Baked to Death (Cookies & Chance Mysteries Book 2)

by Catherine Bruns

  "Well, look who's here." Gianna was standing at the wooden block table scrubbing it clean. She ran over and hugged me. "It's so good to have you back. And congrats. I knew you'd rock it at the competition."

  I threw my arms around her. "I missed you. How's everything? And what about you? Feeling okay?"

  "I'm great," Gianna grinned. "The house is so nice and quiet. And Grandma is a pro at this. She should have been running her own bakery years ago. It was a little slow today, so I went upstairs to your apartment and did some studying. Spike's up there now. I took him outside about an hour ago."

  "Thanks so much for everything." I hesitated for a moment. "Have you seen anyone interesting lately?"

  She shook her head. "I drove by his house this morning. It snowed last night, but I didn't see any tracks in the driveway." She bit into her lower lip. "Officer Jenkins was here about an hour ago, asking if you were back yet. He said it was important."

  Oh boy. I'd wanted to phone Brian to tell him about the developments in Florida. Maybe he could help. But I still didn't think it was a good idea since he might figure out Mike had disappeared. "Okay, I'll call him."

  She looked at me doubtfully. "Yeah, right."

  I heard voices in Italian coming from the storefront. "Perfect timing. Sounds like Mrs. Gavelli is here."

  Gianna nodded. "Yes, our favorite neighbor's been looking for you, too. Mrs. G and Grandma had a huge fight about you yesterday. Most of it was in Italian, but I caught something about you being one of Satan's followers."

  "Just when you think life can't get any worse." I donned an apron, washed my hands, braced myself, and walked into the bakery.

  Grandma Rosa was bent over, reaching into the case for a fortune cookie. Mrs. Gavelli was yelling something at her in Italian but stopped short when she saw me.

  "You." She pointed her finger in my face. "I hear you go to be in beauty contest. Why you act like hussy?"

  I laughed. "I went to be in a baking contest, Mrs. G. Not a beauty contest. And we won, too. Josie and I will be on television next month."

  She snorted. "You see. Is all about the media for you. Young people today have no morals. And your boyfriend a murderer."

  Heat crept up into my neck, and I counted to ten before I replied. "He's not a murderer, Mrs. G."

  Mrs. Gavelli snorted. "Yah, that what they all say. I hope he look good in orange."

  Grandma Rosa threw a fortune cookie at her. "Nicoletta, take your cookie and leave. You are a bad influenza on all."

  Gianna was standing next to me. She leaned over and whispered into my grandmother's ear. "I think you mean bad influence. Influenza is a contagious viral infection."

  Grandma Rosa nodded in approval. "That works, too."

  Mrs. Gavelli shook her fist at us. "You all a bad lot. I no waste my time talking to you anymore." She glanced down at the cookie in her hand and broke it apart. She read the message silently and then let out a gasp. "'Kindness begins with you.' See, is fixed. Why I bother with you people." She threw the paper on the floor and walked toward the door then turned back to address my grandmother. "Poker tonight?"

  Grandma Rosa nodded. "Sì. It is your turn to bring the anisette."

  Mrs. Gavelli gave a loud harrumph. "Cheapskate." She pushed open the door, and the bells chimed in relief at her departure.

  Grandma Rosa straightened the cookies in the display case. "When the good Lord passed out brains, that woman thought he said pains and said I want to be one—in the behind."

  Gianna and I both laughed.

  "Come," Grandma Rosa said, taking my hand and leading me to a table. "Sit down and tell me. Did you find out anything to help your young man?"

  I bit into my lower lip, afraid I might break down again. "Not really. The only thing we did discover was that Colin made a lot of enemies."

  "I was afraid of that." Grandma Rosa lowered herself into the chair across from me. "That is what happens when you become friends with the drugs and alcohol."

  I put my face into my hands. "Grandma, what am I going to do? It's so hard getting up every day and trying to pretend my life is normal." I stifled a sob. "I miss him so much."

  Gianna's voice broke as she put her arms around me. "We're all here for you, honey."

  Grandma Rosa pointed a finger at Gianna. "You go upstairs and visit Spike. Do some more studying. We will stay until closing with Sally."

  Gianna nodded and gave me a brief hug before she ascended the stairs to my apartment.

  I blew my nose. "That's not necessary. You've both already done more than enough."

  "It is necessary." Grandma Rosa's large brown eyes bore into mine. "I will talk, and you will listen. Then you will go to Mike's house and bring back some toys for Spike. He tried to chew a hole in your father's recliner last night." Her mouth turned upward at the corners into a slight smile. "He is a good boy but gets bored easily. He misses Mike, too."

  Tears fell from my eyes onto the tablecloth my grandmother had crocheted for me.

  Grandma Rosa sighed. She stood and put her arms around me. "You must not give up hope, cara mia. He is coming home. Remember what I said to you the other day. About the Tammy song."

  I forced a laugh. "I should stand on Mike?"

  She grinned. "Ah, so you are a comedian now. Remember that sometimes love is not enough. There are other important things, too."

  I drew my eyebrows together. "Such as?"

  She patted my cheek. "Think about it for a minute. You will figure it out. And when you do, send him a note and tell him. Then Mike will come home, mark my words."

  I exhaled sharply. "I hope you're right."

  She nodded. "I always am." She pointed to the back door. "You go to his house now. I will take care of everything here until you get back."

  I gave her a hug and a kiss, threw my coat on, and went out the back door to where my car was parked in the covered alley. I got behind the wheel and started the engine. Then I pulled my phone out of my pocket and studied the screen for a minute.

  I had to try one last time to get Mike to come home. I hadn't heard from him since the text on Monday night which assured me he was okay. A lot could happen in four days. He might be anywhere by now. Another tear rolled down my cheek.

  "Okay, enough," I muttered out loud. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself and think about how to help Mike."

  What else could I say to make him come home? I thought about my conversation with Grandma Rosa the other night. She'd mentioned how Mike had been forced to rely on himself for most of his life. That all he wanted to do now was marry and take care of me. He knew I loved him, but maybe Grandma Rosa was right. There was something missing.

  At that moment, it dawned on me. There were three words Mike longed to hear, but I'd been typing the wrong ones. With that realization, my fingers quickly flew across the screen.

  I need you.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  As I'd feared, and Gianna had already confirmed, there were no signs Mike had returned to his house. The mailbox was overstuffed with envelopes, and a package had been placed in a plastic bag and tied to the flag. I glanced at it briefly as I brought the items inside. The return address was from a kitchen supply store. Probably a faucet or something similar he'd ordered for Laura Embree's house.

  I inserted my key into the lock, pushed the door open, and entered the code to disarm Mike's security system. I found myself hoping that I was somehow wrong, and he was in the house waiting for me. Yet only silence greeted me. Everything looked the same as it had on Tuesday night when I'd stopped over after Colin's wake.

  My shoulders sagged as I retrieved another bag of dog food for Spike, some treats, and a few of the vast supply of toys Mike had bought for him. I placed everything in a plastic bag and headed for the front door then stopped myself. There was one other thing I needed to check on, and I wasn't looking forward to it.

  I entered the bedroom and eyed the chest of drawers. I lowered myself to my knees and opened the bottom one. Holding my breath
, I pushed aside the socks, removed the picture of us, and stared down.

  The gun was gone.

  I rose to my feet shakily and considered this new development. So Mike had taken the gun with him. Yes, it was good the weapon was gone in case police searched the house. But this was also bad. If Mike was stopped and the gun located, that could spell trouble, too. Plus, why had he never told me about it? I didn't even know if it was loaded.

  A chill wafted through the air, and I wrapped my arms around me for warmth as I departed the room in a hurry.

  I retrieved my bag and locked the front door behind me. It was six o'clock, and the sky had already darkened. More snow was predicted for tonight. Although I'd been anxious to return home, it had been nice to visit the Sunshine State for a couple of days. The weather here was dark and depressing, matching my current state of mind. I was angry about what had happened to Mike and myself.

  I recalled our first date back in September. Mike had been sporting a large bandage on his foot and had some difficulty walking. He'd managed to fix dinner for me at his house, and we'd spent hours talking afterward. He'd kissed me and told me what I already knew—he'd never stopped loving me. When I told him I needed to take things slow, Mike said he understood. Then I'd departed for home but couldn't stay away, returning the next night to deliver some cookies from the bakery, or so I'd said. And I hadn't left until the following morning.

  So much for taking it slow. I smiled and wiped my eyes at the memory.

  When I returned to the shop, I persuaded Grandma Rosa and Gianna to go home. Flurries had already started to fall.

  "I don't think we'll get many more customers," I said. "Plus, I can handle things. I'm closing up in a half hour anyway. You two must be exhausted. Order some takeout and relax in front of the television."

  Grandma Rosa frowned. "I do not order takeout. There are stuffed shells waiting in the freezer. You will come, too?"

  I shook my head. "I'm not hungry. Spike and I will watch some television and turn in early."

  She gave me a sharp look but didn't argue. "Call if you need anything, cara mia." She kissed my cheek. "Stop worrying. It will all be fine."

  Gianna dangled her car keys. "Get some rest, Sal. Hey, when are Mom and Dad coming home?'

  "Sunday," I replied.

  Her face brightened. "Looks like I got a vacation, too."

  I shut and locked the back door behind them. I checked the stock of frozen dough in the freezer and pulled out some for tomorrow morning. I probably should have made more sugar cookie dough, but I was too exhausted. I scribbled off a note for Josie, asking her to make more fortune cookies in the morning since our supply was low. Then I also gave myself a mental reminder to call Sarah and ask if she was still interested in the job.

  At seven o'clock, I locked the front door and pulled the blinds down. I started up the staircase to my apartment when a loud banging on the front door startled me.

  A flicker of hope ran through my body. He got my text and came back. Grandma was right.

  I rushed back down the stairs and ran to unlock the front door. Brian stood there in his uniform looking very professional and handsome, Greek godlike face stern.

  My excitement was quickly squelched, and disappointment flooded my body as I stared back at him. It shouldn't have come as a surprise—I knew he'd return. But what the heck was I going to say to him?

  "Hi, Sally." His green eyes studied me carefully.

  "Brian. What can I do for you?"

  "Is there any chance we could talk for a few minutes?" He held out a bottle of wine. "I was hoping maybe we could have a drink together."

  My mouth dropped open in surprise as I shut and locked the door behind him. "Aren't you on duty?"

  "No, I'm finished for the night. Plus, I hate to go anywhere empty-handed." He smiled. "I thought you might want some company."

  Was Brian aware Mike had disappeared and figured he'd take a chance on trying to win me over? Did he really think I was that vulnerable? I thought about refusing and ordering him to leave. But I was also afraid that if I annoyed him, Mike might be the one to suffer.

  It was as if he'd guessed my thoughts. "I'd like it if we could be friends. That's all."

  "Um, okay." Spike was barking from inside my apartment, and I gestured toward the stairs. "I'm not much of a drinker though."

  He grinned. "Neither am I."

  We climbed the staircase, and I opened the door. Spike came running over to us and wagged his tail at Brian.

  "Hey there, little guy." He stooped down and reached out a hand to pet Spike. The dog immediately rolled over so that Brian could scratch his belly. "He's a cute one. Mike's dog, right?"

  I swallowed hard. "Yes."

  His eyes bore into mine. "So what's he doing here? Is Mike here, too?"

  Oh boy. My chest constricted. "No. I think he's working late."

  "Really? Whereabouts?"

  He knows. I stared down at the floor. "Brian, he may be my boyfriend, but that doesn't mean I have to know where he is every minute of the day."

  "Sally, I'm not trying to be difficult. I'm concerned about you."

  I choked back a laugh. "Oh, please. You're so concerned about me that you couldn't wait to rush over and arrest my boyfriend?"

  Brian righted himself. "I didn't enjoy that, honestly. But it's my job."

  I snorted. "Maybe you felt it was payback since I wouldn't go out with you." My tone sounded acid-like, even to me.

  His face fell, and I wanted to bite my tongue off. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that."

  He didn't reply as he stooped down to pet Spike again. I crossed to the kitchen and brought out two wine glasses. Brian opened the bottle and poured a glass for each of us. We both sat down on my couch.

  His voice was soft when he spoke again. "Like I said, I'm here as a friend. I care about you and always have. If Mike has left town, you'd better tell him to hightail it back here and fast. I promise not to say anything, but—"

  "He didn't kill Colin."

  Brian didn't answer while I took a long sip of my drink. I never drank much alcohol but secretly hoped it might somehow numb the pain I was experiencing. And Brian's failure to answer angered me.

  I grabbed his arm. "Don't you understand? Someone wants Mike to take the rap for this. He threatened Colin. There were many people who witnessed their fight at Ralph's that night. Have you questioned everyone who was there? Did you find any other fingerprints at the hotel?"

  He gave me an odd look. "Sally, by the time my partner and I got over to the bar, several patrons had already left, including you, Mike, Colin, and your friends. We questioned a few people about the brawl, but that was it. And, yes, we dusted the entire hotel room. Mike's prints came up a match because they were already on file."

  I was aware of his knees touching mine, and embarrassment flooded my cheeks. "Mike's never been arrested before." At least I didn't think so.

  He held up a hand in defense. "I didn't say he was. Seems he had to be fingerprinted for a job he was working on last year. Standard procedure for some high-tech security building. Mike installed carpeting for them. That's how the prints were already on file. When we dusted the room and put them through the system, he came up a match."

  "Didn't you find anyone else's?" I asked.

  "None that we could identify." He took a sip of his wine and put the glass down on my coffee table. "I also know that he owns a gun, Sally. He got permission to carry a while ago."

  I was already angry that Mike had never mentioned the gun. Having to hear this tidbit of information from Brian only irritated me further, but I said nothing.

  "Do you know where his gun is, Sally?" Brian asked. "I can get a search warrant easily enough."

  My breath caught in my throat. "No."

  There was a long pause. "You don't know where Mike is either, do you?"

  I didn't answer. Instead, I pretended to be engrossed in watching Spike gnaw on a rawhide bone in the kitchen. My eyes filled with tea
rs. When had I turned into such a crybaby?

  Brian leaned over and placed my hand between his. I made no effort to move away. It was a comforting gesture. I was so lonely for Mike that my heart ached with pain.

  When I'd first met Brian, he'd been kind and concerned about my getting involved in a murder investigation. We'd kissed a couple of times. Then he and Mike had both asked me to dinner on the same evening. I'd never regretted my decision. Now, as I stared at his handsome face and powerful muscular shoulders, I wondered briefly what it would have been like to have Brian as a boyfriend. There was no doubt in my mind that he was the type of man who would treat a woman like a queen. That was Mike's caliber, too.

  I sighed. Why did there always seem to be no options for a good man or too many?

  He ran his finger down my arm, and it heated from his touch. "I was really upset when you turned me down. I was crazy about you." He paused and brushed away the tears from my eyes with his thumb. "I still am."

  I blinked, surprised. "Brian, you know I'm with Mike. Plus, you have a girlfriend. We saw you together a few weeks ago." Then I remembered Josie's gossip. "She was beautiful."

  He placed his face next to mine, and I watched as it clouded over. "We're not seeing each other anymore. I broke it off."

  "Why?" The small amount of wine I'd ingested was already making me sleepy.

  He hesitated before answering, and I immediately regretted my question. Plus, it was none of my business.

  "Honestly? Because I can't seem to forget about you."

  My mouth dropped open in astonishment as I attempted to laugh off his reply. "Oh, you're kidding around."

  His eyes shone as he gazed at me. "I'm dead serious."

  I knew this conversation was headed for trouble. It probably would have been a good idea to ask him to leave. My mouth formed the words, but I couldn't quite force them out. I dropped my eyes toward the floor.

  "I hate having to see you deal with this," Brian said. "If Mike goes to prison—"

  My head shot up. "Don't say that!"

  He rubbed my hand between his two strong ones, and a tingle ran through my body. "Sally, it is a possibility."