Apple Pie and Arsenic

by C A Phipps

  “Why did she stay after she’d lost.”

  Angel smiled. “She’d already fallen in love with Maple Falls. I was delighted when she decided to stay. I think I told you how we hit it off when she came to O’Malley’s one night. There was a band. She was new in town, and a little shy, and I could see she was itching to dance. You know how I like to dance, so the rest was history.”

  Angel, Suzy and Maddie had all been dancing queens back in the day. It still gave Maddie a pang to think of Angel having fun with a new bestie, but that was wrong of her. She understood how hard it was to leave your friends and try to make new ones.

  So, Laura had been lonely? Maddie didn’t know her well at all, and to be honest, hadn’t made much of an effort. And she had more questions.

  “She came from L.A., didn’t she?”

  “That’s right.”

  “Does she have other friends here? Did she know anyone before she turned up?”

  “No, she didn’t know anyone, and she has us.” Angel suddenly slapped her pen on the table. “Wait a cotton-picking minute. I was giving you some background, not putting her name forward as a suspect. See, she’s green on my list. And you have her as—orange? She told me once that you don’t like her. Now I see it’s true.”

  There was a world of hurt in her friend’s eyes, and Maddie tried to make her voice sound reasonable and light. “Angel, if we’re going to do this right, we have to consider everyone. Not just the people we like. Even I was a suspect.”

  “Sure, for all of five minutes. Tell me truthfully. Do you like Laura?”

  Telling the truth could sometimes be one heck of a burden, Maddie thought. “I don’t dislike her. We’re very different people.”

  Angel took a moment to digest that. “She said you were jealous of our friendship.”

  Maddie thought she could answer that honestly. “I knew you were friends, long before I came home this time, and I’ve tried to include her in everything we do. I admit to wanting to have you to myself sometimes, but isn’t that reasonable? You and I go way back, and it’s nice to have some things the way they were. I’m sorry if it’s made her feel bad.”

  Angel sat back. “Maybe you should tell her that yourself.”

  “I will,” Maddie promised.

  “Then, let’s talk about the rest of the people on our lists. Ones who aren’t so upsetting to accuse, even on paper.”

  She was still clearly upset by Maddie’s reasoning, but what else could Maddie say? She didn’t want to put Laura down in front of Angel or make her best friend feel like she had to choose.

  What a day.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  With the air still frosty, Maddie and Angel continued with their detective work. They managed to steer clear of the elephant in the room—Laura—as they did research on the names of people in the book for motives and likeliness to commit murder, shifting them from one list to another.

  One name intrigued Maddie because he wasn’t on the list. She’d added him along with the other people she could remember attending the funeral, but hadn’t written in the book.

  Mickey Findlay, the descendant of a founding father, was a man who bought and sold big developments all around Portland. He was mega rich and looked like he had every intention of becoming richer if he had his way. Interestingly, he’d tried but failed to buy the large parcel of land near town which had been used for years as the place where festivals and market days where held. The land had been gifted to the town to ensure there was always such a place. The last attempt, was during Denise’s tenure and not that long ago. It might be nothing, but it was certainly worth looking into.

  “I’ve been meaning to stop by Mr. Findlay’s office to check on that typewriter, but I can’t think of a way to do it.”

  “You’re looking tired, Maddie. How about I do it. Anna’s a client so it’s not strange that I would visit her.”

  Even though she was annoyed with Maddie, Angel could never stay angry or aloof.

  “I am exhausted,” she admitted. “With the baking, and all this extra work, I don’t have a spare minute, but I’m determined to find the killer.”

  “I feel the same way, except my business hasn’t been affected like yours. Hopefully that’s changing?”

  Maddie pushed her hair back from her face. “Apparently, according to a few, my food might still be poisoning the whole town.” She gave Angel a small smile.

  “Don’t joke. I know it’s nonsense, and so do most people.”

  “That’s not enough. Sales haven’t picked up to anywhere near what they were that first week. I haven’t told Gran how worried I am.”

  “Laura suggested an ad in the paper, maybe from the health department, saying your food is safe?”

  Maddie’s mouth gaped for a second. “Laura did?”

  Angel frowned. “She’s trying to help.”

  “Is she?” The words slipped out, and Maddie wanted to take them back immediately.

  Naturally, Angel took exception. “Okay, this has to stop. It’s not my place to tell you her story, but I’m going to do it anyway.”

  Maddie sat back, wondering what on earth Angel could say that would make a difference in what she already knew.

  “Laura didn’t really want to be mayor. Anyone who listened to her speeches could have picked up on that and would have thought voting for her was a waste of their vote.”

  Maddie was surprised by Angel’s comments about her friend, but there was more.

  “The only reason she ran for office was because her family pushed her into it. Her parents are bullies who turned ugly when she didn’t win despite all the money they threw at it. They called her a failure to her face and told her she was on her own.”

  “Laura’s family really threw her out because she didn’t win?”

  “That’s right. They’re rich, but what they want is to be associated with important people. They thought their daughter would be that ticket.”

  “Wow, they sound like a fun family.”

  “Exactly. Laura isn’t like them. She doesn’t want to be noticed, which is why she loves our town. People talk to her because she’s nice, not because her parents have money and they want something from her. She’s also here because she had nowhere else to go.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “Yes, it is.” Angel gave Maddie a sideways look. “Everyone has their own story. You and I have had our issues with family. Don’t you think it’s right that we should be more understanding?”

  Her friend’s insight hit Maddie between the eyes. “You’re right. I should have tried harder to know her.”

  Angel smiled. “I’m glad you agree. Now, show me the darn list you have for her.”

  Maddie’s mouth dropped open. “Shoot. You know about it?”

  “You’re the queen of lists. For sure you have to have one on Laura. One you thought I shouldn’t see.”

  Maddie reluctantly pulled the sheet of paper from her file. “Here you go. Don’t hate me.”

  “No promises.”

  Angel read through it, making rude noises throughout. “Okay, I’m going to tackle these one by one. Are you ready to really listen?”

  “Sure,” Maddie said. And she was. For the first time, she truly wanted to be wrong about Laura.

  Angel began to read and answer each point.

  “‘1. She was badmouthing or listening to badmouthing about me in the contest tent.’ Laura told me about the old biddies talking about you, and she said she told them the best was the best, no matter who made it. Then she walked away.

  “‘2. She was at Denise’s earlier that day.’ Laura was having breakfast with Denise to talk about the food donations because she was the one who started up the program, and she wanted to stay involved even though she hadn’t won the election.

  “‘3. She isn’t friendly to me and she seems jealous my relationship with Angel.’ If Laura seems like she doesn’t like you, it’s because she thought you don’t like her. I don’t get the jealous
y thing because I know I can love plenty of people.

  “‘4. She was a rival for the Mayor’s position.’ This is absolutely true, but she didn’t want the job. She was a terrible candidate and couldn’t speak to crowds. I’d bet a years’ worth of doughnuts no one could fake that level of relief.

  “‘5. She’s reluctant to help search for the murderer.’ Laura never said she wouldn’t help, but she’s also a lot more nervous than you or me. She would have made a terrible mayor, because she actually hates confrontation. Again, this is a trait she learned from having horrible parents. I might add that she’s been doing stuff behind the scenes for me.

  “‘6. She also entered an apple pie in the contest.’ Hmmm. Now, this I don’t get. If it was a stranger, maybe, but I spent a lot of time with her before and after the election. I think I’d know if she had some hidden agenda, but all I saw was a person who genuinely liked Denise and that was reciprocated. Plus, all the contestants were cleared of having poison in their entries.”

  She folded her arms and waited.

  It was a lot to digest, but Maddie trusted Angel, and having this out in the open meant she didn’t have to hide her feelings.

  “Are you still unsure?” Angel asked. “Is there anything else I can help clear up?”

  Maddie shook her head. “No, you’ve convinced me. Laura isn’t the killer. And I should have listened to you before this and trusted your judgment.”

  Angel beamed. “That makes me happy. Now, we’ve decided I’ll visit Anna, so what’s next?” She brushed her hands together, as if she had finished baking something.

  Maddie felt something shift a little. Having your best friend mad at you could make life unbearable. Having her forgive you without you saying you were sorry was a testament to their friendship.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  When Gran’s or Maddie’s loyal friends did come into the shop, the conversation was invariably about the murder. Maddie forced herself to encourage it, despite the jab to the stomach she felt each time Denise’s death was mentioned. At least this way she could hear people’s opinions firsthand, and she and Angel had already ticked a few people off the list after they were mentioned as being elsewhere.

  Angel was doing the same in her salon, Suzy in her various meetings at the school, and Laura at O’Malley’s. The list was getting smaller, but there were still too many names on it to point fingers.

  Maddie, up early as usual, had some pies underway she wanted herbs for. She went out back to her garden, which was doing wonderfully. With a pair of small scissors, she cut off oregano, parsley and thyme… and promptly dropped them when she saw another envelope tucked against the back door.

  Maddie snatched it up, looking around her. There were no cars or people on Plum Place. It was a quiet, serene morning. At least it had been.

  After picking up the fallen herbs, she went inside and shut the door. She laid the herbs in the sink to wash, then called out to Gran, who was in the shop. “I’m just going upstairs for a minute.” Not waiting for a reply, she took the stairs two at a time, went into the small kitchen, grabbed some gloves, then headed to her bedroom and closed the door. She sat on the edge of her bed. Without giving herself time to dwell on the contents, she ripped it open.

  I guess you don’t care what happens to you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

  Did that mean the killer knew what she and the Girlz were doing? Did it mean they were close? And what should she do about it? All three letters were threatening, but nothing bad had actually happened. She would have to give it some thought before she said anything to Ethan. He would come by more often, not less, if he knew, which kind of defeated the purpose of her trying to protect him.

  She tucked the envelope into the back of her underwear drawer, then went downstairs to finish the pies, determined to not let this latest note affect her. Or at least not show that it was.

  A while later, she was loading a pile of chocolate chip cookies into the display case when Laura came into the shop. Gran had recently pulled some scones out of the industrial oven, and she came through the curtain at the same time.

  “Morning, Laura,” she called out as she slid the tray of scones into the display case. Then she gave Maddie a frown and nodded at Laura.

  Laura didn’t look like herself. She was usually smartly dressed whether she was working or not, but today she looked unkempt and tired.

  “Morning. How are you, Mrs. Flynn?” Laura asked Gran.

  “It’s time you called me Gran. Everyone does, even those who are far too old to do so. I’m doing much better, thank you. I still feel shocked about Denise, but I’m sure the whole town feels the same way.”

  Laura became tearful. “I know I do, and I didn’t know her as long as the rest of you. Lately, we’d been seeing a lot of each other, and I considered her a good friend.” There was an awkward pause, then Laura took a huge breath. “I know I look rough, but I had to see you, Maddie. I’ve really upset Angel.”

  Maddie went from awkward to angry in two seconds. “What have you done?”

  “She asked me about being jealous of you, and I couldn’t lie. I knew Angel was putting the blame mostly at your door for our not getting along, but I also know I haven’t made it easy for you because, really, I was jealous. I’m ashamed about that, and with what’s happened—is there a chance we could put it behind us?”

  Her anger melted instantly. It took a lot for someone to admit they were wrong, and Laura was showing great strength and humility in doing so. Maddie owed it to Angel to resolve the bad feeling, and if their friendship was going to get back to where it had once been, this was the perfect place to start.

  Gran fussed with the display cases, and Maddie could almost feel the waves of encouragement coming off her.

  “Laura, I’m sorry too. I was wrong. I judged you without taking the time to get to know you. It should have been enough that you are Angel’s friend.”

  “You had every right to think bad things about me. I wasn’t myself the few times we met before you came home. The election took more of a toll than I thought it would, and my family was upset about the whole business. It made me angry and resentful because I felt like I was useless at everything.”

  Maddie didn’t want to let on that Angel had told her about Laura’s family. “Angel hangs on to her friends even when they don’t deserve it. Look at me.”

  Laura laugh softly. “I wish I was like you. Fearless and talented.” She sighed. “There’s that jealousy again.”

  Maddie smiled. “No need for any of that. I’m sorry I haven’t included you in the group as much as I should have. I have nothing against you personally. I suppose I wanted things to go back to the way they were before I left. It was wrong and selfish of me. What we need is a fresh start. There’s always room for another friend, and I hope we’ll be good ones.”

  Laura wiped the corners of her eyes and gave Maddie a wide smile. “You have no idea how that makes me feel. I thought it was something about me that was making you wary. I know I can be a little needy, but I was incredibly lonely when I first came here. It was important for me to make friends as soon as possible, mainly because of the election, and that’s never been easy for me. When Angel extended her hand, I grabbed it like a lifeline. Then you came home, and I was afraid I’d be alone again. I never meant to come between you and Angel.”

  It made perfect sense to Maddie. When she moved to New York City, she’d known no one. If it hadn’t been for her work colleagues, she wouldn’t have had anyone to talk to for months. Angel had a talent for making a person feel cared about.

  Gran wiped her face on the corner of her floral apron. “Angel has good taste when it comes to friends, so you must be all right.”

  Tears were rolling down Laura’s cheeks. “Look at me. I’m a mess.”

  “I think you look fine.” Maddie fetched some tissues and gave Laura a hug, then wiped her own eyes.

  “It’s a shame you don’t have a coffee machine,” Laura teased. “I coul
d sure do with one.”

  “Ha! You can practically see it gathering dust right there.” Maddie pointed to the end of the counter, where the fancy coffeemaker was covered with a tablecloth. “I read the manual, but it was all gibberish, and the coffees I made were hideous. So I refuse to make them. It’s so frustrating, because most of our customers want a latte or a cappuccino, and all I can give them is one from the coffeepot.”

  “Should I give you a lesson? I was a barista, after all.”

  Maddie gaped at Laura. “What? How did I not know this?”

  Laura grinned. “I guess we’ve never talked about our past before.”

  Maddie had to agree. “It’s a shame you have a job. I’d hire you in a flash.”

  Laura’s grin slipped, and a light hit her eyes. “Are you serious? Don’t say you are if you don’t mean it, because I would love a job here.”

  Maddie shot Gran a look and received a nod of encouragement and a grin in return. This would mend so many fences.

  “I mean it one hundred per cent. I know the machine is necessary, but without staff, I couldn’t do it all anyway. I need you.”

  Laura’s eyes widened, and she was on the verge of tears again. “If you really do mean it, then I’d love the job. I hate working at O’Malley’s. The different shifts mean I don’t get to see Angel as much as I’d like, and I couldn’t help with your lists.”

  Maddie hesitated, and Laura saw it. She frowned.

  “Look, if you’re having second thoughts, I totally understand.”

  Maddie shook her head. “It’s not that. I can’t pay much. I was looking at taking on a trainee, but business will be better with the coffees we can sell. The only downside is I really need another baker. Anyway, that’s not your problem, but the money might be.”

  Laura wasn’t perturbed. “I’d need enough for my rent and food. I wouldn’t expect a huge salary to start.”

  Gran, who’d been listening closely, spoke up. “I have an idea. It might be temporary, but if you like, you can stay at my place until it’s sold. I hate the thought of it being empty, but it makes no sense for me to stay there when Madeline needs me here.”