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Odelia was getting tired of sitting in a car waiting for a bunch of party people to finally go to bed. Not that she minded being cooped up in a small space with Chase—far from it—but she had another big day tomorrow, and she was one of those people who, when they didn’t get enough sleep, were complete and utter wrecks the next day.

“When are they finally going to bed?” she grumbled, when she saw that in one room the lights were still on. “Don’t they need to sleep?”

“They’re young. They’re free. And they probably want to get through the bag of weed Wolf provided—or maybe it was Conway Kemp. The stories tend to differ depending on the source.”

“Weed? And you approve of this?

“Hey, as long as the politicians don’t make up their minds, I’m not touching that.”

“Is that what you and Miss Blonde talked about?”

“She did ask about the laws in the state of New York regarding the recreational use of marihuana,” he said with a grin.

“And what did you tell her?”

“That marijuana is still illegal except for medical use on a strictly regulated basis. But that you won’t get arrested for smoking in public unless you’re driving a car or have a criminal record—at most you can expect a fine these days.”

“Which you’re not going to give them.”

He shrugged.“I’ve got my orders, babe. Stuff is above my pay grade.”

“Sounds like a pretty lame excuse to me.”

He laughed.“I take it you’re not a big fan of weed.”

No, she wasn’t, but that was not an argument she was prepared to get into right now. “What else did you talk about?”

“Well, about the affair Wolf and Dany were reportedly having.”

“Nothing reportedly about it. Looks like everyone knew about it, except me.”

“And Wolf’s wife. Until not so long ago she was in the dark, too.”

“So where is Mrs. Langdon?”

“Staying in town at the Star.”

The Hampton Cove Star was a boutique hotel located right on Main Street.“The Star? Why not at the manor?”

“She was at the manor at first, but my guess is that she got tired of having to watch her husband getting frisky with Dany so she relocated to the Star.”

“Have you talked to her?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I have.”

“Oh, someone’s been a busy boy.”

“Your uncle did urge us to handle this murder business quickly and with the utmost expedience so that’s what I’m doing.”

“And? What did Mrs. Langdon have to say?”

“She didn’t exactly burst into tears when I told her about what happened to Dany.”

“Which is understandable.”

“Exactly. She admitted she’d heard the rumors, too, and that’s why she moved to the Star. She also said she was considering divorcing Wolf, and she happened to mention that Wolf was not in a situation where he could afford a divorce. It’s my understanding Mrs. Langdon is the source of much of Wolf’s wealth. Her family is extremely well-off. He isn’t.”

“Do you think she might be responsible for Dany’s death?”

“Nuh-uh. She was having lunch with a friend when Dany was killed. About a dozen guests and waitstaff can attest to that.”

“Too bad. She would have been the perfect killer.”

“Looks like we’re up,” said Chase, gesturing to the window where now the light had finally been extinguished.

“Finally. I thought they’d never go to bed.”

They got out of the car and moved stealthily towards the manor, hunched over and staying in the shadows. There was a full moon out, so they’d have to be careful not to be seen.

They arrived at the back of the house and quickly snuck inside. Odelia hoped her cats had already had a chance to talk to Wolf’s Chihuahua. If not, no harm done. They would get the necessary information some other way.

“There’s one thing I don’t get,” she whispered as they snuck up a rickety staircase, and she flicked at what she hoped was a cobweb and not a hairy rat or other animal.

“What’s that?” Chase whispered back.

“Can’t you cops access phone records and stuff like that?”

“We can, but it takes time. And besides, it’s a lot more fun sneaking around with you!”

She grinned.“You know what? This is actually the first time you’ve joined me in this part of an investigation.”

“True,” he said. “And look how much fun we’re having!”

Until then, Odelia had joined Chase for his police interviews from time to time, but he’d never joined her on her more improvised investigative outings. One technique she hadn’t introduced him to was the part played by her cats. Maybe she’d never tell him about that. He might not take it well.

They’d arrived on the second landing and were now sneaking towards Wolf’s room. She just hoped no one got it into their mind to open a door and bump into them. And just as she was thinking it, a door to their right opened and Don Stryker walked out and bumped straight into them!

He stared at her, his hair mussed up and sleep wrinkles all over his face.

Both Odelia and Chase stood frozen at the spot. Now they were in a real jam!

“Mom?” Don finally muttered. “Is that you?”

And then Odelia smelled it: the guy was totally baked!

“Yes, it’s me,” she said. “Now go back to sleep… Donny.”