Frosted Cookies 'n Murder

by Emily Greene

  Harper Madison never expected to be involved in another murder investigation, but when one of her employees dies suspiciously, she has to help calm the fears of the people in Prairie Cove. After diving right into the case, Harper learns the hard way that someone is not too happy with her snooping around. Will Harper be able to crack the case before she becomes the next victim?

  Frosted Cookies ‘n Murder

  A Prairie Cove Mystery, Book 2

  by

  Emily Greene

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  Copyright, 2017 by Emily Greene.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

  Table of Contents

  Introduction

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Books by Emily Greene

  Introduction

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” I whispered to Matthew, not wanting to interrupt his conversation.

  The Hanson’s had a huge party every fall to celebrate the season because it was Mrs. Hanson’s favorite of the four, and everyone from town was invited. It was easily the social event of the year and my bakery provided the dessert for the event. That year, Mrs. Hanson requested Frosted Cookies ‘n Cream flavored cookies and she wanted each cookie to be decorated with a fall color. It was a custom order, of which I had received several since the reunion, and I was happy to oblige. Dr. Matthew Carson asked me to go with him to the event and I was looking forward to spending time with him. We both had very busy schedules so I had not seen him very much in the previous four months aside from an occasional lunch or dinner here and there.

  The Hanson’s annual Fall Gala was stunning in every way imaginable. The mansion was beautiful, the guests looked gorgeous in their formal evening wear and the energy in the room was electric. I had never been to such a huge event and as I looked around it was amazing to see almost all of Prairie Cove there. Matthew was talking with a patient’s father so I decided to take a stroll around the premises. I had only been in the foyer of the mansion when I dropped off baked goods for various occasions in the past, which the Hanson’s always ordered from me, so I wanted to see the grounds.

  I wandered around and found myself in the garden. It was so enormous and gorgeous I could have easily stayed there for the rest of the night. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly as I looked around, taking in the immense beauty that was all around me. It felt like I was looking at a picture that would be in Better Homes and Gardens except it was real and right in front of me.

  I had heard through the grapevine that the Hanson’s had the most spectacular swimming pool, so on that crisp fall evening I strolled through the garden and made a turn toward the pool when I stopped dead in my tracks; my blood running cold.

  Is that a body floating in the pool?

  I recognized the red sequined dress and my hand flew to my mouth. I quickly took a step forward to get a better look, my heart trying to ram its way out of my chest, and my worst fear was confirmed. Without hesitation, I turned and ran to go find Detective Sloane. It was going to be a long night.

  Chapter One

  Two Days Earlier

  It was a crisp October Thursday morning and Gracie rubbed against my leg as I popped my latest cake into the oven and started to make the frosting. The orange dreamsicle cake was easily going to be my new bestseller and I couldn’t wait for customers to try it. My business exploded after the reunion. The cake I made as a tribute to Melanie Clark was a huge hit and I received so many custom orders for different types of cakes, pies, cookies, etc., in addition to my signature cupcakes, I decided to expand to making a variety of pastries. I renamed my bakery The Savvy Baker, and I was busier than ever.

  Molly was opening the bakery that day and she and Natalie turned out to be priceless additions to my business, and of course Carrie was still by my side. Charlotte moved on so I decided to hire three more people full time, and they seamlessly fit in. Sarah Cooper was in Katie’s class in high school and had recently fallen on hard times so I hired her as a full-time cashier, Evelyn Hagen lived in the neighboring town and had 10 years of pastry chef experience so it was a no brainer to hire her, and Mark Sommers had eight years of pastry chef experience, so I was very happy with my new staff. Having employees I could rely on allowed me to have occasional lazy mornings inventing new flavors at home, and even allowed me to take days off. I was planning to go into the bakery around 10:30 that morning, just as soon as my new concoction was ready.

  “People are going to love this new flavor, Gracie.”

  Just as I was about to whip the frosting in the bowl, I heard a frantic knock at door that would not stop. I glanced at the clock and wondered who was making such a ruckus at 8:00 A.M. I wiped my hands on my apron and Gracie trotted alongside me as I went to the door. I looked through the peephole and all I saw was a hand holding a diamond ring up to the door. Who in the world is this?

  I opened the door and before I could say a word she pushed her way in.

  “Harper, I’m engaged!” Katie screamed.

  “Oh my goodness, Katie! Congratulations!” I flung my arms around her, giving her a huge hug. “Let me see the ring!”

  It was a beautiful, single round stone set in white gold. Very understated yet quite stunning. It was perfect for her.

  “Katie, it is beautiful. Mike did a great job.” I grabbed her hand and pulled her over to my couch. “So, tell me, how did he propose?”

  “Our one year anniversary was yesterday so he took me out to dinner at Emilio’s, the new Italian restaurant, and when they brought out dessert the ring was hidden in the cannoli. He got down on one knee in front of the entire restaurant and asked me to marry him. It was so sweet!”

  “I am so happy for you, Katie! Mike is a really good man and you guys are perfect together.” I couldn’t stop beaming at her.

  “Thanks, Harper.”

  “What did Mother say when you told her?”

  “Well…,” she started and then I heard more furious knocking at the door.

  I looked at Katie and a feeling of dread fell over me.

  “Katie, please tell me that you told Mother this morning and please tell me that is not our mother knocking on my door.”

  “I wanted everyone to share in the celebration at the same time but Nicole couldn’t come over here this morning so I already told her over the phone, and I couldn’t hold it in anymore once I was at your door! I had to tell somebody in person, and I told Mother to meet me here.”

  “Katie,” I groaned as I went to the door.

  I opened it without even looking through the peephole because I knew that knock anywhere.

  “Hello Mother,” I said as she barged her way in.

  “Harper, what took you so long to answer the door? I have been knocking for what feels like an eternity!” She didn’t wait for my reply. “Where is Katie? She said she had something urgent to tell…oh, there you are sweetheart!” Mother gave Katie a big hug and then looked back and forth between the two of us. “So, tell me, what is the urgent news? Are you both
feeling okay?” The look on her face was almost panicked so I looked over at Katie and raised my eyebrows at her.

  She held her left hand out for Mother to see and I swear every dog in the neighborhood could hear her when she squealed.

  “Eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! Katie, honey, I am so happy for you!” Mother threw her arms around Katie and I could see that she was holding her just a little bit too tight.

  “Mother, I can’t breathe,” Katie gasped.

  “Oh! I’m sorry, I’m just so excited for you, honey! The ring is gorgeous! I knew Mike would pick something beautiful. When is the wedding?”

  Katie and I both laughed.

  “Mother, I got engaged less than 24 hours ago! I have no idea when the wedding is.”

  “Well, don’t let him drag it out forever. I want grandchildren one day!”

  I had to step in because she was getting out of control.

  “Okay, Mother, slow down and let Katie enjoy her engagement. I can guarantee you that you will be one of the first to know when they set a wedding date.”

  “Of course you will, Mother,” Katie said gently rubbing her arm to sooth her.

  That seemed to pacify her for the time being and Katie and I looked at each other and smiled.

  “Okay you two, I have to frost my cake and then go in to the bakery, so I am kicking you out now, with love, of course.” I ushered them toward the door and my mother stopped and turned to me.

  “Oh, wait! I forgot to ask you, honey, did you find a dress for the Hanson Fall Gala this Saturday night?”

  “Yes, Mother, I have a dress.”

  “Oh good! I am sure that you and Matthew are going to make a wonderful couple,” she beamed.

  “Mother, I have already told you that we are just friends.”

  “Yes, she has Mother, besides, Detective Sloane is a much more suitable man for Harper,” Katie interjected.

  “Oh my goodness, you two, I don’t have time for this right now. You both have a lovely day! Katie, congratulations again, sweetie,” I said as I ushered them out the door.

  She gave me a huge smile. “Thanks, Harper.”

  “Bye, honey, have a wonderful day! I’ll see you and Matthew on Saturday!’ My mother winked at me and I just had to laugh as I closed the door behind them. I was smiling to myself as I walked back to the kitchen and then it hit me and I stopped in my tracks. Nicole was married and Katie was engaged, so that meant I was going to be number one on my mother’s radar. The hounding me to settle down was going to be incessant and there was nothing I would be able to do to avoid it.

  I took my cake out of the oven and frosted it trying to push my mother’s antics out of my mind. I focused on the day ahead of me, which was a busy one. I had three birthday parties to prepare cakes for and an engagement party platter surprise to make the next day. My platter surprises were a big hit and I was getting many more requests for them than I had anticipated, which was a good thing; they just took a long time to prepare. They consisted of several different types of baked goods from cupcakes to cookies and the only input customers had was what flavors they wanted. I packaged the cake, kissed Gracie goodbye and headed out to the bakery.

  I never grew tired of the smell of fresh baked pastries as I walked into my bakery, and that Thursday was no exception. We were pretty busy that morning and I saw Edna and the girls sitting at their usual table, chatting incessantly, each enjoying a different baked good. They smiled when they saw me and I stopped by their table to check on them.

  “Ladies, you look like you are cooking up a heap of trouble over here. Are we behaving?”

  “Oh, Harper, you’re silly,” Mavis giggled.

  “I’m just teasing you ladies,” I smiled. “How are you enjoying your pastries?”

  “Harper, this velvet moon pie is delicious. I know that we have said it before, but we are thrilled that you decided to expand your bakery.” Betty looked like she was in pie heaven.

  “Yes, dear, you are an expert baker and I am so happy that we, all of us in Prairie Cove, have a chance to enjoy your delicious goodies,” Edna beamed.

  “Thank you, ladies. I love making good treats for people to enjoy and I am happy that you like them. Does anyone need more coffee?”

  “I’ll have some,” Doris said.

  “Okay, I’ll send Sarah over. Enjoy your morning, ladies!”

  “Thank you, Harper!” they all replied in unison.

  When I walked over to Sarah she was helping a customer, or at least that is what I assumed until I got closer. The man in front of her was big, at least 6’3”, had dark brown hair and looked to be about 230 pounds. He did not look happy as he scowled at her and I rushed toward her to make sure she was okay.

  I stepped in front of the man and set my eyes on him. “Is everything okay here?”

  He glanced at me and seemed to back down a bit but not before he gave Sarah one last menacing look. “I want that package by midnight on Friday. You know what will happen if I don’t get it.”

  He brushed past me on his way out and I was relieved when he was gone. Thankfully, the customers in the bakery didn’t notice. Mark came out from the back with a stack of napkins and I suppose he saw the look of concern on my face because he rushed right over.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, I guess we had a disgruntled customer.”

  Mark laughed. “Really? Your pastries are perfect, Harper!”

  “Thanks, Mark. He’s gone so we’re fine.”

  Clearly Sarah was not okay. I looked at her and I could see that she was shaken, so I sent her in the back and quickly grabbed both pots of coffee, regular and decaf, and filled the ladies’ cups before heading to the back to check on Sarah.

  “Sarah, who was that man?” I asked as I opened the orange dreamsicle cake and began slicing it.

  “Oh, him, he’s nobody.”

  “He was upset about something,” I prompted.

  “It’s not even worth mentioning and I’m sorry he showed up here. I will tell him not to do that again.”

  She lifted her tear-stained eyes to mine and wiped away her tears.

  “Why are you crying? Did he hurt you?”

  “No. My boyfriend Justin wants to marry me.”

  Huh? Justin had come into the bakery a few times and he seemed to be a nice enough guy, so I was confused. Why was she crying about that? That was supposed to be a happy thing, wasn’t it?

  “Wait, I don’t understand. You’re not happy about that?”

  “Harper, no. He is nice but I’m not head over heels in love with him or anything. He’s not my happily ever after and I know that.”

  “Did you say yes?”

  “I told him I needed time to think about it.” She looked miserable.

  “I’m going to ask you something and I don’t mean to sound harsh. If you know he’s not the one for you, why are you still with him?”

  She looked at me and gave me a deadpan look, her words devoid of emotion. “I don’t want to be alone.”

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly as I carefully chose my words. My patience was wearing thin because I didn’t agree with being with someone solely because you did not want to be alone. When I hired Sarah, she told me she was having a rough time financially and her boyfriend was not supportive. I was getting a completely different story as she stood before me that day and I began to question anything she had ever told me.

  “Sarah, I suggest you have a long, honest talk with your boyfriend and you both need to decide together where you want the relationship to go. He has feelings too, you know.”

  “I know that,” she snapped.

  I looked at her in surprise and she quickly adjusted her attitude.

  “I’m sorry, Harper. I didn’t mean to talk to you like that. I’m just very frustrated. Look at me. I’m nowhere near a supermodel, I am about 50 pounds overweight, and I don’t have perfect skin. What other man is going to want me? Janice looks amazing now and I want to look that good too. I feel like the ug
ly fat friend when we go out together. If I can drop this weight and get some highlights and new makeup, maybe I’ll be able to find a better guy.”

  She didn’t need to be consoled; she needed a good, swift kick in the rear end. I had no idea Sarah was such a jerk. She wanted to look like Janice? Janice Blaine worked hard to drop all of her weight and she seemed to have a heart of gold. I didn’t recognize her at first when I saw her at the reunion, but her hard work had paid off. She looked stunning. Sarah had a long road ahead of her if she wanted to look like Janice.

  “Doesn’t Janice live in New York? When would you have time to go out together?”

  “I have gone to visit her several times. She was my best friend in high school so we kept in touch. She’s actually coming home for the Hanson Fall Festival this weekend and I don’t want to look like the sloppy, fat friend next to her.”