Brownies & Betrayal (Sweet Bites Mysteries, Book 1)
Page 23
I pulled the phone out of my pocket and glared at it when I saw my shop’s number come up. “Hey, Angela. How’s it going?”
“Um, fine?”
I could feel a headache coming on, and she hadn’t even said what was wrong, yet. “Yeah? You called to tell me everything was fine?”
“Well, see, I was helping Mrs. Hooper with the anniversary cake you made for her, and I sort of dropped it on the floor. It doesn’t look really good there.”
My mouth formed words I would not allow myself to speak aloud to an employee. Jack seemed to get the gist of it as he slid an arm around my back before I could give in to the desire to pass out for real this time. It had to be easier than dealing with such incompetence.
“Um, Tess, are you still there?” Angela asked when I didn’t speak for a long moment.
“Yes. Is Mrs. Hooper still in the store? Could I speak with her, please?” I was proud of myself for keeping my voice even.
A moment later the woman came on the line, her voice hitching with tears. “I promised my Albert we’d have something special for the family party tonight. I can’t believe it. It happened right in front of me. What are you going to do about it? It’s all over the floor.”
Dang. That meant I couldn’t just fix the exterior as I would if the damage hadn’t ben serious. I looked at my watch. It was three-thirty. “Look, I have a round cake in my fridge that I was going to decorate tonight. How about if I come in and decorate it for you? I know it’s the wrong shape, but it’s the same flavor and I can do it up along the same design as the other one and deliver it to your house before six tonight. Will that work?”
The woman sniffled. “Yes. But I should get a discount if it’s going to be round.”
I ground my teeth together. “Of course. How does fifteen percent sound?”
“Well, I guess you are delivering it.” She seemed to debate for a moment. “That will be fine.”
“Terrific. Make sure you give Angela your address and I’ll see you in a few hours.”
Detective Tingey was not going to be happy about me ducking out, but I figured he knew where to find me. I hung up the phone and slid it back into my pocket.
“That didn’t sound good,” Jack said.
“You have no idea. The good news is I’m so furious that I’m not feeling light headed anymore.” I pulled one of my business cards from the pocket of my apron and grabbed my pen. On the back of the card I jotted. “Sorry, business emergency. I can meet you after six, or you can swing by the shop.” I put my cell number below it and signed my initials. I handed it to Jack. “Could you give this to Detective Tingey? I know I owe you for taking the glare he’s going to shoot at you when he reads my card. Bring your daughter in when you get a day off and I’ll get you both cupcakes on the house.”
“I guess I won’t argue with that. You’re sure you feel okay, though?” He looked concerned and studied my face.
“Fine.” I smiled fakely, then hurried out to my SUV. I thought I heard Detective Tingey’s voice calling my name before the door closed behind me, but I didn’t stop to find out.
For Danyelle—thanks for the years of friendship and support. There’s nothing quite as sweet as finishing a project, and having good friends to celebrate with.
The Ball’s in Her Court
Rebound
Family by Design
Blank Slate
The Switch
Shear Luck
Homecoming
Homecoming: Second Chances
and other Sweet Bites books:
Pistols and Pies
Muffins & Murder Coming Spring 2013
Many thanks to my terrific critique partners Mary Greathouse, Kathleen Brebes, Rebecca Blevins and Nichole Giles, for their help and feedback on this story. I couldn’t publish a book without the help of others whose notes and thoughts make my stories so much better. And special thanks to Tristi Pinkston for her time fixing all of my misplaced commas and funky sentences when I know how busy she’s been.
Thanks to my test kitcheners, Lisa Swinton, Laurel Wilson, Jordan McCullom, Kristen Robison, Monique Leutkemeyer and Jenna Swinton. The alternate suggestions on the recipes and some adjustments came from them. And thanks to my parents, husband and friends who got to be guinea pigs for my many variations and tweaks when I was still in recipe-development mode.
Thanks to my sweet husband, Bill, for doing my cover, building and updating my website, and just being a constant support in everything I do. I truly would not be where I am in my career without you. I love you, honey!
Heather Justesen remembers making her first scratch cake when she was about thirteen. Thankfully, her baking skills have improved dramatically from the lopsided, but tasty mess she made that day. When she’s not writing or developing recipes, she runs with the local volunteer ambulance, enjoys gardening, playing with her chickens, cake decorating and working with her husband in their small business.
Learn more about her at her website at http://heatherjustesen.com/ or her blog at http://heatherjustesen.blogspot.com/ Follow her Facebook fan page or on Twitter https://twitter.com/HeatherJustesen/
Table of Contents
Book 2 in the Sweet Bites Mystery series,
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
Dedication
Other Books by the Author
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Rocky Road Brownies
Chocolate Cheesecake
Cheese Blintzes
Snickers Cookie Bars
Cherry Almond Shorties
Éclairs