Sugar and Vice

by Eve Calder

  “I don’t know about the broken stuff, but I remember he didn’t have a car. He walked everywhere, kinda like we all do. And I was standing in front of Amos’s store when he arrived in Coral Cay. He climbed out of a taxi.”

  “Amos is going to be at the party tonight,” Kate said. “Maybe we can casually ask him about Teddy.”

  “‘Casually’ means we can say, ‘Hey, have you heard from Teddy—what’s that scamp up to?’ Maxi said, shaking her head. “Not ‘Has someone ever poked him in the nose—and can you show us some nice X-rays?’”

  “I realize that, believe me. Ben already knew I was getting these pictures for Manny.”

  “What did he say?” Maxi asked.

  “Believe it or not, he’s glad for the help. It sounds like they’ve hit a real dead end.”

  Maxi suddenly froze.

  “What is it?” Kate asked.

  “When Teddy got out of the taxi? He had a bag kinda like that one,” she said, pointing to Kate’s black backpack. Only it had the big metal rack on it that hooked around his shoulders.”

  “Oh geez,” Kate said, feeling a familiar knot in her stomach.

  “When Ben came to see us, he talked about those little dents in Alvin’s shoulders,” Maxi recalled, eyes widening. “Ben thought it might be because Alvin carried something super heavy for work. But what if it was from all the time lugging around a super big backpack?”

  Chapter 37

  Later that evening, just half a block from the pub, Kate stopped short and took a deep breath. For some reason, she felt like she’d been running—and running late—all day. And this was exactly the mindset she’d wanted to leave behind in Manhattan.

  Moving to Coral Cay, she’d vowed to live in the now. She slowed to a stroll and soaked up the scene around her. Jasmine and salt brine on a stiff breeze off the bay promised rain before sunrise.

  Just before the cool of the evening, tourists ambled down both sides of the street—a number of them carrying ice-cream cones or boxes of colorful saltwater taffy. Many of the locals, she suspected, were already packed into Oy and Begorra.

  She hadn’t seen Manny staking out their block when she’d locked up at the bakery. It was possible he could keep tabs remotely now that Carl’s cameras were in place. Or maybe he’d show up later tonight. Hopefully with John Quincy in tow.

  For his part, Oliver was spending the night with Maxi and her family. The florist had given the pup a ride when she’d gone home to change earlier.

  “Mr. Oliver travels light,” her friend had reported by phone. “Just grabbed his purple disc thing and hopped in the Jeep.”

  From the sound of it, Michael, Javie, and Elena had been overjoyed at the prospect of their furry four-footed overnight guest.

  Kate lingered in front of As Time Goes By. It seemed the antiques dealers weren’t immune to pirate fever, either. In one window, a black pirate hat rested next to an antique spyglass. In front of them, a heavy gold-chain necklace spilled out of a palm-sized wooden treasure chest, along with a lovely long strand of pearls. A man’s gold signet ring rested, as if tossed casually, next to it.

  The pirate hat reminded her of tricorn cookies she’d made with jam filling. And it gave her an idea.

  She pulled a tiny notepad out of her purse, and smiled as she sketched the hat. Satisfied, she tucked the pad into her purse, took one last look at the display, and strolled down the block.

  Minutes later, as Kate pushed open the pub door, she could barely hear over the steady thrum of conversation, punctuated by laughter. While diners polished off their dinners in one half of the pub, the other side—centered around a polished oak bar with gleaming brass fixtures—played host to the gathering that included most of the downtown business owners of Coral Cay.

  Maxi’s banner of red balloons arched over the bar. Beneath that hung a yellow sign proclaiming WELCOME DR. JACK SCANLON in big red letters.

  Kate took two steps and ran smack into Evan Thorpe.

  “Hey, we were wondering when you’d arrive,” he said, leaning over and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “Can I get you a glass of champagne or some lemonade? They’ve got a big pitcher of the stuff next to your doghouse.”

  “No thanks, I’m just going to circulate a little first,” she said, heading to where Maxi was chatting with Annie Kim and Rosie and Andre Armand.

  “Corizon, you look muy bonita,” Maxi said happily, a champagne flute in her hand.

  “So do you,” Kate replied. “I love that sundress. And you two look great.”

  “Yeah, we Coral Cay girls clean up nice,” Annie said grinning.

  “I saw the big old mosquito take a nip,” Maxi said, nodding her head in Evan’s direction. “Say the word, and I’ll swat him with a rolled up newspaper.”

  “I honestly believe that boy has been lurking by the front door since this thing started,” Rosie drawled, taking a sip from her glass. “Now at least we know why.”

  “So where’s the man of the hour?” Kate asked, eager to change the subject.

  “Missing,” said Annie.

  “He had an emergency at the clinic,” Maxi said. “Not even open yet, and he’s already making like a doctor and saving lives.”

  “Gosh, I hope nobody’s hurt,” Kate said.

  “One of Delores Philpott’s cats is having kittens,” the florist explained. “I gave Delores a ride into town. And we almost didn’t make it. That little tabby nearly gave birth in the back of my Jeep. No telling what Mr. Oliver’s gonna think of that the next time he hitches a ride.”

  “Look out, she’ll be trying to find good homes for all of them,” Annie warned, teasingly.

  “Not at my house, she’s not. I love the little things, but mi amor is allergic. And so is Miguelito. Besides, thanks to Delores, I think we’ve exceeded the maximum cat capacity on our block.”

  “What do you think, Rosie? A little tabby to keep us company at the shop?” Andre asked lightly.

  Rosie tilted her head. “That’s not a bad idea,” she said smiling. “So how’s Oliver? I saw him trotting down Main Street today looking very full of himself.”

  “He’s spending the evening with mi niños,” Maxi replied. “When I left, they were tearing around the backyard like wild things.”

  Kate sensed something and glanced across the room. Harper Duval was staring at her. He raised his glass.

  She nodded and looked quickly back to Maxi.

  “Well, you’ll be happy to know that Oliver came by the pharmacy on his own this morning,” Annie said. “Seriously, I wish all my customers were that good with their meds.”

  “Maybe if human medicine tasted like food…” Kate started.

  “Tell me about it,” the pharmacist agreed, smiling.

  “It should taste like cookies,” Maxi said. “Then they’d be lining up around the block, just like they are at the Cookie House.”

  “And how is your wonderful contest progressing?” Andre asked. “I myself may have added a suggestion to your jar. Buttery madeleines like my dear grand-mère, my grandmother, used to make. Dipped in the richest dark chocolat.”

  “Oh, that sounds wonderful,” Kate said. “If we don’t select them for the contest, I’d like to make them anyway.”

  “I heard from Mitzy that you guys actually had a fight break out over those icebox cookies,” Annie said.

  “It wasn’t a fight exactly,” Kate said. “More of a very spirited disagreement between two true aficionados.”

  “That’s a fight,” Rosie said, laughing.

  “But it is good news for the bakery, no?” Andre asked.

  “Very good. Sam’s pretty pleased with the way things are going. And so am I. Hey, there’s Amos. Maxi, do you want to come with me to say ‘hi’?”

  “Admit it, you just want me around to swat that big mosquito,” her friend replied.

  “You’re not wrong,” Kate admitted.

  * * *

  “That doghouse of yours is really something,” Amos said between si
ps of lemonade. “A pup could almost move right in. ’Course, nobody knows what it tastes like. Don’t want to touch it ’til Doc Scanlon arrives. Where is he, anyway? Late for his own party? That’s not good.”

  “He had a veterinary emergency,” Kate explained.

  “So what have you heard from Teddy lately?” Maxi asked out of the blue. “What’s he up to these days?”

  Amos stopped mid-sip and shrugged. “This and that. The usual, I guess.”

  “He sounds like a nice guy,” Kate said. “I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet him the last time he was here. Will he be visiting again over summer break?”

  “Boy’s got plans for the summer,” Amos said. “There’s Sam. Got to say hello.”

  With that he took off across the room.

  “Ay, that was weird,” Maxi said.

  “Him or us?” Kate replied. “He probably thinks I’m angling for a date with his nephew.”

  “Yeah, corizon, because you don’t have nearly enough prospects here already. Your ex and Harp have been circling like sharks ever since you arrived.”

  “I was kind of hoping that was my imagination,” Kate admitted.

  Maxi shook her head.

  The door banged open, and when Jack Scanlon walked in, a cheer went up from the crowd.

  Tall with an athlete’s build in a crisp blue dress shirt and jeans, Jack Scanlon could have passed for a tourist. Or a ballplayer. When he grinned, Kate noticed a slight tan and the dimple in his cheek.

  “Sorry I’m late to my own party,” he announced above the din. “But you’ll be happy to know, it’s a girl, and a girl, and a girl, and a boy. Mom and kittens are doing fine. And if anyone’s looking to adopt, Delores Philpott would love to talk with you.”

  Andy Levy pumped the veterinarian’s hand and guided him to the bar where they’d set up punch, champagne, nibbles, and Kate’s doghouse. “Let me get you a drink, Doc. What’ll it be—beer, lemonade, champagne, or something else?

  “Well, since I’m officially off the clock, I wouldn’t say no to a beer, thanks. I can’t believe you guys went to all this trouble.”

  “No trouble, Doc,” Bridget said, pouring him a frosty mug. “We’re really glad you’re here. Just warning you though, Barb is going to want to make a speech.”

  “I am not,” Barb said, laughing. “I’m just going to say welcome to Coral Cay, and I hope you enjoy it here as much as we do. And if you ever need anything, we’re all here for you.”

  “See, that wasn’t so bad,” Barb declared to Bridget, who slapped the bookstore owner on the shoulder and handed her a glass of beer.

  “Wow, is that a gingerbread doghouse?” the vet asked, pointing at the corner of the bar.

  “The house is gingerbread, the yard is shortbread,” Kate said. “And the decorations are icing and marzipan—so all completely edible.”

  “Did I mention I missed lunch?” he admitted. “Let’s tear into this thing.”

  “Shouldn’t we save it for later?” Evan asked, suddenly appearing at Kate’s elbow. “It’s a party decoration.”

  “No, it’s party food,” Kate corrected. “It’s meant to be eaten. Like birthday cake.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Jack said, breaking off a big corner of the yard. “I’m going to start with the shortbread. C’mon, everyone, dig in!”

  Evan turned on the 500-watt smile and extended his hand. “I’m Evan Thorpe.”

  “Jack Scanlon,” the vet said, shrugging, as he put his beer on the bar and offered a strong hand in return. “You live here in town?”

  “Just getting settled. I’m with the Thorpe Family Foundation. We’re funding a historical project in Coral Cay. And Kate here’s my…”

  “Ex-girlfriend,” Maxi interjected. “Longtime ex. She dumped him.”

  Evan’s mouth fell open. He recovered almost instantly. But his eyes were hard. And the smile had vanished. “I see someone I really must speak with,” he said stiffly.

  “Nice to meet you,” Jack called after him, nonplussed. “See you around town.”

  “Did I say that out loud?” Maxi asked Kate under her breath. “Ay. I really shouldn’t drink champagne on an empty stomach.”

  “You promised to swat the mosquitos,” Kate said softly. “And I think you did great.”

  * * *

  “Some shindig, no?” Gabe Louden said. “‘If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.’ ’Course Tolkien never tasted gold doubloons. Those things are first-rate. I want a heads-up when they hit the shelves.”

  “I told you the man loved biscuits,” Claire said.

  “I’m waiting until I have the chocolate ones to go with them,” Kate said. “And I’m still perfecting that recipe. When it’s closer along, you guys can be my taste-testers, if you’re up for it.”

  “Brilliant! I always fancy a little chocolate,” Claire said. “So how are you enjoying the saga of the Blys?”

  “It’s fascinating. Every time I uncover a little corner, I realize how much more I want to learn.”

  “I know,” Claire said. “I so wish you could see their home. Some of the pieces they’ve collected are truly amazing. But the stories that go with them are even better.”

  “You had mentioned the portrait of Sir George—the one in the side room?” Kate said.

  Claire nodded.

  “I’d love to see what he actually looked like,” Kate continued. “His brother, Henry, too, if there’s one of him. Do you think someone there might be willing to email photos of their portraits?”

  “That’s a splendid idea! Nothing brings it home like a few snaps. And if we’re searching for Gentleman George, we should have his picture. Sophie lives on the estate. I’ll contact her straightaway.”

  “Do you think the family would be all right with that?” Kate asked.

  “I don’t see why not,” Claire said emphatically. “That’s why people of the period dressed to the nines and paid a positive fortune to have the best artists come and paint them. The likeness was meant to be shared. And, of course, it was also a bit of showing off.”

  “Tudor selfie,” Gabe summarized.

  “Quite,” Claire agreed.

  * * *

  Minutes later, Kate sidled up to Sam and Amos. Abruptly, the grocer excused himself to refill his glass.

  “Do you know anything about Teddy?” she asked. “Teddy Tully?”

  “Don’t think his name’s Tully,” Sam said. “He’s Amos’s sister’s boy. Don’t remember his surname, though. Don’t know that I ever heard it.”

  “Just ‘Teddy,’” Kate said, resigned.

  Sam nodded.

  “Any idea where he lives?”

  “Family’s from Vermont. Don’t know where Teddy settled. Thought he was gonna move here.”

  “So did everyone else. Everyone except Teddy, apparently.”

  “Probably just as well,” the baker said. “Boy’s got wanderlust. Could see it in him. Didn’t shy away from a fight, either. Told me he was a bouncer. One of those clubs in Atlanta. Before he came here.”

  “He didn’t happen to mention breaking his nose, did he?” Kate asked, holding her breath.

  “Yup. Said he zigged when he shoulda zagged. Lucky punch.”

  Chapter 38

  Her morning baking done, Kate poured a cup of coffee, added a little cream, and headed out to the front porch of the Cookie House. The sun was just coming up, and the sky was a watercolor wash of pink, orange, and blue.

  Stepping outside from the warm bakery, she shivered in the cool morning air. The grass was still damp with dew and last night’s rain. Small birds of different colors hopped across the lawn. The purple, pink, and white flowers in their yard, which Maxi had planted and tended so carefully, had enjoyed a nice long drink, she mused. Everything looked fresh and new. Clean.

  She looked up to see something low and fast barreling down the sidewalk on Main Street. An oatmeal-colored streak.

  She set her coffe
e on the bench and jogged down the walkway. Oliver paused at the street, flipped his head quickly to and fro, then charged across.

  The half-grown pup had built up so much momentum that when they collided he very nearly knocked her over.

  “I missed you too,” she said, scratching behind his ears and ruffling his hair, as he put his paws on her legs and looked up at her with big saucer-like eyes. “I know you were really taking care of Maxi’s family. But I’m so glad you’re back.”

  She knelt down and rubbed the puppy’s back, and when he rolled over, she patted his pink tummy and gave it a good long scratch. Kate patted his side and smoothed the fluffy hair on his head, before finally standing. “Come on, little guy. Time to get us both some breakfast. Then you can come with me on my bike deliveries.”

  As they walked into the bakery, the phone rang.

  Kate grabbed the handset from the kitchen wall. “The Cookie House, this is Kate.”

  “I’ve got some news on Teddy,” Maxi said.

  “Me too. But it’s not the kind of thing I should share on the phone. You want to stop by?”

  “Ay, I’m still at home. I’ve got to meet with Javie’s teacher this morning. But first I have to find Mr. Oliver. He was just here. Now he’s disappeared—poof! It’s like he’s the little bunny in the magician’s hat.”

  “He’s over here—running around in the backyard.”

  “I thought he got enough of that last night,” she said, laughing.

  “Hey, how about a couple of key lime tarts for Javie’s teacher? I just baked them this morning. They smell great. And Andy Levy says they’re on fire.”

  “I hope that’s a good thing,” Maxi said. “I need a new dictionary just to understand half of what that boy says. But you got yourself a deal. Put the coffee on—I’ll be right over.”

  Chapter 39

  “OK, I can’t be my usual lazy self,” Maxi said, topping off her coffee mug. “I gotta get out of here soon, ’cause I can’t be late to Javie’s school.”

  “Since when have you ever been lazy?” Kate said. “You never stop moving long enough. And why are they having conferences during the summer?”