“Clive?” Nadine said, and held out her hand to shake his.
The three raised their eyebrows. It was certainly a cool greeting between old friends.
Byon was still onstage, apart and watching.
It was Mrs. Aiken who drew him in. She hurried down the aisle, pushed Nadine and Sara out of her way, then encapsulated Byon with her big arms. His face was smothered in her breasts. Her happiness, combined with the atmosphere of the church, made her look like she might float right up to heaven.
“So much for being a parasite,” Sara muttered to Kate, then turned to Nadine. “Likes him, does she?” Sara said.
Nadine shook her head. “More than you can imagine. I do hope she brought food.”
“Of course she did.” Clive was craning his neck to look around the chapel.
“Willa’s not here,” Nadine said, “so you’re safe.”
Clive let out a sigh of relief.
“But I bet her family owns shotguns,” Nadine said.
“As always, your humor evades me.” Clive’s tone let them see the angry young man they’d heard about.
Byon disentangled himself from Mrs. Aiken in time to hear the little jibes. “I see I nearly missed Round One.” He looked at Mrs. Aiken. “Darling, do feed us. No, not in here. I fear the sanctity of this building will persuade me to confess my sins. The enormity of them would crash the ceiling.”
In disbelief, the others watched Mrs. Aiken giggle like a teenager. “I’ll take it outside.”
“I have seen the light,” Sara muttered.
Byon slipped an arm around Sara’s small shoulders. “Aren’t you one of those writers with masses of bestsellers and loads of cash in the bank?”
Kate stepped forward to defend her aunt, but Sara laughed. “Awards or money. Writers don’t get both.”
Byon gave an exaggerated sigh. “Alas, I have walls full of awards and shelves full of ugly statues. Perhaps we could share.”
“I can see it now,” Sara said. “I’ll buy a label maker and put my name over yours.”
They started walking out the door together. “Yes, darling, and I will add my name to your account as your spouse.”
“Oh good! I’ve never had one of those,” Sara said. “But I’ve consummated a few unions.”
“Only a few? Darling, we must compare conquest stories.”
The others were standing in the doorway, watching and listening, as the voices faded.
“Someone who can stand up to Byon.” Nadine’s voice was admiring.
“Usually, people flee him in tears,” Clive said.
“Or threaten him.” Nadine was looking Clive up and down. “Bring any knives with you?”
“Only one for you, dear Nadine.”
They left the chapel.
Kate and Jack, standing inside, looked at each other.
“Think we have any suspects?” Kate asked.
“I think every person we’ve met here is capable of murder. Maybe they all did it.”