Bagels and Blackmail

by C A Phipps

“Our history?”

  “Still? That’s just what it is. History.”

  “I don’t want to lose this friendship.”

  “I might have been angry with you when you left town, but I never stopped caring. Isn’t there room for more in your life than the bakery?”

  “I care about you too, Ethan, but the bakery is important. Very important. Then there’s Gran and the Girlz. But right now, I can’t think past getting Big Red back.”

  “I understand.”

  “I’m not sure you can. He means so much to me I can barely sleep or eat. Nearly every moment I think of him, and it hurts.”

  He was quiet for a moment, then said so softly she almost missed it. “That’s how I felt when you left Maple Falls.”

  Maddie was stunned by his admission and stopped mid-stride to face him. “You never said.”

  His dimple flashed. “It would have been difficult since we weren’t speaking.”

  She waved away his attempt at flippancy. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t understand. If anything, I thought you couldn’t bear to see me again.”

  He nodded. “I guess that was kind of true. I couldn’t stop you leaving, and seeing you was bitter sweet. A reminder of what couldn’t be.”

  The almost poetic prose had her reeling. He’d been a stubborn teenager, and his anger had soured the relationship for her. Now she could see that it had all been a façade to protect himself and she understood why it had been necessary.

  She’d done the same thing when her mom had told them she was leaving. When you knew the heartache was coming and there wasn’t a darn thing to be done about it, choosing to pretend it didn’t matter was somehow easier.

  She smiled. “I learn something new about you all the time, Sheriff. When I get Big Red home, I promise I’ll make room for us. To see where we can go from here.”

  He kissed her forehead, and took her hand. “Then we better get that cat of yours found, pronto.”

  Feeling like a teenager again, Maddie squeezed his hand and they returned to Maple Lane, where the twins and Angel were eating ice-cream outside the community center.

  “Laura got a call and had to go, but we managed to put up all the posters first.”

  Angel gave her a knowing glance, and Maddie released Ethan’s hand.

  “Thanks everyone for your help today. If there’s any way I can repay you, let me know.”

  “Cookies.” Jessie said.

  “Cookies.” James repeated.

  Angel winked. “Donuts.”

  Maddie laughed. “Nothing for you, Sheriff?”

  Ethan was straight-faced as he delivered his answer. “I think we both know what I want.”

  Her cheeks flamed, but Maddie merely smiled. “Then I better get home and start baking.”

  Chapter Nine

  Maddie drove through the quiet streets in her beloved Honey, the jeep her grandfather had bought for her when she was still in high school. With the top down and the sweetness of mown grass adding to this small bliss, Maddie had time to ponder the events of the last couple of days.

  It had been a roller coaster with everything that had been happening and she’d felt the need to stop by Jed Clayton’s, so he knew she, as well as Gran, was treating Sissy’s disappearance as importantly as Big Reds.

  She’d made a batch of cookies after Ethan walked them home to bring him. He waved and came down off his porch when he saw her.

  “Maddie, how’s it going. Have you any news?”

  Hope hung on him like a bright light and she almost flinched at the idea of snuffing it out. There was no way to sugar coat her answer.

  “No news, I’m sorry. What about you?”

  His face crumpled like a lump of dough with the air punched out of it and Maddie felt like she’d kicked a puppy.

  “Nothing at all. I’m so worried.” His eyes filled with tears.

  Maddie put an arm around thin shoulders. A tall man with a proud bearing, Gran’s friend, who prior to this had always looked younger than his more than seventy years, had begun to look his age. He even had the appearance of a slight stoop now. It tugged at her heart and added to the worry for Sissy and Big Red.

  “I can empathize with feeling like you’re not doing enough.

  He sighed. “It’s just that it’s been so long. I’ve read things about the first few hours being the most important.” He wiped his face with a handkerchief. “How long has Big Red been missing?”

  “It’s been a few days.” She couldn’t help the quiver in her voice.

  Jed looked anxious. “I hear the spate of other dogs and cats going missing in and outside Maple Falls is continuing.”

  “Me too.”

  “What do you think it means?”

  She had to say something to ease his worry. “The sheriff has an interesting theory that someone’s got a list of breeds and they’re taking animals from wherever they can to fulfil it.”

  His eyes widened. “And selling them?”

  “Exactly. Which would mean the animals would be taken care of and are safe.” She said as encouragingly as she could.

  His eyes filled with tears and she hugged him, wishing he had family to get him through this.

  He blew his nose loudly in her ear. “As bad as I feel about Sissy being missing, that does make me feel a little better. But if that’s the reason they’re being snatched, why would they take Big Red?”

  Maddie took a step back. “Sorry?”

  “Of all the animals they could take, he’s not exactly a pedigree or a spring chicken, is he?”

  She was outraged on Big Red’s behalf but had been brought up to respect her elders. Plus, Jed Clayton wouldn’t be trying to upset her intentionally. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body.

  “I concede he’s not young. Then again he’s not that old. And he’s a good looking boy.”

  He nodded. “That’s true.” Looking up and down the street he lowered his voice. “They’ll be safe won’t they?”

  It was a plea and Maddie her throat tightened. “I’, counting on it.”

  She felt so sorry for him and she couldn’t help thinking that they should have heard something by now. If Big Red had been stolen, by the same person or persons who stole Sissy and the others, then why wouldn’t there be a ransom note? And what about all those other owners. Had they received notes but were listening to the petnapper and keeping it to themselves in the hope of getting their pets back?

  Poor Jed. He was totally bewildered by everything and Maddie wasn’t any clearer. Goodness knows what state she’d be in if Big Red didn’t show up soon. It didn’t bear thinking about, so she told him of an idea she’d come up with while baking.

  “I’ve decided to put up a reward. I’ll make new flyers this afternoon, offering one hundred dollars for leads that result in the safe return of Big Red. Perhaps you’d like to pool our resources and add a little something?”

  He gave it some thought, managing a small smile. “You’ve had that cat since you were a teenager. I remember how he used to follow you everywhere. He got himself into quite a bit of trouble at the school too, didn’t he?”

  A lump caught in her throat at the memory, but at least the reminiscing seemed to be doing him some good.

  “That’s right. He didn’t understand pets weren’t allowed. He’s always assumed he could go where he pleased. Thanks for reminding me, it makes me hopeful that they both simply got lost and will be home soon.”

  His eyes cleared. “I think pooling our resources is a great idea. Put me down for one hundred too. I don’t think it will hurt and might make the kidnapper show his hand.”

  Maddie was glad to see some of Jed’s fight returning. “Great. I thought I’d try to contact some of the people missing pets and see if they’d also contribute. As well as offering a larger reward, we could do some extensive advertising in the surrounding areas.”

  His smile grew. “I can see this is in good hands. Good luck with the donations, and please tell me if you find out anything. Anythi
ng at all.”

  She nodded. “You can count on it. I’ll be in touch Mr. Clayton.”

  She walked quickly around the retirement community dropping flyers into letter boxes instead of hand delivering as planned, since she already had them made. Then she ran back to her car, already thinking of the wording for the new flyer.

  As she drove, she saw the building that housed the local paper. It didn’t serve a huge area and wasn’t open today, but she’d be on their doorstep first chance she got tomorrow. A reward had been the best idea since the phone tree and she wanted to contact everyone who had a pet missing right away. Her heart was pumping and she had a surge of hope which sustained her until she got home and found her list.

  Switching on the computer, she was soon typing out an advert for the paper and found another great picture of Big Red . It was different from the one she’d used on the flyer, where he was sitting in the doorway at Gran’s, the sun shining on his red-blonde fur, looking like he owned the cottage and all he surveyed

  In this one he was stretched out on the back of Gran’s rocker. A precarious position for a cat his size when no one sat in the chair to keep it balanced. It was however, safe-guarded by the fact it was close to the cottage wall, and so heavy it couldn’t tip the wrong way. How he knew he was in no danger, was a mystery. The idea of him doing a few tests when no one was watching made her smile. He was, after all, a very clever cat.

  Satisfied with her efforts, she walked down to Gran’s for Sunday dinner. Now they didn’t live together, it was especially nice that Gran had resurrected this weekly ritual from her childhood.

  When Gran moved from the apartment above the shop she’d shared with Maddie for a few weeks, back to the cottage after deciding not to sell it, Maddie really missed having her around all over again. Still, it wasn’t as bad as when they’d lived in different states, and New York City had been a little far to come for a home cooked meal, no matter how good.

  Laura moving into the cottage helped to fill the Maddie void, so Gran said. Plus, it was nice for Laura o share in their small family rituals, since her own was family relationships were so awful. Not that Maddie knew Laura’s parents, but she’d heard enough about them from Angel to form the conclusion that they didn’t appreciate what a wonderful daughter they had.

  Gran was waiting at the door, her floral apron looking as pristine as it always did, regardless of the amount of cooking she’d done.

  “Good timing, sweetheart. Dinners ready.” She held open the screen door and they walked arm in arm down the wide hall to the kitchen where Laura was mixing something on the stove top.

  “Hey, Maddie. Gran let me help with dinner, so don’t blame her if it’s not as good as usual.”

  “I have no fears. You’re picking things up pretty quickly at the shop, so I’m sure you’ll be doing the same here.”

  Laura blushed. “Thanks.”

  Maddie waved away their mutual embarrassment and helped set the table, glad to be with company. Dinner was more fun than she had anticipated, and a welcome distraction from fretting about Big Red every second.

  “Want me to keep you company tonight?”

  “I appreciate the offer, Laura, but I’ll probably putter until bedtime. If you’d like to come in early tomorrow, we can practice making bagels again?”

  “That would be great. I’d like to improve so we can begin selling them.”

  Gran tutted. “You girls need to have some fun. You can’t spend every minute baking.”

  Maddie snorted. “There’s not much else to do. Maple Falls isn’t exactly a hive of activity.”

  “What a lot of rubbish. You could go to O’Malleys for karaoke or quiz night.”

  Laura gaped at Gran, then Maddie, and they both burst into laughter.

  “I don’t think that’s for us,” Maddie said when she could.

  “Why not? Or do you think you’re are too old for that kind of thing?”

  Maddie was horrified. “Old? No way. The problem is, we’re too young.”

  Gran sniffed. “It’s not New York City, I grant you, but that just means anything going is for all ages. Besides, you both need a man in your lives.”

  Maddie dropped her fork, while Laura looked like a deer in headlights.

  Casually picking up the fork Maddie made an attempt to eat, after throwing out casually, “There isn’t a man within forty miles who’s not married or already taken.”

  Gran wasn’t about to let the matter drop. “Now, that’s simply not true. For a start there’s Ethan, and his deputy, Robert. As far as I know neither are currently attached.”

  Maddie blamed her sleep deprivation for not seeing that coming. “I’m not interested and we’re just friends.”

  “Our Sheriff has the hots for you something bad. When do you propose to do something about it?”

  “Gran!”

  Undeterred, her grandmother calmly brushed a few crumbs with the side of her hand into a pile beside her plate. “All I’m saying is that there are a lot of women hereabouts who are looking for a man like Ethan. If you’re not careful, you’ll find him snapped up. Then where will you be?”

  “Right where I am now. Single and happy to be so.” Maddie purposefully stacked the empty dessert plates. “I’m doing the dishes. You should stay here and annoy Laura with your ideas for a boyfriend that would suit her.

  She winked at Laura, who responded by wrinkling her nose. Maddie, artfully dodging further conversation on the subject, took the plates to the kitchen and left them to it.

  Gran had always been deeply fond of Ethan and she’d wondered how long it would be before her grandmother started pushing them to rekindle their relationship from the past. Apparently, her reprieve was over.

  Looking out from the kitchen window, as the light bled from the sky in a red streaked pattern over vast fields, Maddie felt the melancholy start to descend once more. Laura came to help dry the dishes but didn’t say much. Perhaps due to Maddie’s worry, or maybe Gran had given her food for thought. Laura harbored feelings for Ethan and knew Maddie was aware of them. This made them both a little awkward around the subject.

  “Thanks for your help today,” she broke the silence.

  Laura came back to her own thoughts with a start.

  “It was nothing. I hope tomorrow will bring a good result.”

  “Me too.” Maddie crossed her fingers and Laura did the same.

  With the kitchen tidy and Gran happily ensconced in a floral, wing-backed chair with her knitting, she walked home, glad to have spent the evening with them despite Gran’s matchmaking attempt.

  Chapter Ten

  Maddie jumped out of bed on Monday, not because she had to, it wasn’t yet 5am after all. No, she’d had a dream Big Red was nearby and calling her. She raced downstairs and wrenched open the kitchen door.

  Of course he wasn’t there, but her heart sank anyway. This was torture, and becoming a struggle to hold herself together.

  Slowly, she turned the range on and went upstairs for a shower and to dress. An hour later Laura arrived. She didn’t look her usual, perky self.

  “You didn’t get a good night’s sleep either?” Maddie asked.

  “Not the best. What are we baking today?”

  Maddie got the impression Laura didn’t want to talk about whatever was bothering her, so she left it for now. Once they were baking and in the zone, the talked about almost everything.

  “Apart from our new employee starting today?”

  Laura frowned, apparently having forgotten, which was odd when she’d been so excited last week by the news.

  “Of course. Luke, you said? I’m looking forward to not being the new kid on the block anymore.”

  Maddie laughed. “If he’s as quick to learn as you, I’ll be delighted.” She gave Laura a thoughtful look as an idea popped into her head, as they had a habit of doing. “Actually, I’ve managed to get a bit done already this morning and I’d love to drop off more flyers sometime during the day. But only if you two
have things under control. Although, with it being his first day, it might be a bit much to ask.”

  Laura smiled gently. “I’m sorry Big Red still isn’t home yet, and you should totally get more flyers out there. Go whenever you want. Besides, you definitely deserve some time off and I know it will make you feel better.”

  Maddie smiled. “It’s Monday. I’ve had plenty of time off, but you’re right, I’ll definitely feel better doing something proactive about it . Let’s get going with the bagels and see how the day goes, and I promise it won’t be over lunchtime.”

  “That’s a relief. It’s crazy most days at that time of day, but I won’t tell the new kid that.”

  They grinned at each other and Maddie felt a genuine warmth flow through her. Finding a friend out of their tenuous earlier relationship was a huge bonus to having Laura work here.

  A couple of hours later the display case was full. Laura made coffee to prepare them for the rush when there was a knock on the shop door. Maddie went through to find Luke Chisholm outside, a little early, which boded well. She let him in and left the door unlocked as it was nearly opening time. They always had a few early morning customers who had to have their coffee fix.

  “Morning. Ready for your first day?”

  He nodded, his eyes bright. “So ready. I couldn’t wait for today and I hardly slept all weekend.”

  This was music to her ears. “Great. From now on come around the back and just walk in. we might not always hear you knocking if we’re in the kitchen.”

  They walked through the shop to find Laura frosting a large chocolate cake.

  “Wow. That looks great.”

  She grinned at him. “Hopefully we sell it before our friend Angel sees it. She loves cakes, and this one might be her favorite. I’m Laura.” She apologetically held up her hands which were sticky with frosting so she was unable to shake his.

  “Yes, I know who you are. Our parents are friends and we met at your rally.”

  Laura paled. “Oh. I’m sorry, I don’t remember you. The election is a distant blur to me. How did you come to be there?”