Pancake Panic

by Addison Moore

  Over by the bar I spot Teddy pulling together a few bottles.

  “Excuse me, Everett. I just have to get something else from him if I can.”

  “Go to it. I’ll entertain Suze. She looks as if she’s ready to kill.”

  “I’d watch my back if I were you.” I press a kiss to his cheek before heading to the bar.

  “Hey, Teddy,” I say as he looks up and breaks out into a warm smile.

  “What can I get for you, my lady?”

  “Whatever was in that bottle I just downed.” That’s not entirely true. I had a sip. My mother and Suze downed the rest.

  “Coming right up.” He quickly procures a glass for me.

  “Say, Teddy? If you were to guess who killed poor Flip, who do you think it would be?”

  He stares out at the dance floor and shakes his head. “You may not believe this, but the man made a practice of making people angry. And I don’t think the guy meant it either. He just had rotten luck with real estate, just like he had rotten luck with women.”

  He tips his head back as he looks to the ceiling. “Even that day at the pancake breakfast, Chief McPhee was telling me about a rotten deal Flip snowed him under with. And I don’t know much about his stepdaughter. But she didn’t make her feelings for him a secret. She didn’t like the guy. She was outright rude to him.”

  I bite down on my lip. “And how about his wife? Lisa?” He flinches when I say her name. “Did she like him? I mean, they looked as if they were friends, you know, water under the bridge and all that good stuff.”

  He belts out a good belly laugh. “More like a dam that neither one of them could ever breach.”

  “Wow, that’s surprising to hear. If they felt that way, I wonder why they sat together that morning?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine.”

  Another customer bellies up to the bar and he nods my way before taking off.

  Unfortunately, my guess is all I have to go on at this point.

  Maybe it’s time to pay another visit to the firehouse. I know my father would get a kick out of that.

  Scooter McPhee just might be able to point me in the right direction.

  Unless the chief of the Honey Hollow Fire Department happens to have a very dark secret.

  A very murderous secret.

  And if he does—I’m about to find out.

  I’m determined to grow my powers—and I’ll catch every killer on the planet to do it if I have to.

  I’m going to see my father, again and again and again.

  Chapter 13

  The next day the bakery is a virtual ghost town—ironic since it seems to be brimming with those exact celestial beings. Greer, Winslow, Lea, and Thirteen have been brooding in the corner all morning, staring at a plate of my now infamous pancakes, trying their hardest to figure out how to make the digestive magic happen.

  Lily sighs as she stares out in their direction. “You know, Lottie, I’d stake my life on the fact every now and again those pancakes move.”

  I chew on the inside of my cheek as I try to figure out how to untangle this supernatural knot.

  I shrug. “And that’s the very reason I asked you not to take the plate away. They’re right next to the window. And I’ve long suspected that window isn’t sealed well. I’m just trying to prove a point to Bear. I’ll have to get him to come out and do some repairs. I can’t have the wind coming in like this. It’s murder on my heating bill.”

  “Speaking of bills, how are you going to pay them with no customers to buy your goodies? I’m not losing my job, am I? I’ve got an apartment and a fish to feed.”

  “I didn’t know you had a fish.”

  “Yup, I just bought a spotted goldfish with big, bugged-out eyes. I call her Naomi.”

  My chest rattles with a laugh. “You really do miss her, don’t you?”

  Her tearful eyes dart to the ceiling. “Fine. At first, I thought naming my fish after her was funny. You know, when Naomi gets mad, her eyes bug out exactly that way. But I’ll admit, it’s nice to talk to her again, even if she doesn’t talk back.”

  I sling my arm over her shoulder. “I just can’t wait until the two of you work this out.”

  “You really think we will?”

  “I know it.”

  The chime on the door goes off and in stride Carlotta and Mayor Nash.

  Carlotta is the lady in red today with her persimmon-colored parka. And Mayor Nash is swaddled in a dark wool coat and matching scarf. Even though Mayor Nash is my biological father, the only thing I could say I got from him is his wavy hair. He has light eyes and a friendly smile, and charm that could disarm a cobra—which happens to get him elected time and time again.

  “Good afternoon!” I head straight to the register to take their orders. “Any news on the missing Cat front?” I make crazy eyes at Carlotta, hoping she’ll read between the Canelli fe-lines.

  “Nope.” My look-alike gives a cheesy grin. “But I’ve got it on good authority of just where to find her. I’ll keep you updated on the search.”

  “Sounds good. What can I get for you?”

  They both put in an identical order of coffee and a glazed donut and Lily is quick to put it together for them.

  Mayor Nash leans in. “Word on the street is there’s a killer in here.”

  Carlotta huffs out a laugh. “If I had a nickel for every time I suspected this girl of murder, I’d have a pile of silver I could stack to the moon.”

  “Carlotta,” I say, annoyed. “Don’t tease like that. And by the way, I’m no killer, but there is one on the loose.”

  Lily scoffs. “Yeah, and he or she is murdering your business, too.”

  Mayor Nash gives a quick glance around. “That bad, huh?”

  “Worse,” I say. “You wouldn’t have any city functions coming up that you might need catered, would you?”

  He raps his knuckles over the counter. “I’m afraid I don’t. Anything new with the hunt for Flip’s killer?”

  “Nope. Anything you could offer up might help, though.”

  Mayor Nash takes a breath as he considers this. “Flip was a good guy. Your father and I used to golf with him on Sundays. He always had a side hustle going on. The firehouse never satisfied him. And he was generous enough to bring his friends in on it, too.”

  “So I’ve heard,” I say. “Did you ever get in on one of his deals?”

  “Nope.” He curls his coffee into his hand. “Chrissy and I had three kids in boarding school, there were vacations to be had, swimming pools to be installed. We didn’t have any spare change for those fixer-uppers he was botching up.”

  A tiny laugh gets buried in my chest. It’s no secret Mayor Nash and Chrissy have lived opulent lives.

  Carlotta looks up at me. “Have you asked your dad if he thought Flip was shady?”

  My lips press tight at Carlotta’s faux pas. And how I pray it was one. I would wrap my hands around her neck if she was spreading the word about our supersensual status.

  Her eyes enlarge a second as if it just struck her that she said that in front of Mayor Nash.

  Lily shakes her head. “That was low, Carlotta. Everyone knows Lottie’s dad is dead.” She starts wiping down the counters, and I force myself to take a deep breath.

  “I think she meant Mayor Nash, Lily.” I look his way. “So? Did you think he was shady?”

  He belts out a cheery laugh. “I think deep down nobody thought that of him. He was misguided. He wasn’t perfect, but who of us is? He always seemed to have good intentions.”

  The door swings open, letting in a violent wind and a few stray snowflakes as my mother, father, and Chrissy stride over.

  Dad does a double take at the pouting phantasms by the window. “Hey, hey, the gang’s all here.”

  And they all but give him the finger.

  Mayor Nash and Carlotta say a quick hello before taking a seat near the dejected spirits trying desperately to down a stack of pancakes.

  So help me, if Carlotta s
o much as waves hello at them.

  Hey? She really would have a stack of nickels to the moon for every threat I give her. Even the nonverbal ones are really adding up.

  “Mom, Chrissy, what can I get for you?”

  Chrissy points to a plum almond tart. “Two of those and a cup of hot java.”

  I quickly gather her goodies. “And for you, Mom?”

  “I’ll take a half a dozen ghosts and a side of carnage.”

  I grimace. “Still no luck at the B&B?”

  Thirteen appears on the counter and hisses right at my poor mother.

  “And there won’t be any luck.” The angry cat turns my way. His dark fur glows with a hot pink aura as if to match his ornery mood. “Lottie, it doesn’t make sense. If the fresh souls from paradise are able to eat via your powers, then why can’t we? Why?”

  “Oh, I wish I had answers for you.” I glance to my mother as I say it, but I meant it for the tiny four-pawed terror who is currently refusing to terrorize. “Sorry, Mom. Wish I knew a ghost who could rattle the walls and halls for you.”

  “I’ll do it,” Dad volunteers. “I’ll haunt the B&B.”

  “That’s a great idea,” I say.

  “What’s a great idea?” Mom points to a slice of cookies and cream cheesecake and Lily is quick to oblige.

  Dad shakes his head. “Change the subject. Talk about the case.”

  “Um”—a jumble of suspects runs through my mind—“I was just thinking about heading to the firehouse. Would you ladies care to join me?”

  Chrissy glances to her phone. “I’d love to, but I’m meeting Finn and Britney at Mangias for lunch soon.”

  “Please tell Finn I said hello,” I say. “I think he and Britney are adorable together.”

  Chrissy twitches her nose. “Well, she’s sure something. A little rough around the edges if you ask me, but I can see the appeal. She’s a gorgeous woman.” She gives my mother a pat on the hand. “I’ll see you ladies later!” She takes off and Mom shakes her head.

  “You do realize that’s a telltale sign that Britney is destined to become a serious part of Finn’s life.” She hikes a shoulder my way. “Once you get his mother’s disapproval, you’re practically a bride,” she teases with a laugh and Dad joins right along.

  “There might be some truth to that.” Dad wraps a loving arm around her shoulder. “My mother had a terrible time warming up to this one.”

  I do remember Grandma’s snide remarks. My sisters and I used to think they were funny. We never really thought Grandma was serious.

  Both Eliza and Suze flit through my mind. I can’t say how Eliza feels about me. She pretty much lives in an ice castle as far as emotions are concerned, but she’s been more than cordial and seems to like me. Suze, on the other hand, would love to push me into a vat of oil and see me fry.

  Now there’s an odd spark of hope for Noah and me.

  “To the firehouse, Mother?”

  She lifts her coffee my way. “To the firehouse.”

  The Honey Hollow Fire Department is blanketed with a fresh layer of snow and lit up on the inside with a peachy glow that makes it shine like a jewel.

  Mom and I each carry a box full of sweet treats as we walk up and ring the bell.

  Dad grunts, “You don’t know how hard it is for me to see you girls schlepping those boxes through the snow.”

  “Good thing they keep the path from the parking lot cleared of snow and ice.” I nod to my father. “And thank goodness we didn’t overdo it on the sweet treats. A box a piece is no problem for us to handle,” I say, making eyes at him.

  “Oh, Lottie.” Mom rings the buzzer again. “I’d give anything if your father were here. He’d have carried these boxes for us. I sure do miss him.” She shifts as she gazes right at him as if she could see him. “I don’t know why it is, but I just feel so very close to him ever since the holidays passed.” She moans, “That must be what it is. I’m just so melancholy every year after I’m forced to take down the tree. Why couldn’t every day be like Christmas?”

  The giant garage door to the structure yawns open, and soon we’re greeted with an entire herd of hungry firemen— with Forest, Lainey’s husband, being one of the first.

  Forest is classically handsome with wavy hair and well-sculpted cheeks. I just know the baby they’re having will be beautiful inside and out like its parents.

  “Here’s the father-to-be,” I say as I hand the box of goodies to him. “We just thought we’d stop in and brighten the mood with some cookies.”

  Chief McPhee, Scooter, strides up in his turnout gear—a khaki fire suit with yellow reflective strips. Come to think of it, they’re all wearing the same thing.

  “Lottie—Miranda.” He’s quick to offer us a warm embrace. “This is awfully generous of you.”

  “It’s nothing,” I say as the men open up both boxes on the table in the back and they all gather around like cookie hungry vultures.

  Dad shakes his head wistfully as he takes in the establishment. “Boy, does this place ever bring back memories.”

  Mom sighs as she says the same. “Boy, does this place ever bring back memories.”

  I sigh right along with them, but my eyes snag to the hall that leads to the kitchen.

  “Not all the memories were good ones,” I say. “Any news on who killed Flip Alexander?”

  Scooter grunts as he places his hands on his hips, and I can’t help but think it looks like a defensive stance he’s taking.

  “None that I’ve heard.” His voice takes on a lower octave. “Those homicide detectives from Ashford came sniffing around again yesterday. I don’t know what they think they’ll find. Forensics and the coroner already did their job.”

  “It must be creepy to have had a murder, right here on the premises.” I nod to the area where the deadly assault took place.

  “I’m sleeping pretty well at night.” He chuckles and there’s something unnerving about it. “But I miss him. Flip was a fixture around here just like your father was. Of course, we’ve never gotten over Joseph’s absence.”

  Dad shakes his head. “Nice words, but it makes me wonder if he’s changing the subject. Don’t let him do it, Lottie. Ask about Flip again.”

  “So”—I start with no clue regarding what will spout from my mouth next—“rumor has it, Flip got his nickname from all of his fancy real estate moves. Were you ever coerced into going in on one of those?”

  “You mean conned.” He folds his enormous arms over his chest. “And I sure was. Flip acted as an investor on my behalf for some land out in Hollyhock. He sold me on it over drinks one day. A dirt-cheap property that he assured I could build a lodge on. Come to find out, not only was it not zoned for a lodge, it wasn’t zoned for a house either. All I was left with was a steaming pile of manure.”

  “Oh heavens,” Mom moans. “You know Lottie has a lodge out in Hollyhock now.”

  “Mother.” I can’t help but give a sorrowful laugh. “I’m sure that does not make him feel better.”

  He shrugs. “It doesn’t make me feel worse. Congratulations on it. I’m betting Flip had nothing to do with the transaction.”

  “No, he didn’t.” I bite down hard over my lip, unsure of where to go next. “That was nice of you to sit at his table during the pancake breakfast, after all you went through.”

  “It wasn’t all that altruistic. I was trying to shake him down, get me out of the mess he got me into in the first place.” That argument I witnessed between the two of them that morning comes back to me. It was pretty heated. Teddy was right; Scooter here had every reason to hate Flip Alexander.

  “Did you make any headway?” I ask, afraid I already know the answer.

  “I thought I did, but he’s dead now. He’s not making good on any promises anymore.”

  Mom sniffs hard. “Poor Flip. I can’t believe someone put a bullet in him like that. Who could have done it? Do you think it was someone at the breakfast?”

  “We know it was.” Scooter nod
s, affirming this.

  “But the kitchen door was opened,” I say. “Anyone could have walked in from outside.”

  “Not true,” he’s quick to refute it. “We had all the back gates locked so the public wouldn’t wander into any other area. Only my men and women were granted access.”

  My mouth falls open. “That means the killer was a part of the pancake breakfast.” Another thought comes to me. “And they had to come back into the room after doing the deed. They had to remain calm, at least on the surface.” I glance up and spot a surveillance camera just above the hall in the back. “Scooter, were the surveillance cameras running at the time?”

  “That they were. Detective Fox picked them up the very first day.”

  “He did, huh?” It looks as if I’ll have to pay a visit to my favorite ex-husband. “I bet the killer wanted to make a quick exit after the fact. If the tapes show anyone leaving around the time of the murder, they should be questioned.” Especially if they’re one of my suspects.

  Mom ticks her head to the side. “Unless, of course, they knew the cameras were there. I guess logically they should look at who was coming in and out of the kitchen.”

  I frown at the thought. “I happen to be one of those people.”

  “Same here,” Scooter volunteers. “I wanted to make sure things were running smoothly.”

  “Things certainly ran smoothly up until that point.” I offer a forlorn smile.

  That hallway shakedown comes back to me again. Scooter had a reason not to like Flip, but did he have a reason to kill him?

  Dad leans in and stares into his old friend’s eyes. “Ask him how his finances are doing, Lottie. He’s holding something back, I can tell.”

  I take a quick breath. “I hope you can sell that land and get out of the hole it might have put you in.”

  Scooter grinds his palm into his eye for a moment. “I can’t sell it. I can’t give it away. It’s been listed with Redwood Realty for months and there hasn’t been one bite. The price is so low, I’ll hardly break even. And the worst part is, the monthly loan on the place is so high, I’m falling behind on my bills. Another month or two of this nonsense and I’m toast. Do you know what the last thing that Flip said to me was?”