Page 100 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

Chapter Sixteen

Maci

I realized I was humming only when Bernice cleared her throat behind me. The tune drifted through the kitchen while I let warm water run over my hands for what felt like the hundredth time that morning.

Soap foamed between my fingers. I scrubbed my palms, then my wrists, and finally under my nails.

Through the kitchen window, the flower arrangements on Camille's front porch were the only hint that something had happened.

"You’re going to wash the skin right off your hands," Bernice said with a small laugh.

I glanced down at the sink.

"I guess I got carried away."

"You’ve been standing there, lost in thought."

"I have?"

She nodded and went to the coffee pot.

"I know grief makes people do strange things, but baby, those hands are clean."

I took a towel and dried my hands.

"I've just been thinking."

"Ain't nothing wrong with that."

Bernice caught me looking out the window. Across the street, there was another bouquet left behind.

"This whole thing breaks my heart. It happened so fast."

"It sure did."

She shook her head slowly, looking sad.

"Yesterday she was fighting for her life. Today she's planning a funeral."

"And answering questions from detectives."

Bernice frowned.

"They need to leave that woman alone."

"They're just doing their jobs."

"Maybe so."

She sipped her coffee slowly.

"But questioning her before she can even bury her husband?"

She made a clicking sound with her tongue.

"That ain't right."

I leaned my elbows on the counter.