Cat of the Century by Rita Mae Brown

didn’t let go of her hand. “Any brothers and sisters?”
    “One each. Hannah’s two years behind me. John is four.”
    “I never heard from your grandmother after she left. Then I lost track,” Tally said wistfully.
    “Grandma didn’t keep up with people back in Virginia. She couldn’t take the reminders. She said she wanted to forget, and then she thought everyone had forgotten her and Ralston. She never really forgot.”
    “Neither did we,” Aunt Tally said. “Honey, if you give me your address, I will keep in touch.”
    Aileen had been hoping for this. She pulled out a pink slip of paper on which she’d written her school address and phone number, her email address, and her home address in St. Joseph.
    Aileen then noticed students lining up.
    “Dr. Barnett told us we have to walk back to the residence halls in lines. The weather’s so bad. I’ve never seen it this bad.” She squeezed Aunt Tally’s hand. “I’m so excited to meet you.” She turned to Inez. “And you, too, Dr. Carpenter. Grandma told me you paved the way in Virginia.”
    “Your grandmother was very kind.” Inez hugged the young woman, as did Aunt Tally.
    After Aileen left, Aunt Tally said sotto voce to Inez, “All this hugging. I think every student hugged me. I’m not one for intemperate embrace, but I was glad to hug that child. I so hope the killer is found before I die!”
    The alumnae board, waiting to say their good-byes, stepped forward after Aileen had walked away.
    Liz overheard the last part of the conversation, as had Flo.
    “You know.” Liz began to wail.
    “Know what?” Aunt Tally was puzzled.
    “About Mariah.”
    Flo said sharply, “Liz, shut up.”
    “What’s going on?” Aunt Tally was more than curious. She knew something was being kept from her.
    At that moment Inez would have gladly killed Liz. The thought was occurring to Jahnae, as well.
    Smoothly, Inez told her dear friend, “Blossom, one of our board members appears to be in trouble. We don’t know any more than that.”
    “She’s dead! I know she’s dead.” Liz, being a somewhat inebriated twit, made it worse.
    “For Christ’s sake, Tim. Get her out of here,” Flo commanded Liz’s husband.
    He did as he was told, but Liz did not go quietly. She’d snuck in a third drink, which was all too apparent to her husband.
    “You all are trying to shut me up!”
    “That’s right.” Tim moved her faster and faster to the door.
    He didn’t stop for her coat but hauled her out in the high wind and snow, all but dragging her to the rental car.
    “My coat.”
    “I’ll get it later.” He slammed the door and hoped the cheap piece of metal would start.
    Nothing like a rental car to make one appreciate a good vehicle.
    Back in the building, Aunt Tally squared off at the alumnae board. “Is she dead?”
    Andrea replied honestly, “We don’t know, but she’s missing, and it’s not like Mariah to miss a board meeting or your party.”
    “Why would Mariah … Well, let me put it this way: Who would wish her harm?”
    Flo, to her credit, said, “Apart from me, I can’t think of anyone.”
    Inez noticed the lines of students moving out and whispered to Harry, “Will you fetch our coats?”
    “Of course.” Harry left with Little Mim, who wanted to pick up her mother’s and her own.
    Back at the group, Aunt Tally thanked the alumnae board for their efforts and made them feel better. “I know you all didn’t want to disturb me. I’m sure Mariah’s vanishing was a strain on everyone. Thank you for considering my feelings on my special day.”
    Flo nodded. “Sooner or later we’ll get to the bottom of this. You have a special present from the board. It’s waiting for you at Rose Hill.”
    This certainly lifted Aunt Tally’s spirits. “I can’t wait.”
    She bid everyone good-bye, then she, Big Mim, Little Mim, Inez, and Harry donned their coats. Jahnae walked them to the door. A driver with a school vehicle waited for them. He first