The Bakers and Bulldogs Mysteries Collection: 20 Book Box Set

by Rosie Sams

“You’ll never guess what I did last night, Mel!” Kerry started in her normal exuberant way. She always spoke so fast that no one could get a word in edgeways. It looked like this morning was no exception. “It was absolutely wonderful! Bradford took me out for the most romantic dinner at the new steakhouse downtown, and then after dinner we spent the rest of the evening dancing. We spun around the room in each other’s arms. It was absolutely magical!” Kerry was swooning and pretending to dance around the shop. It seemed that her relationship with Bradford was recovering nicely from some of the hardships that it had gone through in its early days.

  Melody laughed. “I’m really happy for you, Ker. I’m so glad that after all that you and Bradford have been through, things are finally working out. Just remember,” she gestured to her watch, tapping its glass face, “I can’t have you letting your personal relationships get in the way of work. You’re ten minutes late already. We could have had the first batch of cakes mixed and ready to go into the oven by now.”

  Nodding at Melody, Kerry agreed. “You’re totally right, Mel, I’m really sorry. I got off to a late start this morning. I swear it will never happen again.” Kerry took a quick look around. “At least I’m here earlier than Leslie. Where is she anyway? It's not like her to be this tardy.”

  “Your right, Kerry, she is usually pretty punctual.” Melody sighed, where was that girl? “We have a ton of orders to complete today. I’d better give her a call and find out what's going on.”

  Melody pulled out her cell phone and dialed Leslie’s number, but there was no answer. Hanging up she tried again, and again. Finally, with no joy, she left a message for Leslie to return her call or come into the bakery as soon as possible. Melody turned to Kerry. “No answer,” she said. “It’s strange, but I’m sure she will show up. We’d better not waste any more time, or else no one will be getting their treats today.”

  Halfway through their second batch of double chocolate fudge cupcakes, Leslie came running in, startling Smudge out of a quick nap and causing the pup to start up into a round of barking. The girl was out of breath and had apparently run the whole way from her home to the bakeshop.

  Kerry put a hand on Smudge’s head to reassure her and to bring some calm to the chaotic situation that Leslie had created. “Well, good morning!” Kerry joked, considering it was nearly the afternoon. “Where have you been? We’ve been here slaving away, trying to pick up your slack.”

  “I’m so sorry, guys,” Leslie apologized, looking sincerely upset.

  Melody walked over, wiping her hands on her apron, and was interested to hear what kind of excuse Leslie had for her late arrival.

  Leslie looked a little embarrassed but sort of glowing at the same time. “I actually think I have a new calling, guys! I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ll never give up baking, but I met someone yesterday afternoon, and he’s opened up my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities!”

  Melody and Kerry looked at each other quizzically and then back at Leslie, waiting for her to continue.

  “I was at the market, picking up some groceries when I dropped an orange. It rolled away, down the aisle, and as I was chasing it, I bumped right into Jamison Shepherd. He’s from New York, and he’s acting as the guest director for the Port Warren playhouse. He has been involved in so many productions with plenty of famous actors and actresses, and he has a ton of amazing stories.” Leslie clasped her hands together and closed her eyes as if reliving the meeting. “We hit it off right away. We went out for a few drinks and then dinner and ended up staying up almost all night discussing writing and art and the meaning of life.” Leslie had a faraway look in her eyes as she spoke.

  “I see,” Kerry said, trying to hide the smirk on her face. “So, you’re in love? You’ve got the hots for this fancy new director?”

  Leslie’s face turned bright red at Kerry’s remarks. “No!” She exclaimed, perhaps a little too loudly. “It’s not like that. I mean, he’s a great guy and all, but I’m just really looking forward to auditioning for the play. Jamison thinks I’ll make a great actress.”

  “I think that’s really nice, Leslie,” Melody said, putting a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “You’re going to have a wonderful time, but you have to make sure that you keep your priorities straight and get to work on time. We need your help here. Also, be careful of this Jamison guy. He’s new to town and comes from the big city. Things are a lot different out there. Make sure you keep your head about you until you get to know him a little better. You never know what someone’s intentions may be.”

  Leslie vowed that she would be vigilant on both fronts. “I won’t be late again, Mel, this was a one-time mistake, I swear. I’ll be careful of Jamison as well, but I promise you, he’s a really great guy, you guys are going to adore him!” And with that she quickly threw on an apron and set to work, baking up a batch of macaroons.

  Melody shook her head and sighed, setting off towards her office with Smudge at her heels. There was never a dull moment at Decadently Delicious.

  Chapter Ninety

  Spending an afternoon driving around town and taking in all of the sights was always one of the best ways to get a feel for a place and to find the hidden gems that a town was hiding. The flamboyant and black-haired Jamison Shepherd had gotten up early that morning and was intent on figuring out just what the tiny town of Port Warren was all about. He had had a feeling since the moment he had set foot in town that it would be the perfect location for his next play. It was the complete opposite of Manhattan, where he had been building up his directing career over the years.

  If I’m careful here and play all of my cards right, I’ll be the hottest thing that New York has ever seen. I’ll have actresses on their knees, begging me to cast them. My name will be in lights all over the city. Jamison had always been a dreamer. One who was motivated by fame and fortune and his dreams were running wild in his head as he cruised the quiet streets.

  Since New York was such an expensive city, Jamison had begun to move some of his productions to smaller towns around the country. It gave him the perfect opportunity to showcase his directing talents and spread his name, without incurring the astronomical costs associated with a Broadway production. He figured that this would be the last small town gig he would need. After this, everyone in the business would know of his top-notch directing reputation, and getting the funding required for the big city shows would be a breeze.

  Luckily enough, the weather was warm, and he was able to drive with the top of his bright red, sporty convertible down. It was drawing looks from all of those that he passed, and Jamison soaked in every minute of it. Expertly squeezing into a tiny, street-side spot on Main Street, he locked the doors and threw his hands into his pockets. He was determined to find inspiration for his new production and source out all of the things he would need for the show to run smoothly.

  Port Warren was a cute town, he mused. Small town America with nothing particularly special or unique about it. Passing a little bakery, he made a note to himself to talk to the head baker about the possibility of catering for his cast and crew.

  Across the street was a small tailor shop. Someone there may be able to help me with costume fittings and alterations. He took a mental note. He also noted the interesting looks he was getting from those that he passed in the street. Perhaps they don’t get many outsiders here, he laughed to himself. Or perhaps it was his bright green, pinstriped suit, black slicked-back hair, and a black mustache that was drawing all of the attention. He definitely wasn’t what Port Warren was used to.

  Rounding the next corner to head towards the waterfront, Jamison stopped in awe. Tucked back, almost out of view from the sidewalk, was an art gallery. The large, floor-to-ceiling windows displayed some of the most beautiful paintings he had ever seen. The quality was just like something that he would have found in the city, if not much, much better.

  Bursting into the front door, Jamison’s loud and somewhat abrasive voice rang out. “I need to speak to someone imm
ediately! Service, please, service!”

  From out of the back room, a handsome, young man walked up slowly wearing paint-splattered blue jeans. Wiping his hands on an old rag and tossing it over his shoulder he looked at the boisterous man who was making a ruckus in his shop.

  “What can I do for you, sir?” The man’s suit was the most horrible shade of green he had ever seen, and there was a tone of arrogance to his voice that was extremely unappealing.

  “I must speak with the artist… right away. The work in this gallery is outstanding.”

  “Well, thank you very much, sir, I appreciate your compliments. My name is Sam Barnett, and I’m the artist.”

  “You?” Jamison looked Sam up and down. “You were not what I was expecting. Are you sure it was you who painted all of these amazing pieces?”

  “Yup. I’m positive. Is there something I can help you with?” Sam was trying his best to be polite and not get offended by this stranger, but his patience was wearing thin.

  “Well…” Jamison pondered for a moment, looking at the paintings around him. “I suppose there is. My name is Jamison Shepherd.” He took a dramatic bow and extended his hand to Sam who shook it hesitantly. “I am here from New York, and I will be the director of the next play at your town’s theater. I am currently seeking an artist who can assist me in creating props and backgrounds that are realistic and of the highest standard. Your work stood out to me as I was walking past and I do believe that you have the talent that I need to create the perfect sets. Is this something that you would consider?”

  Sam thought for a moment and then politely declined. “I appreciate the proposition, but I have a lot of work here at the shop. I can’t afford to shut down every day to help out at the theater.”

  “Ah, but I don’t think you understand,” Jamison went on to explain. “Not only will I make it well worth your while financially,” he leaned over and whispered a figure in Sam’s ear, “but I also have connections in New York that could make you famous across the country and maybe even throughout the world.”

  Sam had been convinced. It wasn’t necessarily the fame that he was after, but the figure that Jamison had whispered to him was more than six months’ worth of sales from his shop. It was a no-brainer. He certainly couldn’t refuse an offer like that. Extending his hand, he grasped Jamison’s in his.

  “You have yourself a deal, sir. I look forward to working with you.”

  “Excellent!” Jamison exclaimed. “You won’t regret it!” And he turned with a flourish and left the shop.

  Chapter Ninety-One

  After a long and busy day at the bakery, Melody left work and noticed that the whole town was buzzing. Both Melody and Smudge could sense that there was excitement in the air, it was almost electric. Stopping at the Koffee Korner for a quick coffee-to-go, Melody spied groups of people chatting and giggling. The normally mellow vibe of the cafe was much more energetic today. Unable to hold back her curiosity any longer, she made her way over to one of the groups.

  “Hey, Melody!” One of the ladies called out a greeting. It was Eleanor Kincaid. Melody and Eleanor had had their differences in the past. Eleanor was a hard woman who would do anything to get what she wanted. But all of that had been put behind them, and they were quite friendly with each other now.

  “Hello, Eleanor,” Melody replied, smiling. “What’s all the buzz about? I couldn’t help but notice that something exciting seems to be going on! I don’t want to miss out!” Smudge wagged her tail in agreement and perked up her ears, waiting to hear what the other lady had to announce.

  “Oh, Melody! I can’t believe you haven’t heard the news yet! A big-time director, named Jamison Shepherd, from New York City, is in town! He’s going to be putting on a production at our very own playhouse, and he’s looking for actors and actresses for his play. I’m definitely going to audition, I was in the drama club in high school, you know.” Then, leaning in closer she whispered, “Who knows, he may even make one of us a star!”

  Melody smiled and nodded. “That is very exciting news, Eleanor! I’m sure you’re guaranteed a part.” Melody knew that Eleanor had had her fair share of drama in her personal life. It seemed plausible that she would be able to use her life experience to help her out on the stage!

  “Plus, did you hear about Sam Barnett?” Eleanor continued.

  Melody shook her head.

  “It seems that Sam’s art gallery really stood out to Mr. Shepherd when he arrived in town. He couldn’t help but recognize Sam’s amazing talent, and he’s commissioned him to design the sets for the play! It’s almost too much to take in! Imagine, all of this taking place in little ol’ Port Warren.” Eleanor shook her head in disbelief.

  Laughing, Melody ordered her coffee and waved her goodbyes to the ladies. “Who would have thought that one man could get an entire town this worked up?” she asked Smudge as they continued home.

  Smudge answered back with a yip and a wag of her tail.

  Alvin was waiting for her when she arrived home, and he greeted her with a warm hug. She had been dating the town sheriff for some time now, and though they had been through a few hiccups and their fair share of adventures, things were going fabulously well. “Hello there, handsome!” she greeted him, and Smudge wagged her tail, saying hello as well. “How was your day?”

  “Actually, things were pretty quiet today. I’ve been at the station, sitting at my desk for the most of it. Other than a few routine traffic stops, the town seems to be behaving itself. I have a feeling that everyone is too wound up about the appearance of this big-time producer to get into much trouble.”

  “So, you’ve heard about him too, have you? It seems as though this Jamison Shepherd character has really got a hold on this town. It’s all anyone is talking about. Can you believe that Leslie spent a romantic evening with him last night… and was over three hours late for work this morning? I think I’ll be happier when this play is over with, and everything goes back to normal around here.”

  Barking, Smudge agreed with Melody’s sentiments, or maybe she just wanted her supper.

  “Speaking of romantic evenings,” Alvin chimed in. “I believe we have a double date tonight with Kerry and Bradford. You’d better go get changed, so we aren’t late for our reservations.”

  Melody had almost forgotten about the dinner date. Her mind had been filled with thoughts of the newcomer in town and his fancy New York style production. “Oh, heck, Al! I forgot all about dinner! Can you feed Smudge for me?” she called, and seeing him nod a yes, she took off running upstairs. It wouldn’t take her too long to get changed out of her work clothes and into something a little more appropriate for a night out on the town.

  Kerry and Bradford had chosen a delightful little restaurant, located right on the waterfront. A cozy patio offered a perfect view of the boats coming and going from the port. The weather was finally perfect for sitting out, and the sunset was absolutely gorgeous, casting romantic red and orange streaks across the sky.

  Kerry and Bradford hadn’t been dating long. It had been a difficult start for them, but things had been going well for a while now. They had all agreed that it was about time that the two couples spent an evening getting to know one another. When Bradford arrived in town, he had been carrying a lot of baggage and quite a few unsavory rumors following him around. It seemed that he had left his past behind him and was taking excellent care of Kerry so far.

  Walking onto the restaurant's patio, Melody and Alvin spotted the other couple immediately. Joining them, they sat down and ordered drinks from the waiter who had followed them back there.

  After the initial greetings, a long and uncomfortable silence drifted over the table. No one knew what to say or what topic to turn the conversation to. Kerry tried a few times, searching to find common ground between the two men, but her attempts were unsuccessful.

  “Well,” Melody cleared her throat uncomfortably. “Dinner is absolutely lovely. Thank you so much for inviting us.” She kicked Alvin un
der the table and startled him into a coughing fit.

  “Yes. Right. Absolutely lovely,” he agreed, glaring at Melody while wiping his mouth with his napkin.

  “At least it’s nice and quiet here, unlike the rest of the town right now. Everyone is in such a buzz about that Jamison Shepherd and his new production, especially Leslie!”

  “Did you say, Jamison Shepherd?” Bradford exclaimed, causing the whole table to jump. It was practically the first words he had spoken all evening.

  Nods and mumbled affirmatives went around the table.

  “Oh,” Bradford said. “I’ve heard plenty of rumors about that man and trust me, none of them are good. I can’t believe he’s here in town.”

  “Really?” Alvin rested his arms on the table and leaned in towards Bradford, waiting for more information. When nothing came, he gave the man another prompt. “What type of rumors are we talking about here?”

  “Let’s just say it seems as though he has had his fair share of actresses fall under his spell. It seems he makes lots of promises, but then uses them and discards them for the next one."

  Melody cast a worried look at Kerry. “I hope Leslie isn’t in over her head.” She let out a concerned sigh. And then, thinking to herself, tried to figure out if there may be a way to talk Leslie out of auditioning for the play. She thought it might be best to attempt to keep her away from Jamison, considering the hearsay about his sordid past.

  Just then, the conversation was interrupted by an excited Leslie who burst out onto the patio, interrupting their gossip session and grinning from ear to ear.

  "You guys will never guess what just happened!" Her hands were clasped in front of her chest." Guess who's going to be the leading lady in Jamison's new play?"

  Chapter Ninety-Two

  It didn’t take long for the buds to begin to pop out on the trees and the first tulips of the season to bloom up from the ground. As the warmer weather of spring continued to creep into Port Warren, the excitement that Jamison’s play had created, continued to grow. Many of the townsfolk were involved in the production now, and everyone was eager to see the final results of all of the hard work that was being put into the play. There was even talk that Port Warren could become the new Broadway, with a little help and influence from the new director.