Death by Strawberry Cupcake

by Rose Pressey

  “Ms. Kitty, what are you doing over here at this hour? You should go home and get some sleep.”

  She meowed and headed down the driveway as if she completely understood what I was saying. I hurried behind the steering wheel. As soon as I was inside, I locked the car door as. Some relief came over me now that I was secure inside the car.

  I started the engine and backed out of the driveway. Thank goodness no sign of the truck. Ms. Kitty was walking up the driveway toward Lucille’s. I was glad to see that she had listened to me. She had probably been looking for a breakfast snack. Probably a mouse. The porch light at Lucille’s glowed in the dark sky.

  What would the detective say about me going to this address? The address was probably nothing. But I wanted to check it out nonetheless. Finn would be upset that I went without him. Somethings were better of left doing alone. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to wait for him to arrive.

  I turned on the radio as a distraction from my thoughts. It didn’t really work though. I kept playing out this scenario in my mind over and over. I had to make sure that the truck wasn’t following me. To my relief, it looked all safe back there. Thank goodness it was only about five minutes to my destination according to the navigation.

  It was just a little after five now, but it still wasn’t light out. As I followed the directions to the house, I thought about how this was probably a bad idea. No one would be awake so I couldn’t go to the door or ask neighbors questions. However, I could get out and check the mailbox for a name. Was there anything else I could do to find out who lived here?

  If I had talked to Finn first, he would have tried to talk me out of coming here. As I sat there, a light switched on in the house. My adrenaline spiked when I thought someone was awake. I hoped they didn’t notice me sitting out in the car. At least I had the cover of darkness. More lights in the house switched on, but I couldn’t watch much longer to see what happened next. I had to get ready for the show.

  The garage door opened and someone stepped out of the garage. The man walked down the driveway. He stopped at the end and reached down picking up the newspaper. It was still dark out, but I was almost certain that it was her husband.

  I pulled up my phone and snapped a couple of pictures. Since it was dark, and I didn’t want to use the flash, the photos would probably show nothing. It was all I could do right now. I had to tell the detective to get here right away. I knew the man had faked his death. He was living at this address. Thank goodness he hadn’t seen me. I watched as he walked back to the garage. The door closed behind him.

  There was nothing more I could do right now. I wanted to leave from the front of the house before someone caught me. Just as I was ready to pull away, I spotted movement out of the corner of my eye.

  When I looked at the side of the house, I spotted someone. Who was that? The person was dressed all in black, wearing a hoodie over their head so I couldn’t see the identity or make out anything else about them. I guessed the height at six foot. Had they come from the house? Or were they snooping around like me?

  The person was headed toward the next street over. I wanted to turn around and follow the person. I shoved the car into gear and took off. A couple houses down, I turned around and headed for that road. I probably wouldn’t find the person, but I felt compelled to give it a shot. I drove as fast as I could without breaking any laws. The last thing I needed was a ticket.

  When I came to that street, I made a quick left turn. I scanned all around but saw no sign of the mystery person. It was my guess that they had gotten into a car and taken off. There was a car up ahead. Could that be the person? That had to be the one.

  I sped up just a bit so that I could catch up. My heart beat faster as I neared the car. But as I got closer, they sped up. It was almost as if they suspected me of following them. They were right in that assumption though. It was dark and I couldn’t get a look at their license plate number. Though I wasn’t sure what I would do with it anyway. The car made a left turn and sped away. I knew I wouldn’t be able to catch up. Why were they in a hurry? Where they trying to get away from me.

  “Detective Bailey. This is Scarlet. This is important,” I said breathlessly as I left the message. “I know I saw the murder victim at this address I just checked out. Then I saw another man in a hoodie leave that house as well. I followed the car, but he lost me. Call me.”

  Okay, after I ended the voicemail I realized that I’d been a rambling mess. I realized just how ridiculous my voicemail sounded. But it was all true and extremely important. I hoped he thought that way too. I wanted to look into this more right away, but there was no time now. I had to be at the studio. Although I thought this was life or death. Detective Bailey would undoubtedly be unhappy with me for coming out here to this address. He probably wouldn’t believe me when I told him I saw the man.

  I’d just arrived at the studio when my phone rang. I knew before looking at the screen that it was Detective Bailey calling me back. My stomach flipped. Would he be mad at me? Probably yes. Nevertheless, I had to take the call. He had to believe me when I said I saw the victim. I knew for sure it was him. Okay, maybe not for sure, but I was almost positive.

  “This is Scarlet,” I said as if I didn’t know who I was talking to when I answered.

  I had his number programmed into my phone for heaven’s sake.

  “Scarlet, this is Detective Bailey.”

  I almost slipped and said hello Alex. “You got my message. Did you listen to it?” I asked.

  “I listened. I thought maybe you were talking in your sleep. That you had called me and left that message accidentally.”

  “Oh, it was no accident. I’m being completely serious,” I said.

  “Okay, calm down and tell me exactly what happened,” he said.

  I calmly explained the entire incident. From finding the address to going out right away and tracking it down.

  “And I know it was him. It was still dark, but I’d recognize him anywhere.”

  “But you did see his body, right? You found the murdered man,” he said.

  “It didn’t look like the same man when I saw the body there. That’s why I had my suspicions that it really wasn’t him. Don’t you have an id on the body yet?”

  “I haven’t heard from the coroner yet,” he said. But believe me, we will get to the bottom of this as soon as we hear.”

  “If that’s not him then he has to be the one that killed his wife. And then he killed the other man… whoever he is. And I know this is when you will tell me to stay out of this.”

  “You’re right about that,” he said.

  “Detective, I have to go. I’m due on set, but you’ll let me know what you find out?” I asked.

  “I’ll let you know as soon as I find out anything,” he said. “But I wouldn’t get my hopes up too much, Scarlet.”

  I couldn’t wait until I proved him wrong. He would be shocked.

  “I promise I won’t get my hopes up too much,” I said.

  I hoped I didn’t sound a bit sarcastic, but I was pretty confident at the moment. Maybe I was being a bit too smug.

  “I’ll talk to you soon,” Scarlet,” he said.

  Now I knew he really didn’t believe me. I could tell by the tone of his voice. Nevertheless, I’d prove him wrong. I was just thankful that the sun had come up now and it was daylight. I wouldn’t have to be on the lookout for whoever had left me that note. I hurried my way across the parking lot, still having to park in the back. Oh well, I guessed I would just stop complaining about it at this point. Complaining was bad for my stress anyway.

  Out of nowhere, the revving of an engine caught my attention. When I looked to my left, I spotted the truck. I dove as if jumping into a pool and splattered onto the pavement. I groaned, but somehow, I’d managed to get away from the truck again. This made three times. I didn’t have nine lives like a cat. This wasn’t going to continue to work out in my favor.

  At that moment Finn ran over to me. “Sc
arlet, are you all right?”

  I nodded. “Sure, I’m still alive.”

  “Yes, you’re still alive, but it was close,” he said. “Can you sit up?”

  “Did you get a look at that vehicle?” I asked as if I managed to roll over onto my back.

  “Unfortunately, I didn’t get a good look at it. I just saw you when you were crashing onto the pavement.”

  “Well, at least I survived,” I said. “I didn’t really get a look at the person either, but it was a man wearing sunglasses. And hat. I think he was trying to disguise himself.”

  I sat up and released a deep breath.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked. “Do you feel dizzy?”

  “No, I’m fine,” I said. “I’m getting used to this by now. It’s the third time it’s happened.”

  His eyes widened. “Three times? Like in your lifetime?”

  “No, three times this week,” I said. “I think someone wants me dead.”

  “Have you told the police about this?” he asked.

  “I’ve told Detective Bailey. He was with me once when it happened last night. They’re looking out for the person.”

  “Obviously not enough if you just almost got hit again,” Finn said with anger in his voice.

  He helped me get to my feet.

  “Well, if they don’t find him, I will. He’d better hope that they find him first.”

  “What do you have in mind?” Finn asked as he helped me walk to the door.

  “I don’t know, but I’d like to tell him when I think of him.”

  Finn chuckled. “I’m sure that would scare the murderer.”

  “Well, I’ll hunt him down and then have the police arrest him.”

  “That sounds like a better idea.” Finn opened the door for me. “Wait, what am I saying? You don’t need to hunt him down. Just let the police handle it.”

  “I thought we already had this discussion. You were supposed to be helping me anyway.”

  “You don’t call me. How am I supposed to know you almost got hit?”

  I didn’t even tell him the whole story about going to that address this morning. Perhaps that would be my little secret. Finn walked with me down the hallway.

  “Well, right now I’m just going to get all of these clothes, clear my mind and prepare for the show.”

  “That’s probably the best thing. Just relax a bit and pretend none of this happened.”

  “That’s exactly what I’ll do,” I said.

  “You’re welcome,” he said.

  “For what?” I asked.

  “For the excellent advice,” he said with the wink.

  “Yeah, right. Thank you,” I said. “I’ll see you on set.”

  I walked toward my dressing room which was only steps from Finn’s.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked.

  I waved without turning around. “Just peachy for someone who almost got killed.”

  With my hand on the doorknob, I paused. The thought hit me. What if there was another note waiting for me? What if the killer had gotten in and was waiting for me this time? It had just been a threat the first time, but this time it could be the real deal.

  After all, the killer had just been in the parking lot. Was there another way to slip in the studio without us seeing? No, I didn’t think so. Okay, I had to calm down now. There was only one way to get in here and we had been in front of that door. It was perfectly safe to go inside my dressing room. I looked over my shoulder. Finn was staring at me as he waited at his door. I waved and smiled as I opened my dressing room door. Immediately my gaze went to the counter. Thank goodness there was no note. Not that I could see at least.

  Within moments, Ruby had stepped into the room.

  She eyed me up and down. “Wow, what happened to you?”

  “I’ve been through a lot in the last few hours,” I said as I blew the hair out of my eyes.

  “Looks like you battled with the pavement.” Ruby set the bag of makeup down.

  “That’s exactly what happened.”

  “You fell down?” she asked.

  “No, the truck was trying to run over me,” I said.

  Her eyes widened. “You say that casually.”

  “When you have it happen that many times you start to get used to it, I suppose.”

  Ruby stepped over and examined my hands. “Well, you to get some scrapes, but otherwise, I guess you’re all right.”

  “I feel fine.” I released a deep breath. “See, even that didn’t hurt.”

  “Your clothes look like they have seen better days. I’ll get you all fixed up though. So tell me everything that happened,” she said as she started to apply my makeup.

  I went through the whole scene with her. Reliving it was tough.

  Chapter 23

  Ruby had just finished my makeup when I received a call from Detective Bailey.

  “Did you find out anything?” I asked a soon as I answered.

  “Nothing there, Scarlet,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

  “What do you mean nothing there? I saw him. He lives there or at least he staying there.”

  “We sent an officer over there. He went to the door and there was only a woman who lives there. She said no man lives at the house.”

  “She’s a lying,” I said. “That’s it? You’re just going to ask her and give up?”

  “We can’t exactly go inside and search for him.”

  I released a deep breath. “No, I know you can’t. But I know she’s not being truthful.”

  “We’ll just have to find another way,” he said.

  “So you believe me? Thank goodness.”

  “We’ll see what happens,” he said.

  With that, we ended the call. I still wasn’t sure he actually believed me.

  “What did he say?” Ruby asked as soon as I ended the call.

  “He doesn’t believe me. At least I don’t think. They went to the house, but the woman there said no men live there. I know she’s lying. I soon as we’re finished filming, I’m going back there and find out for myself.”

  “That seems kind of dangerous, don’t you think?” she said.

  I stood from the chair and moved over to the rack of clothing. I pulled off a red skirt and white blouse. “It might be, but I have to do it anyway. Either way, my life is in danger.”

  “I guess you have a point,” she said.

  I slipped into the red skirt and white blouse. I buttoned up the front and then hurried into my high heels.

  “How do I look?” I asked, placing my hands on my hips.

  “Like you’re ready to bake some killer cupcakes.”

  My eyes widened. “Killer?”

  “Oh, wrong choice of words,” she said with a frown.

  “It’s a good pun,” I said.

  She picked up her bag. “Listen, would you like me to go with you? I might not be any help but it would probably make me feel better.”

  “You’d be willing to do that?” I said.

  “Absolutely,” she said. “We’re friends, right?”

  I smiled. “Yes, we are.”

  “Great. So right after the show we’ll go over to this address.”

  “Yes, that would be fantastic. Thank you so much,” I said, touching her arm. “Now I’m off to bake the cupcakes.”

  “Break a leg,” she said.

  I rushed out the door, adjusting my skirt as I ran down the hallway. Just as I passed by Finn’s door it opened. He looked absolutely gorgeous as usual in his black pants and white shirt. I hoped that my face didn’t blush when I looked at him.

  “You look gorgeous as always, Scarlet,” he said with that smooth southern accent that sent shivers down my spine.

  “Thank you,” I said, sounding as bashful as a child.

  I thought I would be used to Finn Fine’s charm by now but he got me every time. What would he say when he found out that Ruby was going with me to this address instead of him? I suspected he wouldn’t lik
e that one bit.

  “So we’re making lemon cupcakes today,” he said.

  “That’s right,” I said. “They’ll be fantastic.”

  I hoped I could hold it together long enough to finish. He opened the studio door for me, and I walked through. All the crew was waiting for us of course. Finn and I took position behind the counter. I plastered a smile on my face and the camera started rolling. I couldn’t believe how at ease I felt about doing this already. It hadn’t even been that long. I had definitely gotten a shaky start.

  I placed the flour in the bowl while Finn added eggs. Of course, he was doing his normal witty chatter. And I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. Now I knew they had probably made the right decision on adding him as co-host. I hated to admit that. Without him, well, it would just be a boring baking show. He definitely gave the show that pizzazz that it needed.

  I placed the cupcakes in the oven and then magically pulled out the baked ones. After decorating, it was time to end the show.

  “Thanks for joining us on The Cupcake Whisperer,” I said with a big smile.

  See, that was why I always thought I was the cupcake whisperer. It was always my line at the end of the show. Maybe I’d just let Finn continue to think he was the cupcake whisperer though. There was no harm in that.

  “Okay, that’s a wrap. Thanks, everyone,” the producer said.

  After everyone had settled down Finn looked at me and said, ‘So what’s on the plan now? Are we going to check out for that truck? What about that address for that man?”

  “Actually, I have someone going with me.”

  He stared at me. “What do you mean someone going with you? The detective’s going?”

  “Well, no he called and said that they went by the house and there was no man living there. But I don’t believe it.”

  “Of course, you don’t. So now you’re going back,” he said. “With someone else.”

  “Yes, Ruby decided to go with me.”

  “She decided or you asked her?”

  “She volunteered,” I said. “So I guess I should get going.”

  Okay, I couldn’t stand that sad look he was giving me. Why was he making me feel guilty about this? I couldn’t hold out anymore. I was weak.