Stewart was, but she hoped for the sake of everyone there that she showed up soon. Lorene had called the salon and they told her that Mrs. Stewart had left at five-thirty, over three hours ago. She should’ve been home by now. Bea had purposely told her mom that she and dear old dad were going out to dinner. That way, Mrs. Stewart would think she had the house to herself. That woman loved her evenings home alone and it wasn’t a secret. Lorene and Bea figured she would probably be home by seven at the latest. They were wrong. They had been planning the surprise 40th birthday party for the last couple of weeks. Lorene thought maybe working on a party would be a good distraction for Bea. The girl had been so down-in-the-dumps lately. And because it was a full month before Mrs. Stewart’s real birthday, they knew she wouldn’t suspect anything. It was a little last minute, but it was amazing what money could do. Bill Stewart’s involvement was purely financial. To no one’s surprise, he simply wrote a blank check and said “Tell me when and where.” That was fine by Lorene and she took full advantage.
