Page 72 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

"It appears someone is trying to scare you."

Camille exhaled, her breath unsteady.

"It's working."

No one knew what to say. The neighbors split into small groups, quietly talking as rumors began to spread.

"What if it's just kids?"

"No kid writes something like that."

"I wonder who 'she' is."

People kept asking questions, but no one had any answers.

The officers continued gathering evidence while the women drifted back to the sidewalk. No one seemed ready to go home yet.

Leaving felt like admitting that someone had brought fear to Lemon Grove Estates on purpose.

I gently squeezed Camille's shoulder.

"If you need anything... call me."

She looked up at me.

She seemed grateful, but there was something else in her eyes.

"Maci?"

"Yeah?"

She paused, looking like she might change her mind. Then she gave a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

"Have we ever met before?"

Her question surprised me for a second, but I smiled back at her.

"I don't think so."

"You just seem..." She studied my face. "Familiar."

I gave a quiet laugh.

"I'm pretty sure I'd remember meeting someone like you."

Camille smiled back for the first time that morning.

"I guess you're right."

"I hope the police figure this out."

"So do I."

I squeezed her hand again to reassure her, then turned toward my house.

As I crossed the street, something brushed my sleeve. I looked down and saw a thin black satin ribbon stuck to my robe, moving in the morning breeze.

I picked it up without thinking and looked back at Camille. She was still on her porch, watching me.