Page 105 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

She blinked.

"No way."

The detective's face stayed the same.

"In addition, we've received witness statements that conflict with your account of the evening of your husband’s death."

She shook her head, more firmly this time.

"No, that's not true."

"We have probable cause to place you under arrest pending further investigation."

The words echoed through the house. Someone gasped. Danielle stepped forward immediately.

"There has to be some mistake."

"There is," Camille said, her voice frantic. "There has to be."

She glanced around the room, her eyes full of panic.

"I didn't do this."

No one said a word. I guess no one knew what to believe anymore.

The detective stepped closer.

"Mrs. Hayes."

He reached for her wrist, moving carefully and slowly. She pulled away.

"I buried my husband a couple of hours ago." Her voice broke. "And now you're doing this?"

"I'm sorry."

"No, you're not."

Tears ran down her cheeks.

"I didn't kill him."

The detective nodded to one of the officers. The click of handcuffs shattered what little calm remained in the room.

Several guests turned away. Danielle covered her mouth. Simone whispered a prayer. Jade stood frozen by the dining table. Camille looked around the room one last time, and then her eyes met mine.

"Maci."

Her voice was barely a whisper, searching for someone she knew. I walked over and squeezed her hand before the officers led her away.

"This will get sorted out," I said quietly. "You hear me?"

She nodded through tears.

"I didn't do this."

The detectives led her to the front door. Outside, camera shutters clicked. Reporters shouted over one another. The flashing lights had returned to Lemon Grove Estates.

As Camille got into the backseat of the patrol car, I stayed on the porch with the women from the neighborhood. We all stood still.