Free Clam Wake by Mary Daheim Page B

than pop.”
    Renie ignored the comment and propped herself up with a couple of throw pillows. “How many real suspects are there? I’d guess well under a hundred, if you don’t count kids. Probably not too many visitors this time of year. You can do it.”
    Judith sank back into the recliner. “I do not intend to interrogate a hundred people. I couldn’t. Besides, some of them might not have known Ernie very well. This is like any other neighborhood. People bond through common interests, not addresses.”
    â€œSee? You’ve already eliminated half of the suspects. Keep going. Don’t forget, some of these houses are vacant because their owners went south for the winter.”
    Judith turned stony-faced. “Okay. I’ll start with you. What did you notice on the way to and along the beach before we found Ernie?”
    Renie gazed up at the open beamed ceiling. “Not much. I tend to keep my eyes on the ground, especially when I’m on unfamiliar turf. In case you’ve never noticed, I’m kind of a klutz.”
    â€œThat’s because when you get in gear, you rush around too much,” Judith said, still annoyed. “Are you sure you didn’t notice anything?”
    â€œYes.” Renie turned to look at her cousin. “And you?”
    Judith made a face. “I didn’t either. The locals probably stayed inside because they know when a storm’s coming. Heck, we should’ve known better than to go out.” She paused, her anger dissipated. “Why didn’t I roll down the window and say hello to Ernie when I saw him on the ferry? I’m usually outgoing and friendly.”
    Renie had gotten up to rummage in the cupboards, apparently seeking snacks. “Because you didn’t know he’d be your next victim?”
    â€œSo he is,” Judith muttered. “I wish I could remember if I’ve met Mrs. Glover. Edna, that is.”
    Renie had found some saltwater taffy. She popped a piece into her mouth. “Widonyaser?”
    â€œI won’t ask her if we’ve met,” Judith shot back. “The poor woman’s husband just died. I’d feel cheeky barging in on her.” She paused again while Renie sat back down. “But we should offer condolences on behalf of Auntie Vance and Uncle Vince.”
    Renie had swallowed the taffy. “Now?”
    Judith shook her head. “Tomorrow. Even I’m not that pushy.”
    Her cousin merely shrugged. Judith started going over the notes she’d made at the Sedgewicks’. The names were no longer those of mere neighbors. Now they were the names of suspects.
    T he storm had passed over shortly after Jacobson left. Judith and Renie sat down to dinner at exactly six, lapping up Auntie Vance’s legendary beef noodle bake. As usual, there was enough left to last for two or even three meals. The boysenberry pie was predictably delicious. They finished cleaning up from dinner by six thirty, with ample time to get to the seven o’clock meeting. Jane had called shortly after five to assure Judith and Renie there was no cancellation. She also gave directions to the clubhouse in case they’d forgotten where it was located. Which, in fact, they had. Neither cousin had ever been inside the gray frame building that stood at the south end of the development.
    â€œNondescript,” Renie murmured when they pulled in next to a big black SUV. “Don’t they have an architect living around here?”
    â€œThe clubhouse was the original sales office. They enlarged it later.”
    â€œThey sure didn’t improve it,” Renie said, before exiting the car.
    Judith waited to respond until after they were both on the paved path that led to the entrance. But before she could say anything, she saw Mel and Sarah Friedman coming their way.
    â€œHi,” Judith called out. “How was the doctor’s appointment?”
    Both Friedmans laughed as they