The Cupcake Capers Box Set

by Polly Holmes

Cassidy pointed at Finn and glared daggers in his direction. “Don’t you dare, mister, or I’ll tell them about the time you were caught with your pants down in the middle of Madison Square Garden.” Finn paled and she knew she’d won. The room erupted into laughter. Her belly ached, but she wasn’t sure if it was from laughing so hard or the copious amounts of pizza she’d ingested.

  Cassidy jumped as the unexpected shrill of the doorbell filled the house. “Who could that be?” Clair asked, wiping a tear from her eye. “I don’t suppose Charlotte has misplaced her key?”

  “Goodness knows. I’ll get it,” Cassidy said as she dragged her carb-laden body toward the front door. She expected to see the smiling face of Charlotte, but she froze when she saw who it was.

  Detective Anderson stood at the door with Robert to his right and Kayne to his left. Judging by his folded arms and the stern look on their faces it wasn’t a social call. “Can I help you, Detective?” She could almost hear her heart beating right out of her chest.

  Cassidy felt her stomach curdle as he handed her a piece of paper. “Cassidy, just the person I was looking for. I have a search warrant here to search the inside of your house for evidence.”

  “Evidence?” Cassidy’s mouth went dry as she scanned the paper in her shaky hands.

  “Who is it,” Clair asked as she headed down the hall toward the door. Clair stopped suddenly as Detective Anderson took a step inside the house. “What are you doing here?”

  “As I’ve explained to Cassidy, we have a search warrant for the interior of your house and the sooner we get it done, the sooner we can leave,” Anderson snapped. “Now, if you would kindly show us the way, Robert and I’ll start with the bedrooms and en-suites, Kayne you take the living areas and we’ll work our way back to the kitchen area.”

  Cassidy’s head spun like an out of control spinning top. Her legs were like lead weights stuck at the bottom of the ocean. “You can’t honestly think I had anything to do with Christina’s murder.”

  “We’ll know soon enough,” he said barrelling toward the kitchen, Robert and Kayne close on his heels.

  Cassidy’s brain finally sent the message for her feet to move double time to keep pace with him. They were met in the kitchen by two annoyed men in need of an explanation. “Finn, this is Detective Anderson, Robert and Kayne from the Ashton Point police department. They have a search warrant.”

  “What?” Finn said, taking a protective step toward Cassidy.

  Robert held up his hands for calm. “Listen, we’re just doing our jobs and following procedure.”

  Cassidy rolled her shoulders back and sucked in a lungful of air. “I have nothing to hide, so this should be the shortest search in history. Follow me.” Cassidy held her head high and guided Robert and Detective Anderson toward the bedrooms, her hands clenched at her sides so hard she thought she’d draw blood.

  Kayne stepped in front of her and held his hand across the doorway, blocking entry to her room. “Thank you. If you would kindly wait with the others in the kitchen, we’ll let you know when we’re done.”

  Cassidy moved in auto-pilot, her body numb, a trickle of sweat beaded her forehead. Walking back into the kitchen was like walking into a championship boxing fight, all eyes glued to her, waiting for her next move.

  “What’s going on?” Clair asked as her arms encased her sister. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  Cassidy cringed as Clair’s icy arms met with her numb exterior. “Believe it. They said to wait here with you until they finished.” Cassidy’s mind was so busy running over her movements over the past week that she hadn’t noticed Finn move up beside her and take Clair’s position.

  “Did they say anything else?” Finn asked, in a soothing tone.

  Cassidy’s nerves were beginning to fray. “No, they just said wait here. Please tell me I’m going to wake up and this is all a dream?”

  “But if it were a dream then I wouldn’t be here,” Finn said as he brushed a stray curl behind Cassidy’s ear, his mesmerising eyes never leaving hers. “And I hope you’re happy I’m here.”

  In the midst of chaos, the one calming factor was Finn. “I am.”

  Cassidy’s thoughts were interrupted by a prickly sensation running through her body, as if someone had just walked over her grave. She spun and her body froze, her gaze locked on the plastic bag full of hundred-dollar notes in Robert’s hand. Anderson moved up beside him.

  “Care to explain, Cassidy?” he asked.

  She gasped. “That’s not mine.” Her chest tightened and she felt the air drain from her lungs. She turned to Clair, her eyes begging for her trust. “Clair, I’ve never seen that bag of money before.” Her life was crumbling around her ears and she was helpless to do anything about it.

  Kayne piped up. “It was found underneath your mattress.”

  “Mmmm. Not a very original position, if you ask me.” Robert held up the bag toward Anderson. “I’d say it looks like around $17,500, wouldn’t you?”

  “I told you, it’s not mine.” Cassidy’s insides felt like a tight ball of frustration ready to detonate.

  “Then how do you explain it in your room?” Anderson asked.

  No, no, no this isn’t happening. Silence filled the room. All eyes turned on her and her stomach revolted at the inquisition. “I can’t. I don’t know how it got in my room. I didn’t put it there and if I didn’t, someone else must have.” Cassidy’s heart lurched into her throat and panic flooded her chest. Kayne stepped toward her and the next words out of his mouth chilled her to the core.

  “Cassidy McCorrson… You’re under arrest for the murder of Christina Jacobs.”

  Chapter Seven

  Clair’s heart sank at the look of panic on Cassidy’s face as Kayne pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “You can’t be serious…You’re going to cuff her?” Clair said, her voice three octaves higher than normal.

  “This is crazy,” Mason said shaking his head. “She wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  Cassidy took a step backwards toward Finn. “I’ve already told you, that money is not mine.”

  Detective Anderson grunted and an irritated sigh escaped his lips. “We found the money in your room. Combined with the information we already have and the argument yesterday morning where half the town heard you threaten Christina Jacobs, it’s enough to make an arrest.”

  “That was something I said in the heat of the moment,” Cassidy said, her eyes shooting from one person to another. “I didn’t mean it.”

  “Of course, you didn’t,” Finn said frowning, his body stiff.

  “Close enough for me,” Detective Anderson said. “Let’s go.”

  Clair watched helplessly as Kayne cuffed her sister and led her out to the police car, Anderson and Robert shuffling behind. Clair marched out after them, two riled men hot on her tail. “Are you really going to try and pin this murder on my sister?”

  “The evidence doesn’t lie,” Anderson barked.

  “Oh, really.” Clair stood on the front steps, glaring at the scene before her, rage bellowing inside her chest. “Would that be the same sort of evidence that convinced you I was cursed and a murderer?”

  Anderson’s eyes narrowed and he took a calculated step toward Clair. “This is different. Now, if you have any hope of saving your sister, I suggest you get her a good lawyer,” he said as he turned and got into the driver’s seat.

  “Hang tight, Cassidy, we’ll be down as soon as we can to get you out.” They drove away and Clair’s heart exploded in her chest as she saw Cassidy’s head turn and look out the back window, her eyes moist with tears.

  “I can’t believe this,” Finn said pacing the front porch. “We have to do something. We can’t leave her in jail.”

  Clair spun and looked at them, her insides seething like hot lava. “She’s not going to stay in jail for long, Caroline will help us out.” Clair paused a moment. “Oh dear, that’s if she’s back in town. I know she went travelling after her Stuart passed away. If she’s not bac
k, our last resort is to ring Dad, it’s not like he’ll be able to do much from New York. He’ll be able to make some calls and point us in the right direction. Anderson’s gotten it wrong before and he’s gotten it wrong now. But we have to play it smart. There’s only one way to stop the accusations against Cassidy… We have to find the real murderer.”

  Finn stepped up to Clair. “Count me in for however long it takes.”

  “Me too,” Mason added. “Who’s Caroline?”

  “She’s a lawyer who used to work with my dad in his practice here in Ashton Point. They’ve been best friends since forever. She retired and was caring for her ill husband before he passed, but she always said if we need anything to call, and we definitely need her help.” Clair rushed back inside and gathered her bag and keys.

  “What can I do?” Finn asked.

  “You could head to the station. If I know Cassidy, she’ll be freaking out.”

  Finn nodded and grabbed his keys and wallet from his bag.

  Clair continued. “Mason and I will head over to Caroline’s and explain the situation. We’ll meet you there. I’ll call Charlotte and get her and Liam to drop in and see Daniel on the way, to make sure Cassidy’s arrest isn’t front page news.”

  Clair wanted to scream at the top of her lungs, but it wouldn’t get Cassidy out any sooner.

  How is it murder is always attracted to us like a bee is to honey?

  ****

  Finn pushed through the glass doors of the police station, a cool gust of air hitting him square in the face. His heart pounded inside his chest. He couldn’t fathom what Cassidy must be going through right now. Frightened, alone, and scared out of her mind.

  Finn approached the counter and was greeted by a youngish, petite woman sporting strawberry-coloured glasses. “Excuse me. I’d like to see Cassidy McCorrson please.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “And you are?”

  He paused a moment sucking in a deep breath, his adrenaline levels rising by the second. “Finn Beckett.”

  “I’m sorry, Finn, but Cassidy is unable to have visitors.”

  Finn’s chest felt like it was ready to shatter. His gaze caught the lady’s name badge. “Alison, I’m sure you can imagine how upset and scared Cassidy must be feeling right now. I know it’s not normal to have visitors, but do you think you could make an exception this once?” He flashed a suave smile in her direction and her cheeks turned the same red as her glasses.

  “Take a seat and I’ll see what I can do,” she said, gifting him a huge smile.

  Unable to sit, Finn paced the foyer. With each minute that passed, his anxiety increased. He felt like he was back in the hustle and bustle of chaotic New York, where crime was a common occurrence he’d seen way too much of.

  “Excuse me, Mr Beckett. I’m afraid the answer is no. You’ll have to wait ’til her family and lawyer get here and discuss it with them,” Alison said from her perch behind the counter.

  Family? The words gripped his heart like a vice. His mouth kicked in before his mind caught up. “I’m kind of family. Cassidy is my girlfriend. We started dating when she was visiting her parents in New York.”

  Alison’s jaw just about hit the counter. “Boyfriend?” She looked him up and down. “Lucky Cassidy, but I’m afraid the answer is still no.”

  ****

  Clair’s blood boiled as she stood off to the side of the counter while Caroline worked her magic on Detective Anderson. Caroline’s hands moved double time, gesturing in all directions as the conversation became animated. When her dad first opened his law practice in town, Caroline had been like an aunt to them. He always said, if it weren’t for Caroline coming on board as his partner, he would never have enjoyed being a lawyer as much as he did. She had a heart as big as Far Lap and considering she was a 5-foot-tall ball of energy with silver-streaked hair, people didn’t mess with her very often.

  Alison sat behind the reception desk and stared at Clair over her prissy little red glasses. Clair hadn’t been this annoyed since they’d tried to accuse her of murder. Even after living in Ashton Point for three years, the people in this town don’t know us very well, if they think we would murder someone in cold blood.

  “Do you want to find out if we can see Cassidy?” Liam asked, his deep voice breaking her line of thought.

  Clair shook her head, her jumpy fingers tapped against her leg. “No, I want to be here, in case Caroline needs me for anything.” She glanced over toward the entrance and she rubbed her temple, trying to alleviate the growing pain. “Come on, Charlotte. How long does it take to read the riot act to Daniel?” Fed up with standing, she took a seat next to Mason and he eased his hand over hers.

  “I’m sure Charlotte will be here as soon as she is done,” Mason said.

  No sooner had he spoken the words, the glass entry doors flew open and Charlotte entered as if a winter storm had just descended on Ashton Point Police station. Liam’s protective embrace held her solidly to his side.

  “Charlotte, thank goodness,” she said bolting off the chair and into her sister’s arms. Mason and Finn stood beside them. Charlotte’s eyes shot to Caroline, who was still at the counter deep in conversation. “What is going on?”

  “I wish I knew. Caroline asked us to wait here while she sussed out the situation,” Clair said, her stomach ready to bring up the pizza she’d eaten earlier. “How did you go with Daniel?”

  “Piece of cake,” Charlotte said flicking her hand casually.

  “How you holding up, Clair?” Liam asked.

  She sucked in a deep breath. It was as if her whole body were a single strand of hair about to snap under the pressure. “It isn’t about me right now, it’s about Cassidy and proving they have the wrong person.”

  “I can’t believe this is happening. How on earth did that money end up in Cassidy’s room?” Charlotte said easing back into Liam’s arm.

  Clair shrugged. “I have no idea and I bet CC’s Simply Cupcakes that Cassidy has no idea either. The only answer that seems logical is someone planted it. And whoever is the culprit is doing a bang-up job of setting Cassidy up to take the fall.”

  Caroline’s sharp voice grabbed their attention. “Very well, Detective Anderson. Let me converse with my clients.” She spun on her heel and stormed toward them. “Charlotte, thank you for coming. Liam, good to see you,” she said, nodding toward them.

  A strained smile spread across Liam’s face as he acknowledged her greeting with a nod.

  “Of course, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Can you tell us what’s going on?” Charlotte asked in a nervous tone.

  Caroline flicked her fringe from her eyes. “It doesn’t look good, I’m afraid, but I’ve seen worse cases than this, so I don’t want you to worry. I will not let Cassidy pay for a crime she didn’t commit.”

  Clair felt the blood drain from her face as she caught Charlotte’s shocked expression. Neither will I. “You said something about conversing with your clients?”

  “Yes, seems that man is determined to pin this crime on Cassidy.” Audible gasps from all five echoed through the station foyer. Caroline paused and pursed her lips, holding up her hand. “Now, now. Don’t panic. He’s just trying to throw his weight around, but he doesn’t know who he’s up against. As soon as we have the full story, we can work out a plan of action.”

  Charlotte frowned. “The full story?”

  “Yes, he’s bringing Cassidy around now and I’ll be in there with her the whole time. Rest assured, I will not let her be bullied. You all will have to wait out here, I’m afraid,” Caroline said shaking her head. “I swear, that man just likes to hear the sound of his own voice.”

  “We’ll be right here when you come out,” Mason said, smiling in Clair’s direction.

  Relief surged through Clair’s body. “Thank you, Caroline. We owe you big time.”

  “Nonsense,” she said, her golden-brown eyes glowing with love. “You girls are like family, it’s the least I can do. Detective Anderson is bringing Cassidy in
as we speak.”

  Chapter Eight

  Cassidy sat in the interview room, next to Caroline. Her stomach was about to do a double flip from all the built-up tension in the room.

  “Detective, now that I have had a chance to speak to my client, how about you fill us in on this so-called evidence you have acquired?” Caroline placed her clasped hands on the table in front of her.

  Detective Anderson pulled out his chair and sat, his frown forming a familiar monobrow. “Very well. As you have probably heard, we found Christina Jacobs body yesterday morning.”

  Caroline nodded. “Yes, Detective, I’m well aware of that fact.”

  “Christina’s next of kin have been informed and we’ve contacted her lawyer. I’m aware from the conversation in the café between your client and the deceased that he was due in Ashton Point at the end of the week. His services will obviously no longer be needed. The body was found in her parent’s retreat, wrapped in curtain material chosen by your client, and strangled with Cassidy McCorrson’s scarf.”

  “Or one similar,” Cassidy said, unable to keep the anger from her tone. “I told you I left mine behind in the Jacobs’ house the other day. And don’t forget the break-in.”

  Caroline’s eyes widened. “What break-in?”

  He continued. “We got a tip of a break-in at the Jacobs’ place. On arrival, we found Christina’s body and a note that said, ‘you owe me.’”

  “If my client did, in fact, leave her scarf at the location as indicated, anyone could have broken in and used it, implicating an innocent woman. They also could have written that note. Was anything taken in the break-in?”

  “The place had been ransacked. At present, we are still investigating.” Anderson forged ahead. “And a large sum of money was discovered in Cassidy’s bedroom at her place of residence.”

  Cassidy saw red. “I told you, that money is not mine. It must have been planted.” Caroline placed a calming hand on Cassidy’s forearm and made a shushing shape with her lips.

  “As my client has just stated, she has no knowledge of this so-called money. As far as I can see, you’re grasping at straws, Detective Anderson. Do you have irrefutable evidence that the scarf or the money belongs to my client?” Caroline asked. “Such as fingerprints, maybe?”