Six Merry Little Murders
Page 35
I pull back and bite down on my lip as I look at this beautiful man. “Deal.”
And just like that, it’s all over.
“Tamara can finally rest,” I say, wiping the tears from my eyes. “And so can we.” I wrap my arms around Everett as I watch them take Stacy away.
It’s all really over—just in time for Christmas.
11
It’s Christmas Eve, and my mother’s B&B is just as festive tonight as it was during that dizzying dating fiasco. The grand dining room has a feast fit for a king set out—a turkey with all the trimmings and enough mashed potatoes and sweet potato pies to feed all of Honey Hollow. My sisters, my mother and her friends, Keelie and her family, Noah and Everett, we’re all here together celebrating the holiest day of the year—I’ve even brought Pancake and Waffles over to celebrate the joyous holiday.
Stacy was arrested for the murder of Tamara Gray. Scott felt like a fool after he was filled in on Stacy’s true intentions with him. He denied Stacy’s accusation that he was siphoning funds from the farm and keeping them from Tamara. I guess we’ll never know for sure. But it turns out, Stacy’s anger toward Tamara had been festering for years. And that missing camera that Stacy accused Tamara of stealing? It was discovered in the trunk of Stacy’s car in a bin filled with old produce. Stacy forgot all about it. All of it was for nothing. Murder usually is.
The friendly ghosts of the B&B, Greer Giles and Winslow Decker, take turns swinging from the chandelier up above, knocking over glasses, and rattling the presents under that behemoth tree my mother has bejeweled with the ornaments I remember from my youth.
After dinner, Noah, Everett, and I congregate by the fire as we reflect on this dizzying month.
“Mmm,” Noah moans as he holds up a piece of my chocolate walnut fudge. “I don’t know how you do it, Lottie, but this is the best fudge I’ve ever had.”
“You’re just saying that.” I wave him off, secretly thrilled to have heard him say exactly that.
“He’s right.” Everett wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I’m putting in an order for a boxful.”
“I can arrange that,” I say as I give his svelte red tie a tug.
“How about a delivery to my place later tonight?”
Before I can answer the quasi-bawdy proposition, a loud howl comes from the entry to the room and we turn to find a man dressed in a Santa suit.
“Ho, ho, ho!” he bellows, and his fuzzy white beard slips down a notch, exposing the fact it’s Mayor Nash himself.
Mom quickly ushers him to the green velvet lounger, and soon everyone in the room is angling to snap a picture with him.
“Oh!” A thought comes to me. “I need to get my furry boys! Pancake and Waffles missed out on a chance to take a picture with Santa that evening because—well, you know.” I can’t bring myself to repeat anything else that happened that night.
“Good thinking.” Everett looks around the room until he spots my sweet piles of fluff convalescing near the Christmas tree. “I’ll grab Pancake.”
Noah tips his head. “And I’ll get Waffles.”
And they do just that.
Pancake and Waffles finally get their picture with Santa. And as soon as that flash goes off, they both use that bright red Santa suit as a springboard and propel right out of the room.
“Oh no!” My panic is short-lived as I give a sorrowful laugh. “I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
Noah shakes his head. “Good thing it happened here and they didn’t take off in the woods that night. That tree lot spans for miles. They could have frozen to death.”
Everett looks to me. “He’s not exactly a ball of sunshine, is he?”
“I’m a realist,” Noah answers.
Everett’s brows bounce. “So you must realize that some people are simply destined to be together,” he says as he picks up my hand and kisses the back of it.
“I sure do.” Noah glides between us, and before I know it I’m in his arms as he spins me in front of the fire. “Merry Christmas, Lottie.”
Everett shakes his head as he presses those glowing blue eyes into mine. “Merry Christmas, Lemon. I hope you get what you wish for.”
I take a step back from Noah and look from him to Everett. “I already have it. In abundance.”
Pancake and Waffles saunter back into the room and twirl themselves around my ankles.
“Come here, you two.” I bend over and pick them both up at the very same time and press a kiss to each of their foreheads. “I really do have it all.” I turn until my sweet cats and me are facing the room. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”
“Merry Christmas,” the rest of the room chimes back.
“Merry Christmas!” Greer and Winslow shout from the chandelier. The bulbs blow out and we’re left with candlelight and the glow from that beautiful Christmas tree in the corner.
And just like that, it’s a happy haunted holiday after all.
*Want to start at the beginning of the series? Head back to Honey Hollow today! Pick up Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies (Murder in the Mix 1) NOW!
More from Addison Moore
Country Cottage Mysteries
Kittyzen’s Arrest (Country Cottage Mysteries 1)
Dog Days of Murder (Country Cottage Mysteries 2)
Santa Claws Calamity (Country Cottage Mysteries 3)
Bow Wow Big House (Country Cottage Mysteries 4)
Murder in the Mix Mysteries
Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies (Murder in the Mix 1)
Bobbing for Bodies (Murder in the Mix 2)
Pumpkin Spice Sacrifice (Murder in the Mix 3)
Gingerbread & Deadly Dread (Murder in the Mix 4)
Seven-Layer Slayer (Murder in the Mix 5)
Red Velvet Vengeance (Murder in the Mix 6)
Bloodbaths and Banana Cake (Murder in the Mix 7)
New York Cheesecake Chaos (Murder in the Mix 8)
Lethal Lemon Bars (Murder in the Mix 9)
Macaron Massacre (Murder in the Mix 10)
Wedding Cake Carnage (Murder in the Mix 11)
Donut Disaster (Murder in the Mix 12)
Toxic Apple Turnovers (Murder in the Mix 13)
Killer Cupcakes (Murder in the Mix 14)
Pumpkin Pie Parting (Murder in the Mix 15)
Yule Log Eulogy (Murder in the Mix 16)
Pancake Panic (Murder in the Mix 17)
Sugar Cookie Slaughter (Murder in the Mix 18)
Devil’s Food Cake Doom (Murder in the Mix 19)
Snickerdoodle Secrets (Murder in the Mix 20)
Strawberry Shortcake Sins (Murder in the Mix 21)
About Addison Moore
Want to start at the beginning of the series? Head back to Honey Hollow today! Pick up Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies (Murder in the Mix 1) NOW!
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Or click over to the WEBSITE and check out all of her awesome cozy reads!
Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children, and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading. Addison’s Celestra Series has been optioned for film by 20th Century Fox.
Special Recipe Collection
Christmas Granola
Please enjoy this special recipe from Lee Strauss, author of Murder by Plum Pudding!
My family loves this holiday spin on a breakfast classic.
Ingredients:
7 cups of quick oats
1 cup wheat germ
1cup bran
1 cup chopped or slivered almonds
1 cup sun flower seeds
Instructions:
Add the dry ingredients to a large, deep-sided baking sheet and mix together.
In a medium pot
heat to a boil:
1 cup oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
Bring to a running boil then remove from heat
Add 1/2 tsp vanilla
Pour over dry ingredients and mix well.
BAKE at 275 F for 20 minutes, stir and bake a second time for another 20 minutes.
Remove from oven stir well and cool.
Here’s the Christmas spin: Add 1 cup of green and red chocolate M & Ms!
Enjoy!
Texas Pecan Pralines
Please enjoy this special recipe from Karen MacInerney, author of Slay Bells Ring!
Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup salted butter (half a stick)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans)
Instructions:
Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Put the brown sugar, whipping cream, butter, and vanilla in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for about one minute, then remove saucepan from heat. Immediately whisk in the powdered sugar, then gently stir in the pecans.
Allow the mixture to thicken and cool slightly (about a minute or two).
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto paper, and allow candy to set and cool for at least 30 minutes. You can accelerate the process by putting the cookie sheets into the refrigerator.
Butterscotch Squares
Please enjoy this special recipe from Karen MacInerney, author of Slay Bells Ring!
Ingredients:
2 cups light brown sugar
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar
16 ounces melting chocolate for dipping (dark or milk, your choice)
Instructions:
Line a 9x9" pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Add brown sugar, cream, and butter to a saucepan over medium-high heat and stir until melted. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, reduce heat to low, and put a candy thermometer into the pot.
Stir mixture occasionally and simmer until the mixture reaches 236º (about 7 or 8 minutes).
Turn off heat and whisk in vanilla and salt, then whisk in powdered sugar until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Allow to set at room temperature for a few hours.
When candy is set and ready to cut, turn it out from the pan onto a cutting board. With a large kitchen knife, using small, swift cuts so as not to break or flake the candy, cut the square into quarters, then divide the quarters into smaller squares.
Melt the chocolate according to directions on the package. Using your fingers or a toothpick, dip each candy square into the melted chocolate, tapping off excess.
Put finished candy on a wax-paper- or parchment- lined cookie sheet and chill to set.
Caramel Turtles
Please enjoy this special recipe from Karen MacInerney, author of Slay Bells Ring!
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon plus 1 cup butter, divided
1 cup light corn syrup
2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 pounds pecan halves, toasted
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 teaspoons shortening
Instructions:
Line baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper; lightly coat with cooking spray and set aside. Butter the sides of a heavy saucepan with 1 teaspoon butter. Cube remaining butter and place in the saucepan; then add the corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt. Cook and stir until sugar is melted.
Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, then cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 248° (firm-ball stage), or about 15-16 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla, then gently stir in pecans. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets and refrigerate until firm, about 10-15 minutes.
When caramel has firmed up, melt chips and shortening in the microwave in short bursts or in a double boiler on low heat; stir until smooth. Drizzle over clusters and chill until firm.
Store turtles in the refrigerator.
Aunt Cecelia’s Christmas Star Breakfast Bread
Please enjoy this special recipe from CeeCee James, author of Baker Street Christmas!
Ingredients:
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg at room temperature
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup raspberry jam
Or- 1/2 cup of sugar
1TBS cinnamon mixed the 2 together
3 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Mix the water and yeast in a small mixing bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, beat butter until it’s smooth. Mix in egg, milk, sugar, and salt into the butter until smoothish. Once the yeast and water is foamy, add into the second bowl and continue to mix.
Transfer dough to a well-floured surface. Knead it a few minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. After kneading, transfer to a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
Once dough has risen, divide into four balls. Take the first dough ball and roll it out into an approx. 12" circle. Place on a large sheet pan or pizza stone. Transfer 1/3 of the jam onto the dough (or cinnamon topping) and spread around, leaving 1/2" of space all the way around. Roll out next dough ball and put on top of first. Layer on jam or other topping. Repeat with one more dough balls and the remaining jam. With the last dough ball, roll it out and put it on top, but do not cover with jam.
Once the dough and jam have been layered, place a 2" circle (circular cookie cutter) leave a mark in the middle without cutting all the way through. From there, use a knife to slice the dough away from the circular mark, like sun rays. Make16 even cuts.
Take two pieces right next to each other and spin them outward twice. Pinch ends together like the top of a flower petal. Repeat for the remaining strips.
Cover and let rise for about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Once dough has risen, bake for about 20 minute or until the top start to turn golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and serve warm. Options- sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar.
YUM!
White Chocolate Chip and Cranberry Cookies
Please enjoy this special recipe from Nancy Warren, author of Cat’s Paws & Curses!
Ingredients:
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (almond works too)
¾ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda
2 eggs
2 ¼ c flour
2 cups white chocolate chips (can also use chunks)
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375
Beat together sugars and butter, then add vanilla and eggs. Mix all dry ingredients together and add in thirds, beating between each addition. When it’s nicely mixed, stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie tray lined with parchment paper. Bake about 12 minutes. Cool on racks.
Enjoy!
Octo-Cat's Shrimp Cattail
A recipe to share with the cat in your life!
Please enjoy this special recipe from Molly F
itz, author of Meowy Christmas Mayhem!
Who says humans should be the only ones to enjoy special treats during your holiday celebration? The following recipe is Octo-Cat tested and approved for the feline friend in your life. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
4 Shrimp, cleaned, not seasoned
½ cup couscous
4 oz. of meat (chicken or turkey would be best, but feel free to use beef, lamb, rabbit, or even duck)
Instructions:
Cook your couscous. If you are making some for kitty, it might be effective to make more than you need for this recipe as cats enjoy the grainy texture of couscous. Simply boil at a ratio of 1 : 1 ½ couscous to water.
Drain and set aside.
Brown your meat. It should go without saying, but make sure to cook it thoroughly as you wouldn’t want your furry friend getting sick.
Drain and mix into couscous.
Optional: If your kitty enjoys a bit of catnip from time to time, sprinkle a small dusting over the treat.
Set shrimp around the bowl and enjoy the purring.
Ensure that the shrimp you are giving your cat have been properly cleaned. Also, please note that while delicious, this recipe should serve as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, your cat’s regular diet.