Did she know she just jumped her way to #1 on my suspect list? She must have, because Joyce surged to her feet and came at me with a desperate expression and a gooey tissue outstretched, both of which made me flinch.

"I know what that sounds like." She dropped her hands suddenly to her sides again, stopping her forward motion so abruptly I was breathless from not knowing if I should keep backpedaling or hold my ground. "Tell the sheriff whatever suits you. But I didn't ...