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THE NEXT MORNING, LAUREN hummed while she frosted her super vanilla cupcakes. Tonight, she would be having dinner with Mitch at the bistro. Maybe he would finally tell her what was on his mind. Should she ask him about seeing him outside the jewelry store? Before she could decide, Zoe rushed in to the kitchen.
“Deborah’s just called and wants two dozen cupcakes for this afternoon!” Zoe’s brunette pixie cut strands stuck up in alarm.
“What?” She thought the whole town knew they were only open Saturday mornings. Sometimes she filled special orders, but most of her customers called in advance.
“Apparently it’s all last minute. The person who was supposed to be hosting book club this afternoon dropped out, and she’s just found out they nominated her to hold it instead. She knows we’re closed after lunch, otherwise she would have suggested they hold it here.”
“What sort of cupcakes does she want?” Ed didn’t work on Saturdays, which meant no Danishes.
“She said you can choose.”
Lauren drew in a deep breath. “When does she want them? I hope she can wait until we close.”
“She said around lunchtime – before two o’clock is okay, and she wants us to deliver them.”
“Really?” Lauren frowned.
“She said she has an appointment this morning, which is why she’s a bit upset about this book club stuff,” Zoe informed her. “She said she’ll pay extra for delivery.”
“Okay.” Lauren sighed. “Can you cover the front unless we have a ton of customers?”
“No worries.” Zoe zipped back to the café.
At least they hadn’t opened yet. Lauren finished decorating the current cupcakes. Luckily, it had been the final batch for this morning, so she would have time to whip up another two dozen. She decided on blueberry crumble, and lavender. They were some of her less fussy creations, and wouldn’t take long to decorate – the blueberry didn’t even have frosting.
She would certainly enjoy her time with Mitch tonight after this crazy morning. While she mixed up batter, she heard Zoe cheerfully greet their first customer – Ms. Tobin.
Once the cupcakes were in the oven, Lauren whizzed up the icing for the lavenders, then joined Zoe at the counter.
“Ms. Tobin’s updated me on kitten Miranda.” Zoe steamed milk. “She sounds so cute!”
Lauren glanced over at the tables. Annie sat with Ms. Tobin, seeming to listen as that lady spoke about her kitten.
“What about her childhood friend Miranda?” Lauren asked, plating a super vanilla.
“She’s arriving next month.” Zoe finished off the latte with a swan design, and eyed it critically. “Not as good as yours, but not bad.”
“Looks great.” Lauren glanced at the micro foam.
“Thanks!” Zoe carried the tray out to their only customer so far.
Lauren checked her watch and hurried back into the kitchen. The timer hadn’t gone off yet. Good. She waited in there for a couple of minutes, until the ding ding alerted her.
The cupcakes looked perfect. Well risen and golden. She placed them on a rack to cool and rushed back into the café.
A few more customers arrived. Lauren helped Zoe serve them, and when there was a lull, decorated Deborah’s cupcakes.
“Phew!” She rejoined Zoe.
“Want to sit down for a sec?” Zoe gestured to the stools behind the counter. “I’m making the last latte.”
“Thanks.” Lauren sank down and wriggled her feet. “Once we deliver Deborah’s order, I’m going to curl up on the sofa with a book – and Annie.”
“I hear you.” Zoe nodded. “I have to go to the pottery studio to pick up the mugs. I can’t wait until I show you my latest design. Annie sniffing a cat safe flower.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it. So will Annie.”
To Lauren’s relief, the rest of the morning passed smoothly.
“Lunch time!” Zoe bolted the oak and glass door. “Now all we have to do is take the cupcakes to Deborah’s house.”
“Brrt?” Annie trotted up to them.
“We have a special delivery for Deborah,” Lauren told her.
“Brrp.” Annie stuck out her lower lip, just a tad.
“Want to come with us?” Zoe asked.
“Brrt!” Yes!
“I’m sure she won’t mind,” Lauren said. She hoped not, anyway. “Do you have Deborah’s address?”
“Right here.” Zoe patted her jeans’ pocket. “I put it in my phone. She lives a few blocks away.”
“Should we take the car or walk?” Lauren glanced at Annie. She knew her fur baby liked going for a stroll with them.
“I’ll carry the cupcakes while you hold Annie’s leash,” Zoe suggested.
“Brrt!” Good!
Lauren’s stomach grumbled while she fetched Annie’s harness. Although special orders were good for business, she couldn’t wait to grab some lunch and relax that afternoon, before she got ready for her date with Mitch.
She buckled Annie into her lavender harness while Zoe grabbed the two large cupcake boxes.
“Are you sure you can carry them?” Lauren frowned at the pink boxes Zoe held against her chest. She could barely see Zoe’s face.
“I’m fine,” her cousin assured her. “Leth go.” Her voice was muffled behind the cardboard.
They set off down the street, saying hello to a few passersby, who stopped to admire Annie.
“Mayfee we should do thith more ofben,” Zoe mumbled behind the cupcake boxes. “Good for bifneth.”
“True,” Lauren agreed. She stopped in her tracks, causing Annie and Zoe to halt as well. “What if we walked around town and offered a free cupcake sample to anyone who stopped to talk to us?”
“Eben better!” Zoe enthused.
When they arrived at Deborah’s house, which was a white Victorian with pale blue trim and a neat front garden, Lauren opened the little gate and ushered Zoe in.
“Brrt!” Annie towed Lauren up the three porch steps.
Ding dong. Lauren heard the chime echo inside the house.
“I hope she’s home,” she fretted. “Didn’t you say she had an appointment this morning?”
“Yeth, but she thaid she’d be back at lunchtime,” Zoe mumbled, shifting the boxes against her chest. “I can’t waid until—"
“Hello, girls.” Deborah opened the ornate front door, dressed in tan slacks and a green turtleneck. Lauren wondered if that was her signature outfit. It certainly suited her. Her gray hair was styled nicely in a short cut, layered ends brushing over her earlobes, just as Lauren remembered on adoption day at the café.
“Hi,” Lauren greeted her. “We’ve brought the cupcakes for your book club.”
“And I see you’ve brought Annie, too.” Deborah smiled down at the silver-gray tabby. “Come in, all of you.”
They followed her down the blue hallway to a large living room. “You can set the boxes down here.” She pointed to a big mahogany coffee table.
“That’s better.” Zoe placed the cupcakes on the table and shook out her arms. “I didn’t realize they’d get heavy after a while.”
“Did you girls walk here?” Deborah inquired.
“Yes,” Lauren replied.
“How much do I owe you?” Deborah reached for her purse on the big navy sofa. Two matching wing chairs faced it, forming a conversation area.
Lauren told her the amount, adding a small delivery fee.
“I can’t thank you enough.” Deborah smiled as she gave Lauren the cash.
“How many people are coming to book club?” Zoe asked, glancing at the big bay window furnished with cream blankets and pillows. “I’d love to sit over there and read – or check my phone.” She pointed to the little nook.
“So would I.” Lauren’s tone was wistful.
Annie sniffed the carpet, wandering as far as the leash would allow her.
“You girls are sweet.” Deborah beamed at them. “Four ladies are coming this afternoon. We’ll have just enough room for everyone here.” She waved her hand at the sofa and the wing chairs. “Maybe it’s greedy of me to order so many cupcakes, but I wanted to make sure I had plenty for everyone. If there are any leftovers, I’ll treat myself to them for the next few days.”
“That’s what I would do,” Zoe agreed.
“Have you heard anything about the investigation into Nellie’s death?” Deborah changed the subject. “I keep calling Detective Castern but he says he doesn’t have an update yet.”
“We haven’t heard from Detective Castern,” Lauren replied cautiously. She glanced at Zoe.
“That’s right.” Zoe caught her look. “Nothing from him.” She leaned toward Deborah. “I don’t think he likes us.”
“Really?” Deborah frowned. “He’s been nothing but professional with me. He said he’s determined to find the killer.”
“When was the last time you spoke to him?” Lauren asked. They’d found the blood-stained vase on Thursday night at the thrift store in Sacramento.
“Wednesday,” Deborah said.
“Huh.” Zoe turned to Lauren, a frown on her face.
“Well, never mind.” Deborah brushed her hair away from her cheek. A silver earring flashed in her lobe.
“What a pretty earring,” Lauren admired.
“Yes, aren’t they?” Deborah gave a little laugh. “I wear them on special occasions. My late husband gave them to me.”
“Wasn’t Nellie wearing them on adoption day at the café?” Lauren’s brain froze. What had she revealed?
“That’s right.” Deborah took a step toward them.
“Brrt?” Annie stopped sniffing the carpet and trotted to Lauren, her big green eyes never leaving Deborah.
“You must have seen Nellie before she died,” Zoe said. “Was it the night of adoption day or ... uh oh.” She turned to Lauren, EEEK! written on her face.
“Uh oh is right.” Deborah’s pleasant expression vanished. “It was the morning Nellie died. I’d asked her for those earrings in the café on adoption day, as you witnessed, Lauren. She was always borrowing my things and never returning them unless I asked her to. She was a very annoying daughter-in-law. Rebecca will be a much better one.”
“But I thought she and Ed ...” Zoe began.
“Ed.” Deborah tsked. “A nice enough fellow, and a talented baker, but Rebecca should marry my son Richard.”
“I thought Rebecca and Richard were just friends,” Lauren said, aware of Annie standing right next to her, her fur brushing against her jean-clad leg.
What were they going to do?
“They are.” Deborah nodded. “But I think they’ll make a wonderful husband and wife team and fall in love with each other in time. I’ve always thought so. But then Richard had to go and meet Nellie in college, and marry her.” She shook her head. “I love my son but anyone with half a brain could see what sort of person Nellie was – or was on the way to becoming. She gave him a terrible time because she was upset about him being allergic to cats and dogs. It’s not his fault.”
“Of course not,” Lauren agreed. She looked down at Annie and tilted her head the tiniest bit toward the door. Annie took a few steps toward it, Lauren and Zoe following her.
“Not so fast!” Deborah’s voice was suddenly embedded in steel. “You’re not going anywhere. I’m certainly not going to let you run off to your detective boyfriend.”
“But we don’t know anything.” Zoe sounded completely innocent. “Just that you got your earrings back from Nellie. You must have seen her and left before the killer arrived. So we’ll just get going and leave you to your book club prep.”
“Nice try, Zoe.” Deborah laughed.
Lauren’s spine chilled.
“I can’t let you two leave now.” She glanced at Annie. “I suppose I’ll let your cat live – she hasn’t done anything wrong. Rebecca has a soft spot for animals – she can look after her.”
“If anyone is going to look after Annie, it will be Mitch.” Lauren straightened her shoulders.
“Brrt!”
“Have it your own way.” Deborah sounded as if she didn’t care. “Whatever. It’s a shame you had to notice my earrings – I didn’t realize you girls were so sharp. All you do is bake and make coffee, and Zoe doesn’t even bake.”
“I make pottery mugs,” Zoe protested.
“Oh, yes. Your little hobby. Cute.” Deborah sneered. “Meanwhile, the rest of us have to engineer our lives. Like removing Nellie from Richard’s.”
“But why now?” Lauren asked.
“Because I’d had enough of her. She was always complaining about my son. My son was far too good for her, and always had been, but Nellie thought it was the other way around. Well, I showed her. Ha!”
“So you went to her house to get your earrings back,” Zoe encouraged.
“Yes. I wanted them for a function last weekend. When she hadn’t returned them the previous night, I went to my son’s house to get them back from her. The way she whined and complained about having to return them to me made me see red. She’d already started going on about how it was so unfair she couldn’t have that little red kitten from the adoption event. So when she turned her back on me, I picked up that ugly vase her grandmother gave her and smashed it on her skull. Then I got my earrings, grabbed the vase, and went home.”
“And nobody saw you?” Lauren asked.
“No. I was lucky.” She laughed. “I played the part of grieving mother-in-law so well, Detective Castern didn’t probe too much into my whereabouts that morning. I lied to him and told him I was at home.”
“Nobody seems to think much of Detective Castern, but you said early on he seemed to know what he was doing,” Lauren said slowly.
“Very good.” Deborah nodded. “I didn’t realize others thought he was a bit of a dumb-dumb too, or that you’d had previous interactions with him. I’m not a regular at your café like some of the other people around here.”
“But what about the vase?” Zoe frowned. “Didn’t he check your house for the murder weapon?”
“Of course not. I don’t think he’s that smart. As soon as I got home with it, I wiped it with a disinfectant cloth, to get rid of my fingerprints, and buried it in the back of a kitchen cupboard, out of sight. I thought he’d need a warrant if he wanted to search the whole house in case the murder weapon was here. He didn’t have much of a look around.” She shook her head.
“So you don’t know that we found the vase?” Lauren waited for her reaction.
“What?” Deborah paled.
“Yeah,” Zoe said in satisfaction. “Two café girls – us—” she pointed to herself and Lauren “—found your murder weapon in a thrift store in Sacramento.”
“And the police have already tested it for blood,” Lauren added. “Now it’s undergoing further testing.”
“You’re lying.” Deborah staggered back until her calves touched the sofa. “But how would you know where I dumped the vase if you are lying?” Bewilderment flickered across her face.
“You might as well give yourself up right now,” Zoe advised.
“You weren’t able to get rid of the blood stain on the bottom of the vase,” Lauren reminded her.
“No.” She shook her head. “I tried, but I couldn’t get it out. I dumped the vase outside the thrift store one night.”
“So the police will know it was the murder weapon when they match it with Nellie’s ... you know.”
“They’ll canvass the area around the thrift store, and they’re sure to find someone who remembers seeing you, especially carrying an ugly vase like that one,” Zoe added.
“No!” Deborah vaulted over the sofa in one smooth leap.
Lauren’s mouth parted.
“Pilates.” Deborah smiled in satisfaction, the sofa between her and the trio.
“We should try Pilates,” Zoe muttered.
Deborah picked up the crystal vase on the mantel behind her and hefted it.
“Now I’ll have to smash your skulls in. Not yours, Annie.” She spared a glance for the feline. “You won’t be able to tell anyone about this.”
“Don’t be too sure,” Lauren warned.
“What are you going to do with our bodies?” Zoe wanted to know.
“Aren’t your book club members arriving soon?” Lauren pressed. “What if they find you in the middle of killing us?”
“Brrt!” Yes!
“Which book are you reading, anyway?” Zoe picked up a hardback on the coffee table next to the cupcake boxes. She hefted it in the same way Deborah hefted the vase. “Nice and heavy.”
“You wouldn’t.” Deborah’s eyes narrowed.
“She would,” Lauren informed her.
“Yeah, I have done this before, you know. With killers.” Zoe sounded fierce.
Lauren glanced at Annie, then at Zoe. She noticed Annie looking at Zoe as well. The three of them reached a silent decision.
“Enjoy your book club!” Zoe hurled the hardback straight at Deborah’s face.
“Arrgh!” Deborah screamed at the same time the book thumped into her face. She dropped the vase with a thud.
Annie, Lauren, and Zoe raced out of the living room and down the hall, Annie towing Lauren.
Ding dong.
The doorbell chimed.
Lauren wrenched open the door, the three of them bursting through to the surprise of Ms. Tobin, standing on the porch.
“Lauren? Isn’t this book club?”
“It’s killer club!” Zoe grabbed her arm, urging her down the steps – to freedom.