Bronwyn switched channels and put her radio away, then braced herself for the encounter to come. At the front door to the shop, she made mental notes about anything that could be useful, in case there was a chase that ended up outdoors. Then she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Automatically, details were filed in her mind.

Bells on the front door; I'll know if anyone comes or goes. There's music on the stereo, not too loud to be distracting-have they paid their ASCAP license for that music? (No no, focus, Bronwyn, focus.) Lots of knickknacks on the shelves, but nothing that could be used as a weapon. Good, no customers at the moment; no one to panic or get in the way. Two women here, they must run the place. Let them know why you're here, but don't give your hand away too quick. Read their faces. Read their faces.

"Welcome to The Age of Gaia. Can I help you find what you're looking for?"

She brought her badge out. "I hope so. I'm Lieutenant Kelsey, New Orleans Police. Are you the owner?"

"Yes, I'm Iris Aiello. Is something wrong?"

"Miss Aiello, I'm investigating a homicide, and we have reason to believe one of your customers may be involved. I need to ask you a few questions."

The woman seemed to keep her composure. "All right."

The other shopkeeper came to her partner's side. "Iris, what's going on?"

"The police are here. One of our customers may have killed some people."

Some people? Wait a minute, did I say anything about multiple homicide? No, I said a homicide. Okay, good sign. She knows something.

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