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Mitch marched a handcuffed Wayne out of Lauren’s cottage. His face was red and blotchy. Pieces of pepperoni and bacon stuck to his cheeks and chin.
“I’ve called for backup,” Mitch told them. “I’ll wait until they get here.” He helped Wayne into the car and locked the doors. “Tell me what happened.”
They did, Annie wide-eyed during the conversation. She kept sneaking glances between Lauren and Mitch while she nestled in Lauren’s arms.
“And then Annie pushed the pizza box toward Wayne so he would fall over it.” Zoe giggled. Lauren thought it might be from reaction. “And he did!”
“That’s one clever cat.” Mitch sounded sincere.
“Brrt!”
Once assistance arrived, Mitch departed with Wayne, while a uniformed officer took Lauren and Zoe’s statements.
When he left, Zoe locked the cottage door behind him.
“Phew!” She flopped onto the living room sofa. “I’m bushed.” She checked her watch. “I can’t believe it’s not even eight p.m.!”
“I know.” Lauren nodded. She’d just given Annie something to eat and now she held paper towels in her hands. “What are we going to do about this mess?” She looked in dismay at the oyster hued carpet, a large section covered in red sauce, mozzarella cheese, and the pizza toppings.
“I’ll help.” Zoe sighed and kneeled on the carpet.
“I hope Wayne’s face didn’t get burned.” Lauren swiped at the carpet with the paper cloth.
“If he did, it was his own fault.” Zoe stabbed at a cheesy stain. “He shouldn’t have threatened us like that.”
“Brrt!” Annie trotted in from the kitchen and seemed to agree. “Brrt!”
“You were a big help, Annie,” Lauren told her. “If Wayne hadn’t lost his balance tripping over the pizza box—”
“Don’t.” Zoe shuddered. She reached for the cat and gave her a gentle stroke. “We all played a part in saving the three of us – well, you and Annie did.” She looked downhearted. “I didn’t get to do anything.”
“You made sure we were all together when we ran out of the house,” Lauren told her.
“Brrt!” Yes.
“That’s what family is for,” Zoe replied, her expression cheering slightly.
“Brrt!”
***
LAUREN DIDN’T DISCOVER why Mitch had arrived at her cottage that evening. He stopped by the café the next day to inform her that Wayne was pleading guilty to the murder of Todd Fane.
“Good,” Zoe replied.
“What will happen to Kimberly?” Lauren asked.
“Wayne swears that she didn’t know anything about substituting Angus steak for wagyu, or that Todd was blackmailing him,” Mitch answered. “It looks like she’ll either have to run the steakhouse herself or sell it.”
“Poor Kimberly,” Lauren said.
“She could always ask Gary for advice,” Zoe mused. “I know he specializes in burgers, but food is food. Or she could always ask us for help – like with desserts.”
“Good thinking,” Lauren replied.
“I’m talking to her again this afternoon, so I’ll pass on your suggestions.”
“Brrt!” Good idea.
“Can I make you a latte?” Lauren said, her hands poised at the espresso machine.
“That would be great.” His lips tilted upward in a smile.
“I’ll just see if Ed needs me in the kitchen.” Zoe faded away with a stifled giggle.
Lauren forgot what she was about to do – she was too busy gazing into Mitch’s dark brown eyes. And he seemed to be gazing back at her.
After a few seconds, Annie enquired: “Brrt?”
Lauren blinked, the spell broken. Latte. Right. The machine growled as the ground beans filled the portafilter, the scents of dark cherry and chocolate permeating the air.
“Have you got any vanilla cupcakes?” Mitch asked.
She peeked at the glass case. “Just one.”
“Just one is all I need.” His gaze locked with hers once more.
“Brrt?”
Mitch cleared his throat. Hesitated. “Would you like to go out with me sometime, Lauren?”
“Yes.”
“Brrt!”
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THE END