Silence Of The Hams by Jill Churchill Page B

Jane’s sister-in-law Dixie Lee, who had no children, but had recently suffered a second miscarriage, cried more than Jane. And Ted, normally an extremely quiet, reserved man, astonished them all, including himself probably, by yelping approval when Mike’s name was called out.
    The system for keeping all the graduates sober and safe meant they were all funneled directly from the ceremony into the school building. Thelma was indignant until Jane explained that families could go into the school to congratulate their own—if they thought they could find them in the melee. Ted and Dixie Lee offered to wait in the car for her, but were persuaded instead to take Todd and Katie home. Jane’s Uncle Jim volunteered to accompany Thelma on her quest and drive her home. Considering that he could hardly stand to be in the same room with her, it was a credit to his devotion to Jane’s family and his gentlemanly instincts—or perhaps to his long military training in coping with the enemy and a longing to brush up his skills—that he made this offer.
    As they headed toward the building, someone put a hand on Jane’s arm. She turned, and it took her a moment to place the woman speaking to her. It was Emma Weyrich, the aerobics instructor who had also been Robert Stonecipher’s paralegal.
    “Emma, what are you doing here?“ Jane asked. “Do you have a child graduating?”
    This was the wrong thing to say. Emma was too young for that and took offense. “Of course not. My sister’s daughter graduated tonight. My older sister.“
    “Sorry. Of course. I was just surprised to see you. I’m sorry about your boss.”
    Emma’s normally pretty features hardened. “Yeah, well. It was a surprise.”
    What an odd reaction, Jane thought. Not exactly remorseful.
    “ Listen, Jane, we need to talk.“
    “Oh? I can’t now.“
    “I didn’t mean here and now. How about tomorrow?“
    “Okay, but late in the day.“
    “What time?“
    “Four?“ Jane suggested. “Want to meet somewhere?“
    “No, come to my apartment,“ Emma said curtly. She took a little notepad out of her pocket to write an address and handed it to Jane. “Be prompt,“ she warned Jane, handing her the slip of paper before turning and disappearing into the crowd.
    “What was that about?“ Mel asked. He’d gone ahead a ways before realizing he’d lost her.
    “I haven’t any idea, but it was rude. I’ve been summoned to her presence. Four o’clock tomorrow and I’m not to dawdle around and be late. She probably noticed the way my skirt fit and wants to harass me into more exercise,“ Jane said, trying to make light of her anger.
    “Don’t go,“ Mel said.
    “Why not?”
    Mel sighed. “I’ll tell you later. When we have some time to talk.“
    “She’s a suspect! You think she killed Stonecipher!“
    “Shh. Keep your voice down. No, she didn’t kill Stonecipher.”
    It took Jane only a moment to absorb the implication of this statement. “If you know she didn’t, then you must know who did. Has there been an arrest?“
    “Jane, keep quiet. Later.”
    She knew that tone. She stopped asking questions.
    Even though she’d worked on the decorations, Jane was astonished when she saw the final transformation of the school. By half-closing her eyes, she could imagine she was in a fancy resort hotel. The materials might be sheets, crepe paper, and dime-store glitter, but the overall look was glitzy and fun. After an hour or so when all the grandmothers, uncles, and little sisters had left, the kids settled in to have a good time.

    Someone had thoughtfully provided comfortable chairs at the door Jane and Mel were to guard, and the two of them settled in. They were, unfortunately, just across the hall from the room where the country music band was playing. Jane wasn’t much of a fan of country music and decided she’d either be a convert or a raving maniac by the time the night was over. She told herself to remember that it could have been worse. They