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FINALLY, MID-AFTERNOON, the time came to announce the winner.
A crowd gathered around the judge’s tent. Suzanne squeezed Maddie’s hand. Maddie didn’t know how the crowd would react to Trixie’s presence, or vice versa so, since the day was mild, they’d locked her in the truck, leaving a small window open.
“Thank you for attending the inaugural coffee festival for the Estherville and Aunt Winifred region.” The judge cleared his throat. “I know you’re all waiting to hear who has won the cappuccino making competition.” He waved an envelope in the air, and then opened it. “The winner is ... Maddie Goodwell!”
“You won!” Suzanne shrieked, jumping up and down.
Maddie blushed as everyone turned to look at her, but couldn’t hide her delight.
“Hmmpf!” Claudine snorted. “There must be some mistake. Mr. Grenville,” she called out. “Are you sure that is correct?”
“Yes, Ms. Claxton,” the judge said patiently. “Maddie Goodwell made the best cappuccino today.”
Claudine glowered at him, turned on her heel, and barged through the crowd back to her stall. Although she had her coffee shop on the far side of the town square, the organizers had wanted all the vendors inside the one space.
“Ms. Goodwell, you will be going on to compete in the barista competition held in Seattle next month,” the judge informed her. He reached behind him and presented her with a small gold trophy in the form of a coffee cup. “And here is your prize.”
The crowd parted for her as she took the few steps necessary to reach the judge.
“Thank you,” she murmured, shaking his hand.
The crowd cheered and applauded. She looked out, her heart suddenly stopping as she spied Suzanne’s brother on the edge of the throng, a big smile on his face.
“I knew you’d do it!” Suzanne rushed to hug her as the gathering began to disperse, the other vendors talking about packing up and going home.
“Thanks.” Maddie returned the embrace. “We’ll have to show Trixie.” She held up the trophy to Suzanne.
“She’s going to love it,” Suzanne grinned.
“Congratulations, dear.” Maddie’s mother hugged her. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Maddie replied.
“Well done,” her father said gruffly.
“Make sure you practice a lot for this big competition in Seattle,” her mother told her. “You’ll be up against stiffer competition than here.”
“Yes, Mom.” Maddie refrained from rolling her eyes. She knew her mother meant well.
“Why don’t you and Suzanne come over for dinner tomorrow night? We haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Goodwell,” Suzanne spoke up. “That would be great.”
“And you can even bring Trixie,” her mother added.
“Thanks, Mom.” Her mother was a good cook and she was right – it had been a while since Maddie had visited them. She’d been practicing for the competition, and last month she and Suzanne had been busy solving their first – and hopefully last – murder.
After Maddie’s parents left, Suzanne’s brother greeted them.
“Congrats, Mads,” he said, his green eyes twinkling.
“Thanks, Luke,” she said breathlessly.
“I thought you were going off with the guys somewhere this afternoon,” Suzanne remarked.
He shrugged, crimson staining his cheekbones. “I thought I’d find out if Maddie won or not.”
“And she did.” Suzanne punched him in the shoulder. “I told you she would.”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “I can’t believe Claudine harassed the judge like that, though.”
“Mm,” Maddie said, tongue-tied. Why could she never think of anything to say to Luke? Because she had a major-league crush on him, that was why. She was doomed.
Suzanne looked from Maddie to her brother and back again, apparently deciding to rescue her friend.
“I think we should get going,” she announced. “Trixie’s waiting for us in the truck, and we can’t wait to show her the trophy.”
“Sure.” Luke smiled. “Give her a pat for me.”
Maddie nodded, her mouth so dry she knew she couldn’t even emit a squeaky yes.
Suzanne towed Maddie back to the truck. When they reached Brewed from the Bean, Maddie finally exhaled.
“Why can’t I say anything to him?” she asked Suzanne.
“Because you’ve got it bad for him,” Suzanne replied, her eyes sparkling.
“Yeah,” Maddie agreed gloomily.
“Don’t worry.” Suzanne patted her shoulder. “I’ll help you.”
Maddie’s eyes widened, but before she could wonder aloud if that would be a good idea, Jill, the coffee vendor, rushed toward them.
“Girls, I just heard! Dave Dantzler, the radio host, is dead!”
