Chapter Fifteen

Mel crawled out and carefully turned to see Jackson’s father standing there with his arms crossed. “Sorry, sir, I was just checking for…um…”

The older man laughed. “A murder weapon?” Heat rose to Mel’s face as he laughed even harder. “Jax told me about your suspicions. Why don’t you come downstairs for some tea?”

Ten minutes later, Mel had a fragrant, steaming cup of herbal tea in her hand as she marveled at Jackson’s cookie entry, an elaborate gingerbread replica of Pine Cove, on the table in front of her. He’d nearly completed it, with ornate icing decorations right down to the town square festooned for the Christmas Festival.

“That is amazing.” Awe and despair crashed over her in equal measure. Her little mint surprise didn’t stand a chance.

“And delicious. There are seven different types of cookies in there, each one taste-tested by me personally.” He patted his stomach, his chuckle fading to a sad smile. “I know every father says this, but my boy would never hurt a flea. That’s why he quit his job with that chemical company. He’s happier putting his training combing chemicals to good use feeding people, making them happy with healthy food rather than stuff that’s bad for them.”

“But I thought that whole vaping incident had nothing to do with him?”

Jackson’s father frowned. “It didn’t, but fake hickory smoke flavor to make fake meat taste like the real thing isn’t exactly healthy. Or giving back to the world.”

They chatted for a while longer, the father clearly full of pride for his son’s success. The older Thibodeaux was certain they would get the money needed to expand the restaurant and the organic dog food business.

When Mel left, as much as she wanted to believe this loving father, she was still riddled with doubt. The hiking boots weren’t there, he’d even let her search the entire house, but Jackson definitely left the boot print on her steps last night. He could be wearing them at the restaurant right now for all she knew. Who else would have motive to kill both Mindy, his competition for the money, and the investor who turned him down?

The blast of her cell phone’s ring tone interrupted her thoughts. It was Doctor Hart.

“You better come down here, I’ve got something you’ll want to see.”