Page 71 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

"What does it say?" Nia asked.

The officer looked toward Camille.

"Mrs. Hayes."

He spoke more gently.

"Does this message mean anything to you?"

Camille swallowed.

"No."

"You've never seen anything like this before?"

She shook her head.

"No."

He looked at the note again and read it out loud, his voice low.

SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE ONE LIVING HERE.

Nobody spoke. Danielle frowned.

"Who?"

Simone looked at Camille.

"Do you know who they're talking about?"

Camille looked down at the ground.

"I..."

She stopped and shook her head slightly.

"No."

I watched her carefully. She was breathing fast, and her hands trembled. The officer kept asking questions.

"Has anyone threatened you recently?"

"No."

"Any problems with family?"

"No."

"Old friends?"

She hesitated for a moment.

"No."

I noticed her hesitation, and so did Miss Evelyn. Miss Evelyn stood quietly in the shade of her porch, silent, her eyes fixed on Camille.

The officer slipped the note into an evidence bag.