I scowled at Crew when Mom let him in, as he took off his fur hat and nodded to my mother, voice low but carrying.

"Evening, Lucy," he said, glancing up when Petunia waddled to greet him, then to me before he met Mom's eyes again. "I'm sorry to bother you. Fee's told you about the murder?" Mom nodded. "You'll understand then why I have some questions?"

I wanted to be mad at him, but his tone was careful, kind, respectful. So I didn't say anything when Mom ...