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In no time at all, they were pulling up to the bakery again. Wynona studied the cutesy shop as they entered. A tiny bell rang, announcing their entrance, but this time, they weren’t the only ones in the waiting area.
Ms. Soulton stood behind the counter, smiling widely at a young family of fairies who were picking out treats together.
“Oh, you’ll love the lemon bread,” Ms. Soulton gushed. She kept talking even as she bent down to open the case and extract a couple of slices. She wrapped them up in wax paper. “Lemon was always my favorite as a child.” She passed the slices over the counter with another smile. “Enjoy.”
The family said their goodbyes and worked their way past Wynona and Rascal. Violet was peeking from the pocket on Rascal’s shirt and her nose twitched.
Smells good.
Wynona hummed her agreement. If she didn’t have such good bakers already, she might consider working with Ms. Soulton. Provided she’s not involved in the murder. Though Wynona struggled to see the kind woman doing anything to hurt another being, but Wynona had seen it all before. She knew better than to count anyone out.
“Ms. Le Doux,” the baker said, her voice a little tighter than before. Her eyes flickered to Rascal. “Deputy Chief.”
Rascal nodded. “Ms. Soulton.”
Wynona stepped forward. “If you have a moment, we’d like to speak to you.”
“Again?”
Wynona nodded. “Yes. There have been some...developments.”
Ms. Soulton frowned. “Okay.” She glanced at the wall clock. “I haven’t taken a break today. Hang on.” With a twirl of her finger, she turned the “Open” sign to “Closed”.
A familiar pang of envy went through Wynona, but she pushed it away. She didn’t like giving into it before she had her magic and she wasn’t going to be upset now. Someday she would be able to work magic just as easily. It would simply take time.
“Thank you,” Wynona said with a soothing smile as they walked into the backroom.
If the front smelled sweet, the back was like walking into an actual baked good. The space was warm and heavy with spices and sugar.
Rascal took in a deep breath, his eyes flashing, obviously enjoying the smells.
Wynona laughed softly and he gave her a sheepish glance.
Violet made a slight squeak before climbing out of his pocket and scurrying to the floor while Ms. Soulton’s back was turned. I’m just gonna look around.
Be careful, Wynona thought and Violet let out a small noise before disappearing.
“Ms. Le Doux?”
Wynona jerked her eyes up from the floor, hoping Ms. Soulton hadn’t noticed a rodent running through the kitchen. “Hm?”
The baking witch held up a tea kettle. “Would you like a drink?”
Wynona shook her head. “No thank you, but I appreciate the offer.” She pointed to a chair next to a small table. “Do you mind if we sit?”
“Please.” Ms. Soulton’s eyes kept darting between her work in pouring herself a cup and her visitors now waiting at the table. “You said there had been developments?” she asked. “Does that mean you’ve found the murderer?”
Wynona shook her head as the witch came closer. “Not yet, but we’re narrowing our suspects.”
“Oh?” Ms. Soulton sat down with an elegance that Wynona envied. The baker’s willowy build was lovely and a far cry from Wynona’s prominent curves.
Warm fingers brushed Wynona’s shoulder and she relaxed slightly. Rascal made no qualms about her figure. It was stupid of her to worry about what she didn’t have, rather than focusing on Alavara’s murder.
“Yes, um...were you familiar with Mr. Alefoot...I mean Leadtank?” Wynona asked.
Ms. Soulton frowned over her cup before setting it down. “Are you referring to the janitor?”
Wynona nodded. “Yes.”
Ms. Soulton shrugged. “I had seen him a couple of times. It was impossible not to when I dropped food off every couple of days.”
“And did you ever talk to him?” Wynona pressed.
Ms. Soulton shrugged. “I don’t know. If I did, it was nothing memorable. More than likely simple pleasantries.”
Wynona nodded. “And Ms. Theramin’s boyfriend? Officer Montego?”
Ms. Soulton’s cup rattled against the saucer. She let go of the cup and folded her arms in her lap. “Sorry. I’m a little nervous.”
Wynona frowned. “I’m not trying to frighten you. We simply want to ask you questions.”
Ms. Soulton nodded. “I know, but I’ve never been involved in an investigation before.” Her eyes shifted quickly to Rascal, then back to Wynona. “It’s nerve wracking.”
“Understandable.” Wynona took a deep breath. “Tell me about your business,” she said, hoping to put the woman at ease.
Ms. Soulton looked around and Wynona followed her gaze. Bright silver pots and several large stainless steel counters and ovens dominated the space. Bright spots of color popped out as tea towels and aprons were scattered everywhere. It appeared that Ms. Soulton liked color and was decidedly messy.
“Well...” Ms. Soulton wrung her hands together, the knuckles turning white. “I’m a kitchen witch.” She smiled softly. “I’ve always loved to bake and it runs in my family.”
“How wonderful,” Wynona gushed, hoping it would put the woman at ease. “Did you start this place on your own? Or was it a family business?”
Ms. Soulton shook her head. “On my own. My mother and grandmother baked for family and neighbors, but by the time they were my age...” She trailed off and shrugged, making a face. “They were married, so neither wanted to run a business.” Her cheekbones were bright pink and Wynona cleared her throat.
She hadn’t meant to bring up an uncomfortable subject, but even worse was the fact that Wynona knew she was older than the woman sitting across the table from her.
“I think it’s wonderful that you’re using your talents to make a living,” Wynona said, trying to ignore the ping in her heart. She decidedly did not look at Rascal. She knew she loved him, but they weren’t to the point of marriage...at least Wynona didn’t think so. She knew she was growing more and more dependent on him, but the problem was...she wasn’t sure he felt the same. He obviously had feelings for her, but he had never mentioned the “L” word.
“Tell that to my grandmother,” Ms. Soulton muttered, rolling her eyes.
Wynona grinned. “Grandmothers can be pretty pushy when they think they know what’s right for you.” The memories that statement brought back were almost too much to bear, but they still made Wynona smile. She missed Granny Saffron like a man in the desert missed water.
Rascal coughed, trying to cover a laugh, then winked at Wynona when she glanced his way.
Wynona’s smile grew before she turned back to the baker. “Can you please tell us again your relationship with Ms. Theramin?”
Ms. Soulton’s eyes went back and forth between Rascal and Wynona. “Are you two...together?”
Wynona laughed lightly. “I suppose you could say that.”
“Huh.” Ms. Soulton leaned back in her chair, folding her arms over her chest. “And you don’t think that’s a conflict of interest?”
Wynona stiffened. “No, Ms. Soulton, I do not,” she said firmly. Who was this woman to make that judgment call? Wynona worked better with Rascal at her side than alone.
Ms. Soulton’s eyes dropped and her face fell. “Sorry. I didn’t think...” She sighed. “I once knew an officer,” she said softly, then jerked in her chair. “But that was a long time ago.”
Wynona’s righteous anger dissipated. The man must have left Ms. Soulton heartbroken if her reaction was anything to go by. Wynona cleared her throat. “Ms. Soulton? Your contract?”
The kitchen witch blinked a few times, as if coming out of a stupor before nodding. “Right. Sorry.” She took in a deep breath, straightening in her seat. “I mentioned before that I barely knew her. Ms. Theramin came by, looking to try a sample and take my estimate, and we eventually wrote a contract. I brought her pastries every two days for her shop, delivered through the back door.”
“Who delivered them?” Wynona asked.
“I did,” Ms. Soulton said, sticking her chin in the air. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Small stores can’t always afford delivery services.”
“Of course not,” Wynona assured her quickly. “But if you were in the tea shop, that changes our questions.”
Ms. Soulton frowned and looked suspicious. “It does?”
Wynona nodded, but before she could do anything else, the ringing of the front door caught their attention.
“I have to go,” Ms. Soulton said, jumping to her feet and pressing out the wrinkles in her apron. Today’s fashion was pink with white daisies bundled all over it. Very springy and just right for the upcoming season.
Wynona stood as well. “When can we come back?” she asked.
Ms. Soulton stumbled slightly and looked over her shoulder with wide eyes. “You have more questions?”
Wynona nodded. “Yes. I’d really like to talk to you about Mr. Leadtank, the janitor. We...” Her eyes went to Rascal and back. “We have reason to believe there was dark magic involved in his employment.”
Ms. Soulton gasped, her delicate hand covering her mouth. “No...”
“Hello?” a voice called out. “I have a package for Mardella Soulton?”
“Excuse me,” Ms. Soulton said, slipping out the door without another word.
Wynona grumbled and stomped her foot. “Why can’t she give me a straight answer?”
Rascal’s warm hand landed on her back. “I think I scare her,” he said, amusement lacing his voice.
Wynona rolled her eyes. “It’s not like you growled at her. She had no reason to be afraid of you.”
Rascal shrugged. “Maybe not, but she did say she knew an officer once.” One thick eyebrow rose high. “Maybe he wasn’t a shining example of a policeman?”
Wynona deflated a little and nodded. “True. That could be it.” She pushed out a long breath. “Come on. Let’s go out through the back. We can study the alley as we go.” She stopped. “Violet?”
Scampering feet on tile became audible before Violet rushed over and climbed Rascal’s leg. He helped her settle into his pocket, chittering with contentment.
“Find anything?” Wynona whispered as they stepped through the messy kitchen.
Besides the fact that the witch has an obsession with aprons? Not so much.
Wynona scrunched her nose at the smell in the back alley. “I think maybe they need to collect the garbage,” she muttered. The air stunk of past due herbs and rotting eggs, mixed with animal feces. It made Wynona pick up her pace just to be away from it all.
Rascal’s face was turning red as he nodded and Wynona realized he was holding his breath.
She almost broke out in a giggle, but it really shouldn’t have been funny. His sense of smell was much stronger than hers, so it made sense that the alley would offend him more. Still...the large officer holding his breath like a young boy was slightly amusing.
She kept her eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary, but nothing stood out to her. There were bags of trash scattered everywhere and Wynona had to tiptoe through the alley to keep from stepping in something unsavory. That was all she needed...to cover her shoe in something that would keep Rascal away for the rest of the day.
“Now what?” he asked as they reached the truck.
Wynona buckled up and waited until he was in his seat before answering. “Let’s head to Officer Montego’s,” she said.
Before backing out, Rascal stared at the bakery. “Do you think she was involved?”
Wynona pursed her lips. “Personally? No. But am I ready to rule her out? Also no.” She twisted on her hip to look at Rascal. “The problem here is, I don’t have a real suspect. No one stands out.”
“Which means everyone is still a suspect,” Rascal finished for her.
“Exactly.”
Once on the road, he reached out and rested his hand on her leg. “If he’s still drunk, I’m not sticking around,” Rascal growled under his breath. “He was a threat to you and I won’t tolerate that.”
Wynona nodded. “Thank you,” she said, gripping his hand. “And thank you so much for coming along with me. I wouldn’t be nearly as brave to do all this if you weren’t here.”
Rascal squeezed her hand, glancing her way with his signature wink and a roguish grin. “Always.”