Murder Is Private by Diane Weiner

Celia was trying to get him to go to the police. Why did Celia keep his identity secret, even from her best friend? Gabby already knew she was having an affair. What if it was because she was seeing one of the students? There were so many questions swirling in her head as she walked in the door.
    “Susan, I beat you home today,” said Audrey. She was sitting at the table, surrounded by papers. Wolfie was curled up next to her chair.
    “What are you up to?” Susan asked. “Are those invitations?”
    “They’re invitation responses for the benefit dinner. Look at all these no’s,” replied Audrey sadly.
    “You think it’s because of the bad publicity?”
    “Of course, it is. Most years we get at least a ninety percent positive response. The dinner is crucial to our budget. If the murder isn’t solved soon, it’ll be too late to obtain the funding we need for the upcoming school year.” Audrey sighed forlornly.
    “I’m doing everything I can, Audrey. So are the police. Try to keep a stiff upper lip.” Susan gave her biological mother a small grin.
    “I’ll try. By the way, I took Lynette over to my orthopedic doctor today. He removed the cast.”
    “That’s great!” replied Susan, glad to hear at least some good news. “It had to be hot and annoying wearing around a cast, especially here in Florida.”
    “Her arm muscles are weak. The doctor gave her strength exercises to do.”
    Evan walked in. “Did Audrey tell you the good news?”
    “She said Lynette got her cast off.”
    “Did she tell you how I talked to her doctor? He offered me a summer residency. Audrey says I can stay with her.”
    Susan was stupefied. “But you were going to come back to New York this summer, Evan. What happened to trying to do research at NYU or Columbia?”
    “Mom, this is a concrete offer. I haven’t heard from any of the others. Audrey’s doctor knows what he’s talking about. His research is cutting edge.”
    “But you were going to be near home.” Susan realized she was whining.
    “Mom, I gotta do what’s best for my career. Besides, I’ll be so busy, you wouldn’t have seen me much anyway. I’m sure I can come up to Westbrook for a few days before I have to be back in St. Louis.”
    Susan held her tongue, but she felt her blood pressure rising. She’d been counting on having Evan closer to home for the summer. She barely got to see him anymore. Then she remembered Audrey’s comments about how they needed doctors in Florida. What gave Audrey the right to butt into Susan’s family business? Now she was trying to be a mother and a grandmother? Coming to Florida had been a mistake! Worried she’d say something she’d regret, Susan went upstairs. Lynette followed her into her bedroom.
    “Mom, I heard the whole conversation. I know you feel hurt that Audrey is interfering with your plans for your golden boy.”
    “Do you blame me? That woman is missing in action for 62 years, then all of a sudden steps in like we’ve been one big happy family all along! And what’s up with Evan? He’s playing right into it!” Susan was incensed.
    “I understand. I’d be hurt too. Audrey’s just trying to be nice. I’ll bet she has lots of guilt about abandoning you. She’s trying to make herself feel better.”
    “I’m not wrong feeling this way, am I?”
    “Of course not. I’d feel the same. Listen, we can help her as much as we can down here, then we’ll probably see her once or twice a year after that. As for Evan, he’s just being agreeable. When he gets back to school, he’ll think things through and make the best decision for himself. He may change his mind altogether.”
    Susan hugged Lynette close. “You’re right. Audrey missed out on raising a daughter. She’ll never get those years back. Lynette, I’m going to take a walk on the beach. I’ll call Dad on the way. I wish he was here.”
    “You’ll see him soon enough, Mom. Have a good walk.”

Chapter 23

    Susan filled Mike in on the