Death by Strawberry Cupcake

by Rose Pressey

  “Yeah, crosses fingers,” Finn said.

  “Oh, you’re just teasing now.”

  He laughed. Before the light even turned green, I had an answer from Detective Bailey.

  “He can make it,” I said.

  “Yay,” Finn said drily.

  “Do you want me to figure out who left this note or not?” I asked, taking off when the light turned green.

  “Of course, I want you to find out who did it. I’m just teasing with you.”

  Soon we pulled into the parking lot for the sandwich shop.

  He should be here soon,” I said as I parked the car close to the door.

  The lot was practically empty. There wasn’t a whole lot of people right now since lunchtime had already a pass.

  “I guess we can go ahead and go inside and get a table,” I said.

  Finn had no idea this was the place where the detective and I had previously met for lunch. Finn probably wouldn’t want to sit at the table that I had shared Detective Bailey not long ago.

  After going inside and finding a seat, Finn walked up to the counter to check out the menu. I knew what I wanted already. The same sandwich I’d had when I’d met the detective here last time. Sitting at a table by the window, I watched as a big white van pulled into the parking lot. It had the call letters for the local TV station. A few people hurried out of the van. One man had a camera and the reporter had a microphone. I wondered what that was all about. I looked around but didn’t see any action going on. Of course, I had just been at the scene of the crime today. Surely that wasn’t the reason they were here.

  They continued across the parking lot toward the sandwich shop. I sure hoped they weren’t coming in here. Not that they would want to talk to me, but I didn’t want to be on camera. I’d had enough of that already. The reporter was in the lead as she walked right up to the door and opened it, stepping inside the shop. She scanned the area as if she was searching for someone.

  The blonde-haired woman was impeccably dressed in a red suit. Her hairstyle was perfectly done and her makeup beautifully applied. Ruby would have been impressed. She looked to the left. Her eyes focused on me like a laser. Immediately she headed in my direction. Oh no, now she was going to ask me a question and I had a feeling it wouldn’t be about the turkey sandwich or which was the best side dish. There was no way for me to get away from her. There was no exit in this section of the sitting area. I would have to run past her to get to the door. Maybe I should do that. If I just ran past her that would be rude and I tried not to be a rude person. I tried. I didn’t always succeed but I tried.

  I looked over the woman’s shoulder at Finn. He was still at the counter. He was staring of course but he just shrugged and remained speechless as if he as confused as I was.

  When the woman approached, she said, “Good afternoon. I’m Megan Mallory from Channel 31 News.”

  The cameraman was right behind her with the thing pointed in my direction. I was sure I looked a bit dazed as I stared at them and remained speechless.

  “You’re Scarlet Baker?” she said with a serious expression.

  Still I remained speechless. I wished I had an eject button. It didn’t look as if she was going to take the camera off me until I answered though.

  Finally, I managed to squeak out. “Yes.”

  We heard that you discover the body,” she said. “Can you give us any information?”

  “I don’t know any other information,” I said. “Therefore, I have no comment.”

  She looked really suspicious when I said that. I didn’t care though. I couldn’t tell her anything else. Even if I knew it, I wouldn’t tell.

  “We heard that the woman was stabbed,” the woman said.

  “She was?” I asked.

  “You hadn’t heard?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “No, I have it.”

  Just because I discovered the body doesn’t mean that I knew the manner of death. I hadn’t even confirmed that she was dead. Now I felt even worse. I made eye contact with Finn again, hoping that he would come to my rescue. I should just be strong and tell them that I couldn’t talk anymore.

  “I’m sorry but we can’t allow the cameras in here,” Finn said acting as if he actually worked at the sandwich shop.

  The woman spun around with her hand on her hip and glared at him. “Wait a minute. I recognize you. Aren’t you Finn Fine? Do you work at this sandwich shop too?”

  “Yes, I’m working part-time,” he said.

  “But you’re the cohost with her. Were you there when she found the body too?”

  “No, I was not, and we have no further comment. Like I said, cameras aren’t allowed. You’ll have to take it outside.”

  She glared at him for a moment longer as if she didn’t believe him. But she couldn’t prove otherwise. Was this really going to work? I was waiting with bated breath for the woman to leave. Crossing my fingers that Finn’s scheme would work out.

  The woman spun around in her high heels and stomped out of the coffee shop with the cameraman right behind her. Finn and I exchanged a look.

  ‘Is she really gone for good? Do you think she will come back?”

  “I think they’re really leaving. I doubt she’ll come back now.”

  “That was a close one,” I said. “Thank you, Finn. I don’t know what I’d have done without your help.”

  “Just helping out my co-host,” he said with a wink.

  We watched as they got into the van and backed out of the parking space.

  “I think they’ll stay away for now, but you’ll have to be on the lookout for that to happen again,” Finn said.

  “As if I didn’t have enough to worry about,” I said as I released a deep breath.

  “I’ll go get us sandwiches,” Finn said, motioning over his shoulder.

  “Maybe I’d better just call the detective. I want to get out of here in case they come back,” I said.

  Finn had come to my rescue, thank goodness. And he’d taken care of the situation rather smoothly. That made me smile. But he knew he was smooth.

  Chapter 14

  I tossed and turned all night. Needless to say, when I heard a loud noise outside it made me a bit grouchy. I looked over at my phone. It was 9:45 AM. I couldn’t believe I slept this late period, but after little sleep, I suppose sleeping in was inevitable. But who was making so much noise outside? I sounded as if it was coming from my yard, so I really didn't think it was Lucille. This meant I had to get up an inspect. I groaned is a toss the heat off and stuffed my feet into my slippers. Whoever was making the noise has some explaining to do.

  I shuffled over to the window still trying to wake up and make my body move at a faster pace. It was going to take some coffee and breakfast to get me going. And a long shower too. Raising one of the blind’s slats, I peered out. I didn’t see anything or anyone, but something looked different. My grass had been partially mowed. Someone was mowing my grass? The guy I had used previously quit, so I was trying to find someone else. Maybe he had returned? That was unlikely because he wasn’t exactly the most reliable guy around.

  I headed downstairs still wearing my pajamas. The pink ones with the dogs on them. I glanced in the mirror as I headed down the hallway. Yikes. I could really use a brush right now. I made my way through the house. The morning sun streamed in the back window. I headed through the kitchen, stopping at the sink and peeking out the back to see if I spotted anyone. No one was there, but they had already mowed the backyard around the house. I stepped over to the kitchen door and opened it up.

  When I glanced down the driveway, I spotted the big red truck with a trailer attached to the back. Who was this mystery stranger that was obviously mowing my grass? I stepped outside into the bright sunshine, shielding my eyes with the back of my hand and peering around the acreage.

  That was when I spotted the large lawn mower. It was too far away to see who was on the thing. I moved across the driveway and into the yard, trying to get closer and cat
ch the man’s attention. I waved my arms and then he spotted me.

  What was detective Bailey mowing my grass? Esther there while he drove the mower over to me. Good morning,” he said. Then I realized I was in my pajamas and that my hair probably looked like I had brushed it with the mixer.

  “Good morning,” I said with a smile and trying to pat down my hair. “What are you doing?”

  He gestured toward the mower that he was sitting on. “Mowing your grass.”

  “But why?”

  “Because it needed it.”

  “Well, it did need it, but you don’t have to do that,” I said.

  “You mentioned that you needed to find someone because the other guy quit on you, so I thought I would help out. Did I wake you?” He eyed me up and down.

  “No. Well, yes. I guess I didn’t sleep well,” I said.

  “Sorry I didn’t realize I suppose it is still early.”

  It was almost ten o’clock. That was brunch time. I should have been awake hours ago.

  “Well, thank you,” I said. “I’ll pay you for it.”

  He waved his hand. “Oh, no, I can’t accept money. Just consider it a favor until you find someone else to help out.”

  I nodded. “It’s okay, I’ll do that.”

  “The least I can do is fix you some breakfast?”

  He probably had breakfast hours ago. Maybe I should have offered lunch.

  After Detective Bailey drove the mover onto the driveway, he followed me inside. I couldn’t believe I had asked him in while I was wearing my pajamas.

  “I’ll just slip into some clothing really quick.” I gestured.

  “What can I do to help? With the food,” he quickly added.

  “Well, how about pancakes?” I asked.

  “That sounds fantastic.”

  “I have plates and dishes in the cabinet right there. You could get those out if you’d like. Glasses are there too and juice in the refrigerator.”

  “I’m on it,” he said with a smile.

  I was certainly moving a lot faster now. I ran up the staircase as fast as I could without tripping and got into a pair of red shorts and a white T-shirt. I grabbed the brush from my makeup table and tried to fix my hair. Staring at my reflection, I dabbed on a little bit of mascara and a hint of tinted lip balm. I didn't want to look as if I was wearing makeup, but I wanted to look better than when I’d just rolled out of bed. Yes, I was trying to improve my appearance for the detective. But who would blame me? He was gorgeous.

  When I reached the kitchen again, I found Detective Bailey pouring a glass of orange juice. As I stood there watching him, I realized that I could no longer continue to call him Detective Bailey to his face. If he wasn’t going to offer his first name, for heaven’s sake, then I would have to do something on my own.

  He spun around and soaked in my appearance. When a smile spread across his face, I knew that I blushed. I gathered the ingredients for the pancakes and start preparing the batter as I fired up the griddle on top of the stove.

  “You know, detective, I’ve been calling you detective for a while now. You do have a first name, right?” I asked.

  Red appeared on his cheeks. “Yes, I have a first name. Alex. You can call me Alex.”

  Was that so hard?

  “Alex. I like that name,” I said.

  “Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Everything is mostly business with me.”

  “Well, I figure since you have handcuffed me and all that we should know each other’s first names now.”

  Alex laughed. “Yes, that seems like it requires being on a first name basis.”

  I flipped the pancakes, showing off a bit by tossing them high before allowing them to land on the griddle. Once they were a golden brown, I placed them on the plates and then showed them to the detective.

  “What do you think?” I asked.

  “Those might be the best-looking pancakes I’ve ever seen.”

  “Oh, you’re just saying that,” I said, feeling a bit of red come to my cheeks.

  Alex sniffed the air. “They smell delicious.”

  I placed the plates on the table. “And now for syrup. I have peach, strawberry, maple, and the best of all… blueberry.”

  Alex and I sat at the table. I watched as he studied the selection of syrups.

  Which one would he pick? I’d already told him which one was my favorite. Ultimately, he went with the maple.

  “Nice choice,” I said.

  “Don’t get me wrong, I like all of them, but I’ll go with the traditional.”

  I smiled as I picked up the blueberry syrup. We both poured the thick liquid at the same time. I’d had lunch with him before, so eating together wasn’t anything new, but being in the intimate surroundings of my kitchen made it a completely different scenario. I couldn’t help but feel nervous. Somehow, I would push through and eat the blueberry syrup covered pancakes. We sank our forks into the pancakes.

  When he took a bite, he groaned. “This is just as delicious as it looks.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “It’s what I do.”

  “And you do it well.” He looked as if he wanted to say more but he had stopped himself.

  I wondered what he was going to say.

  “You know those acres out there are surprisingly flat. I expected them to be kind of bumpy.”

  “I should buy one of those mowers and cut the grass myself,” I said.

  You could do that but I'm sure your busy period I am busy, but I could do it on the weekends. Principles those big motor extensive.

  “They cost a pretty penny,” he said.

  We continued eating are pancakes.

  When he finished a bite, he placed his fork down and said, “There’s something I want to ask you.”

  “What’s that?” I asked nervously.

  Did this have something to do with the murder?

  “You’re so fantastic at cooking, I thought maybe you could give me a few pointers.”

  My eyes widened. “Seriously? What did you have in mind?”

  He shrugged. “Just a few tips maybe. I’m just not that great in the kitchen and I thought maybe you would help me out and show me a few things.”

  “Yeah, I could do that.”

  I suppose it would be another way to repay him for cutting the grass. Had he really asked me to teach him to cook? We’d finished the pancakes now. Alex took the last drink of his orange juice. I pushed to my feet from the table and picked up my plate.

  “Oh, here let me help you with that.” He took his plate and reached for mine.

  “I’ll just rinse them off and put them in the dishwasher,” I said, gesturing at the counter. “So when would you like your first lesson?”

  “It’s up to you,” he said.

  “You’re the one who has all the detective work.”

  I wished I hadn’t said that. Now he would be reminded about the reason he knew me in the first place.

  “How about we plan on Saturday night?” He grabbed the juice glasses.

  “That sounds good,” I said. “My place or yours?”

  I really wanted to find out more about his place.

  “Maybe my place so you can take a look at what equipment I have to work with?” he asked.

  “That sounds great,” I said.

  “Well, I suppose I should let you get going. I’ve taken up enough of your time.” I wiped my hands on the dish towel.

  “I enjoyed the company,” he said, staring at me.

  My heart beat faster. If I hadn’t known better, I’d say maybe he wanted to kiss me. Was it crazy for me to think that?

  After a few more seconds, he gestured. “Well, I’m going to load up the mower.”

  “Thanks again for everything,” I said.

  “You’re welcome.”

  A few more seconds and he walked outside. I followed behind him in case he needed help., Though I wasn’t sure what I could do to help. It looked like he had it all covered.

  I’d barely say
goodbye to Alex and waved as he pulled out of the driveway when another red truck pulled in.

  Chapter 15

  I was shocked to see Finn behind the wheel. What was he doing here? And what was that on the back of his truck? I walked toward the truck as he got out.

  “Good morning,” he said. “Well, almost afternoon.”

  “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “I have a surprise for you,” he said as he held out his hand gesturing for me to take it.

  I eyed him up and down for a moment and then ultimately took his strong hand. We walked to the back of the truck. That was where I spotted the rocking chair. It was white and just like the one that had broken.

  “What is that?” I asked.

  He had the sly smile on his face. I brought you a new rocking chair to replace the one that broke.”

  “Wow, you didn’t have to do that.”

  “But I wanted to,” he said.

  Why was he still holding my hand? For that matter, why was I still holding his hand? I felt a tingle in my hand, up my arm, and all over my body. I’d only told him about the rocking chair in passing. To be honest I wasn’t even sure that he had paid attention to me. Now I knew that he had. And that meant a whole lot to me.

  “I’ll get the rocking chair off the truck and put it on the porch for you.”

  “Can I help?”

  “Sure, if you’d like,” he said.

  Finn and I moved over to the back of the truck. Though now he released my hand as he opened the tailgate. He climbed up on top. He wore shorts which showcased his muscular legs.

  After untying the rocker, Finn moved it to the back of the truck bed and then jumped down. I helped him lift it off and then we carried it across the driveway toward the front porch. He moved up the steps first and I followed along. The chair wasn’t heavy but at least I felt as if I was helping. I don’t want him to give me the chair without me thanking him somehow. Maybe I could make him lunch like I had made Alex breakfast. We placed the chair next to the door. The other rocker set on the other side. I stepped back and studied the chairs.

  “Thank you so much for the chair. I really love it,” I said.