Page 72 of Murder By the Millions

“How’d you do in the game?” Lillian asked Iggie.

“I lost my shirt.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place, then. I’ll sell you a new one. Go change, and I’ll show you a few that will look really good with your complexion.”

When he disappeared into a dressing room, Lillian gave me a thumbs-up.

I mirrored the gesture, because honestly she’d done a superb job, but I left the shop frustrated. I’d really wanted Iggie to be the killer. Given his alibi, I had to cross him off my suspect list.

Feast for the Eyes was bustling with even more teenagers when I returned. I spotted Darcy in the office window, peering at everyone. He wasn’t anxious. He was curious, as if wishing he could join the fun.

I went to the office and cuddled him. “Yes, sir, I know. You’re like the shy kid who thinks he wants to dance, but when the chance arrives, he runs to the bathroom to hide. Lest you forget, teenagers are not your favorite people.”

Tegan rushed into the office and left the door ajar. “How did it go with Iggie?”

I filled her in.

“He could have lied about his alibi,” she suggested.

“He didn’t falter. Didn’t even grope for words.” I supposed he could have practiced a pat response, should the police question him. On the other hand, the police could corroborate his whereabouts.

“You should follow up. A few of his cronies are customers. One might know if he’s lying. I’ll give you a list. But right now, I need a break.”

“We can’t leave Chloe with a jumble of people.” I motioned to the main room of the shop.

“When they clear out, I’ll close for a couple of hours, and you and I will go on a hike and have a picnic.”

“You hate exercise, not to mention, you’re wearing a skirt.”

“Culottes. And I do like to eat.” She pointed at a picnic basket sitting on the desk. “Vanna brought us lunch. Turkey, bacon, and avocado subs.”

“Yum. She is really going overboard at making nice.”

“I think she likes you, as in she admires you a ton. She was so ready to hate you because you were a fellow caterer, but I think she realized hating you was a lost cause. You’re sweet and kind, and she needs friends.”

A while back Vanna had admitted that she and Tegan had never been warm to one another, which made her jealous of anyone who was Tegan’s friend—i.e., me. Of course, I felt sorry for her, and I vowed if she truly didn’t have friends, I would work harder at enjoying her company.

“Okay,” I said. “Hike, it is.”

“And a picnic! I’ll drive.”

“Knock, knock.” Finette appeared at the door, her purchase from Puttin’ on the Glitz draped over one arm. “Who’s going on a picnic?”

Darcy startled and snarled. I cooed to him. “Cool it, macho cat.”

“Customers aren’t allowed back here,” Tegan stated.

“I know, and I’m sorry to bother you.” She seemed as despondent as she had at Puttin’ on the Glitz. “Chloe was swamped, and I saw you through the window and thought …”She jutted her chin toward it. “This’ll take a second. I’d like to order another copy ofGatsby.For my great-aunt.”

“We have extras.” Tegan motioned toward the main room of the shop. “Go to the sales counter. I’ll be out in a sec and will ring you up.”

Finette smiled. “Where are you going on your picnic, Tegan?”

“It’s a secret, but it’ll be a fun trek.”

“Doestrekmean you’re going hiking, too? I love to hike. How I wish I had more time, but work comes first. Enjoy.”

When she left, I said to Tegan, “Do you have walking shoes?”