Bagels and Blackmail

by C A Phipps

  Working for the government in a classified job, he had been capable of turning his hand to anything, and it had been a shock when he passed.

  The cottage was and always had been a haven should she or anyone else ever need it. It had also been Big Red’s first home. Now, instead of Maddie and Big Red living with Gran, Laura did. Which made perfect sense—Laura needed a place to stay and Gran had company.

  Being Saturday, the butcher’s was closed, so she had been more hopeful than expectant of finding her cat hovering around there.

  She carried on, cutting through the library carpark, before heading down Maple Lane along the front of the shops, around by the park and back up Plum Place on the other side of the road, keeping a constant lookout for Big Red.

  She walked most days because after her kitchen, being outside in nature was her favorite place to be. As she neared Gran’s, the fresh air had helped her anxiety a little. But this was more than a social call.

  The door was wide open, the rocking chair empty of Gran or Big Red who usually sat precariously on the back of it whenever he visited. She walked on through the old cottage which had been in the family for three generations.

  Gran was in the huge garden with Laura, their heads bent over the same bed of vegetables. Maddie’s heart did a little flip, at the red-head so close to the gray, and she allowed herself to acknowledge internally that she was a little envious. This used to be her and Gran out here together, but with everything else, time wouldn’t allow for more than tending to her own small garden at the back of the bakery.

  Since they lived in the same house, it was natural Gran and Laura would spend more time together, especially with Gran being so caring. In fact, she was the go-to person in Maple Falls for many of the residents and helped so many of them in one way or another.

  They were all lucky to have her and it was only right to share the love. Maddie got to spend a lot of time with Gran in the kitchen most days, and thought Laura deserved family time with people who didn’t judge her. Having parents who had dictated her whole life until recently, Laura had been a bundle of neurosis when she came to town and put her hat in the ring for the mayoral race.

  With Gran in her life and the rest of Maddie’s friends to gently push her, Laura was blossoming into someone more self-assured and capable with every passing day.

  Laura looked up and smiled, as if she had heard Maddie’s thoughts and approved. The sun glinted off her vibrant red hair and Maddie couldn’t help noticing that being happy also made her friend more attractive.

  “Did you have a relaxing morning, Maddie?”

  She hated to bring them down, and she procrastinated over telling them her fears. “It makes a difference not getting up at five, doesn’t it?”

  “It sure does. Gran and I had a lazy morning and haven’t even had breakfast, but we couldn’t resist the sunshine. Can I fix you something?”

  “I’m glad both of you managed a bit more rest and I didn’t come for breakfast. Ahhh, I have good news and some bad news.”

  Gran brushed dirt from her gloves and tutted. “We’ll have the good first, otherwise the bad is sure to spoil it.”

  Maddie smiled weakly. “The successful applicant has been offered the job. A young man called Luke Chisholm. Hiring him should make things easier on all of us.”

  “I wasn’t really complaining.” Laura’s smile was replaced by worry.

  Maddie hated that Laura still had these moments of insecurity. “I know, but I feel bad that you two have to work so hard for my dream.”

  “I’m sure he’ll fit in fine, and you do know I’m loving every minute of it? The baking especially.”

  Gran stood. “Don’t talk silly, either of you. We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t want to. I wish I could have been there for the interview, but the community center committee has been busy with charities, and poor Jed needed some cheering up.”

  “Sissy is still missing?” Maddie’s fingers tapped on her thigh as she felt her fear increasing.

  Gran raised an eyebrow at the tapping and tutted when Maddie clasped her hands together to still them.

  “Yes, and it’s so sad. Now what about this bad news?

  Maddie took a big breath. “Did either of you happen to see Big Red this morning?”

  Gran slowly took off her gardening gloves and put them on top of a basket where an array of flowers lay, watching Maddie intently. “Not since yesterday. That cat has a mind of his own, he could be anywhere.”

  She was trying to put a positive slant on it but Maddie could see she wasn’t as convinced as she sounded. Gran was good friends with Mr. Clayton and no doubt they had discussed reasons for Sissy’s disappearance.

  “I know he likes to wander, but it’s not like him to miss dinner, and now breakfast. Perhaps he came and went again before I got up, and he’s been fending for himself.” She said it as much for herself as for the other two.

  “Like eating a bird?” Laura blanched.

  Despite their worry, Gran and Maddie snorted. Not only did they look alike, or had done at the same age, but they had the same sense of humor.

  “Big Red would never expend the energy to catch anything. I don’t think he could get his butt off the ground for a start. Actually, he’s just plain lazy. He’d rather go sit on someone’s doorstep until they caved in and fed him. He’s not fussy either. A piece of meat or a croissant is all the same to him. Although he does draw the line at bagels.” Gran wiped the corner of her eye.

  “He certainly is a big cat.” Laura admitted warily, not always appreciating their jokes.

  Maddie smiled. “To be honest, I believe he thinks he’s a dog.”

  “That makes sense. He’s certainly big enough to be one.” Gran tucked her arm through Maddie’s. “All this talk is making me thirsty. Tea anyone?”

  Maddie could always drink tea. “Please. I’ll give the pound a ring. Just in case.”

  They went in to the kitchen, where Gran’s phone hung on the wall as it had for decades.

  “I have cupcakes ready to frost, if you’re hungry?”

  Maddie shook her head as she dialed. “You baked on your day off?”

  “I love to bake, no matter the day. You know that.”

  It was true, and Maddie shouldn’t be surprised since she was often guilty of doing exactly that. When you had nothing pressing, it proved to be the perfect time to try out a new recipe or two. They headed into the kitchen which looked out over the garden with the dining room beside it.

  “Shall I frost the cupcakes? I could do with the practice.” Laura asked.

  “Yes, please,” Gran answered, as she made the tea in a pot showcasing the royal couple, Prince William and Kate.

  The pound had no cat resembling Big Red, so Maddie collected three tea-sets from the shelves, each one a little different. Anyone lucky enough to be invited for tea on a regular basis was designated a particular set which included a side plate. This was a necessity since tea was always accompanied by something from Gran’s repertoire of baking which changed with the seasons to coincide with what fruit was available and also with what she felt like making.

  Maddie’s set had a delicate pink rose depicted on two sides. Gran’s had lilacs and now that Laura lived here, she used the blue wisteria pattern.

  She sat down at the table, feeling a little edgy that she wasn’t out scouring the streets for Big Red. But she was also a little light headed from lack of sleep and food. The smell of the cupcakes was divine. No wonder Laura was coming along in leaps and bounds in her techniques at the bakery. With Gran as a private mentor she had already perfected several recipes.

  Cupcakes instead of a proper breakfast was not the best as a rule, but on her day off she decided the rules did not apply and therefore had two. “Very nice, Gran, and superb frosting Laura. Is this a new recipe?”

  “It is. Coffee and maple syrup. Laura and I have been getting very creative.”

  “Mmmm. Delicious. The frosting too?”

  Laura nodded. �
�Cupcakes are a good seller at the bakery aren’t they?”

  “Everyone likes cupcakes.” Maddie had to agree.

  “You do have a great selection of sweet things,” she hesitated.

  Maddie could see she had something on her mind. “Any ideas are welcome; we’re a team after all.”

  Laura beamed. “There’ve been several requests for bagels. Apparently they’re a healthier option and you can add savory or sweet toppings.”

  “Bagels? What a coincidence.”

  “No such thing as coincidences,” Gran chimed in.

  Maddie smiled at the saying. Gran had a million of them.

  “I’ve been trying them out and they’re okay, but I need more practice, since I hadn’t made them in a while. Bernie’s been taking them in the charity box.”

  “I bet they’re better than you think.” Gran insisted.

  “Maybe. The point is, when I initially chose which items to bake I didn’t include them because I didn’t want to have to make too many items with just the two of us working there. I was thinking that since our customers really like their fresh breads and buns, bagels are a natural extension of that. They’re another option, and we won’t be as stretched for time now we have our new staff member. And another about to start. If you like, we could get some practice in at work and maybe get the cooking class to try the recipe?”

  “That would be great. I can’t wait. I love bagels. Virginia Bolton was asking about them too, so we know we’ll have at least one sale.”

  Maddie choked on a mouthful of tea at hearing the real estate agent was wanting to eat her food, having denigrated the bakery not so long ago.

  “I can’t say that’s an incentive to bake them.”

  Gran patted Maddie’s hand as she passed her a napkin. “Now, now. She’s paid her dues. Poor woman has been ostracized by the whole town for long enough, and her business is almost non-existent.”

  Maddie wiped her face on the napkin, her anger warring with compassion. The fear and drama Virginia helped cause was still too real. “It’s only been a few weeks. I can’t say that I blame anyone for steering clear of her.”

  “Maddie, that’s not how you were raised.”

  She dropped her head over the steaming cup at Gran’s censure. Virginia had helped the murderer up to a point, and insisted she didn’t know how far Ralph Willis was prepared to go to get what he wanted. She had also treated Maddie and her friends badly since they were children.

  “Big Red could have been killed.”

  “But he wasn’t. Remember, Virginia has a mother she was protecting. Her reasons were valid to her.”

  Maddie sighed. “I know, but it’s hard to let go of what might have happened if she hadn’t come forward when she did.”

  “There you go. When it was needed she did the right thing. That’s all anyone has to do in this life.”

  There was no way to fight Gran’s brand of optimism or logic, so she changed the subject.

  “Regardless of who wants to buy them, how they sell will dictate whether they stay on the schedule or not,” she explained to Laura. Finishing her tea, she stood. “I’m going to have another look around for Big Red. If either of you see him, could you give me a call?”

  “Of course we will, sweetheart. Have a lovely day and see you here for dinner tomorrow?”

  “Of course.”

  Once you gave it some thought, Gran’s code of fairness was usually right. Plus, her grandmother lived by that code every single day and anyone could see the benefit of it, by the number of friends she had.

  She left them with a heavy heart, knowing she would be more charitable to Virginia in the future, but more worried about finding Big Red. Sighing, she kept her eyes peeled for any sign of her big ball of fluff.

  Calling his name, more times than she cared to count, Maddie walked around the block and down to the small park opposite the side of her corner shop once more, without any luck. It was still too early for most people to be out and about on a Saturday, unless it was festival day, sport, or there was a farmer’s market happening.

  Maple Falls, with its canopy of large Maple trees creating dappled light everywhere, was quiet and peaceful. The yoga group would be here soon and Maddie wondered for the umpteenth time if she should join them. The one thing stopping her, apart from a smidgeon of laziness, was the idea she might open the shop on Saturdays one day. It was a huge day for sales in the bakery she had previously worked in. In Manhattan, everyone seemed to pour into the shops on the weekend. Maple Falls, was perhaps not in that league.

  Arriving at her gate, something shining in the grass caught her attention. Instantly she knew what it was. Bending she picked up Big Red’s collar. She bit her lip. Nobody would be calling her if someone found him because without this they wouldn’t know where he belonged, although, most of the town would have heard of Big Red, even if they hadn’t met him yet. He was pretty memorable after all.

  Then she noticed that the collar was undone-not broken. What did that mean?

  Chapter Five

  As soon as she was inside she called Ethan Tanner and explained about Big Red’s absence, and her worry that it was somehow linked to the other missing animals. He was a good Sheriff and they had some history, but more importantly he was an old friend.

  He was there in fifteen minutes. She’d been on tenterhooks waiting for him to arrive and he barely knocked before she had the door open. His presence alone, made her feel a little better

  “Thanks for coming on your day off.”

  “A Sheriff’s always on call,” he teased, as he sat on a stool at the huge counter she used for the baking. “I understand you’re worried, but there’s no reason to think it’s foul play just yet.”

  “Isn’t there?” she showed him the collar. “He’s a clever cat, but not clever enough to undo this.”

  Ethan took it and turned it over in his hands. “Perhaps it slipped off and came undone?”

  “Not a chance. It was the biggest collar I could find, but it only just fit him. Plus, it’s a buckle, which requires fingers to undo.”

  He grinned. “Why do you all of a sudden sound like a detective?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve known you long enough to understand that solving a mystery takes a keen eye.”

  “It’s a little early to say that this is more than a missing cat, but I’ll alert the station and tell everyone I see. I wouldn’t panic just yet. You said you saw him yesterday morning, which is really not that long.”

  “You know he never misses a meal,” she said her fingers tapping on the counter.

  “True, but I don’t think missing a couple will do him any harm.” His lips twitched.

  “It’s not funny, Ethan. Other animals have disappeared too.”

  His grin slipped. “If you’re talking about Jed Clayton’s Labradoodle, I wouldn’t say that’s a good example. Sissy has been known to roam all over town.”

  “But she’s been missing for a month or so, hasn’t she? I wouldn’t call that ‘roaming’.”

  He sighed. “I agree, it has been a while, but we can’t say for sure that she isn’t simply lost.”

  “Which is nearly as bad as being stolen. Here, take a look at this.” She slapped the print-outs about the missing animals and the one about the murder. Do you think these are connected?”

  “Wow. I didn’t realize there were so many. Funny how the owners haven’t been in to lodge complaints. Still, I’m pretty sure lost pets can’t be put in the same category as a death in a car accident.”

  “Do you happen to know the name of the person who died? It hasn’t been released because they can’t contact the family. Maybe they had a missing pet?”

  His eyes widened. “That’s a pretty tall leap. Please tell me you’re not going rogue detective on me again?”

  She sniffed. “I could be wrong about them being linked, but I intend to put up posters about Big Red and ask questions around town. There’s no harm in being pro-active, is there? And, I simply can�
�t wait around like Jed Clayton to see if my boy will come home of his own accord. If you’re convinced there’s no real foul-play, then it won’t hurt anyone, or be dangerous.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. He looked different in his jeans and t-shirt. When he wore his uniform it somehow made him all official sounding as well as looking the part. She wasn’t sure which look she preferred. Although, whatever he wore and whatever he said, people were inclined to listen to him because he had the kind of presence that commanded it.

  Ethan and she had known each other since they were kids and she could see he was struggling between being a friend and being the Sheriff. She appreciated he had a big area to cover, and Big Red’s disappearance mightn’t be as important, which meant she had no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

  Eventually, he nodded. “Okay. Posters and asking around are fine. Anything else is not in your brief, including snooping about that death. Understand?”

  “Yes, Sheriff.”

  He frowned at her easy capitulation. “I mean it. I’ll look into the car accident when I have time, and I’ll help you anyway I can, but don’t think I won’t be watching in case you overstep, Ms. Flynn.”

  The thought of hunky Ethan watching her every move, made her gulp. “That won’t be necessary.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Really? Excuse me for finding that hard to believe.”

  She tossed her braid over her shoulder. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  She raised her eyebrows, but thought better about commenting on her inability to let things lay when she’d become involved in helping with Denise’s murder, which was clearly his insinuation. This may not be about murder and to some, missing pets might seem trivial, but her heart went out to anyone who lost one.

  Ethan knew how determined she could be and was undoubtedly using a Sheriff tactic by waiting for her to capitulate as they stared at each other for a moment. Perhaps he’d feel better if they talked about something else. She knew she would.