Commentary:

In the following, you will find a deleted scene that I wrote when Councilman Dean was still the murderer.

I loved the idea of having Marjorie gossip sessions at “The Cupboard”—aka Mrs. Hubbard’s Cupboard grocery store. The only trouble was/is that I didn’t want to add an extra point of view into the mix.

I lost this scene while writing the bonus of extra scenes, so I thought I’d add it here. If you haven’t already downloaded the bonus, you can see what it is all about, and for those who have read the bonus and want more, well, here it is.

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The scene:

Marjorie Hubbard stood at the counter of Mrs. Hubbard’s Cupboard with the posture of someone delivering a presidential address with her carefully coiffed silver hair.

“I’m simply sharing pertinent community information.” Marjorie adjusted her pearl necklace. “This isn’t gossip, Della Mae. It’s civic duty.”

Katie Hubbard rang up Mrs. Peters’s groceries while keeping one ear tilted toward her mother-in-law’s performance.

“Three investigators from Detroit.” Marjorie lowered her voice to a stage whisper that carried to the cereal aisle. “Elsbeth says they’ve commandeered the council chamber. Files everywhere. You should see the looks on those councilmen’s faces when they’re called in.”

Della Mae clutched her shopping basket tighter. “All because of what Rowe Harvey found?”

“Dean’s confession opened Pandora’s box.” Marjorie thumped her handbag on the counter. “Elsbeth says they’re pulling records back to 1920. Family connections, property transfers, committee appointments.”

Katie handed Mrs. Peters her change. “Dad says half the planning committee hasn’t slept in days.”

“As well they shouldn’t.” Marjorie sniffed. “Generations of corruption. Shameful.”

A young mother with a toddler approached the counter. Katie began scanning her items while Marjorie shifted slightly—just enough to remain in conversation without appearing to block a paying customer.

“I heard they’re looking at the Adams family too,” Della Mae whispered.

“The investigators have a genealogist with them.” Marjorie’s eyes gleamed. “Not that I indulge in speculation, but Elsbeth says they’ve traced connections between four families across three states.”

The young mother herded her child toward the door as Katie handed her the receipt.

“Of course,” Marjorie continued once the customer left, “none of this would have come to light if I hadn’t been sweeping my porch that evening.”

Katie and Della Mae exchanged a knowing look.

“I was simply tending to my garden.” Marjorie patted her hair. “When I heard the commotion across the street at Wally’s. A woman of my standing would typically call the authorities, but there wasn’t time.”

“So you got involved,” Della Mae provided the expected prompt.

“I merely assessed the situation.” Marjorie’s voice rose dramatically. “Councilman Dean had Wally pinned against the oak tree! Deputy Brown was struggling to separate them. What choice did I have?”

Katie paused her scanning. “Mom, you hit a town councilman with a broom.”

“A gardening implement that happened to be in my hands.” Marjorie’s chin lifted. “I simply applied it with necessary force to protect a neighbor in distress.”

Della Mae’s eyes widened. “Right across his back!”

“The element of surprise was essential.” Marjorie demonstrated a golf-like swing. “The councilman’s grip loosened, Wally executed a defensive maneuver, and Deputy Brown applied the handcuffs.”

Katie suppressed a smile. “The Detroit investigators want to interview you tomorrow.”

“Me?” Marjorie’s hand fluttered to her pearls. “Whatever for?”

“You witnessed his confession,” Katie reminded her. “You heard Councilman Dean shout about Rowe Harvey trying to ruin everything.”

“I suppose my testimony might be valuable.” Marjorie straightened her blouse. “Though I despise being involved in such unsavory business.”

The bell above the door jingled as Sheriff Stanton entered. The store fell silent.

“Morning, ladies.” He nodded, heading for the coffee section.

Marjorie leaned across the counter. “Sheriff! Will you be joining the Detroit team for my interview tomorrow? I was just explaining to Della Mae how my quick thinking assisted in the apprehension—”

“Ten o’clock sharp, Mrs. Hubbard.” Stanton grabbed his coffee. “And please, try to stick to what you actually saw and heard this time.”

“I never embellish,” Marjorie declared as Stanton paid and left. She turned back to Della Mae. “The truth needs no enhancement when one has a front-row seat to history.”

Katie caught Della Mae’s eye and mouthed: “Three different versions so far.”

“Not that I enjoy recounting such distasteful events,” Marjorie continued, oblivious. “But someone must ensure the record is accurate.