Tomato Basil Murder: Book 7 in The Darling Deli Series by Patti Benning

named as beneficiary, not our daughter, Candice?”
    “Here, I’ll let you see for yourself.” The detective pulled a paper out of the folder and slid it across the table towards the deli owner. Moira stared at the paper in shock; even with her name clearly printed on the line, she almost couldn’t believe it. Then, with a sinking feeling of horror, she realized what the two detectives must think.
    “I didn’t know about this,” she said, sliding the paper away from herself. “I swear. This is a complete shock to me.”
    “I’m sure it is,” Wilson said, her grey eyes cold even as her voice softened. “I’m sure you understand though. We’re still going to have to ask you some questions.”
    “Of course,” Moira said. She glanced at Detective Jefferson, desperate to see even the slightest hint that he believed her, but he wouldn’t meet her gaze.
    “Where were you the day of your ex-husband’s murder?” the woman asked.
    “I went to look at a house with Madeline Frau. She’s a realtor, and I’m sure she can confirm that I was there,” she said. Detective Wilson glanced over at Jefferson, who nodded.
    “We went over this when I questioned her before. I called the real estate company and confirmed that she did meet Ms. Frau,” he told his partner.
    “What did you do after that?” the female detective asked.
    “I went to the deli. I didn’t leave until Detective Jefferson came to get me that evening.”
    “Is there anyone that can confirm you were there?”
    “Other than Darrin, one of my employees, no, there isn’t. And, as I told Detective Jefferson last week, I sent Darrin home shortly after I got there since the weather was so bad.” She sighed, racking her brain for any other alibi witness, but she couldn’t think of one.
    “Look,” she added. “I know Mike was my ex, but we didn’t hate each other. I worked hard to make sure we had a civil relationship for Candice’s benefit, and I had no reason to kill him now for having had an affair ten years ago.”
    “No reason, other than the sizable life insurance policy that is supposed to go to you,” Detective Wilson pointed out.
    “I didn’t know about that,” Moira groaned, exasperated. “Besides, although I’m not rich, I don’t exactly need the money. Darling’s DELIcious Delights is doing pretty well, and I have—well, I had—alimony payments coming in.”
    “If I remember correctly, you recently lost your house in a fire, and your daughter is about to embark on a risky new business venture.” Detective Wilson leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I’m sure the money from the life insurance payout would be very useful to you. I understand, Moira. You just wanted to make sure your daughter will have a good future. You were acting to benefit your little girl, weren’t you?”
    “I didn’t do it,” Moira said again, feeling near tears. “I didn’t know anything about his life insurance policy, I didn’t even know where he was staying until after he was killed. I wouldn’t ever hurt anyone for money, let alone the father of my child.”
    “I think we’ve questioned her enough for tonight,” Detective Jefferson said at last. Moira looked hopefully up at his face, but still couldn’t tell if he believed her or not. Either way, she was grateful to him for stopping the interview, even if it meant she would have to come back later for more.
    “Very well,” Detective Wilson said reluctantly. “If you remember anything else about your whereabouts the day of your ex-husband’s death, please give us a call.”
    Detective Jefferson walked Moira out of the building. He paused at the door to the police station and opened his mouth. For a moment, she thought he was about to apologize, but instead he shook his head.
    “I’d suggest staying around town,” he told her. “You know the drill. Any trips to Canada or Mexico that I should know about?”
    Mutely Moira shook her head. Once the detective had disappeared back