Laverne’s upper lip twitched then settled. “You broke my business, woman. You owe me money, if not more.”
“How do you figure that?” Heather asked. “If you can’t compete in an already competitive market, then don’t blame me for your losses.”
“Oh, I’ll compete, all right,” Kate said and stepped up real close. “I’ll compete. You’ll regret what you just said.”
“Is there a point to his one-man show?” Heather asked, and glanced up at the sky. She half-expected thunder clouds to roll in and lightning to flash through the gray. “I’d prefer to enjoy my Sunday afternoon, thank you.”
“Oh wow,” Kate said. “You haven’t heard yet, have you?”
“Heard what?” Heather asked.
Kate threw back her head and laughed at the sky. Several passersby gave her odd looks, then hurried off.
“Okay then. I’ll be on my way,” Heather said and made to turn.
“Hillside’s annual baking competition is next week,” Kate said.
Heather froze and glared at her. She’d totally forgotten about that. Usually, she competed, but this year had been so very busy, she wasn’t sure the store would have the time to put in an entry.
“You’re not gonna bow out, are you?” Kate asked. “Because I’ll be there.”
“Shouldn’t you be back in New York, by now?” Heather checked her nails, then met Amy’s gaze. Her bestie gave her a thumbs up for moral support.
“I’m not leaving. Not until I’ve taken your name and dragged it through the mud,” Kate whispered.
“What was that?” Eva asked, loudly.
“She said she wants to drag Heather’s name through the mud,” Amy yelled back.
“How rude,” Eva replied. “What horrible woman.”
Kate’s cheeks reddened, but she didn’t back down. “So, what’s the verdict, Shepherd? Are you in?”
Heather pursed her lips. She glanced at the Donut Delights stall and her two assistants, who stared open-mouthed.
She turned back to Kate and flashed her a confident smile. “I’m in.”
THE END
A letter from the Author
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 leaving a review!
I’ll be releasing another installment in two weeks so to stay in the loop (and to get free books and other fancy stuff) Join my Book club.
Stay Curious,
Susan Gillard
Iced Pumpkin Murder: A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery - Book 26 Page 7
