A Fatal Chapter by Lorna Barrett

the Chamber office to ask me about finding Pete. He said he couldn’t really start an investigation until he knew what the actual cause of death was. But he was alsogoing to have a lab team search the gazebo and the area around it for clues.”
    “Clues to what?”
    Tricia shrugged. “To see if there was anything suspicious.”
    “You said there was a needle mark and a suspicious bruise on Pete’s body, which would mean somebody injected him with something. What’s obtainable that could stop someone’s heart—and do it pretty quickly? Or what about an air bubble in the blood?”
    “I’ve seen that threatened on TV and in movies, but I don’t know if you could actually kill someone that way.”
    “You could look it up online,” Angelica said, and looked toward her computer.
    “I’m about to eat dinner, and that kind of information could have a negative effect on my digestive system,” Tricia said.
    “I’ve seen you eat while reading a book featuring a graphic autopsy,” Angelica said sourly.
    “Well, I don’t want to look it up right now.”
    “What else could kill someone so quickly?” Angelica pressed.
    “Poison, I suppose.”
    “How about arsenic?”
    “It isn’t a fast acting poison. Generally the victim is fed the substance over a long period of time.”
    “You mean like feeding them a steady diet of apple seeds? Are there any orchards around here?”
    “It wouldn’t have to be an exotic poison. Maybe something as simple as a vial of super-strength vinegar.”
    “Ya think?” Angelica said.
    “I’m guessing.” It was time to change the subject. “I also spoke to Antonio today.”
    Angelica lifted an eyebrow. “Did you?”
    Tricia nodded. “I told him I’m very glad he’s a part of our family.”
    Angelica’s smile was tentative. “Thank you. What did he say?”
    “Not much. But he made sure I understood that he respected your wish to keep your secret quiet.”
    “I’m thankful for that.”
    “It’s time to tell Ginny—and before the baby arrives, especially if you want to be its grandma.”
    Angelica let out a long breath. “I suppose I’ll have to. And as she’s Antonio’s wife, it really should come from me.”
    “Agreed. And she will not be pleased.”
    “Neither were you, but you seem to have gotten over it much quicker than I would have guessed.”
    “What choice do I have?”
    “And what choice does Ginny have, too?”
    “Very little.”
    “Antonio suggested we all have dinner soon at the Brookview Inn’s private dining room.”
    “That would be lovely. I’ll set up a menu tomorrow and call him.”
    “Why don’t you let him decide on the menu. I’m sure he’ll pick something Ginny is particularly fond of—you know, to get her in a receptive mood.”
    “Great idea.”
    Tricia eyed her sister critically. “You know, it almost seems like you have some kind of master plan in mind for all of us. Would you care to share it?”
    “You make me sound like some kind of dictator or puppeteer,” Angelica said.
    “I’m afraid that’s how some of the villagers view Nigela Ricita.”
    “I haven’t done anything that didn’t benefit Stoneham in one way or another, and I wish you’d stop trying to make me feel guilty.”
    “I’m sorry, Ange. I guess I still feel hurt that you kept it from me for so long.”
    “I admit, it was a mistake, and I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do to change the past. Can’t we just move forward and accept the present?”
    “We will. But you didn’t answer my question.”
    “What question?” Angelica asked, her expression blank.
    “Do you have some kind of master plan for all of us?”
    “Well, of course I do,” Angelica answered matter-of-factly.
    Tricia started.
    “Oh, don’t look at me like I’m some kind of megalomaniac. I want us all to be healthy and happy and successful. Period.”
    “And who does this theoretical
us
entail?”
    “You, me, Antonio, Ginny. Grace, Mr. Everett, Frannie, Pixie, Mariana,