Pistols & Pies (Sweet Bites Book 2) (Sweet Bites Mysteries)

by Heather Justesen

  Anise’s expression said she was suitably pleased with my appearance and would take me seriously. “You must be Tess Crawford,” Anise greeted me, but didn’t rise from her desk. A power play if ever I saw one. Her smile was wide with perfect, white teeth. Her outfit was expensive, but not flashy. Her jewelry glittered gold and sapphire to match her clothing.

  “Yes, I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with me, Ms. Xochictl.”

  She gestured with manicured hands to a chair across from her and waited for me to sit before she spoke. “I know what it’s like to start a new business. It’s an exciting and challenging time.”

  “Yes. It’s very rewarding, despite how busy it makes me.” I crossed my ankles and settled back in the chair, bringing out the menu I had put together for large clients. “I know you’re very busy, so I’ll cut to the chase. I understand you have a big event coming up and you’re looking for a caterer for the refreshments. I don’t do veggies and appetizers, but I can do a nice spread of baked delicacies, both sweet and healthy.” I passed over the portfolio.

  “I’ve heard good things about your products, though I didn’t make it to the fitness center opening to taste your cake. I saw pictures in the paper. It was quite impressive.” She glanced over the cover letter I’d handed her

  “Thank you. It was a fun project. I hope I have many more chances to do things like it. Big business anniversaries or gatherings are an ideal opportunity to pull out all of the stops.”

  Anise opened the folder and examined the pages. She made humming sounds every so often, though they didn’t denote whether she approved or not. The papers were in front of her face, so I couldn’t gauge her expression, which made my hands itch to pull it down.

  “So you weren’t at the opening party for the fitness center?” I asked, building on her remark. “It’s a very nice facility. I’m sure your employees are very excited.”

  “Yes, there’s been quite a bit of talk about it on the production floor.” She closed the folder with a snap. “Unfortunately, I spent the day in meetings. Your product line is very impressive, Ms. Crawford, and your prices are reasonable. Would you be open to discussing a few variations, or creating a special menu for us?”

  “Absolutely. I’d be happy to discuss anything you like. I’m here to serve.” I tried not to show my disappointment when I learned she had been in meetings. She couldn’t be the one who killed Eric if she was busy at the office that day. On the other hand, gaining a new client would be well worth the effort I made for the meeting, even if I was no closer to finding the killer.

  “I’m glad you’re so flexible with clients,” she said. “We love that quality in a caterer.” She rose this time, a sign that she wanted me to leave. “I’ll be sure to discuss your menu with Jane. She’s helping me coordinate the party. I’ll keep you in mind.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.” I stood and shook her hand before heading for the door.

  Shawn waited for me downstairs and took my elbow as we walked out. He kept studying the space around us.

  “Will you cut it out?” I finally asked. “You’re making me nervous. No one is going to shoot me in the middle of town.”

  “If you’re nervous, you’ll be careful.” He pushed the button to unlock his car remotely and helped me into the passenger seat, then went around to his own side. “And if the killer shot at you on the drive to the wedding, they’re getting desperate. This is a serious escalation from nasty notes.”

  I didn’t know how to answer that, so I kept my mouth shut.

  When we pulled into traffic, he asked, “So how did your meeting go?”

  “Hold on.” I flipped my phone open to call Honey. She picked up after two rings, so I plunged ahead, making sure I spoke loud enough for both of them to hear. “It’s a dead end. She said she was in meetings all day.”

  “How do we know that? And with whom?” Honey asked. Zoey made rooster sounds in the background, then switched to a horse’s neigh.

  I repeated the question for Shawn’s benefit before responding. “That’s a very good question. And one I’d like answered.” I thought of Lenny. “But I think I know who might be able to figure it out.”

  I waited until Shawn was in the next room before I told Lenny what I needed him to do that night. He grinned and rubbed his hands together. “I’ll have to set up my computer system, but they hooked up the Internet today,” he said.

  “Well, it sounds like you need to get busy.”

  “Does that mean you’re sending me home?” He glanced at the front of the store where Shawn was studying the cookies I’d put out earlier. “And what do we do about lover boy there? He’s a cop to the core, you know. He’s not going to be happy about this.”

  “I’ll figure out something.” Though I had no idea what. “Go on, get out of here.” I watched Lenny hurry out the back door, all but rubbing his hands together with glee. I shook my head. He was so predictable.

  I still thought it funny that Lenny had picked out an apartment for himself and Kat, as if he expected her to give in and move here on his terms—which I really hoped she didn’t, even though I hated seeing him miserable. If she didn’t stick up for what was important to her, there was no way they would make things work long term.

  I sauntered back out to the front of the store and watched Shawn debate the virtues of coconut over chocolate. I leaned against the doorway and studied him. “You never said where you’re staying while you’re in the area.”

  He glanced back at me, a moment of confusion in his eyes before he refocused on the subject I’d introduced. “Nope.”

  When he didn’t elaborate, I gave him a long look. “And? Did you make arrangements?”

  Shawn straightened and rested one hip against the glass. “Considering some of the things that have happened to you, I was hoping to crash at your place. I can’t keep you safe if I’m across town.”

  I just folded my arms over my chest and stared at him, giving him my think-again-buster look.

  His shrug was defensive, as if he knew he was asking way too much, but hoped he was wrong. “What? You had Lenny living with you for the past week. You have a spare room. What’s the difference?”

  Huge, that’s what. “He’s just a friend—totally platonic—and vice versa. You are not.” A smirk slid onto his mouth and I rushed on so he wouldn’t focus on what I’d just said. “And I know him better than I know you.”

  Shawn turned his whole body toward me. “Really? You think you know him that well? And I’m not your friend?”

  “Yeah, I do know him. And I like you a whole lot, and you know it. That’s part of why you’re not staying with me.” I put my hands on my hips and stared at him, allowing my lips to curve and trying to ignore the way his biceps bulged when he stood like that.

  “Fine,” he said when I didn’t show any indication of giving in. “I have a friend a few blocks down the street who said I could stay with him if I needed to.”

  That was a relief. Down the street would be reasonably close, but far enough away that he wouldn’t notice if I took off for Lenny’s. “Who’s that?” I walked over and folded my arms on the counter.

  His lips twisted slightly and became a full smile. “Um, Tingey.”

  He was staying with the man who charged me with trespassing? That was so not good. “Detective Tingey? Just how well do you know him?” I’d known they were friendly. The fact that Shawn had learned from Tingey that I was hurt was evidence of that. But I had no idea they were buddy-buddy enough for Shawn to crash at his place at a moment’s notice.

  Shawn slid his thumbs in his back pockets, a practiced move to make him appear casual when he was actually uncomfortable. I knew—I’d seen it before. “Tingey was a mentor of mine when I was in high school. He’s part of why I ended up in law enforcement.”

  “Don’t tell me he arrested you for something?” I said. The thought was actually kind of amusing.

  “No, unlike you, I’ve never been arrested.�
� Shawn sent me a scathing look. “But I needed some direction and he provided it. We’ll leave it at that.”

  I’d just bet he wanted to leave it at that. “Fine. So you’ll go to Tingey’s place when I settle in for the night.”

  “If I must.”

  “You must.” I looked at the cookies he’d been eyeing. “Now, did you decide which kind you want, or would you like one of each? I also think there’s a latte with your name on it.”

  “Caramel?” He perked up at the suggestion.

  “With whipped cream, if you want.” I loved seeing my cookies make people happy, even if it is only temporary.

  I locked up the shop as soon as I could that night, rushing Shawn out the door after we had dinner. When his taillights disappeared, I grabbed a notebook and headed to Lenny’s place. It was the first time I’d been there, and I was pleased to find the neighborhood well-tended and clean. It was a long way from the big, dirty building he’d lived in before with the closet-sized apartment. I knew he and Kat would love it—if she ever got here. She had sent me a text message a couple of days earlier saying she was leaving Chicago, but I hadn’t heard anything since.

  When Lenny opened the door at my knock, I found the living room completely devoid of furniture. The kitchen area boasted a table he must have trash picked, along with two chairs that didn’t even match each other—never mind the table. His computer was set up on one end of the table while the other had space for him to eat—but not much else. I walked to the cupboards and started opening them. One had some paper and plastic eating supplies, and another held a little food. It was a sad, sad reality. We needed to scrounge him some kitchen tools.

  “Did you know they don’t have any furnished apartments around here, unless you want to rent a condo for like ten grand a month?” he asked, seeming rather amused at my dismay over the apartment’s emptiness.

  “And you decided to save your millions instead of spending it all on your apartment. Very wise of you.” I nodded sagely. I felt guilty for bringing him out here, knowing he wouldn’t be able to make a decent living—even though he’d known that would be the case. I was going to have to manage something that approximated a living wage for him.

  He shook his head, but his lips tipped up at the corners. He bent over the computer using the mouse to do something I didn’t understand. He flew through screens too fast for me to follow it.

  Since I didn’t know what he was doing, I focused on other things. “Please tell me you at least have a bed.”

  Lenny didn’t take his eyes off the monitor. “I have a mattress. Does that count?”

  I studied him for a moment, pretending to debate whether that was acceptable for my high standards. “Hmmm. A real mattress, or some thin cot thing?”

  “A real mattress.” He looked up at me, a serious expression on his face. “See, the problem is that I have this boss who’s such a skin flint she won’t even hire me full time, although I seem to be working a lot of hours, and she pays me in baked goods and cappuccino. And maybe some cash. If I’m lucky.”

  “You should find an employer who pays better,” I said with a nod, coming over to stand behind him at the computer. “I understand the grocery store bakery is hiring. I hear they pay all of minimum wage.” I was beating that, but since he was only part-time, it came out the same as if he were working full-time at minimum wage.

  He snorted in derision and returned his attention to his computer again. “I guess if they’ll give me a steady paycheck it would be worth it. For a while. Do you think they’d work around your schedule?”

  I gave him a light slap upside the head, which only made him chuckle. “All right, dork,” I said. “Find the information I need.”

  “I’ve been working on it while I waited for you,” he said. “I think I found the right system. I was waiting for everyone at Nova Cosmetics to leave work for the day so I could crack in without anyone noticing.”

  I peered around him, really glad he didn’t expect me to understand the mechanics of it, but curious about the general idea. “You mean you’re taking remote control of someone’s computer?”

  “You can use programs like remote desktop for stuff like that, but only if the computer is on, and only if you have the right password. I have software that will crack passwords, but I’m not sure if this Anise chick leaves her machine running, since a lot of people turn them off at night. I’m hoping it’s saved to the server.”

  The doorbell rang again and I met Lenny’s gaze in surprise. “Who could that be?” Did anyone else even have his address?

  He shrugged. “Go check.”

  I opened the front door and found Shawn on the porch, his arms crossed over his chest. He glared at me. “Did you really think I didn’t know something was up when you rushed me away like that?” He stepped inside and looked around, his eyes landing on Lenny, who was still bent over the computer. “What’s going on?”

  Lenny’s fingers flew over the keyboard and I wondered how he kept track of what he was doing. “Your watchdog, Tess. You deal with it,” he said.

  I looked at Shawn and tried not to appear too guilty. “He’s checking something on the computer for me?” My voice rose at the end, belying my nervousness at what was going on.

  “Hmmm. He wouldn’t happen to be using his special skills, would he? Because I heard he had a few interesting ones.” His expression was hard, his eyes serious, implacable.

  I was stunned that he’d heard about Lenny, especially that fact, since I didn’t think anyone but Honey knew Lenny hacked sometimes. “How did you know that? You only met him a few hours ago.”

  Lenny barely glanced in our direction as he responded, “Didn’t you see the way Tingey looked at me after I searched for where your nasty note came from? Of course he checked me out. That’s what cops do.”

  I turned my glare back on Shawn but he didn’t falter.

  “Do you expect me to apologize for worrying about you?” he asked. “Or for Tingey wondering what kind of guy you hired? He knew I was concerned about you.”

  Though there was a tiny voice inside me that was filled with pleased surprise that he had Tingey watching out for me, it was vastly undersized compared to the anger. Shawn had no right to make judgments about my life. He lived five hours away. We emailed occasionally. We very rarely called. And I hadn’t seen him since March, so what was his deal?

  After stalking to the other side of the room to give me a moment to get a handle on my feelings, I whirled back to him. “Okay, you were worried. Now let me tell you a thing or two. I know about Lenny, I know a lot about him—way more than you do—and I made my decision based on that. You’re going to have to trust that I can make a good one, and accept it. Okay? And yes, Lenny’s using his special skills. He’s not trying to steal sensitive information, plant viruses, or take money. He’s just checking someone’s calendar.”

  I crossed back to him and drilled my finger into his chest. “If you can’t handle that, or you’re afraid you’re going to have to tell Tingey every little thing we do, you can go home now, because you’re just here as muscle, and he’s not going anywhere.”

  Shawn grabbed my lower arm and pulled me toward the hall. “Excuse us for a minute,” he called to Lenny over his shoulder, then drew me into an empty room behind him and closed the door.

  “So I’m just the muscle?” Shawn slid his hand behind my neck and pulled me close, pressing his mouth to mine, molding our lips to fit perfectly, making my breath catch and my heart tremble.

  Since he’d left town a few months ago, I’d convinced myself that he couldn’t be as good of a kisser as I’d remembered, but now I realized how wrong I’d been. I melted into his arms, sliding my hands up to his shoulders. Yeah, I guess he was more than just my protector.

  His kiss turned soft and tender, lingering for a long moment before he pulled away. He stared at me until I met his gaze. His voice was low and husky when he spoke. “I care about you. I’m not a hired body guard, and I’m not here to keep Tingey i
n the know—though if there’s something pertinent that will help him solve the case, I’m certainly not going to hold back the information. I’m not going to rat you out unless you do something dangerous or over-the-line illegal.”

  I stepped back, sucking in a breath after his kiss and trying to wrap my head around what he said. “So you won’t turn us in?”

  “Not unless he does something malicious. And PS, if he ever hacks a system for truly private information—for example financial data,” he sent me a significant look, which I tried not to react to, “I never want to know, because then I’d have to do something about it.”

  “I’ll remember that for future reference,” I told him, keeping my face as impassive as possible. He was right. Some things were better off kept secret. The bank accounts Lenny had hacked for me the previous spring were definitely on that list. How had he learned about that, anyway?

  “Good. Now let’s try this again, because it’s all I’ve been thinking about since Tingey called me last night.” He moved in, ran his hands up my arms to my shoulders and pulled me close, brushing his mouth over mine in gentle exploration. A delicious warmth spread through me as he deepened the kiss.

  I don’t know what it is about this man, because I would have sworn I didn’t want to get involved with anyone yet, but I loved his moves, I loved his mouth and if he were here full time, I had a feeling it wouldn’t take long to get all too serious in the relationship.

  He pulled back after a long moment. “That alone made the whole trip worthwhile.”

  I felt my cheeks heat, though whether from the kiss or the compliment, I wasn’t sure. “Well, I suppose that settles that.”

  “Good.” He moved away, taking my hand and opening the door to lead me back to the living room.