A CUPCAKE TO DIE FOR
BAKER GIRL TRILOGY, BOOK THREE
MARY JANE FORBES
She’s landed her own cooking show. He’s popped the question. But when murder and jealousy are on the menu, someone’s bound to get burned…
Aspiring celebrity chef Star is ready to take Hollywood by storm. With a Bake-Off hosting gig in the works and Tyler’s shiny new engagement ring on her finger, she thinks all her dreams are about to come true. But her sweet fantasy turns horribly sour when her producer drops dead, poisoned by a deadly cupcake…
Tyler is one animation project away from sealing a contract with Disney. So even though it hurts to leave Star alone with Tinsel Town conmen and wandering-hand execs, he knows it’s best for both of their futures. But when he hears rumors of her torrid affair with her cameraman and learns she stands accused of whipping up a lethal dessert, he fears their love isn’t all sugar and spice…
With Star targeted by a bumbling detective’s murder investigation, she’s shocked to discover she may be the main course for the real culinary killer. And as Tyler finds himself torn between closing his deal and flying back to fight for her innocence, their wedding plans could end up in a fatal recipe for disaster.
Will Star and Tyler survive the cutthroat world of TV to write their own script for love?
A Cupcake to Die For is the third book in the Baker Girl romantic cozy mystery trilogy. If you like quirky characters, page-turning action, and delicious soulmates, then you’ll adore Mary Jane Forbes’ delightful series conclusion.
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Chapter 1
TYLER’S HEART SEIZED.
There she was behind a group of passengers.
Her blonde hair was shorter, soft curls, more sophisticated than when he last saw her several months ago. Her head was bobbing trying to peer around the family in front of her deplaning from the non-stop red-eye flight from Orlando to Los Angeles. Her sparkling blue eyes were scanning the crowd to find him.
He waved, a grin spreading ear to ear. Stepping back, he made room from the crush of the others watching for their passenger. He wanted space to welcome her with open arms, arms eager to hold her. Spotting him, she squeezed past the family being greeted by grandparents, aunts and uncles, screeching little kids.
Star only had eyes for him. She dropped the handle of her roll-along bag as he swept her up, pulling her close, planting a quick kiss on her familiar plump pink lips.
“I missed you,” he said inhaling the scent of fresh strawberries in her hair. He smiled grasping the handle of her bag with his free hand, “Let’s go home.”
Home. What a beautiful word, she thought smiling up at him. How she loved him. Loved his lock of brown hair slipping down on his forehead, his arms, legs and feet going in random directions but never tripping him up.
“Are you tired? You must be tired,” he said.
“I’m too excited to be tired. You said there was a fourth of July celebration, a barbecue this afternoon at Burnett Media?”
“Yes, but if—”
“No, but ifs. I want to go. I want to know your world in Hollywood. How many will be there?” Star asked as he led her to his van.
“Yesterday, I asked Suzie, she’s Burnett’s assistant—”
“The Burnett? Head of Burnett Media?”
“Yep. Suzie said, being summer, some of the producers are away filming shows on location, scenes not possible in the winter. She still expects twenty or more,” Tyler said.
“Oh, that’s doable. Did you get a chance to pick up the list of baking supplies I gave you?”
Tyler smiled. His baker girl never missed a chance to turn a holiday into a party.
“Yes I did, including food coloring, two mini-cupcake pans, twelve cakes each, and an assortment of sprinkles—red, white, and blue.”
“Well done, Mr. Jackman.”
“I aim to please, Miss Bloom. I also have a surprise for you…after you whip up…just how many cupcakes are you going to bake?”
“Umm, four batches should do it, two pans in the oven at a time. Mixing, baking, icing, ten to twelve minutes baking time for mini cupcakes—not long,” she said giggling.
“Whew. I picked up just enough boxes from the local bakery.”
“Is there enough room in your van with all your computer equipment?”
“I will make room. Can I help…be your sous-chef?”
“Oh yes, Ty, what fun. It will be like that summer at Charlie’s Diner. You and I rushing out to get last minute ingredients…”
“And buying more paper so I could draw cartoons of the customers.”
“They loved your characters,” Star said stretching up to kiss his cheek.
The drive from the airport didn’t take long. Tyler pointed out places of interest but really used the landmarks as a chance to glance at her, the love of his life. They laughed as he turned into the little house he rented near the beach. What a lucky find—Hollywood and the beach.
Home.
“Ty, do we have company already?” Star said pointing to the silver Honda in the driveway.
“That’s a used car for you…something to drive. It’s on trial until you decide what you want—take it back, pick something else, whatever.”
“Terrific. GPS?”
“Yes, I don’t want you getting lost,” he said laughing.
“Sounds like a keeper.”
- - -
The last batch of cupcakes was lined up on the kitchen island ready for frosting and sprinkles. While they cooled Tyler thought it the perfect time for his surprise. He hustled to the bedroom, opened the top dresser drawer and stuffed the little velvet box in his tan cargo pants. He glanced at the mirror seeing a man wearing black rimmed glasses and a black polo shirt—a man in love. Smiling, he returned to the kitchen.
“Let’s see, I believe you mentioned something about a surprise?” Star said removing her white bib apron with a smear of chocolate. The apron saved her favorite sunny yellow halter dress.
“I did,” Tyler said grinning. “Let’s go.” He grasped her hand leading the way to the sandy path.
It was a spectacular day reminding them both of the ocean on the opposite side of the country, Daytona Beach where they met. The ebb and flow of the surf beckoned to them. Removing her sandals and Tyler his sneakers, they dipped their toes into the cool water letting it run up their ankles.
Tyler turned her into his arms. “I love you, Star. I’ve loved you since the day you walked in the door applying for the waitress job posted the window of the diner.”
Gently placing his hands on her cheeks, she stood on tip toe tilting her head to receive his kiss.
His hands traced down her arms as he knelt in a ripple of water.
“Star, I asked you months ago if you would marry me. Today I’m making it official.”
Tyler withdrew the turquoise velvet box and opened it. He looked up into her warm eyes, her lips parted in anticipation.
“Star Bloom, will you marry me?” he said slipping the solitaire diamond on her ring finger.
“Yes, yes, Tyler Jackman. I love you with all my heart. I will wear your most beautiful ring proudly.”
Standing, they held onto each other and the miracle that they were at last together.
“How about Christmas time, back in Daytona Beach with our friends and family unless…”
“Perfect,” Star said. No unless. Mom and Dad, especially Gran, will be happy to come to Daytona Beach.”
“Star, there’s something I have to warn you about,” Tyle
r said his voice low.
“Ty, you sound so serious. What’s the matter?”
Tyler laced his fingers in the back of his head, looked out at the building waves.
“People are different here. Oh, they work hard. They are so talented I feel in awe just being in their presence. It’s still unbelievable that I’m working side by side with them, but—”
“But what, Ty?”
“It’s so incredibly stimulating here, the sky’s the limit, risk anything, everything to make the best film, the best make-believe experience, but—”
Star’s heart was beating like a hammer in her chest. What horrible thing was he going to say?
“There’s a dark side.” He turned to her, his hands clenched at his side, pain in his eyes.
“Ty, what are you trying to say? Has something happened?”
“No, no…but it might. As much as we’ll grow to like it here, be pulled into the culture, at some point we’ll want to escape. I’m only saying this now and will never speak of it again. The culture is cutthroat. I want to warn you that what may be said to you, about you or about others, about me, may not be true. Rumors, the kind that tear you apart spreading like wildfire.”
He paused searching her face for understanding.
“Cutthroat, Star. Cutthroat. I would die if I lost you.”
Chapter 2
THE CUPCAKES WERE ICED and decorated with the colorful sprinkles.
Star washed her hands with a smile on her face. She was going to get a chance to talk to Mr. Roth in a couple of hours, the new producer of the Baker Girl reality show. She had suffered so many ups and downs in the show’s filming. The first producer lost the backers at the last minute leaving everyone in the lurch. Star won the contest only to learn there was no prize money, no promised syndication. But that was then. Now, Burnett Media had picked up the show, had signed Roth as producer, and in turn Roth offered her the job of being the host connecting the episodes into a unified production. Best of all, she and Tyler were together in Hollywood of all places.
Gazing at her cupcakes she was filled with confidence that everyone at the barbecue would meet the latest hire with a smile. Her smile vanished as Tyler’s words swirled to the top of her thoughts, thoughts she had tried to tamp down. Surely it couldn’t be that bad. Cutthroat? He had suggested if someone started a rumor they should have a code word to tell each other it wasn’t true. They decided on meatballs. Star’s secret ingredient at Charlie’s Diner that summer was a whole cranberry glaze over meatballs.
Driving home from the airport Star sensed Tyler was tired, hinting at burnout. He was at a crossroad. His project coming to an end, but he said there was a new project on the horizon. Not one to dwell on obstacles, Star lifted her chin. I’m here. I’ll help him. What is it he said to me more than once? Oh yes, together Miss Bloom we can do anything we set our minds to.
After a quick shower, she slipped into a new sleeveless dress, blue and white vertical stripes of various widths, with a flippy swing at the hem. Her blonde curls fluttering in the breeze, white sandals barely touching the ground, she hurried to Tyler waiting for her by his van.
He smiled holding the door for her, offering her a hand up. His face held no trace of the ache displayed earlier.
- - -
The guests at the barbecue, a group made up of various capacities in the Burnett studios, chattering, laughing, greeted the newest member with warm embraces. Tyler set the boxes of cupcakes on the table next to another plate of cupcakes.
Star, whispered to Tyler, “I hope everyone has a sweet tooth with all these sugary treats.”
“The men will gobble them up, but some women may only take a tiny bite. In Hollywood the women are always following the latest diet craze.”
Under an open white tent a combo of five musicians played their hearts out with a rendition of Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer followed by John Philip Sousa marches as well as pop songs from the current top ten.
“Finally, I get to meet you. I’m Suzie Savage, Mr. Burnett’s Assistant,” the blonde said with a quick grin hustling up to Star. “Mr. Roth is constantly saying how smart he is to nab you for his new project.”
“Nice to meet you too, Suzie,” Star said extending her hand, but the young woman had moved on, then suddenly turned back to Star.
“Would you like me to show you around the lot?”
“I’d love it,” Star said matching Suzie’s stride.
“I’ll give you the royal treatment, Star,” Suzie said as she opened the door to a warehouse with a long hallway brightly lit with fluorescent fixtures. Doors on either side were spaced far apart. Each door was painted with the word Studio and a number.
“Studio 3 is setup for editing video clips, mostly adding audio. It’s one of the sound studios,” Suzie said. “Mr. Roth told me you are scheduled here on Monday, but you should verify that with him. Things can change around here without a word of explanation. Step in if you like. Your new home, at least for the moment.”
Suzie flipped a switch turning on a ceiling of dimmable fluorescent lights, sound equipment, computers, along with a large screen mounted on the far wall.
Three blasts from a bullhorn outside announced that burgers and hot dogs were ready. The announcement ended Suzie’s tour. Leaving the building, Suzie went one way and Star another looking for Tyler. She spotted him several yards away next to the musician’s tent. He was involved in an animated conversation with three men and a woman. The woman appeared to be holding court. Star watched as Tyler shook his head at what the woman was saying then nodded in agreement.
- - -
Tyler mentioned to Star while icing the cupcakes that he had an inkling he would hear today what his former graphic design team hoped would be a new project. He was sure he was right when they rushed up to him. The guys, Ben and Sam, were excited as Roxy explained the opportunity to them. Roxy was comfortable as the only woman on the team. She was driven with desire to be known as the best in the animation field and she didn’t care who got in her way.
With their heads bent in concentration, they listened to Roxy. She had received a phone call on behalf of the team this very morning.
“It happened just as I thought it would,” she said. “A representative from Disney invited us, the four of us, to compete for a production of a short story to be used in theaters slated to introduce their next big animated film. But there is a stipulation. The invitation is predicated on our geeky teammate, their word not mine, must lead the team. Tyler, that geeky person is you.”
“Me?” Tyler said his brows scrunched.
“Yes, you. Don’t you even think of saying no. Don’t you dare ruin this opportunity for us, Tyler Jackman.” Roxy’s eyes fixed on Tyler. Bur her stern words quickly melted into a smile.
“The team, that’s the four of us, is scheduled to start the project next week in seclusion. The rep has a house they use for all kinds of things, things like this project. He said he made arrangements for us to use this house as a studio.”
“Where? Here in Hollywood?” Tyler asked.
“Twentynine Palms,” Roxy said with a devilish grin.
“Where’s that?” Sam said.
“I know where it is,” Ben said. “It’s a town about a hundred-forty miles East of Los Angeles.”
Tyler shook his head. How was he going to tell Star? Maybe he could come back to be with her on weekends. But deep down, he knew when working day and night on a new project, especially with the prospect that Disney invited then to compete, there would be NO weekends.
The team broke up and Tyler looked around for Star. He had to get ahead of the rumor mill—three guys and Roxy, sexy Roxy as she was known. In seclusion.
Chapter 3
THE BARBECUE CELEBRATION WAS in full swing as the musicians wrapped up a group of marches with John Philip Sousa’s biggest hit—Stars and Stripes Forever. The drummer pounded the drumsticks in rhythm as another member traded the guitar for a horn. In the chaos a party rental delivery
boy gripping a cupcake in a bowl ran smack into Vincent Roth. Roth laughed catching the cupcake in mid air smooshing it into his mouth. The crowd cheered his dexterity.
Finishing the march with a drum roll, the musicians stood to leave for a ten-minute break. At the same time the sound of breaking glass filled the air. Roth had collapsed on one of the buffet tables causing bowls of potato salad, plates of low-fat finger treats and the remaining cupcakes to tumble off the table. Bottles of merlot and bottles of beer in ice filled tubs toppled over, crashing into smithereens on the cement.
Slumping to the ground over the broken bottles, puddles of red wine gave the illusion of blood oozing from Roth’s lifeless body. A guest rushed to Roth’s side feeling his neck for a pulse. “He’s alive. Call 9-1-1,” the man yelled loosening Roth’s tie, unbuttoning his shirt allowing air to fill his lungs.
Within minutes the sound of sirens was heard, growing louder as the EMT ambulance turned into the Burnett Media lot. Many guests took the opportunity to leave the party. It appeared the barbecue party would not resume.
There was no reason to stay.
The EMTs ran to the unconscious man lying on the ground. Checking his vitals, they stretched an oxygen mask over his nose and mouth. Attaching the oxygen to the patient’s mask, he was lifted onto the gurney. Burnett touched the sleeve of the EMT at one end of the gurney.
“What does it look like? What happened?” he said.
“Don’t know, sir. Could be a heart attack.”
“He had a drug problem a few years ago, but he told me he kicked it,” Burnett said.
“Good to know. Anything else?”
“Here’s my business card. Vincent Roth works for me. Please call my cell when you have more information. I’ll follow you to the hospital. Emergency wing?”
“Yes sir.”
Within minutes Roth was whisked away, the red light whirling on top. The vehicle vanished as the driver turned the corner. The siren filling the sunny afternoon air slowly receded to the muffled chatter of the remaining guests. They swapped stories about what happened along with rumors of possible drug use.
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