Bagels and Blackmail

by C A Phipps

He shrugged. “You know how it is? My parents insisted we create a united front.”

  The conversation concerning the darker days of her life was all it took for Laura to shake a little and she took a seat at the counter. “I know exactly how that works.”

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Sure. You have to know, I’m not proud of the election or of my parent’s behavior.”

  Luke nodded. “Our dads are in the same network. It’s hard to be the child of parents who want more from you than you’re prepared to give, in ways that don’t sit well.”

  Laura gave a feeble smile. “You sound so much wiser than I was at your age.” Then she frowned. “Do yours know you’re working here?”

  It was Luke’s turn to look uncomfortable. “Well, I haven’t exactly told my father yet.”

  A look of understanding flowed between Laura and Luke, while Maddie had a sinking feeling. She’d watched the interchange with growing concern, knowing she had to address this right away.

  She clasped her hands together. “I hoped you’d cleared it with your parents before you started, Luke. Is it going to be a problem when you do?” she asked.

  The teenager straightened his shoulders. “Not as far as I’m concerned. I know what I want to do and I’m determined to do it. I’m old enough to make up my mind about what career suits me.”

  Maddie couldn’t doubt his sincerity. She just hoped between him, Laura, and their assertive parents, she didn’t lose all her staff anytime soon. The shop was getting busier every week and if it was just her and Gran again they wouldn’t be able to cope.

  And more than that, she loved watching Laura blossom as a baker and being happier every day. If Luke felt the same, she would be thrilled.

  Just then the bell rang. It was still early and she was especially surprised to see this particular customer, who took a more leisurely approach to leaving the retirement community. Jed Clayton stood just inside the shop, his face pale.

  “MM Maddie . . .”

  “She hurried to him and pulled out a chair. “Please sit down, Mr. Clayton. Laura, will you get a glass of water, please?” she called out.

  It didn’t take long before Laura handed her a glass. Maddie knelt if front of him and waited while he gulped down some water. He closed his eyes for a second, as he attempted to get himself under control.

  “I practically ran all the way here, because I didn’t trust myself to drive. Thank goodness you were open.”

  Maddie had an image of him running and pursed her lips for a second. “What’s happened that has you so worked up?”

  “This.” He pulled a wrinkled piece of paper out of his pocket and thrust it at her.

  Maddie’s heart sank, but she took it from his shaking hand as she willed hers to be firm. This scenario brought back memories of the threatening notes she had received not so long ago. She spread it out on the table and could see it was everything she feared.

  ‘If you want to see your mutt again, you had better leave five hundred dollars in an envelope in the park trash dumpster on Sunday morning. The one at the back, by the trees. Don’t tell a soul, otherwise Sissy is a dead labradoodle.’

  Maddie gasped and handed the note to Laura, all the while wondering if the dog thief had also taken Big Red and if the next letter would be for her.

  She took a deep breath, not wanting to alarm Mr. Clayton any more than he was. “When did you get the note?”

  “I’m not sure when it was put there. I went outside this morning to see if Sissy was back, and there it was. Her kennel is on the porch, even though she hardly used it. She was supposed to be an outside dog, but that didn’t suit her.” His eyes were misty as he spoke.

  Maddie understood. Apart from Suzy’s Pomeranian, Sissy was potentially the most spoiled dog in town, a fact she couldn’t comment on since Big Red had a pretty easy life too.

  “Where did you find it?”

  “Attached to the front of her kennel with tape. It certainly wasn’t there last night.”

  She frowned. “I’m guessing you didn’t see anyone around?”

  He shook his head. “Not last night and certainly not at this time of the morning. I’m an early riser, even if I don’t have to be anywhere, and the world is a quiet place. Something you’d know all about, I daresay? I think it must have been left in the middle of the night.”

  “It is a little damp, which is probably from the dew we had.”

  Mr. Clayton nodded enthusiastically. “That was my guess.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “I think we should tell the Sheriff about this.”

  “But it says don’t tell the police, which is why I came to you. I know how you solved the mayor’s murder and thought you could help me without involving them. I couldn’t bear anything to happen to my poor Sissy. Five hundred dollars is a lot of money, but I’ll pay it if I have to.”

  “I understand, but I learned my lesson about not trusting the sheriff. I promise he’ll be discreet and will know better what to do about the ransom than I possibly could.”

  Nearly being killed still haunted her dreams from time to time, and reminded her she was a baker and not a detective. Still, she couldn’t ignore Mr. Claytons’ call for help. Especially if whatever was going on here involved Big Red.

  He nodded reluctantly, then grabbed her hand. “Don’t bring the sheriff to my house in case I’m being watched. You talk to him elsewhere on my behalf and get his take on this.”

  “I’ll call him right away and see if he can stop by here.”

  Maddie slipped her hand free and when he stood she was relieved to see he was much steadier.

  “I better get to the bank. I want to be there as soon as it opens, so I have things ready just in case it’s necessary to pay the ransom”

  She wanted to lift his spirits, and had hoped to talk him out of withdrawing his money right away, but his mood was still dark with fear and he was determined to complete his mission, regardless of anything she or Ethan might say.

  “Please be careful about handling such a large amount of money, Mr. Clayton, just in case the person who sent the letter is waiting for you to get it. It could be an opportunist who heard about Sissy being missing and sees this as a way to take advantage of the situation.”

  He paled once more. “I hadn’t thought about that. I’m so upset my brain won’t work right.”

  “You’re doing great. Why don’t you stay for a cup of tea while I call the sheriff?”

  He hesitated, but Maddie was truly worried that he was getting himself worked up. Deciding she wasn’t taking no for an answer, she pushed him gently back down into the chair. He slumped, looking bewildered.

  Maddie quickly made the tea and brought out the set on a tray. She could see how his hands shook and without asking poured the tea into a cup with green ivy around it. She had chosen this set in particular because green was the color of hope.

  He sighed and closed his eyes as he sipped, while Maddie brought him a cheese scone on the matching side plate and a small dish of butter.

  “I’m not hungry, dear.”

  He probably hadn’t eaten anything this morning with all the stress and he was still pale.

  She frowned. “Don’t make me get Gran. You need to eat, otherwise you won’t have the strength to see this through. If you think about it, this is a good thing. At least you know she’s safe. Right?”

  Suddenly, he had a bit more life in him. “Yes. That’s right. And she’s coming home.” He cut a small piece and popped it in his mouth. His smile said how much he enjoyed it, as did the way he spread the butter and devoured the rest of the scone in record time, despite his earlier protestations of not being hungry.

  While he was finishing, Maddie went out to the kitchen and rang Ethan. There was no answer so she left a message for him to call her back.

  She was explaining this to Jed Clayton, when a harried looking Maude Oliver, burst inside. Her pale blue hair was all over the place, which was unheard of as president of the Coun
try Club and leader of the blue brigade. Those women prided themselves on having a perfect appearance at all times. None more so than Maude.

  “Whatever is the matter, Mrs. Oliver?”

  The tall austere woman had the potential to scare even the hardiest of Maple Falls citizens, but right now she looked confused, and scared? Her eyes darted about warily, as she kept an eye on the door.

  “Pardon?”

  “I’m asking if you’re okay? You look upset, and I wondered if I can help?”

  Maude clasped a Gucci bag to her heaving chest, dragging in a ragged breath. “I’ve come in for a cup of tea not an inquisition,” she said, as she peered outside the window. “Plain. Not that fruity stuff.”

  Maddie’s concern faded slightly. You couldn’t help some people. That was a fact. “I’ll get your tea right away.”

  Mr. Clayton gave her a sympathetic look as she passed him, then went back to his tea and scone, careful not to make eye contact with her other customer.

  It was proving to be one of those days that were fraught with oddities. She went to the restaurant grade hot water dispenser and filled a pot to warm it. Choosing the set with blackberries on the side, since the prickles seemed appropriate, she took it through to Mrs. Oliver, who had sat at the table closest to the window.

  She would have made conversation as she put everything in front of the woman, but Mrs. Oliver seemed barely aware of her. She absently pulled the tray closer, and as she poured tea her hand shook so badly that she then had to grasp the cup in both hands to get it to her lips.

  Laura who had been frosting cookies in the kitchen, and was now putting them in the cabinet, raised her eyebrows at Maddie, who shrugged her shoulders. If Maude was friendlier she might be inclined to push, but past experience told her that this member of the blue brigade would not take kindly to any more questions no matter how well-intentioned.

  “I’ll wait to hear from you, Maddie,” called out Mr. Clayton as he left. He appeared to have a little more color, but was clearly eager to get back to the matter at hand.

  Maddie scooped up his money and cleaned down the table where he’d sat, noting that Mrs. Oliver’s focus was on something or someone on Maple Lane. Sipping her tea, she also looked repeatedly at her watch. Perhaps she was meeting someone. Probably her good friend Irene Fitzgibbons, vice-president of the Country Club. They were often together.

  Returning to the kitchen, she began to load the dishwasher when she heard Luke wishing their customer a good day. Clearly, she had misread things and Maude wasn’t waiting for anyone.

  Luke brought her dishes to the kitchen and instead of loading the dishwasher he placed them on the bench and fetched his bag from the alcove. Pulling out his wallet, he counted out some money. With slightly pink cheeks, he handed this to Maddie.

  She allowed her staff to help themselves to drink or food during the day without charge, therefore this was unexpected.

  “What’s the money for?”

  Luke looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him.

  “Ahhh. I didn’t get that lady to pay for her tea, so I’d like to pay for her.”

  Maddie folded her arms. She liked to be charitable, but as it happened, she knew that Maude Oliver was very comfortable.

  “And, why didn’t she?”

  Luke bounced on his heels. “She seemed so upset. I don’t know what the matter was, but

  she wasn’t right so I didn’t like to ask her for the money when she got up to leave. I really don’t mind paying.”

  Maddie felt her heart swell. “Well, it’s very kind of you Luke, but I don’t think you can sustain that attitude if more of our customers go down that road. Sometimes, people need a gentle reminder.”

  He shook his head firmly. “I promise it won’t become a habit.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” She smiled. “I’m proud of you for being so kind to one of our customers. I’m sure she’ll be mortified when she remembers. Please, keep your money.”

  The relief on his face that she wasn’t angry with him, almost made her laugh. She was pretty sure she wasn’t a horrible boss, despite what people said about chefs.

  Luke shook his head. “Oh no, I couldn’t let you pay for my mistake.”

  Maddie put her hands on her aproned hips. “I thought we decided it wasn’t a mistake? Anyway, who’s the boss here?”

  “You,” he said with conviction, looking uncertain as to how this was going.

  Now she grinned at him. “Put your money away and I’m sorry for teasing you. I’ll try not to do it too much, but I can’t promise.”

  His eyes widened, then he laughed, stuffing the money back in his wallet, while Maddie wondered how she got so lucky. First with Laura and now Luke. Honesty was a big thing to Gran and naturally that had rubbed off on her. To find the same convictions in her new employee was a blessing she wasn’t likely to take for granted, but good to know so early on. And good to see the kind of man he was.

  Her phone rang and when she picked it up Ethan’s name flashed up at her. Before she answered, she took it out into the garden. She trusted Laura and Luke, but she didn’t want them worried unnecessarily and out here she could speak freely.

  When she explained what had happened with Mr. Clayton, he said he would come by as soon as he could. He might be only coming to talk about the petnapping, but she knew she would feel a whole lot better getting the details off her chest. She had to admit, it came with the bonus of simply having Ethan nearby. She had recently begun to realize that his presence gave her strength, the way Gran’s and her friend’s did.

  Which couldn’t be a bad thing.

  Chapter Eleven

  Understandably, Ethan arrived too late to speak to Mr. Clayton, but he was just in time for the next round of customers. Except they weren’t customers, and weren’t at all happy.

  Maddie felt as though she should have been prepared for this eventuality, yet the confrontation turned out to be a rude shock.

  She’d made coffee for Ethan, and had just finished telling him about the petnapping, when the doorbell sounded followed by heavy steps and an angry retort.

  “It’s true then? You’ve quit college?”

  Uh-oh, she mouthed to Ethan as she went to stand by the opening into the shop. She could see Luke behind the counter. The poor boy was pale, his knuckles white as he clenched them at his sides. Giving an apologetic look to Ethan, she went to offer Luke support should it be required. It looked like it was.

  “Hello there. Everything okay?” she asked breezily.

  A solid man who was as fair as Luke was dark, stood with his hands on his hips leaning towards his son. By their features there was no mistaking their kinship, although with his face an ugly shade of red, and taller by a good foot, he was missing the pleasant demeanor of his son. Behind stood a younger version, but she’d guess that Luke’s brother would be a few years older than he was. They glared at her, then Luke’s father stood back giving her the once over, which was laced with hostility.

  “So, you are the famous baker who coerced my son to give up his studies and his football career to make sales and bake bread?”

  Maddie raised her eyebrows at the heat in his words. “I can assure you I did no such thing. Although, in the short time I’ve known him, I am confident that Luke’s enthusiasm will ensure he does well. I’ll teach him all I can, and help him with whatever he needs to do to be successful.”

  “With the education he’s had, my son can do a lot better than this.” He opened his arms to encompass her store. “You’re ruining his life.”

  “Dad, Ms. Flynn had no idea I hadn’t finished college.”

  Mr. Chisholm glared at his son. “So you lied to everyone?” Then he focused once more on Maddie. “You really want a liar working for you?”

  Luke flinched, and Maddie was angrier for him than for herself. “I confess, Mr. Chisholm, that I don’t know your son well, but he seems to me to be kind, honest, and a hard worker. That’s all I need to know to give him a ch
ance.”

  “A chance? To be a baker?” He gave a sneering laugh.

  Ethan chose that moment to come through into the shop, startling Luke’s father. It was a massive relief to have him by her side and also that she had no other customers.

  “Mr. Chisholm.” He nodded at the confused man, then smiled at Maddie. “Since Ms. Flynn has won many prestigious awards, I’d say that she’d be the best person to know if Luke is cut out for a job like this. Wouldn’t you?’

  “Well . . .I . . . He should have finished college first. Like his brother, Johnny.” He blustered nodding at his other son. Then he appeared to remember his own importance. “Regardless, he’s my son and I should be the one to decide what he does with his future.”

  Ethan’s pose was one of false relaxation. Maddie could see it, but doubted Mr. Chisholm had a clue.

  “Naturally, you might want some input. Although, didn’t he turn eighteen recently?” As he spoke, Ethan had casually gone around the counter and was less than five feet from the men. Unconsciously, perhaps, they took a step back.

  Luke’s father obviously didn’t like the idea of backing down and he stuck out his chest. “He did, but while he lives under my roof, he does what I say.”

  Perhaps he thought it made him look and sound tough, but Maddie, having had experience with men like Mr. Chisholm, thought him silly and pompous. Teenagers needed to have a goal that inspired them. The lucky ones found it sooner rather than later.

  Luke, given courage by Ethan’s interference, lifted his chin. “Then I’ll have to leave home.”

  Mr. Chisholm slammed his fist down on the counter. “You will not!”

  Maddie could see that Ethan was ready should this turn more violent. She sincerely hoped it wouldn’t come to that sort of encounter. Fortunately, Luke, with a level headedness that belied his years, spoke in a calm voice as he attempted to talk his father down from his rage.

  “Dad, if you can’t support me in my career decision, then I’m sorry, I will have to move out.”

  The man wavered, his body still rigid with anger. His other son appeared to be in the same state, but there was something else at play here and Maddie couldn’t read what it was.