I
asked.
    “This talk of death
upsets me.”
    She didn’t seem upset.
Instead, she seemed very focused on the topic at hand. I needed to find a way
to get all my suspects in one room together. “If it bothers you to hold the
meetings here, why not move them? Norma Rae Jennings owns the tea room on Main
Street. Maybe she would be glad for the extra business.”
    Janet’s eyes widened.
“Hold the PTSO meetings off campus? Is that done?”
    “I wouldn’t mind,” Cheryl
said. “This place gives me the creeps now.”
    Brad glanced up from
where he played online gambling on his phone. “Fine with me. I’m only here
because Janet drags me. She can force me to attend there as well as here.” He
bowed his head back over his phone.
    “This is my last year
anyway,” Estelle said. “I’ve almost got enough money to retire. Once that
happens, I’m out of here.”
    “The loyalty in this room
just warms my heart.” Janet slapped the phone out of her husband’s hands.
    Mom and I glanced at each
other, both clamping our lips together in an effort not to laugh. River Valley
had more than its share of quirky residents.
    “I have a question.” Mom
raised her hand.
    “You aren’t in a
classroom, Gertie.” Estelle shook her head.
    “I’m just wondering why
no one in this room has commented on the way Marsha and I look. Granted, you
probably all know that we were run off the road last night.” She speared each
member with a look as if by doing so, they might confess. “Maybe one of you are responsible.”
    “Good grief.” Sarah
banged her palm on the table. “Are you accusing one of us of reckless driving?
We are responsible members of society.”
    “No.” Mom stood. “I’m
accusing someone of trying to kill me and my daughter.” She grabbed her purse.
“See y’all at the next meeting.” She stormed out the door.
    I muttered my apologies
and followed as fast as my bruised body would allow. “What this about?”
    “Just trying to flush