The straight-to-the-point chief lacked a smile, yet possessed a genteel countenance. He directed his staff professionally, ordering Officer Jenkins to check the house while other officers marked the crime scene, and removed the body. The chief graciously helped Sharon to the living room.

    "I –- I was awakened by a -– a noise -– downstairs. It was dark. Then, a silhouette in the doorway...."

    "All clear, Sir." Office Jenkins entered the room in his well-pressed uniform.

    "Thanks Jenkins. Wait there."

    Jenkins nodded, and leaned against the doorsill.

    The chief continued. "You weren’t expecting your husband, ma’am?"

    "We were separated."

    His brow lifted. "Looks as though he broke the dining room window."

    "I changed the locks after he left me."

    "I see. So you were separated. Had you talked to him today?"

    "No –- uh -– yes. He called wanting to pick up some things. I told him I was leaving town, and he’d have to wait."

    The chief glared at her, confused. "But you didn’t...."

    "No, I changed my mind. It was our anniversary -– a very depressing day for me."

    "You didn’t let him know?"

    "Officer, my husband left me for his secretary. Why should I, out of consideration, let him know I’m not going out of town?"

    The officer scrawled in his notebook.

    "Chief, I found something of interest in his pocket."

    The young policeman handed several papers over.

    The chief thumbed through the pages. "Interesting. Looks like bonds, income tax information and insurance policies. This policy is on your husband," he said eyeing her, "and the beneficiary is –- you."

    "Well, I am still his wife," she said defensively.

    "You mean -– was his wife. Now, let’s see," he said and unfolded another insurance policy. "Maybe this one will add more light. The Beneficiary is -– Mac Downs?" Sharon’s lips formed a lopsided grin. "This is a $500,000.00 life insurance policy, naming your husband as beneficiary. Strange." He eyed Jenkins at the door.

    Sharon’s eyes narrowed to the point of anger. "Why is it strange, Officer," she said, staring at his badge, "Thompson? You expected another insurance policy naming me as beneficiary?"

    "Well...."

    "You’re mistaken, it seems."

    "I thought...."

    "Unless you are charging me with something, Chief Thompson, I’ll say good-night, Sir." She lumbered past Jenkins to the front door, opened it to conclude her point. "I’m very tired and I have a funeral to plan in the morning."

    Chief Thompson studied her daring eyes before tipping his hat. "Ma’am."

* * *

    "Chief, I tried to reach the Downs’ Insurance agent, but he’s out of town. His secretary stated that a change in beneficiary had been requested and Mr. Downs was to sign the necessary papers -- today." The officer paused. "Of course he never showed up." The chief rubbed his chin, stared into space. "Chief?"

    "Yeah, yeah." He rewound the 911 tape, listened, paused, rewound it, listened for the fourth time. "Something’s not right, Lewis. I feel it, right here." Chief Thompson patted his middle-aged gut.

    "Looks open and shut to me, Sir, jealous, jilted wife claims revenge on two-timing husband, gets rich in the process."

    "It’s just too open and shut for me," the chief replied and played the tape one more time.

* * *

    "Now, Miss Stoddard…."

    "Loretta, please."

    "Uh, sure." Chief Thompson gazed into the woman’s piercing aqua eyes. Copious blonde tresses draped her full breasts and fell to a dainty waist. Her full lips tempted him, and he found it hard to concentrate. Jenkins had ogled her as well only to fall under her trance also. "Okay." The chief glanced at his notes. "You and Mr. Downs were having, uh...."

    "An affair?" She licked her mouth sensually.

    "Uh, yes." The vixen held his eyes captive. He cleared his throat, looked down at his notes. "Let’s see. You and Mr. Downs had talked marriage?"

    "As soon as he obtained a divorce."

    "Excuse me, ma’am, but you don’t appear to be too upset about his death."

    "What do you want, Chief. Tears, shaky hands, hysteria?" She tossed a wicked grin to Jenkins.

    The chief said, "Something like that."

    "That’s not me."

    "Did you know he was going to his, uh, to Mrs. Downs’ that night?"

    For the first time, Loretta’s eyes darted about as if she feared guilt might leap from them.

    "No, I didn’t," she answered.

    "It was very late when he arrived. Hadn’t he been with you?"

    "Yes."

    "Didn’t you find it strange that he left that late at night?"

    "I guess so."

    "You didn’t question him?"

    "Mac was someone you –- didn’t question." Again, her poise vanished.

    The Chief tapped his pen against his chin. The puzzle pieces weren’t fitting, and he wondered if he had the right pieces, but the wrong puzzle.

* * *

    "Chief Thompson. What a surprise." Sharon held a steaming cup of coffee.

    "May we come in?"

    She hesitated before offering a polite smile. "Of course. What brings you to my humble abode." She smiled at young Jenkins who trailed behind.

    The chief surveyed her home, far from humble, with marble foyer, crystal chandeliers, lush crown molding, and expensive antiques. He slipped off his hat, held it against his chest. "Well, ma’am, just trying to get more facts."

    "On my husband’s death?"

    "Yes ma’am.

    "What else would you like to know? Please join me in the den. Coffee?"

    "No thank you, ma’am." The chief plopped down on the huge couch, sank into plush leather. Officer Jenkins declined also, but smiled as he chose a matching leather chair. "I’m puzzled," the chief admitted.

    Sharon giggled. "You, Chief Thompson? I can’t imagine you puzzled. Determined, yes. Puzzled, no."

    Her green eyes sparkled with youth despite fine creases that led to high cheekbones. She was an attractive lady, not steamy and voluptuous like Loretta, but classy, well bred, composed. Mac must’ve been a middle-aged fool.

    "Ma’am, what would you say if I told you that I think Mr. Downs and Miss Stoddard might have been conspiring to murder you, and planned to make it appear like a break-in?" Jenkins fidgeted to get comfortable. Sharon glanced at him.

    "I’d say you’ve been watching too many Columbo reruns."

    "From what I’ve gathered so far, your -– Mr. Downs had been experiencing money problems, a sinking business, dwindling cash assets, and extended loans."

    "I’m aware there were discrepancies. I am vice president of the corporation."

    "And with you dead, he’d not only collect your life insurance, but also the business’s "key person" insurance."

    Sharon’s cup and saucer clattered as she placed it on the coffee table. She hugged herself as if the room had turned cold.

    "Are you all right?" the chief asked.

    "I’m just confused."

    "I’m sorry, Mrs. Downs." He stood. Officer Jenkins and Sharon jumped up to join him. "I’m going to question Miss Stoddard again. Trouble is, there’s no evidence and my gut feelings aren’t admissible in a court of law."

    "I appreciate your efforts, Chief Thompson."

    "I wish I could do more, ma’am." She shook his hand, and he caught the scent of expensive perfume.

    "Well, Loretta’s lost my wayward husband and his fortune. Maybe that’s enough."

    "You’re too kind, ma’am. Jenkins, let’s go." The chief tipped his hat. "Ma’am."

    "Chief Thompson." She watched him leave through the small crack in the door.

* * *

    "Why, officers, I do believe you have a crush on me." Loretta lingered in her terrycloth bathrobe and young Jenkins gawked like a hungry wolf. Thompson grabbed Jenkins’ arm, spun him around. "We’ll just wait while you get, uh...."

    "Decent?" She giggled. "Why I do believe you’re blushing, Officer Jenkins."

    She strutted from the room, but her fragrance lingered, tempting the officers even in her absence. Both officers cleared their raspy throats.

    "Now, is this better?"

    She traipsed into the room, spandex leggings binding her hips, and a flowing satin chemise caressed her breasts.

    "Ma’am, we need to ask a few more questions." Chief Thompson pulled the notebook from his pocket.

    "May I offer you something?" She winked at Jenkins.

    The chief intervened. "No, ma’am." His scowl reprimanded his officer. "Let’s see," he said, flipping through the small pages. "You say Mr. Downs left but you didn’t know where he was going. It bothers me that it didn’t bother you he was out that late?"

    "I’m a very heavy sleeper. I don’t think I even noticed." She glanced at Jenkins.

    The chief frowned and scribbled in his pad. "I see."

    "Chief Thompson, what is this all about? I don’t mean to be inhospitable, but your tone is so...."

    "Accusing, ma’am?"

    Defiantly, her shoulders lifted and her breasts stretched the thin silk. "Yes, and I don’t like it one bit."

    "Ma’am, I’m just doing my job."

    "Looks to me like you’re trying to make something terribly simple into something utterly ridiculous."

    "Maybe so, but I have to follow every lead."

    "Lead? You don’t have any leads on me, Chief." Her nose lifted into the air heavy from suspicion, and she flipped damp tresses behind her bare shoulders.

    The chief cocked one bushy eyebrow. "I don’t?"

* * *

    "I tell you, he’s on to something." Loretta paced fitfully, the cordless pressed to her ear. "Don’t tell me to calm down. Is he questioning you?" She paused at her dresser, removed a cigarette from her case, and flicked the silver lighter. "Well, I don’t like it. My plane leaves Sunday, and I’m going to be on it." She listened, inhaled deeply, and funneled smoke into hanging white mist. "We’re in this together." A red thumbnail clicked against her pinky. "I’m not panicking. I’m just ready to get out of this place." She smashed the filter into a butt-filled ashtray and replied, "Whatever." After mashing the off button, she pulled out another cigarette, and continued to pace. Sharon hung up the receiver, in deep thought. Loretta was panicking.

* * *

    "Jenkins," Chief Thompson said and shut the file. "There’s just not enough evidence in the Downs case. Let’s put all our efforts on the cocaine bust."

    With a quirky grin, Jenkins hopped to his feet. "Yes, sir." As he fled past, out the door, Chief Thompson’s eyes widened. "I’ve got it," he said.

* * *

    They were to meet at the warehouse, a place familiar to both women. Loretta had worked there going on three years. Sharon had been a passive owner for fifteen.

    Sharon clenched the hard-shelled Samsonite luggage that held $2,500,000.00. Her stomach rolled. With a sigh, she swiped a backhand across her beaded forehead. It would soon be over. She would never, ever have to deal with low-life Loretta again. A new life waited, and this time things would be different.

* * *

    "Chief, line one," the secretary yelled.

    "Thompson here. Okay, got it. Radio Jenkins, tell him to meet me there." He grinned.

* * *

    "Should I count it?" Loretta asked, a hint of snobbery in her sexy voice, lust in her eyes.

    "Whatever," Sharon said. Money. It had been about money from the start. The sight of it made her sick. "I can’t do it," Sharon whispered. Loretta ignored her and fondled the green riches. Sharon repeated, "I can’t do it."

    Loretta eyed Sharon with disgust. "Oh, no you don’t. We’ve come too far to back out now, you hear me?" She grasped Sharon’s shoulders. "And why would you feel guilty about that loser anyway. He dumped you, you idiot. He would have hocked your house, your children, had you had any, anything for me." Loretta’s palms ran over her bodily curves.

    Sharon stood as if the last drop of blood had drained from her body. "You’re right."

    "Of course, I am." Loretta’s aqua eyes glared at Sharon, the forsaken wife.

    "It was going to be me, wasn’t it?"

    Loretta wrinkled her nose. "What?"

    "In the very beginning, the plan was to murder me."

    Loretta lowered her gaze. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

    Sharon grasped Loretta’s arm. "It’s okay. It doesn’t matter. I just need to know –- so, so I won’t break."

    "Good lord, can’t we just get on with this." Loretta groaned. "Okay, if you must know, yeah, at first it was going to be you, but the wimp couldn’t do it. I had to change my game plan, work you two against each other. If he wouldn’t kill you, then maybe the jilted wife would kill him. And, we know the ending to this glorious story. You came through with flying colors." She lifted the suitcase with a grunt. "Now, if you’ll excuse me."

    "Not so fast."

    Loretta spun around. Wide-eyed, she dropped the suitcase in front of her red spiked shoes. Chief Thompson and Officer Jenkins waltzed into the room.

    "Miss Stoddard, what a pleasant surprise." Chief Thompson removed his hat.

    "What is the meaning of this?" Loretta’s shock distorted her beautiful face.

    "It’s over, Loretta," Sharon said.

    "Are you crazy? What have you done?"

    "Miss Stoddard, you have the right to remain silent."

    "Me? What about her? She’s the one who pulled the trigger."

    Chief Thompson shot Sharon a quick smile. "Yes, we know that."

    "So, why aren’t you handcuffing her?" Loretta’s anger blasted Sharon, and then the chief. "What’s going on here?"

    "Well, Miss Stoddard. It seems there’s been a conspiracy."

    She huffed. "I’m aware of that Chief Thompson, so why isn’t she getting the same treatment as me?"

    Chief donned his hat, pulled it down over his slightly balding head. "No, Miss Stoddard, not against Mr. Downs. Against you."

    Loretta’s jaw dropped open, and her gorgeous coloring drained into pasty white. "Me?"

    The voice behind Loretta startled her. "That’s right, Loretta."

    She twisted abruptly. "Mac!"

    "In the flesh."

    "But."

    "No, he’s not dead," Chief Thompson interrupted. Mac stopped a few feet from Loretta, at Sharon’s side. "It appears that though Mr. Downs was willing to commit adultery, he couldn’t commit murder. When you threw suggestions to him, warning signals flashed."

    Sharon cut in, "That’s when he came to me." Her eyes flashed victory.

    "You?" She set her evil gaze on Mac. "I knew you were a fool."

    "That’s true, Loretta." His eyes glistened from regret. "I was a fool."

    Sharon continued. "We called Chief Thompson, but, of course, we couldn’t proceed without evidence. So, we conjured up this plan."

    Loretta snickered. "You mean the lie, don’t you -- the angry, bitter wife out for revenge lie." Loretta stepped closer to Sharon, but Chief Thompson cut her off. "So the, ‘You can have him, I hope he rots in hell, and I wish I could slit his throat’ was just an act."

    Sharon glimpsed her husband. "No, they weren’t an act. I wanted to hurt him the way he had hurt me, not out of greed, like you, but as a betrayed wife who, in a moment’s time, lost trust, faith, and hope, in him, in life."

    Loretta’s face twitched as she eyed everyone in the room.

    "Chief," Jenkins said, "you want me to take Miss Stoddard in and book her?"

    "Okay, Jenkins. Take the suitcase, too, and turn it in. I’ll meet you in an hour. We’ll return the money, and finish up the paperwork."

    Jenkins handcuffed Loretta, picked up the suitcase, and departed the warehouse. His siren faded into the night.

    "So, what will happen to her, Chief?" Sharon asked.

    "We’ll file charges against her, and with all the evidence, I assure you she’ll rest in jail a good while."

    "How one woman can be so deceitful and evil, I don’t understand." Sharon shook her head.

    "She’s not the only one."

    Sharon spun around. "What do you mean?"

    "Looks like she managed to pull in a late accomplice."

    Mac’s brow furrowed. "Who?"

    "Officer Jenkins."

    "Jenkins?" Sharon and Mac yelled in unison.

    "Why’d you let them leave together with all that money?" Irritation elevated Mac’s tone.

    The chief smiled. "Don’t worry, there’s a tracer in the trunk of his unit, and there’s not as much money in the suitcase as those two think."

    Sharon rubbed her chin. "Why didn’t you just arrest him when you arrested Loretta?"

    "Well, he wasn’t actually involved in the murder conspiracy. He sort of fell in later, but my gut feeling told me he was aware of everything."

    "You have a very sensitive gut, Chief Thompson," Sharon said.

    "Yeah, that," he patted his belly, "and this." He tapped his nose. "Her perfume is quite memorable, a betraying scent you might say. Jenkins has been under surveillance ever since several bags of cocaine disappeared from a drug bust. He ended up at Loretta’s several times and has worn her scent for awhile now. That’s why you both had to play this thing out, the break-in, the gun filled with blanks, the 911 call. I couldn’t have Jenkins suspect anything."

    Sharon asked, "He never did?"

    The Chief laughed. "The way he and I listened to that 911 emergency call over and over, searching for a clue we both knew didn’t exist, I don’t know who put on the better act, him or me." Chief looked at Sharon. "But you ma’am, your act should’ve won an academy award. We couldn’t have done it without you." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know it was hard."

    Sharon lowered her head and nodded.

    "Well, Chief, I don’t know how to thank you," Mac said with outstretched hand.

    The chief shook his hand firmly. "That is some lady there, Mr. Downs. You’d do well...."

    "I’m going to do everything I can, sir."

    The chief turned to Sharon. "I must say ma’am, it’s truly been my pleasure."

    Sharon stood on her tiptoes, kissed the officer’s flushed cheek. "Thank you. It’s been quite an adventure."

    "Well, Mrs...." 

    Sharon pressed a forefinger against Chief’s lips. "Just Sharon."

    He tipped his hat. "Sharon. Sir. I’ve got a crooked cop to deal with. Good-night."

    After the chief disappeared through the door, Mac turned to Sharon. "Thank God, it’s over."

    Brimming tears sparked in his eyes. Sharon caressed his cheek the way she used to when he was tired and drained. He closed his eyes and smiled.