Saying Pie Do (A Patty Cakes Bake Shop Cozy Mystery Series Book 6)

by Holly Plum

  SAYING PIE DO

  A Patty Cakes Bake Shop Cozy Mystery

  Holly Plum

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Also by Holly Plum

  Thank You!

  Copyright © 2017 by Holly Plum

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Most people prefer not to take work home with them. However, this was not the case for Joy Cooke. As she relaxed in her beach bungalow facing the glittering waters of the Florida panhandle, she fought the urge to set aside her book and get up to bake. She had been baking all day, but sometimes she never seemed to get enough of it.

  Cheesecake, her mischievous but well-loved cat, blinked slowly up at her and released a small meow.

  “Should we do it?”

  Cheesecake jumped up from the couch, meandering toward the kitchen. It was all the prompting Joy needed. Tossing her book aside, she stood, her mouth already watering as she pondered the aroma that would soon surround the bungalow.

  “Scones or apple crisp?” she said out loud, running her eyes over the contents of the cupboard which she always kept fully stocked. This ensured that she was ready to make almost any baked good at any time. Joy never knew when the inspiration for a new recipe would strike.

  Joy’s decision-making was cut short when she heard a knock on the door. Joy sighed, looking down at Cheesecake who was waiting eagerly for the cup of milk that always accompanied an afternoon of baking. “Sorry, pal, it’ll have to wait.”

  Joy opened her front door to find a young woman she had seen in town before. It was Frances Land, a college student, and employee at the local bookshop. She always sported collared shirts and over-sized glasses that she pushed on top of her elaborate up-do whenever she needed to massage her forehead. Joy guessed that her slightly eccentric demeanor was related to the fact that she was an aspiring writer.

  “Ms. Cooke,” Frances exclaimed, sounding nearly desperate.

  “Hello, Frances.”

  “Oh, Ms. Cooke,” the young woman hurried on, breathlessly. “I’m so glad I caught you.”

  Well, you did come to my home after work hours, Joy thought.

  “Here I am.”

  “I desperately need your help,” Frances continued.

  Joy hoped that Frances was simply being her over-zealous self and that her need wasn’t truly desperate.

  Frances leaned in closer, looking as if she might pop with excitement. “Minnie Morin,” she said.

  The name was met with a blank look from Joy. “Minnie Morin?”

  “The bestselling mystery author, of course,” Frances exclaimed.

  Joy remembered now seeing her newest book in the front window of the local bookshop. She’d never gotten into reading her books, however, since they tended to branch into a grittier area of fiction that she didn’t usually enjoy.

  “We’re hosting a book launch party for her at the bookshop,” Frances stated.

  “Another book?” Joy asked, knowing that the one she’d seen in the window had only been released a few months previously. “She sure knows how to crank ‘em out, doesn’t she?”

  Evidently finding no humor in the remark, it was Frances’ turn to stare blankly.

  “So, a book launch party,” Joy prompted. “How can I help?”

  “We need a caterer for the event, and we want you.” Frances smiled eagerly as if the invitation were a great honor.

  “Okay," Joy agreed. "What kind of goodies are you looking for?”

  “It’s what Minnie’s looking for that matters,” Frances forged on, not losing focus.

  “Right.”

  “She’ll be by to see you tomorrow and discuss it." Frances couldn't help jumping up and down. "That’s why I had to get the news to you tonight. Isn't this great?”

  Joy found it in her heart to be glad she’d received a little warning in advance though her scone or cobbler preparations had been delayed. “Well, thank you for … taking the time to stop by. I look forward to meeting her tomorrow then.”

  Frances’ face glowed with enthusiasm. “Oh, thank you.”

  “It’s my job,” Joy responded.

  Frances’ eyes widened. “But, it’s not just a job. This is something special. It's quite an honor you know.”

  A moment later, Frances was gone. Joy's mind was already in far off places as she continued to dwell on the author’s pending arrival. It was sure to be a dramatic one if Frances' visit was any indicator.

  Joy shut the door and went back to the kitchen, having decided while Frances was talking that she wanted cobbler tonight. Perhaps she would bring some to Sara Beth, her assistant at the bakery tomorrow. They would definitely need the fuel for their upcoming catering gig.

  CHAPTER TWO

  It was Sara Beth’s turn to open the shop the following morning, giving Joy plenty of time to stop by the market for vanilla ice cream to go with last night's cobbler on her way in. When she arrived at Patty Cakes Bake Shop, the bakery she had inherited from her late mother, the place was already filled with sweet and savory scents.

  It was tart day.

  “Good morning,” Sara Beth, ever cheerful, called before she even saw Joy. It was only a moment before the shop owner’s bubbly assistant appeared, her hair piled high on her head and her brightly-colored blouse illuminating the flush in her cheeks. Her eyes widened when she saw the apple cobbler. “Yum. What’s the occasion?”

  “A new order,” Joy responded, the lid to the plastic container and lid of the ice cream already open.

  “What new order?” Sara Beth asked, coming into the room with plates, forks, and an ice cream scoop.

  “I learned yesterday that we’ve been hired to cater a book signing for Minnie Morin.”

  Sara Beth let out a sudden squeak. “What? What luck? I’ve always wondered what people with minds as creative and gritty as hers must be like. This is so exciting, Joy.”

  “I hope it’s not too exciting,” Joy said.

  After she and Sara Beth’s experience months ago with a wedding cake that escalated into murder charges, Joy had had her fill of such affairs. She knew that, just as she had during this incident, Sara Beth would remain a stalwart support. Still, Joy wouldn’t wish to relive the experience for anything.

  “I’ve read her books,” Sara Beth went on. “It’ll be so interesting to meet the mastermind behind such works.”

  “Well, you’ll be meeting that mastermind this afternoon according to Frances Land. She came to my house last night just to tell me.”

  “Today?" Sara Beth repeated. "But I can’t present myself looking like this.” She glanced down at her apron.

  Joy chuckled, scooping a heaping mouthful of cobbler and ice cream onto her fork. “Present yourself? You sou
nd like you’re going to visit the Queen. Tough luck, sister. There is no getting away from being covered in flour when you work in a bakery. Minnie knows what to expect, I’m sure.”

  Not even the fact that she hadn’t been given more warning could dull Sara Beth’s excitement. Joy couldn’t help wondering if Minnie would truly live up to the hype her arrival had immediately ignited in both Frances and her own assistant.

  Any further thoughts about the bestselling author were cut short as the bell on the front door chimed. The regular customers came in at their usual times and Joy, and Sara Beth operated like clockwork, having worked together for some years now. Things were moving so smoothly that when Minnie Morin finally came in, Joy had to remind herself that she needed to set aside time to speak with her.

  “Joy Cooke, I presume?”

  Minnie Morin looked out of place in her pencil skirt and fitted jacket. Her nails were manicured to end in points as sharp as her cheekbones and chin. Her hair was straightened to perfection and held back with a single, jeweled bobby pin.

  “That’s me," Joy answered. "And you’re Minnie Morin.”

  “That’s right,” Minnie said. Joy was surprised when she extended her hand in greeting. “I'm pleased to know some people still read the jacket of books these days.”

  “Actually, I didn’t recognize you from the biography on your book jackets,” Joy said, never one to make up a falsehood to avoid awkwardness. “I was expecting you.”

  Minnie didn’t answer. She just stood and allowed the awkwardness to intensify.

  “Please, sit,” Joy invited.

  “Isn’t there a quieter place we can talk?” Minnie’s dislike of the situation was evident on her face.

  “The only other space I have is the kitchen," Joy suggested. "But, we’ve passed the busiest part of the morning, and our regulars won’t disturb us. My assistant, Sara Beth will be able to attend to them while we chat.”

  Mention of Sara Beth drew the attention to the bubbly, Southern woman. Joy noticed instantly that the first impression they’d received of the renowned author had dimmed her joy considerably. Joy felt a little sorry for how disappointed her assistant appeared with Minnie's attitude.

  “Pleased to meet you,” Sara Beth said.

  Minnie gave a nod before reluctantly seating herself at the table Joy had gestured toward. Typically, Joy didn't waste time before offering some sort of refreshment to a client, but everything about Minnie’s demeanor made it difficult. Joy decided to wait a bit longer.

  “Frances didn’t tell me anything about the book signing other than it will be held at the bookstore down the street,” Joy said.

  “Yes, it will,” Minnie answered. She avoided eye contact as if she was speaking to herself and not to Joy. “It will be a party, and the theme will be based on my mystery novel that just came out. It’s the tale of a young bride who finds herself caught up in a murder investigation. On her honeymoon, her new husband is killed in their suite. The story unfolds as she works to resolve the heartbreaking truth.”

  “Sounds fascinating,” Joy said out of politeness, remembering why she didn’t read Minnie’s books. Too gritty. “So, what kind of desserts are you thinking?” She only hoped the author wouldn’t request apple tarts or strawberry cupcakes made to look like bloody body parts.

  “Well, wedding themed ones naturally.”

  Oh, naturally.

  “Okay.” Joy nodded and wrote a few things down.

  “I would like a real wedding cake.”

  “We can do that,” Joy said, taking a deep breath.

  “That’s not all,” Minnie commented. “I have some other requests though as well.”

  Joy wasn’t particularly surprised. She was sure it would be the first in a long line of requests that would be involved in this job.

  “The heroine in my book often uses her grandmother’s recipe to bake delicious pecan pies," Minnie said. "I would like to have enough of those to go around—enough for everyone to have a slice.”

  “Pecan pie?” Joy repeated. "Okay, I can do that."

  Minnie’s nod was curt, the action of a woman used to getting her own way. “Good.”

  Joy hoped that this was the end of the meeting when Minnie’s cell phone rang.

  “Excuse me,” the author said, already half standing. She walked a few paces away as she spoke. “Hello? Yes, this is Minnie Morin. What? Are you—? You must be….. Heavens, no….”

  Joy glanced over at Sara Beth who shook her head, her eyes wide.

  A moment later Minnie’s phone fell to the ground with a clatter. Minnie didn’t scramble for it to check for any damage. The woman’s face was white as powdered sugar.

  “Minnie, are you alright?” Joy asked.

  For one dreadful moment, the woman was at a loss for words. She finally looked in Joy’s direction, her eyes vacant with shock.

  “That was the manager at my hotel," Minnie stated. "She said that my beloved dog, Miss Doodle, was found dead.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Sara Beth held a far better track record than Joy did when it came to comforting, so Joy gratefully allowed her to take over sympathy for the distraught author. She was quick to usher Minnie over to a table, speaking kindly to her the whole time.

  “I’m just going to go and get you a glass of sweet tea," Sara Beth said. "Just take it easy, dear.”

  Joy silently sat down at the table across from Minnie. “Do you have any idea what could have happened?” she ventured after a few moments.

  Minnie shook her head, her chin quivering. Her uptight attitude from only a few minutes earlier had completely disappeared.

  “She was murdered,” Minnie insisted. "That's what happened."

  Joy allowed silence to take over the room once again, thinking it was for the best. But perhaps words of sympathy would have been the better option. Minnie clenched her jaw, letting her sorrow turn to anger.

  "Can I get you—"

  “Miss Doodles was found in the honeymoon suite," Minnie finally blurted out. "I’m not staying in the honeymoon suite. It’s just like my book. It's exactly like my new book Chapel of Doom."

  “Who would harm a dear little dog?” Sara Beth asked as she rejoined them.

  “Someone who wants to ruin my book signing.” Minnie’s eyes were dancing wildly. “They’re copying what I wrote in my book. I can't believe this. I need the police!”

  “Now, hold on there, Ms. Morin,” Joy said. “You're still in shock. Why don't you take a few more minutes to cool down?”

  In a second, Minnie was on her feet with her cell phone in hand. Sara Beth glanced at Joy, but Joy wasn’t sure what to do. It wasn’t as if they could prohibit her from using her own phone.

  “Hello? Police?”

  “Um, Minnie …" Joy said, trying to hold Minnie's attention.

  But the distraught author was on a mission. “I need to report a murder, please.”

  Joy took a deep breath, knowing that Minnie's report would cause a stir throughout the town. The smart thing for Minnie to do would be to wait until she had all of the facts before contacting the authorities. Joy stood by and listened.

  The rest of Minnie's call consisted of arrangements for Detective Sugar to come to the bakery and see her immediately. When Minnie had hung up, Joy didn’t see any reason to try and explain to the author why they needed more information before such a ruckus was raised. Detective Sugar had already been alerted so it would simply be up to him to sort things out once he arrived.

  “Would you care for a lemon tart or perhaps a chocolate chip scone?” Joy offered.

  “No,” Minnie said, miserably.

  “Suit yourself.” The urge to dig in for another helping of apple cobbler was strong since the morning rush had caused her to work up an appetite, but if no one else was up to eating, it hardly seemed appropriate.

  Detective Sugar arrived in no time. “You must be Minnie Morin,” the detective said, extending a hand.

  “Yes. I do hope you’re prepare
d to take my case seriously.” Minnie wasn’t quite as hysterical as she’d been before, but she still seemed to be upset.

  “Of course." Detective Sugar nodded at Joy who was standing at the register. "Tell me what is going on. They said at the station that you insisted on speaking with me. Who is it that you suspect was murdered?”

  “I don’t suspect,” Minnie insisted. “I know. Miss Doodles was murdered in cold blood at my hotel!”

  “And how do you know Miss Doodle?” The detective frowned as he listened eagerly to Minnie's story.

  “She’s my dog,” the author said, her face never losing its seriousness.

  Detective Sugar blinked, glancing at Sara Beth and Joy. Sara Beth shrugged while Joy simply tried to maintain a grave expression. The death of an animal was no laughing matter, but she couldn’t help imagining what Detective Sugar might say to his team when he got back to his office. Living in a small community meant that the detective answered requests such as these once in a while.

  “Ma’am, why would anyone want to murder your dog?”

  Minnie looked instantly offended. “This is serious, detective. My beloved pup was murdered in cold blood!”

  “Okay, just calm down for a moment, please." Detective Sugar cleared his throat. "Where was your dog found?”

  “In the honeymoon suite of the hotel I'm staying at. The maid found her when she went in to clean. I wasn’t even staying in the honeymoon suite. It’s just like a scene from my latest book. Someone’s trying to scare me and ruin my book signing.”

  “So, a dog was murdered in your book ….” Detective Sugar said.

  “No,” Minnie said, waving her hand, dismissively. “In my new novel, Chapel of Doom, it’s the husband that gets murdered, and the wife finds him.”

  The detective’s misgivings about this situation were apparent on his face. “What makes you believe your dog’s death wasn’t an accident?”

  “Miss Doodles has stayed with me in countless hotels," Minnie answered. "She never gets into anything, and not even the staff at the Diamond Shell are dumb enough to leave toxic cleaning supplies lying around. This was not an accident.”