Killer Caramel Pie (Pies and Pages Cozy Mysteries Book 6)
Page 7
“Yeah, because of all the money she was raking in through blackmail, she was able to get a synthesized cyanide powder which she’d hidden inside of the ice cubes she put in the drink. That way, there would be no detectable residue anywhere behind the counter where she was working. I remember seeing her open the mini fridge to get the ice even though she had a whole bucket full of ice on the counter.”
Carla shook her head. “Amazing.”
“I was just delivering a pie. Mannor just used it as an excuse to get a writing sample from the girl without her knowing what was happening.”
“That way she couldn’t alter her writing style at the last second.”
“Yep.” Cutting into her slice of pie, Bert took a bite. The saltiness of the caramel along with the three different types of chocolate created a divine mixture of flavors.
“Oh, my. This is probably the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” Carla praised.
“You always say that.”
“And I always mean it.”
“I have to agree, it’s pretty good,” Shiv noted.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
Looking up, Bert instantly saw Detective Mannor through the glass. He gave a stiff wave, his breath freezing in a cloud in front of him.
Standing up, she answered it. “Good evening, Detective. Anything I can do for you?”
“I am working on finishing up my report on the last few days, and I need to get your official statement for the investigation,” he said in a flat, uninteresting manner.
“I already gave a report.”
“I know, but I need one for the events at the pub as well.”
Sighing, Bert stepped aside. “Very well. Come on in.”
Mannor walked past the threshold and eyeballed the pie they were eating. “Wow, whatever that it, it looks good.”
“Tastes good too,” Carla teased.
“Would you like a piece?” Bert asked, sitting back down.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Spinning a chair around, he sat on it backward at the table while Bert served him. “Man, this looks amazing!” Digging in he took a few bites, clearly loving it.
“That good, huh?”
Setting down his fork for a second, he brushed the crumbs from his fingers. “Also, I was thinking that maybe we could get a drink or a bite to eat while we do your statement.”
Bert’s jaw dropped wide open. Another date? Was this guy serious? He seemed so crazy to her. He could go from gruff, intimidating, irritated police officer to jolly, kind, romantic in no time. “You mean, right now?”
“Yes, now would be convenient.”
Bert shook her head. “Well, I’m spending time with the girls tonight.”
“Oh, we don’t mind at all,” Carla jumped in.
“Yeah, you two kids go have a good time,” Shiv teased.
The perturbed shop owner let her shoulders drop. “Doesn’t look like I have much choice, does it?”
“Nope,” both women said in unison before laughing.
“Can I at least finish my pie?” Bert inquired.
“Of course,” Mannor said.
“Thanks, Harry,” she laughed. Finally, she’d used his name in a non-stress situation, of her own accord. She just hoped she wouldn’t be roped into any more murder investigations with him. It was bad for their relationship.