Just in Time. Suzanne Trauth

to hear. All set for this evening?” I asked.

      “Yep.” She tilted her upper body toward me, confidentially. “No one’s supposed to know, but I’ll probably win the best featured actress award,” she whispered.

      “Lola mentioned that the ELT was having a year-end banquet and giving out acting honors.”

      “Think I’ve got this one sewed up.” She scowled. “Closest competition is Edna, but she’s pretty green and the ELT likes to reward veterans.”

      Abby and Edna had been in competition for over a year now.

      “Good luck with the opening.”

      “Normally I’d say ‘we need it’ but I’m feeling confident about this one.” She swiped at her mouth and pulled out her wallet.

      Wait until the news about Ruby’s killing erupted.

      I manned the cash register—graciously accepting kudos for the curried squash—and made a brief stop in the kitchen before heading to the park.

      “Looks like we have a winner again tonight,” I said to Henry. He grunted his pleasure, never one to wallow in his own success. “This contest might get us to four stars in the Etonville Standard.” The town’s local newspaper prided itself on its gastronomic sophistication.

      “Do-dee, I am so happy about ze squash I make Haitian voodoo sticks tomorrow,” Wilson said.

      I squinted at Henry. “Voodoo sticks?”

      Wilson let out a cackle. “I fooled you! It’s beef on a skewer.”

      Henry grunted again. Time to take off.

      I grabbed my bag from the back booth and waved good-bye to Benny. “Thanks for holding down the fort tonight.”

      “It was either this or paint the bathroom.”

      “Definitely the better choice,” I said.

      “Hey, tell them all I said to break their legs with the show,” Benny said. “I hear they’re killing it.”

      Right.