by Jinty James
“Okay.” She smiled at him. “Thanks for taking care of it.”
“Of course.” He looked like he wanted to say something more, then shook his head. “I’ll see you later.”
“That was exciting.” Zoe zipped over to her. “What are we going to do now?”
THEY DROVE HOME, GRABBING burgers from a fast-food place on the way.
“Not as good as Gary’s,” Zoe mourned, although her pronouncement didn’t stop her from eating the whole thing.
“No,” Lauren agreed, leaving a third of her bun.
Gary’s Burger Diner was a popular eating spot in Gold Leaf Valley and they both agreed it had the best burgers – ever, really.
“We should go there soon.” Zoe brightened. “With the guys. Another double date.”
“That could be fun. What about Annie? You know she loves getting a plain burger from Gary’s.”
“Oh, yeah.” Zoe nodded. “I guess we could send the guys for take-out and have it at the cottage. We could do it at Chris’s, but his house is further away from Gary’s.”
“True.”
They made tentative plans for a double date later that week.
When they arrived home, Lauren checked her phone. She’d turned it off while she drove.
“Nothing from Mitch.”
“Brrt?” Annie trotted into the kitchen.
“We might have found the murder weapon, Annie!” Zoe filled her in.
“Brrt!” Good!
“It could take a while for the lab to check it for blood.” Zoe sounded knowledgeable. At Lauren’s questioning glance, she added, “I do watch a lot of crime shows.”
“Brrt.” True.
Lauren smiled at her fur baby.
“I’m sure Mitch will call you later. I mean, he’s always calling you,” Zoe assured her.
“And Chris is always calling you. Isn’t he?” Lauren teased.
“Yeah,” Zoe admitted after a small pause.
ZOE WAS RIGHT. MITCH did call later that evening. The vase was at the police lab and it would be tested tomorrow.
They spoke about more pleasant things, then Mitch invited her to dinner Saturday night.
“I know tomorrow night is craft club.” There was a smile in his voice.
“That’s right.” Lauren loved the way he never wanted her to cancel her Friday night plans to spend time with him. Craft club with Annie, Zoe, and Mrs. Finch was important to her. She knew it was important to Zoe, too. And she was sure Mrs. Finch felt the same way. And of course, her fur baby.
“So I was thinking, we could go to the bistro on Saturday night.”
“I’d love to.” The rustic, yet elegant bistro was on the outskirts of Gold Leaf Valley. She remembered Zoe’s suggestion of a double date at Gary’s Burger Diner, and filled Mitch in. They agreed on Sunday, if Zoe and Chris were free.
“Brrt?” Annie hopped up on Lauren’s lap as she said goodbye to Mitch.
“I think someone wants to say good night to you.” She held out the phone to the silver-gray tabby.
“Brrt.” Good night.
She heard Mitch say good night to Annie, and her heart melted.
THE NEXT DAY, LAUREN wondered if Mitch would stop by the café. Perhaps he’d have an update on the vase, or just wanted to see her.
All their regulars came in, including Mrs. Finch.
“Hello, dears.” She beamed at them, standing at the Please Wait to be Seated sign.
“Brrt!” Annie scampered toward her.
“You’re not overdoing it, Mrs. Finch?” Lauren was glad to see her but she didn’t want their friend to be too tired for tonight.
“I stayed home yesterday and had a good rest, Lauren.” Mrs. Finch assured her. “I’m looking forward to seeing you girls tonight. You can update me on your cushion cover progress.”
Oops. Lauren hadn’t given her cover much thought during the past week.
Mrs. Finch ordered a latte and a mocha cupcake, sighing with pleasure as Lauren brought over her order.
“It looks too delicious to eat,” she murmured, picking up her fork.
“But you won’t be able to resist!” Zoe joined them. They filled her in on their sleuthing attempts yesterday.
“My goodness,” she exclaimed. “You must update me tonight if you learn anything more.”
“We will,” Lauren assured her.
“Brrt!”
THAT AFTERNOON, MITCH entered the café. Lauren’s heart skipped a beat when she spied him.
“Hi,” she said softly. He looked a little tired.
“Hi,” he replied with a smile. “Can we talk for a second?”
“Of course.” She indicated to Zoe that she was taking a quick break. Luckily, there were only a few customers, all eating and drinking.
“Brrt?” Annie trotted up to him.
“We’re going to sit at a table for a minute,” she told her.
“Brrt.” This way. Annie led them to a small table at the rear. She hopped up on the chair next to Lauren’s, and bunted her arm.
Lauren obliged by stroking her velvety soft fur.
“What is it?” she asked quietly.
“You were right. The lab found traces of blood on the vase. I put a rush on it.”
“That’s good – isn’t it?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “Castern is claiming it was all his idea,” he said wryly. “I don’t really care, as long as we catch the killer.”
“Will you find out if it was Nellie’s blood?” She shivered.
“Yes. The lab’s doing that now. I just wanted to let you know where we’re at.”
“Thanks.”
“We’re still on for tomorrow night, right?”
“Of course.” She nodded. “Why? Do you need to cancel? Do you have to work over the weekend?”
“Nothing like that.” He captured her hand, his thumb stroking her palm. “Just checking.”
“I’ll be ready at seven.” She smiled at him.
“Brrt?”
“Mitch is taking me to the bistro for dinner tomorrow night,” she explained to Annie.
“I’ll bring you something special for your dinner before we go,” Mitch promised her.
“She’d like that,” Lauren told him.
“Brrt!” Yes!
Should she ask him about being at the jewelry store yesterday? Before she could decide, his cell phone rang. He looked at the screen and grimaced.
“Work.”
“Go.” She shooed him away with a smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
He stood, looking as if he wanted to say something more, then turned and strode away.
Lauren stared after him, hoping he would share what was on his mind.
AT CRAFT CLUB, LAUREN filled in Zoe and Mrs. Finch on the update from Mitch. She hadn’t had time to inform Zoe previously. After Mitch had left, they’d been slammed with customers for the rest of the day.
“I hope Mitch catches the killer soon,” Mrs. Finch fretted.
“Detective Castern is in charge of the case,” Zoe reminded her.
“That’s right. But I do not like that fellow.”
“Not many people seem to,” Lauren mused.
“How is your cushion cover coming along, Lauren?” Mrs. Finch turned to her. “And your pottery mugs, Zoe?”
Lauren admitted she hadn’t done any sewing that week.
“Never mind, dear.” Mrs. Finch smiled at her. “I’m sure you’ll get around to it.”
“Thanks.” Lauren returned the smile.
“I’m waiting for the glaze to harden on my mugs, but they might be ready this weekend,” Zoe informed them.
Toward the end of the evening, they made Mrs. Finch a small latte using her capsule machine, then said goodbye.
“I love Saturdays,” Zoe announced as they headed to the car. “After we work tomorrow morning, we get the rest of the weekend off, as well as Monday!”
CHAPTER 13
THE NEXT MORNING, LAUREN hummed while she frosted her sup
er vanilla cupcakes. Tonight, she would be having dinner with Mitch at the bistro. Maybe he would finally tell her what was on his mind. Should she ask him about seeing him outside the jewelry store? Before she could decide, Zoe rushed in to the kitchen.
“Deborah’s just called and wants two dozen cupcakes for this afternoon!” Zoe’s brunette pixie cut strands stuck up in alarm.
“What?” She thought the whole town knew they were only open Saturday mornings. Sometimes she filled special orders, but most of her customers called in advance.
“Apparently it’s all last minute. The person who was supposed to be hosting book club this afternoon dropped out, and she’s just found out they nominated her to hold it instead. She knows we’re closed after lunch, otherwise she would have suggested they hold it here.”
“What sort of cupcakes does she want?” Ed didn’t work on Saturdays, which meant no Danishes.
“She said you can choose.”
Lauren drew in a deep breath. “When does she want them? I hope she can wait until we close.”
“She said around lunchtime – before two o’clock is okay, and she wants us to deliver them.”
“Really?” Lauren frowned.
“She said she has an appointment this morning, which is why she’s a bit upset about this book club stuff,” Zoe informed her. “She said she’ll pay extra for delivery.”
“Okay.” Lauren sighed. “Can you cover the front unless we have a ton of customers?”
“No worries.” Zoe zipped back to the café.
At least they hadn’t opened yet. Lauren finished decorating the current cupcakes. Luckily, it had been the final batch for this morning, so she would have time to whip up another two dozen. She decided on blueberry crumble, and lavender. They were some of her less fussy creations, and wouldn’t take long to decorate – the blueberry didn’t even have frosting.
She would certainly enjoy her time with Mitch tonight after this crazy morning. While she mixed up batter, she heard Zoe cheerfully greet their first customer – Ms. Tobin.
Once the cupcakes were in the oven, Lauren whizzed up the icing for the lavenders, then joined Zoe at the counter.
“Ms. Tobin’s updated me on kitten Miranda.” Zoe steamed milk. “She sounds so cute!”
Lauren glanced over at the tables. Annie sat with Ms. Tobin, seeming to listen as that lady spoke about her kitten.
“What about her childhood friend Miranda?” Lauren asked, plating a super vanilla.
“She’s arriving next month.” Zoe finished off the latte with a swan design, and eyed it critically. “Not as good as yours, but not bad.”
“Looks great.” Lauren glanced at the micro foam.
“Thanks!” Zoe carried the tray out to their only customer so far.
Lauren checked her watch and hurried back into the kitchen. The timer hadn’t gone off yet. Good. She waited in there for a couple of minutes, until the ding ding alerted her.
The cupcakes looked perfect. Well risen and golden. She placed them on a rack to cool and rushed back into the café.
A few more customers arrived. Lauren helped Zoe serve them, and when there was a lull, decorated Deborah’s cupcakes.
“Phew!” She rejoined Zoe.
“Want to sit down for a sec?” Zoe gestured to the stools behind the counter. “I’m making the last latte.”
“Thanks.” Lauren sank down and wriggled her feet. “Once we deliver Deborah’s order, I’m going to curl up on the sofa with a book – and Annie.”
“I hear you.” Zoe nodded. “I have to go to the pottery studio to pick up the mugs. I can’t wait until I show you my latest design. Annie sniffing a cat safe flower.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it. So will Annie.”
To Lauren’s relief, the rest of the morning passed smoothly.
“Lunch time!” Zoe bolted the oak and glass door. “Now all we have to do is take the cupcakes to Deborah’s house.”
“Brrt?” Annie trotted up to them.
“We have a special delivery for Deborah,” Lauren told her.
“Brrp.” Annie stuck out her lower lip, just a tad.
“Want to come with us?” Zoe asked.
“Brrt!” Yes!
“I’m sure she won’t mind,” Lauren said. She hoped not, anyway. “Do you have Deborah’s address?”
“Right here.” Zoe patted her jeans’ pocket. “I put it in my phone. She lives a few blocks away.”
“Should we take the car or walk?” Lauren glanced at Annie. She knew her fur baby liked going for a stroll with them.
“I’ll carry the cupcakes while you hold Annie’s leash,” Zoe suggested.
“Brrt!” Good!
Lauren’s stomach grumbled while she fetched Annie’s harness. Although special orders were good for business, she couldn’t wait to grab some lunch and relax that afternoon, before she got ready for her date with Mitch.
She buckled Annie into her lavender harness while Zoe grabbed the two large cupcake boxes.
“Are you sure you can carry them?” Lauren frowned at the pink boxes Zoe held against her chest. She could barely see Zoe’s face.
“I’m fine,” her cousin assured her. “Leth go.” Her voice was muffled behind the cardboard.
They set off down the street, saying hello to a few passersby, who stopped to admire Annie.
“Mayfee we should do thith more ofben,” Zoe mumbled behind the cupcake boxes. “Good for bifneth.”
“True,” Lauren agreed. She stopped in her tracks, causing Annie and Zoe to halt as well. “What if we walked around town and offered a free cupcake sample to anyone who stopped to talk to us?”
“Eben better!” Zoe enthused.
When they arrived at Deborah’s house, which was a white Victorian with pale blue trim and a neat front garden, Lauren opened the little gate and ushered Zoe in.
“Brrt!” Annie towed Lauren up the three porch steps.
Ding dong. Lauren heard the chime echo inside the house.
“I hope she’s home,” she fretted. “Didn’t you say she had an appointment this morning?”
“Yeth, but she thaid she’d be back at lunchtime,” Zoe mumbled, shifting the boxes against her chest. “I can’t waid until—"
“Hello, girls.” Deborah opened the ornate front door, dressed in tan slacks and a green turtleneck. Lauren wondered if that was her signature outfit. It certainly suited her. Her gray hair was styled nicely in a short cut, layered ends brushing over her earlobes, just as Lauren remembered on adoption day at the café.
“Hi,” Lauren greeted her. “We’ve brought the cupcakes for your book club.”
“And I see you’ve brought Annie, too.” Deborah smiled down at the silver-gray tabby. “Come in, all of you.”
They followed her down the blue hallway to a large living room. “You can set the boxes down here.” She pointed to a big mahogany coffee table.
“That’s better.” Zoe placed the cupcakes on the table and shook out her arms. “I didn’t realize they’d get heavy after a while.”
“Did you girls walk here?” Deborah inquired.
“Yes,” Lauren replied.
“How much do I owe you?” Deborah reached for her purse on the big navy sofa. Two matching wing chairs faced it, forming a conversation area.
Lauren told her the amount, adding a small delivery fee.
“I can’t thank you enough.” Deborah smiled as she gave Lauren the cash.
“How many people are coming to book club?” Zoe asked, glancing at the big bay window furnished with cream blankets and pillows. “I’d love to sit over there and read – or check my phone.” She pointed to the little nook.
“So would I.” Lauren’s tone was wistful.
Annie sniffed the carpet, wandering as far as the leash would allow her.
“You girls are sweet.” Deborah beamed at them. “Four ladies are coming this afternoon. We’ll have just enough room for everyone here.” She waved her hand at the sofa and the wing chairs. “May
be it’s greedy of me to order so many cupcakes, but I wanted to make sure I had plenty for everyone. If there are any leftovers, I’ll treat myself to them for the next few days.”
“That’s what I would do,” Zoe agreed.
“Have you heard anything about the investigation into Nellie’s death?” Deborah changed the subject. “I keep calling Detective Castern but he says he doesn’t have an update yet.”
“We haven’t heard from Detective Castern,” Lauren replied cautiously. She glanced at Zoe.
“That’s right.” Zoe caught her look. “Nothing from him.” She leaned toward Deborah. “I don’t think he likes us.”
“Really?” Deborah frowned. “He’s been nothing but professional with me. He said he’s determined to find the killer.”
“When was the last time you spoke to him?” Lauren asked. They’d found the blood-stained vase on Thursday night at the thrift store in Sacramento.
“Wednesday,” Deborah said.
“Huh.” Zoe turned to Lauren, a frown on her face.
“Well, never mind.” Deborah brushed her hair away from her cheek. A silver earring flashed in her lobe.
“What a pretty earring,” Lauren admired.
“Yes, aren’t they?” Deborah gave a little laugh. “I wear them on special occasions. My late husband gave them to me.”
“Wasn’t Nellie wearing them on adoption day at the café?” Lauren’s brain froze. What had she revealed?
“That’s right.” Deborah took a step toward them.
“Brrt?” Annie stopped sniffing the carpet and trotted to Lauren, her big green eyes never leaving Deborah.
“You must have seen Nellie before she died,” Zoe said. “Was it the night of adoption day or ... uh oh.” She turned to Lauren, EEEK! written on her face.
“Uh oh is right.” Deborah’s pleasant expression vanished. “It was the morning Nellie died. I’d asked her for those earrings in the café on adoption day, as you witnessed, Lauren. She was always borrowing my things and never returning them unless I asked her to. She was a very annoying daughter-in-law. Rebecca will be a much better one.”
