Birthday Party Murder by Leslie Meier Page B

second thought. “You know, I write for the local newspaper and I think the reenactment would make a good feature story.”
    Chap’s expression brightened up. “That’s a great idea. It’s next Saturday, in Granby.”
    Lucy jotted it down in her day planner. Checking the time, she decided to peek in the kitchen and see if Sue was ready to leave. Pushing open the swinging door, she found her deep in conversation with the caterer, Corney Clark.
    â€œThat was a great spread, Corney,” she said, joining them. “Too bad it was for such a sad occasion.”
    â€œI absolutely hate funerals,” admitted Corney. “Give me a wedding, a bar mitzvah, a christening, anything but a funeral.” Her eyes locked on Lucy’s, indicating she was very sincere about what she was about to say. “You wouldn’t believe how much food people eat at funerals.”
    â€œI believe it,” said Lucy, uncomfortably aware of her tight waistband. “I’m going to work out with my exercise video as soon as I get home. What do you say, Sue? Are you ready to go?”
    â€œIn a minute. Corney and I were just talking about the birthday party. She’s offered to give us some cookies and finger sandwiches for half price.”
    Corney smiled graciously. “And I’ll throw in some nice pink tablecloths, too.”
    â€œThat’s great,” exclaimed Lucy. “Much nicer than the paper ones.”
    The very thought of paper tablecloths seemed to trouble Corney.
    â€œHave you given any thought to music?” she asked. “It makes a big difference, you know.”
    â€œWe thought of that,” said Lucy, rather proudly. “The high school and middle school bands are going to play.”
    A cloud passed across Corney’s face. “That’s nice,” she said, without enthusiasm. “I was thinking more along the lines of a string quartet, or a harpist. If the budget won’t run to that, you might consider playing some recorded background music, too. When the band’s not playing.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea,” said Sue. “Thanks for mentioning it.”
    â€œI’m full of good ideas—call me anytime,” said Corney.
    â€œHow much are those ‘half-price’ cookies and sandwiches going to cost?” muttered Lucy, as they made their way through the living room to say their farewells to Rachel and Bob.
    â€œPlenty—but it’s worth it,” replied Sue. “She has a lot of experience with big parties and now I can pump her brain. You heard her, she said ‘call me anytime’ and I plan to. Besides, I have some ideas for fund-raising.”
    â€œFund-raising? How are you going to do that?”
    â€œI’m going to ask some local businesses to be sponsors, like the banks and insurance agencies.”
    â€œWhat? You’re going to call it the Tinker’s Cove Five Cents Savings Bank Birthday Party for Miss Tilley?”
    â€œIf they’ll give me enough money, I will,” said Sue. Seeing Lucy’s shocked expression, she continued. “Calm down. I’ll take care of the businesses. I was hoping you could get some donations from local groups, like the Women’s Club.”
    Lucy didn’t even pause. The words just came out. “Don’t even think about it. You’re on your own with that one, kiddo. I’ve got enough on my plate right now.”
    For a moment, Sue stared at her in shocked silence.
    â€œBe like that,” she sniffed, obviously displeased.
    For a fleeting moment Lucy was tempted to change her mind. She was saved by Pam, who was waving at her from across the room.
    â€œI’ve got to go,” she told Sue. “Pam’s giving me a ride home.”
    â€œI hope you make it home in one piece,” said Sue.
    But Lucy wasn’t worried about the safety of her ride as she seated herself on Pam’s zebra-striped front seat.