Free Murder Is Secondary by Diane Weiner Page A

You know, in my day, baby showers were just for us hens, but nowadays men are included too. It’s nice, don’t you think? How dads take so much more of an interest in the whole pregnancy thing?”
    “I beg to differ,” said Mike. “Who made you grilled cheese sandwiches in the middle of the night when you had cravings? Who spent four hours at the baby store trying to pick out a comforter set?”
    “Well, you were the exception.” Susan gave Mike a kiss on the cheek. “That’s one of the reasons I married you.”
    The food was ready and Susan ushered her guests into the dining room.
    “Yum,” said Zach. “I sure do love home cooking. Not that I get any, even when I’m at home. Dalia’s idea of home cooking is popping a Lean Cuisine into the microwave.”
    “Well,” said Susan. “I don’t cook like this every night. Sometimes I’m just too busy enjoying retirement.”
    “At least you earned it. You did work full time for many years, didn’t you? Mike said you were a teacher. Dalia here just sits home and relaxes all day long.”
    Susan saw Dalia shoot him the evil eye. Susan detected more anger than hurt in Dalia’s expression.
    She was glad that Dalia wasn’t buckling under to her husband’s malevolence.
    “Behind every successful man is a strong woman,” said Lynette. Jason nodded in agreement and squeezed Lynette’s hand.
    “So how do you spend your days?” asked Lynette.
    “I’m a real estate developer. I’m in town overseeing the construction of the new housing development that’s going up behind the high school,” replied Zach.
    “So, you’re out there behind the school most days? Hands on supervision?” said Susan.
    She couldn’t wait to hear his response.
    “That’s right. Out there in the trenches, making sure things are being done right.”
    Susan knew he was lying. The guys at the construction site had never even heard of Zach. She wondered what his game was.
    “So, how about those Jets?” said Mike, changing the subject.
    “Oh, no. Dallas Cowboys all the way,” said Zach.
    “Why the Cowboys? Are you originally from Texas?” asked Jason.
    “Born and raised,” said Zach. “My Dad was a cattle farmer. I grew up on a ranch. Been a Cowboys fan since before I could walk.”
    Susan and Lynette began to clear the table. They put the china in the sink and Susan took the apple pie out of the refrigerator.
    “Let’s not tell Mr. Chauvinist out there that I bought this at Safeway,” said Susan.
    “Yes,” said Lynette, “after all, you’re retired and sit around all day doing nothing. You had plenty of time to pick fresh apples off the tree, ground your own fresh cinnamon, and whip up some fresh cream for the topping.” Susan loved Lynette’s sarcastic side––when it wasn’t being directed toward her.
    “There’s something sinister about that man,” said Susan. “You know, he’s lying about being at the construction site. I went out there to invite him over tonight and the guys at the site had never even heard of him.”
    “There’s definitely something shady about him,” replied Lynette. “Did you notice those expensive Italian boots? How shiny they were? He hasn’t been wearing those to any construction site. And who packs multiple boots for a business trip? You know that’s what those construction workers wear.”
    “Like minds think alike,” said Susan. “We’ll get to the bottom of this.”
    “ I’ll get to the bottom of this if there’s anything other than the fact that he’s a lying jerk. By the way, how’s that baby blanket coming along?”
    Lynette and Susan brought in the pie and coffee and sat back down at the table. “So, Lynette,” said Zach, “are you going to continue working after the baby is born?”
    “I’ll take a little time off, but we can’t afford to be a one income family. Besides, my job is part of my identity,” answered Lynnette. “I just hope I can find a daycare center that meets my expectations.”
    “Do you