Bagels and Blackmail

by C A Phipps

  “I’m glad for Gran, but I don’t mind at all. Without sounding indelicate, do you think she’ll retire anytime soon?”

  “Hah! Gran has never had an idle day in her life. Still, if we can get her working less hours I’ll be happier even knowing she’ll be baking at home anyway.”

  “That reminds me, did you get any response from the advertisements for staff you put in the local paper?”

  Maddie gasped. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I forgot to tell you. For a change it was a wonderful response, and I spoke to all of them last night. The first applicant should be here soon, followed by another two.”

  “Wow. That’s wonderful. Do you want me to stay?”

  “No, I’ll close once they arrive. Fingers crossed this bunch will be better than what we’ve had up until now.”

  Laura clucked her tongue. “I can’t believe anyone would ask for a job at a place like this when they don’t much like other people and they aren’t interested in learning to bake. Isn’t that bizarre?”

  The last few had seen the bakery more as a place to socialize than work.

  “More than bizarre, it’s a waste of everyone’s time.”

  Laura agreed as she took off her apron. “Good luck, and see you in the morning.”

  Though Maddie was happy to spend time training someone, she wanted them to have a passion for baking, and also a passion for her customers. It was important to have people not only love her food, but come into the shop because they enjoy the English oasis she’d tried to create. She’d seen the benefit of creating an atmosphere when she had done her own internship. Of course, the emphasis in that family bakery had been on French pastries, but it was still relevant no matter the theme.

  The doorbell took care of her introspection.

  Chapter Two

  A young woman hesitated as she entered, nervously looking around the shop, then appeared relieved she was the only person there, apart from Maddie.

  She straightened her shoulders and strode up to the counter. One eyebrow was pierced and there was a tattoo just above the elbow of her left arm of an elephant. Her jeans and short-sleeved white blouse were tidy enough, and her streaked red/blonde hair looked clean.

  Maddie was already mentally ticking boxes.

  “Hi. I’m Beth. I’m here about the job.”

  Maddie smiled and held her hand out. “I’m Madeline Flynn.”

  The girl hesitated before taking it. The thin hand quivered, proving her entrance had been laced with bravado.

  “Take a seat at the table over there. I’ll only take a minute.” Maddie picked up a clipboard with a list on it, went to the front door and flicked the sign in the window to closed, then joined Beth at the table.

  She hadn’t asked a lot of questions when she’d rung to make a time for the interview, because the shop had been busy, so she had little to go on as to whether Beth was a suitable candidate.

  “You said you’ve worked in retail?”

  Beth chewed a chipped nail. “At the mall in Destiny.”

  “What were you selling?”

  “Hair products.”

  Beth’s hair gave the girl some color since she was rather pale and Maddie admired it as she wrote notes. She’d always wanted to be more daring with her own.

  “Did you bring your resume?”

  Beth shook her head, looking down at her hands on the table, then folded her fingers, presumably to hide the chewed nails.

  “I don’t have one. I got that job in Destiny through my mom straight from school. I haven’t worked anywhere else.”

  “And, why did you leave?”

  “They were having a revamp of the store, and apparently I don’t fit in looking like this?” She gave a self-deprecating shrug.

  It sounded like Beth would take anything, and that wasn’t what Maddie was after. “As I said in the advert, I need someone reliable to work the register, but they’ll also need to learn how to do basic cooking and over time, cake decorating. Is that something you would be willing to learn?”

  “I guess.”

  Maddie’s hopefulness and patience was waning. It was like pulling teeth and if Beth couldn’t at least try to look enthusiastic at the interview then what would she be like serving in the shop? She had seen and heard as much as she wanted to.

  “I have your details and I’ll let you know by the middle of the week about my decision.”

  “Sure.”

  Maddie saw Beth to the door and watched her walk down the street, head down. If she was the only suitable candidate then Maddie would be tempted to give her a shot, because she felt sorry for the girl. A teenager, out of school and now out of a job only led to more issues. It happened here in Maple Falls, but in New York City it was a big contributor to crime.

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Flynn.”

  A teenage boy stood on the other side of her also watching Beth walk away.

  “I’m so sorry, I was lost in thought and didn’t see you. Are you Luke?”

  He gave her a lovely smile. “Yes, ma’am.”

  She liked that respect even if it made her feel a lot older than her twenty-eight years and she immediately warmed to him. Gran liked to say that a smile could get you where you wanted to go and Luke might be proof of that.

  “Call me Maddie.”

  He took her hand and shook firmly—another tick for the boy.

  “Please come in and take a seat.”

  She quickly flipped to a new page while he sat facing into the room, looking about admiringly.

  “I’ve been in here before, and I love all the English decorations.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry, but I can’t say I recognize you. There have been so many people through our doors. Tell me what you think of the food?”

  “I love it. I wanted to apply for a job when I first heard that you were hiring, but . . . Things happened and I wasn’t able to.”

  She wasn’t sure what had stopped him but she wasn’t overly bothered. “Never mind, you’re here now. What sort of work have you done?”

  He winced. “To be honest, nothing I’ve done comes close to this. The thing is, I really want a career in baking. I’ve helped out at the harvests for several summers so I’m strong and fit, and I’m happy to start serving, or in any way you need me. I want to learn from the best.”

  Maddie grinned at the flattery. He was stocky and quite muscular, so perhaps he’d have the stamina needed for early mornings and long days baking, as well as lifting bags of flour. Although, she was none of those things and managed perfectly well. Still, another pair of hands was what she needed. He was eager and pleasant, two qualities that ticked more of the boxes she had her mind set on. Maddie’s heart gave a small leap of joy even as she tried to calm herself.

  “I think you could fit in around here, Luke, but I have one more person to see before I decide. I’ll ring you tomorrow, to let you know either way.”

  He studied his hands for a moment, seeming to be more worried than disappointed. Then he gave her a pleading look.

  “Do you mind if I come in tomorrow to find out? I promise not to cause a scene if you don’t choose me.”

  She bit back a laugh, because she remembered how earnest she had been when she’d applied for her first job. The whole experience was fraught with awkwardness and fear of coming off as a complete idiot.

  “That’s no problem at all.”

  Walking him out, Maddie knew that the last applicant had better be special, because Luke ticked every box. Which left her feeling bad about Beth. She’d been young once—searching for her place in the world and needing a helping hand. Not everyone got a scholarship, but everyone deserved a chance to try.

  That is, everyone who actually wanted to work. The third and final applicant proved to be unwilling to learn how to bake and adamant that they expected to do little else except stand behind the register all day. That wouldn’t work in a small business such as Maple Lane Bakery. It made the job of choosing that much easier. Luke Chisholm seemed the best f
it, but she did feel sorry for Beth. It was a shame she couldn’t afford to take on two interns.

  Chapter Three

  All day Maddie waited for Luke to show, and was worried by closing time when he still hadn’t turned up. He’d sounded so eager to take the job and she couldn’t help being sorely disappointed that he’d changed his mind.

  She packaged up the leftovers she donated for the needy and was checking her list for tomorrow when there was a knock at the kitchen door.

  Thinking it was Bernie, the only taxi driver in town as well as being employed as the town’s landscaper/gardener to keep it looking neat, came around this time of day to pick up the baked goods, she was surprised to find Luke on the doorstep

  With his cheeks flushed, Maddie didn’t get the chance to greet him.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t come earlier,” he blurted. “I had some urgent stuff to take care of. I’ll never be late again, I promise. That is, if you were intending to give me the job.”

  The last part sounded like a plea and because she wanted to believe him, Maddie shrugged of the doubt.

  “Well, we didn’t state a time for you to come by, did we? That being said, if I give you the job, you’ll need to be here every day and on time.”

  His eyes widened. “I’ve got it? I mean, yes. I will be here whenever you need me.”

  She smiled at his shock followed by endearing eagerness. “In that case, you can have the job. Starting Monday at 7am.”

  He had taken a step towards her as if he was going to shake her hand, but something held him back.

  “This Monday?” he croaked.

  Maddie frowned. “Is that a problem?”

  He gave her a small smile. “Not at all. I just wasn’t expecting to start so soon.”

  Warning bells were sounding again. “Do you have another job you need to give notice to?”

  “No. It’s all good.” He backed away to the door. “Really. See you Monday. And thanks. You won’t regret it.”

  He took off as if someone were chasing him, almost running over Bernie in his haste, who was about to enter.

  “Where’s the fire?” He joked as he stepped inside.

  Maddie shook her head. “Teenagers can make a person feel old and out of the loop, can’t they?”

  “Quite frankly, they scare the pants off me. And, you’re so over the hill I can imagine you would feel the same way.” He winked. “Friend of yours?”

  She laughed. “Starting Monday, he’s my latest staff member.”

  “Good for you. Looks like things are really coming up roses for the bakery.”

  “As long as they’re edible ones, then yes, it is. The box is right here.”

  He hefted it, one-handed, as if it weighed nothing “Much appreciated. Have a great night.” He gave a wave as he headed back to his cab.

  Maddie wiped her hands together as if she was brushing flour off them. She wouldn’t dwell on the oddity of her new employee’s behavior and be thankful that he had accepted the position. She could see he had the desire, and that went a long way in her book.

  Besides, she was hungry. Dinner would consist of leftover quiche and salad, but as usual she would attend to Big Red’s meal first. He’d been strangely absent this afternoon, and he usually waited at the bottom of the stairs to the two-bedroom upstairs apartment, about this time of day for her to finish work.

  She opened a tin of his favorite fish, tapped a spoon on his bowl, then filled it, which should do the trick. Standing in the doorway, she sucked on her pursed lips, making the universal sound calling for cats, dogs, horses, and probably most other animals. There was no sign of him and Maddie’s skin prickled a little. She shook her head at her silliness. He was a cat who liked to think he owned this street, and the ones around it. He’d survived New York City and could therefore take care of himself in Maple Falls. No doubt he’d be home when he was good and ready.

  By the time she’d eaten, done the dishes and found a recipe for bagels she was thinking of trying, Big Red had not returned. Now she really was worried. Her furry friend never missed a meal and was always inside by this time of night, curled up on her lap no matter where she happened to be sitting.

  She phoned Gran.

  “Is Big Red there by any chance?” she asked, not wanting to project her fears.

  Gran called him a few times while Laura checked outside the cottage, but the answer was clearly ‘no’.

  “That’s okay. I’ll check outside again. It’s a warm night, so he’s probably asleep under his favorite hedge.”

  Having said that for Gran’s benefit, Maddie was hopeful as she opened the back door and did go down to the hedge at the bottom of the small garden. Still, no Big Red.

  With the long hours she did, Maddie needed sleep, yet she was wide awake with worry. She climbed onto the bed, propping herself up on a couple of pillows, and set her laptop on her knees. Something was eating away at her. Something she didn’t want to think about. Yet, was too important to ignore.

  Opening the local paper’s online newsletter, Maddie got a shock. A body had been found halfway between Maple Falls and the nearest larger town of Destiny down a ravine. Tire tracks indicated that the person’s car had swerved and the body had gone through the windscreen.

  The reason it held her attention would be the same for any local who read this⎯⎯bodies did not turn up very often, and then usually from natural causes, in a town like Maple Falls where the population⎯⎯barely eleven thousand⎯⎯was predominantly older people. However, it could fluctuate with tourists by half again that number when the seasonal festivals occurred.

  Her friend’s murder a few months ago had been the first in many years, as far as she knew, and now this. Was it foul play or just a freak accident? Since there appeared to be no other car involved, perhaps it really was the later. She hoped so.

  Moving on, she searched for anything related to missing pets. The result was more shocking than the death. There had been fifteen cases reported in the last three months. The area was wide. From Destiny, south to Maple Falls, and east and west of both.

  Mr. Clayton’s Sissy was one of the first date wise, and the others were mostly dogs with a couple of exceptions—a western meadowlark and a northern spotted owl taken from the sanctuary near Destiny. In an article a week ago, a reporter had written a piece stating that all the animals were pedigreed and the birds were on the endangered list.

  Feeling bad for the owners, she couldn’t help being slightly reassured. Big Red was perhaps less of a pedigree cat than he gave the impression of being, although she didn’t know for sure because he’d been a stray. If the person taking them, and that had to be what was happening, only wanted top breeds to sell, then surely it meant there was another reason he was missing.

  She bit her lip. Since she couldn’t do a thing about conjecture, she continued to read the cold hard facts recorded. Three of the dogs and two of the cats had come home. The owners refused to comment, saying only that they were glad it was all over.

  What was all over? Had they been prompted to make the same statement by an over- zealous reporter? Was it simply something people said when the emotional roller-coaster of losing a pet suddenly stopped? Or was it something more sinister?

  Whatever the reason, it didn’t tell her anything about how the animals arrived home and she wondered about the not commenting further angle. Were they scared to say anything? And, if those pets came home, would all the others do the same, given time. Or, were these cases unrelated?

  After a few hours of this torment, Maddie switched off her laptop and light. It might be Friday night, but she’d been up since 5am and her eyes were gritty with fatigue. She closed them, hoping that Big Red wasn’t hurt or cold. Or about to be another statistic.

  Mostly, she hoped that he would be home in the morning.

  Chapter Four

  Throwing on an old cardigan over her nightie, Maddie ran downstairs the moment she got up. She wrenched open the back door and went out into the garden.
Pursing her lips she made the calling sound, and when that didn’t work she called his name softly, then a little louder. Unlike her dream, Big Red hadn’t come home in the middle of the night.

  With a sigh she went back upstairs to shower and dress. She’d tossed and turned most of the night, which was hardly refreshing. A brisk walk might help.

  Unable to stomach breakfast, she headed down Plum Place which ran along the back of the block of four shops, hers at one end. Two doors down was Angel’s Salon.

  There were three things about Angel that were a given.

  1. She was without a doubt, the prettiest woman in town.

  2. Angel loved food (which made her the perfect best friend for a baker).

  3. Since she also loved her sleep, there was no chance she would be up.

  Like Maddie, she lived above her shop. Unlike Maddie, she woke with just enough time for her hair and make-up before starting work, and managed to look like she’d stepped out of a magazine. She worked six days most weeks and they were long days, apart from Saturday when she tried to finish at noon.

  In this respect they were also a good match, because most Saturday afternoons and Sunday’s they merely wanted to relax, and rarely went out at night mid-week. It might seem odd for a couple of twenty-eight year-olds, but right now they were doing what they’d dreamed of and happy enough with that. It would have been nice if they both had more free time and that might happen eventually with the addition of the extra staff they both needed.

  Maddie stopped at the end of the row, which was the butcher shop, a favorite haunt of Big Red’s when he wasn’t keeping guard of his own garden at the back of the bakery or visiting Gran.

  Half a mile down the end of the street was Gran’s cottage where Maddie grew up, after her mom decided that raising a child wasn’t the best thing she could do with her life. She had long gotten over the feeling of rejection, because if she was honest it had been a relief not to deal with her mother’s up and down personality. Gran was the best parent/grandparent a person could have and Grandad had been just as awesome.