by Cole,Lyndsey
The air in the food truck felt as cold as ice as Piper struggled to breathe.
“Are you telling me that Amber killed Wyatt?” Piper clutched the edge of the stool, prepared to smash it against Amber when she arrived.
Heather laughed. “No. It was all Wyatt’s fault that he died. When she called him that night that she found his wallet, he came running and he knew that was against my rule. I had to protect Amber from herself. I’m always protecting Amber. I couldn’t very well hurt my niece, but making sure she’s safe is the only future I have.”
A glint of steel flashed in Heather’s raised fist and Piper barely had time to react before Heather lunged at her.
As Heather’s arm started its deadly arc through the air, Piper clamped her eyes closed, raised her own arms around her head for protection, and screamed.
And screamed.
And screamed.
After what felt like an eternity, Piper felt an arm around her shoulder. “Open your eyes and quit that awful noise.”
Piper opened one eye. Heather was face down on the floor, sprawled partly under the work area. Detective Bankston clamped handcuffs on her.
“What happened?” she asked Aria, who was glued to her side, partly because the food truck was filled with police but also because she needed to comfort her best friend.
“You almost got yourself killed, that’s what happened, you idiot.” Aria pulled Piper tighter. “Actually, I’m the idiot. I shouldn’t have left you alone like I did.”
“Thanks for figuring that out. Can we get out of here yet? I desperately need some fresh air.”
Detective Bankston nodded to his daughter, and Aria brought Piper outside to the table where she forced her friend to sit.
“Thanks for calling your dad. I really walked into a doozy of a trap, didn’t I?” Piper said.
“Don’t blame yourself. You’ve been on a mission to get to the bottom of this murder and it pulled you nonstop from one person to the next.”
“Heather was so friendly and helpful,” Piper said as she shook her head with disbelief. “She even said she wanted to offer me a job. Can you believe it? I was so focused on meeting with Amber, I missed every sign that should have told me to run for my life.”
“Listen, it’s over now and you should be happy about that.”
“It sure is over. Over with Eli, too. What a fool I am. I really thought we had potential, ya know, especial because of the flannel thing.”
Aria patted Piper’s back. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”
Piper lifted her head to look at her friend and saw a familiar face behind Aria’s shoulder.
“The flannel thing, huh? That’s what did it?” Eli said with a grin from ear to ear.
Piper felt her face heat up against the cold night air. Did her embarrassment know no bounds?
“Can I sit down?” Eli asked.
Piper nodded.
He pulled a chair close to Piper. “I can’t believe I was angry at you for suspecting me of having something to do with Wyatt’s murder. After I drove off, I finally put myself in your shoes and admitted that you had every right to have those thoughts.” He held Piper’s hand. “Will you forgive me? Give me a second chance?”
Piper considered for half a second before her good sense kicked in—finally something was going right for her. “If you give me one, too. I’m sorry for suspecting you for so long.”
“No hard feelings,” Eli said with a smile.
Piper’s stomach twisted at the memory of dinner at her sister’s where Eli surely made a memorable impression. Would she be able to face them again with Eli in tow?
“What about another Tuesday night dinner at my sister’s place next week? Will you be able to face them after walking out before you even ate?” Could Meadow and Autumn be the reason Piper and Eli wouldn’t work out?
“As long as we’re both wearing flannel,” he said with a smile. “And I’ll even go to the Giggling Goose and help you pick out the perfect gift for your niece beforehand. How could your sisters be mad at me then?”
“Deal.” Piper smiled. Her life was looking up. He liked flannel and kids. Who could complain about that?
This is the end of Sliced Up. I hope you enjoyed the story. Click here and start reading my next book today!
About the Authors
Lyndsey Cole lives in New England in a small rural town with her husband who puts up with all the characters in her head, her dog who hogs the couch, her cat who is the boss, and 3 chickens that would like to move into the house. She surrounds herself with gardens full of beautiful perennials. Sitting among the flowers with the scent of lilac, peonies, lily of the valley, or whatever is in bloom, stimulates her imagination about who will die next!
Ginny Gold lives in the Green Mountains of Vermont. She loves anything outdoors—especially skiing, gardening, and playing outside with her toddler son.
Also by Lyndsey Cole
The Hooked & Cooked Series
The Black Cat Café Series
The Lily Bloom Series
Also by Ginny Gold
The Early Bird Cafe
Silver Springs Cozy Mystery
