by K E O'Connor
Saracen grunted and scrubbed at his chin, not seeming convinced.
“Have we missed somebody?” Alice asked.
“No one else has come up on our radar,” Saracen said. “Perhaps we should re-check everyone’s alibi, just to be on the safe side.”
We all groaned. It felt like we were taking a giant step back.
I grabbed a muffin. “Campbell won’t be happy about that. We’ll look like failures if we don’t find the killer.”
“You’re right about that.”
I leaped from my seat as a large hand appeared over my shoulder and grabbed a muffin. I twisted around to discover Campbell looming behind me. “I wish you wouldn’t sneak up on me like that.”
He grinned before biting into his muffin. “It’s a part of my charm.”
Alice jumped up as well. “It’s so good to have you back. Has the little problem you were dealing with been sorted?”
He nodded. “Everything’s in hand, Princess. The full team will be back by the end of the day.”
“That’s such a relief,” she said. “I’ve missed you not being here.”
Campbell slid his sunglasses out of his pocket and placed them over his eyes. “It’s good to be back.”
“I guess you heard everything we were saying,” I said.
“All of it. I’ll take over from here,” Campbell said. “Standards might have slipped in my absence.”
I faced him, my hands on my hips. “That’s not fair. We’ve been working hard. I’m no expert. I did the best I could.”
“But Saracen’s an expert,” he said.
Saracen’s shoulders twitched, and a muscle in his jaw flexed, but he said nothing.
“Saracen also worked hard. He’s even started talking in full sentences since I’ve been with him,” I said. “We work well together.”
“When you’re not messing around with cakes,” Campbell said.
“Campbell! You’re being mean,” Alice said. “Holly’s just come second place in the food fair contest after a spectacular fail on her first cake. Plus, she figured out all the suspects in Pete’s murder. You should be giving her a pat on the back.”
“I’ll add it to my to-do list.” Campbell lifted his chin toward Saracen. “I need a debrief in private.”
Saracen nodded before turning and following Campbell into the castle.
Alice huffed out a breath. “He didn’t have to be so short with you. I know he must be tired from his long trip, but even so, I thought we did a good job.”
I settled back on the bench and took several large bites of muffin to cool my anger.
Rupert cleared his throat before patting the back of my hand and standing. “I wish I could stay and help you figure this out, but I’ve got an appointment I need to get to.”
Alice checked the time. She gasped and jumped to her feet. “I’m late for my art class. If Mommy hears that I’ve been slacking off, she won’t be happy. She’ll force me to spend the summer in Tuscany with her and Daddy. What a nightmare.”
“I don’t know how you bear such torture,” I said.
She tutted at me before grabbing another muffin. “Come on, Rupert.”
He looked at me. “Once again, Holly, I really am—”
“No more apologies.” I held up a hand. “Second place isn’t bad.”
“Yes! Quite right. You’re fabulous. I mean, that is to say, your cake is fabulous.” He rubbed the back of his neck before nodding. “I, um, well, I’ll see you around.” He turned and hurried away.
I sat on the bench alone with a ton of muffins to eat and no answers to the puzzle about what had happened to Pete.
My gaze drifted to the east turret. I needed an expert to help me out with this mystery, and I knew just the eccentric, murder predicting individual to speak to.
Chapter 20
I returned to the kitchen, placed several muffins on a tray, along with a pot of tea and some cups, grabbed Meatball, and we headed to the turret to see Lady Philippa.
“And then I said, if you tell me your diamonds are paste, I’ll inform you that my pearls came out of a Christmas cracker.” Lady Philippa’s laugh drifted toward me as we walked along the wide stone corridor to her rooms.
“And of course, I turned down the marriage proposal from the third Earl of Wells. The man’s chin constantly wobbled. It was like trying to kiss a jelly.”
I tapped lightly on her door. “Lady Philippa, it’s Holly and Meatball. Mind if we come in?”
Footsteps strode toward the door, and she pulled it open. Lady Philippa was dressed head to toe in a bright pink velour tracksuit. “Holly! And Meatball! Of course, you’re most welcome.”
I stared at her clothes. “Have you been doing more online shopping?”
“Of course. Isn’t it fabulous? And this is so comfortable. I’m going to get one for all the family members. It’s a perfect gift idea. Would you like one?”
My mouth twisted to the side. “I’m not sure I’m made for velour.”
“You’ll never go back once you’ve tried it. Do come in. And you’ve brought muffins. My day keeps getting better.”
I set out the muffins and poured the tea as I looked around. “Were you on the phone a moment ago?”
“No, I don’t trust cellular phones.”
“It’s just that I heard you talking to someone.”
“That was the ghosts. We have a chat most days. They get lonely floating around all on their own.”
I settled in my seat and tried to hide my surprise. “Of course. That’s good of you.”
She settled in her own seat. “So, how did the competition go?”
“Well, after a spectacularly bad start, I came second.”
Lady Philippa nodded. “An excellent effort. And you had a lot on your mind. It’s a marvel you were able to fit in the contest at all.”
“That’s why I’m here. I’m trying to piece everything together, but none of it makes sense. When you told me about a death occurring and then Pete was killed, I thought we had it figured out. Dennis was being questioned, he has a great motive, but ...”
“Even though there was strong evidence against him, a solid motive, and opportunity, you weren’t convinced?” She raised her tea cup to her lips.
“That’s exactly it. He has a long-held grudge against Pete, but something’s missing.”
“You’re over complicating things.” Lady Philippa placed her cup down. “Remember what I told you before this began. Go back to the basics.”
“Your prediction, you mean?”
She nodded.
“You said that pigs, wigs, and figs were involved. What does that mean? I thought it might have something to do with a meat seller at the food fair, or someone selling figs in port, or maybe dried figs, but I still can’t see where the wig figures.”
“That’s your solution. Those three things tie this together.”
“I still don’t understand how.”
Lady Philippa bit into a muffin. Her eyes shot open wide. “This isn’t your average muffin. What’s it filled with?”
I smiled. At least I’d gotten something right today. Everyone loved the muffin stack. “That’s a part of my competition entry. It’s a twist on a croquembouche. The muffins were filled with cream, chocolate, or caramel.”
“I got chocolate. This is delicious. If I’d been judging, I’d have given you first place. What a clever idea.”
“Princess Alice actually came up with the idea. It’s a bit of an involved story, but that wasn’t my initial entry. Princess Alice and Lord Rupert got involved, and things changed rather swiftly after that.”
“Well, I’m glad they were involved if this was your offering.” She licked chocolate sauce off her fingers. “Don’t let your doubts hinder your intuition in this murder. You know your suspects and you have their details. One of them will fit my prediction.”
I sat back in my seat as Lady Philippa told me about the half a dozen other velour tracksuits she had, all in different colors.
She planned to wear one at the next ball she attended. That I wouldn’t mind seeing.
Her prediction still meant nothing to me. I’d gone over it so many times and then dismissed it because the pieces wouldn’t fit.
I finished my tea and muffin, collected the empty tray, and said goodbye to Lady Philippa. Maybe I needed a break, give myself time away to sort this all out. There had to be a way to figure out who killed Pete.
I should speak to Campbell. He must know what the next move would be. He’d have looked over the suspects’ interviews and maybe seen a hole we’d missed. After all, he was the expert. I was nothing but an enthusiastic amateur.
I was heading back to the kitchen with Meatball when I spotted Colin walking past the castle window, a smile on his face.
He raised a hand when he saw me. I gestured him over to the kitchen, and he nodded. I met him by the kitchen door.
“Holly, I was hoping to see you before I left. I wanted to congratulate you on your second place, but you dashed off before the end of the prize giving.”
“Thanks, Colin. From the smile on your face it looks like you had good news.”
His grin widened. “My nut cheese got a commendation, and I’ve had an order from the Duchess. And to top it all, I secured three new customers. You should soon see my cheese in the local stores.”
“Congratulations! I’ll be sure to buy some,” I said.
“Why not come and try some now?” he said. “I’ve been working on a nut cheese and leek pie, but I’m not sure the pastry’s right. An expert opinion would be welcome. I feel like I’m on a roll and don’t want to stop now.”
His boyish enthusiasm was infectious. “Sure, why not?”
“My food truck’s parked around the back. I was given permission to leave it there while I did business in the village. Your employers have been kind to me. I can see why you like working here.”
“It has its moments, that’s for sure.” I walked next to Colin and waited as he unlocked the back of his food truck and stepped inside.
“I hope you don’t mind, but no dogs allowed. I have to stick to the hygiene laws.” Colin shrugged and nodded at Meatball.
“Of course. Meatball, sit!”
He wagged his tail and plopped his butt on the ground.
I followed Colin inside and looked around. Everything was sparkling clean and neat. A long chrome work counter was set against one side. Several delicious looking pies sat on it.
“You’ve got a great setup.” I admired the gleaming kitchen knives secured on a magnetic knife strip.
He nodded, his chest puffing out. “I’ve worked hard to make this business a success. It’s taken a lot of time and effort, but I’m finally getting somewhere. Here, try a slice of this.” He pulled out a pie slicer and cut off a sliver of pie before handing it to me.
I took a sniff. “This has sage in it. And I’m getting a hint of something else. Maybe thyme?”
“You have a good nose,” he said. “That’s exactly right.”
I bit through the pastry crust and into the rich savory center. Gooey warm nut cheese mingled with soft, buttery leeks. “This is a really good pie. Your cheese adds an interesting tang. It’s different, but not too different, if that makes sense.”
Colin beamed as he ate his own piece of pie. “That’s always been my plan. Make something similar to what people are used to but different enough to catch their attention. Everyone likes a good pie, but my cheese has that extra something special.”
“It really does. Is there any chance I can have the recipe?”
He smiled as he shook his head. “I can’t give away my secrets. How about this one?”
We spent the next ten minutes sampling moreish, tasty pies. Colin had a knack for creating delicious combinations using his cheese and different kinds of meat and vegetables.
“I’m so impressed.” I licked pie crumbs off my fingers. “Maybe I can persuade Chef Heston to have your pies in our café.”
Colin’s eyes widened. “That would be wonderful. If that happens, I’ll have to expand. It’s just the food truck and me at the moment. I was considering taking someone on part-time given all the new orders I’ve had following this food fair.”
“You must be glad that Pete convinced you to come. It’s worked out well for you.”
His mouth turned down, but he nodded. “I am. Good has come out of this tragedy.”
“It’s just a shame the killer’s still at large,” I said.
Colin’s eyebrows rose. “I thought they’d charged Dennis.”
“They had to let him go,” I said.
“That’s worrying news. Pete’s murder can’t remain unsolved.”
“I know this is a tough time for you, but focus on the positive. I imagine Pete would be happy that you’re doing so well.”
“He’d be slapping me on the back and telling me to buy the drinks tonight to celebrate.” Colin sighed. “You’re right. I have to be positive. So, how about one last pie before you go? It’s a new one. I’m worried the flavors don’t work.”
I patted my stomach. I wouldn’t be eating dinner tonight. “One more piece of pie won’t hurt.”
“Take a seat. I asked the chef in your kitchen to store some of my pies. I ran out of room here. I’ve been so full of ideas since I’ve gotten my new orders that I can’t stop experimenting.”
I chuckled as I took a seat. “I know that feeling. Sometimes, I dream about cupcakes. They get into my head and won’t leave me alone until I’ve baked them.”
“I won’t be a minute.” Colin hopped out of the back of the food truck.
I looked around as I waited. It was a cozy environment. It looked like the seating area could be pulled out to make a bed if needed, and the table folded away.
I stood and pulled open a drawer. Everything was squeaky clean. Colin ran a tight operation.
I looked in a cupboard and admired the top-of-the-range equipment Colin had. It seemed he was going places with his nut cheese.
I pulled open a large cabinet, expecting to find more expensive cooking supplies.
My eyes widened at the sight of two mannequin heads wearing short blond wigs.
I was just reaching for one, when the door to the food truck opened.
Colin pulled up short, a pie in his hand. “Oh! You shouldn’t be looking in there.” He hurried in, shutting the door behind him.
I shut the cabinet swiftly. “I’m sorry. I was just looking at your equipment. I didn’t mean to pry.”
Colin placed down the pie and adjusted the baseball cap on his head. “Oh, well, it’s not a secret. Not really. Although I don’t like to talk about it.”
“Those are yours?” I gestured to the wig cabinet.
He tugged at his cap again. “I have a bit of a problem. I, um ...” His words trailed off as his cheeks glowed.
“Really, you don’t need to say anymore,” I said. “And I must apologize. It was wrong of me to poke around.”
Colin sighed. “It’s the stress. It does strange things to people. And unfortunately for me, it’s meant I’ve started to lose my hair.” He pulled the hat off his head.
I’d never seen him without it on before. He had several large bald spots surrounded by thin tufts of hair.
He shoved the cap back on and grimaced. “It’s not exactly attractive to look at. I don’t always wear those wigs, but you won’t see me out in public without either a cap or one of those. My doctor tells me I need to have better control over my nerves, but there’s so much to think about when you’re running a business. You have to do everything on your own. Of course that’s going to be stressful.”
“So long as you enjoy what you do, that’s the main thing. Try not to get too stressed. You should seriously look into getting an assistant. That would remove some pressure.”
“Then I’d have to worry about if I was hiring the right person, and if they were honest and reliable.” Colin shook his head. “Maybe I’m better off alone. I really only trusted Pete. Look ho
w that ended up.”
I was sorry for Colin. His best friend was dead, and he was losing his hair. He deserved a break. “So, tell me all about this pie you’ve brought me. What’s in it?”
He rubbed his hands together, looking happy to move on from his hair loss. “My speciality nut cheese, of course.”
“We can’t be without that,” I said.
“And I’ve combined it with something sweet and savory. Try this and let me know what you think.”
I took the piece of pie and bit into it. The pastry was the perfect crumbly combination, and I got a hit of something sweet, followed by the rich savory blast of what had to be gammon.
“This one is your best,” I said. “I’m not certain what the fruit is, though. What did you use?”
“That’s what I’m not sure about,” Colin said. “I added a layer of nut cheese over the gammon, but combined the gammon with figs. Do you think the combination works?”
I almost choked on the pie as my gaze went to the closet containing the wigs. Oh my goodness. Pigs, wigs, and figs. Colin was the killer.
Chapter 21
I swallowed the solid lump of pie lodged in my throat as I tried to hide my panic.
“Is everything okay?” Colin asked. “Are the flavors too intense? I wondered about that. I could use a different fruit. How about gammon and dates? No, I don’t think that would work. Something citrus?”
“The pie’s great.” I coughed and patted my chest. “Do you mind if I use your toilet?”
“Of course not. It’s at the back on the right.”
I dashed to the toilet, secured the door, and opened a text message to Campbell. Hurry! Stuck in Colin’s food truck. He killed Pete. I sent it before making a show of flushing the toilet and washing my hands.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My dark eyes were wide and my face pale. Colin would know something was wrong.
This was too much of a coincidence. Lady Philippa’s prediction had been exactly about these three things. I still couldn’t figure it all out, though. Colin and Pete were supposed to be best friends. Why would he want to kill him?
