Loom and Doom by Carol Ann Martin

Norma. I was just bluffing of course, but I wanted to hear what she’d say.”
    â€œAnd?”
    She grinned. “She said, and I quote, ‘That bastard cost me a fortune. I would have happily done away with him myself.’”
    â€œSo, it was true. He
was
extorting money in return for permits,” I said. “I wonder if the police know about this.”
    Marnie crossed her arms and stared at me.
    â€œDon’t look at me like that,” I said. “I am not planning to call the police. I’m simply asking a rhetorical question.”
    Marnie relaxed.
    â€œBut,” I continued, “I think
you
should. That’s the kind of information that could help solve the murder.”
    â€œFine. You do it.”
    â€œNot me,” I said. “I can just imagine how Lombard would react. You’re the one Norma told. Why don’t you call and tell her?”
    Emotions flew over her face as she weighed the pros and cons. “You’re right,” she said at last. “And I’ll do it right away, before I chicken out. Mind if I go up to your apartment and use your phone?”
    I handed her my key. “I swear, you must be the only person I know who doesn’t own a cell phone.”
    â€œI need a cell phone like I need a third ear,” she muttered and marched out.
    â€œWait for me,” I called. I locked the shop door and chased after her. “I want to dress up a bit for the reopening. This is a special occasion after all.”
    We went upstairs together. I pointed her to the kitchen phone, and went to change into dressier pants and a light sweater. After doing a two-minute makeup job, I came back out, just as Marnie was hanging up.
    â€œWhat did the police say?”
    â€œI spoke to the dispatcher, and then I had to wait until she connected me to”—she quirked an eyebrow—“Officer Lombard.”
    â€œUh-oh.”
    â€œYou can say that again. She took my information, but I could tell she was irritated as all hell.”
    â€œThen I’m doubly glad you made the call and not me. She would probably have bitten my head off. Before we go, I have a couple of boxes in my bedroom. Do you mind helping me with the last two?” These were all the pieces of my new collection. I could hardly wait to hear what everyone thought of it.
    We returned to the shop with our arms full and dropped the boxes in the center of the store. “Have you thought of anything you could do as a reopening-day promotion?” she asked.
    I looked around the store for inspiration, and my eyes happened to fall on a basket of small woven lavender bags. I imported them from China, more as decorative items in the store than for resale. But I had a large box full of them, and they cost barely more than pennies apiece. “What about these?” I said, picking one up. “I could give them away with every purchase.”
    â€œGreat idea,” Marnie said. “And I was thinking that I might give weaving demonstrations. What do you think?”
    â€œYou wouldn’t mind?” I said. “Are you up to it?”
    â€œOf course I am.”
    â€œIn that case, please do. It’s a great idea. I bet we’ll get people to sign up for weaving classes.”
    â€œThat’s what I’m hoping.”
    Jenny walked in at that moment. She too had changed, and was now wearing a pink bohemian top over a pair of black leggings. She looked gorgeous.
    â€œDella just had a great idea,” Marnie said, and told her about it. “With both shops having promotions, I’m sure the customers will be flocking in.”
    â€œYou know, for the first time since Good Morning Sunshine opened, I’m beginning to think maybe you’re right,” Jenny said. “My business will flourish again.”
    â€œOf course it will,” Marnie said.
    â€œI have something to show you both,” I said, lifting the cover of one of the boxes. I pulled