* * *
Rudolph Rodney raised his donut up.
* * *
“I love making speeches,” he said. “But I’m not quite sure how much people like listening to them. I’ll try and make this short. Though he’s not here right now, I’d like to thank my nephew Roadkill for being my family and not giving up on me. I’d like to thank the police and two special investigators for continuing to search for the truth and for rescuing me. That’s what I’m thankful for in the present. In the future, I look forward to the continued success of Donut Delights, and cannot wait for the new location in Key West.”
The group cheered, but Rudolph had one more thing to say, “If I had to boil down all my many thoughts to one toast though, I’d have to dedicate it all to Heather Shepherd. She’s my angel. Both by saving me from a wrongful conviction, and for providing me with the most delicious sweets possible. Here’s to Heather, and all that she does.”
* * *
Heather felt a bit embarrassed by that toast but didn’t want to turn down a Peach Cobbler Donut. She took a bite, along with all her friends.
* * *
There was a knock at the door, and they were soon joined by Roadkill Rodney.
* * *
“Am I too late?” he asked.
* * *
Rudolph gave him a hug. “Not at all. But we did all have a donut for good fortune, so you’ll just have to eat one.”
* * *
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Roadkill Rodney said. However, before he could grab a donut, he saw Cicada Katie. “What’s she doing here?”
* * *
“Look now,” she said, getting heated. “I’m not going to take any more of this. I’m not going to accept your rejection of me just because someone told us we’d be good together. Maybe you have the ladies fawning all over you with those strong shoveling arm muscles and your nice hair that’s long in the back.”
* * *
Amy gave Heather a look and tried not to giggle.
* * *
“But it’s not the same for me,” Cicada Katie said. “Men are intimidated by me. A lot don’t like that I’m an exterminator. A lot don’t like how I like bugs. There was nothing wrong with me visiting a matchmaker so she could find somebody who appreciated me. I was waiting a long time, and when she called, even though it was the middle of the night, I agreed. I wanted to meet my match. And I found him. I like you. And you like me. And if you’ll stop being stupid about it, we can see where this leads.”
* * *
“I know,” Roadkill Rodney said.
* * *
“You do?” Cicada Katie asked, catching her breath after her outburst.
* * *
“I didn’t mean “what is she doing here?” in a bad way. I meant I was surprised to see you here after the way I acted. I realized I was being pigheaded,” he said. “I do like you. How we met shouldn’t matter.”
* * *
“Oh,” Cicada Katie said. “I’m glad you realized that.”
* * *
“And I’m glad you still gave me a talking-to,” said Roadkill Rodney. “It’s what my perfect match would have done.”
* * *
The happy couple made up and went to sit by themselves and talk for a while. The rest of the party was also enjoying themselves. The conversation was turning to preparation for the move to Key West. There was a lot to be done, but Heather happily thought that once she arrived, she could sit on the beach for a while and relax and recover.
* * *
At one point the suited Jamie asked Rudolph Rodney if he could have a word. The older man agreed, and they stepped outside to talk.
* * *
“What is he up to?” Heather asked her bestie.
* * *
“I have no idea,” said Amy. “Do you think he’s asking for business advice?”
“I’m not sure,” Heather said.
* * *
The truth was that she had an idea about what they might be talking about, but she didn’t want to jinx it. Instead, she crossed her fingers and hoped. Maybe her best friend might be joining her in Key West after all.
Also by Susan Gillard
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To each and every one of my Amazing readers,
I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Let me know what you think by clicking here and leaving a review!
Stay Curious,
Susan Gillard
About the Author
Susan Gillard is a lover of all things mysterious. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where her love of murder mystery novels grew.
Now she travels the country in search of the best baked goods and engaging with the locals who often become the inspiration for her wacky characters
Get In touch with Susan
suangillard.com
[email protected]
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Peach Cobler Murder Page 7
