Bagels and Blackmail

by C A Phipps

  “Since we’re getting nowhere fast here, I wonder if you might have some information on a teenager called Luke Chisholm?”

  His eyes widened at the change of subject or was it something more? He blinked a few times while he thought of a suitable answer.

  “What’s he done? He’s a good kid, or so I hear. I don’t know him well, but I’ve certainly never had any trouble with him.”

  She shook her head. “As far as I know, he hasn’t done anything wrong, which is why I’m asking you. I’ve offered him the intern job I’ve been advertising for weeks. He seems nice and he’s certainly eager.”

  Ethan smiled. “That’s excellent news. You work too hard. The only reason I’m worried about him at all is because I know his parents. I’m surprised that they’re okay with him dropping out of college. Throwing away a scholarship and his shot at playing college football wouldn’t have gone down well.”

  “He’s in college? I assumed he’d already graduated and had been looking for an opportunity to start a career in baking. ” Disappointment sucked away her excitement over finding Luke then potentially losing him in a matter of days.

  “Hey, don’t think the worst. Maybe he lost the scholarship for some reason. Or he got his parents to agree to let him leave. Things have a way of changing in families, so it could be fine.”

  Maddie frowned. “I hope you’re right. I don’t want to annoy his parents if working for me hasn’t been discussed, but he seemed genuine about wanting to work here. It makes me think about how I’d studied and tried business management before I gave in to my love of baking. I thought how clever Luke is to have chosen his path already. I really want to give him his chance but I need someone now, not in a few months.”

  “What did it say on his resume about grades etc.?”

  She grimaced. “I forgot to ask him for it.”

  “You’re kidding me?”

  “The first applicant didn’t have one, and I liked Luke. A lot.”

  He grinned at her defensiveness. “Yeah, I can see you did and I’m sure that’s important. I’m truly not trying to rain on your parade, I just want you to be aware his father has high expectations.”

  She bristled. “And a bakery might be beneath his son?”

  Ethan put both hands up. “Hey, that’s not what I think. His father works for Mickey Findlay and we know what a tough guy he is. Luke’s father’s seems keen to emulate him and have his sons follow suit.”

  “Oh. Now I am worried. Just because it wasn’t proven that Mickey Findlay was involved in Denise’s murder doesn’t mean he wasn’t. I don’t want anything to do with the man.”

  Ethan slid off his stool and came over to where she stood. “You let me worry about Mickey Findlay. If Luke wants the job, then I think it’s great you’re giving him the break he needs. Just be sure he’s doing it for the right reasons and make sure you’re not ruffling feathers is all I’m saying.”

  She screwed up her face. “The last time you said that, things turned to custard around here.”

  He grinned. “I’m sure that had nothing to do with me. I’ll leave you to your posters while I get the information about Big Red to the station.”

  She followed him to the door. “Thanks Ethan. This is important to me.”

  “I know. That’s why I’m doing it,” he said with a gentler smile.

  Chapter Six

  Maddie stood on the back steps, staring after him as he drove off. He was so kind and thoughtful. She was glad their differences from the past had been resolved. Maybe they hadn’t worked as a couple, all those years ago, but they’d managed to rekindle their friendship which had turned out to be more important to her than she had realized.

  A flash of color in the other direction caught her eye. Angel, wearing clothes even brighter than usual —you could probably see her coming from one end of the town to the other—her hair and make-up perfect, was coming up her walk.

  “I saw Ethan’s car and got worried, so I thought I’d better check that you’re okay, unless it was a social visit?”

  She waggled her eyebrows and Maddie shook her head at her friend’s unsubtle way of matchmaking, feeling her cheeks redden because of it, and certainly no other reason. She might be annoyed if Angel wasn’t so comical about things like this.

  “Stop that. Big Red is missing. Naturally I’d call Ethan.”

  “Oh my.” Angel threw her arms around Maddie. “Since when?”

  “I’m not entirely sure, but I haven’t seen him since yesterday morning.” She said with a shaky voice. Angel’s well-meant sympathy could often have this kind of consequence.

  Angel gasped. “He missed a meal?”

  “Two. Thank goodness someone else gets how relevant that is.”

  “Well, sure. He’s a big boy and he needs to keep his strength up. I wonder where he is.” She looked around her with particular attention to his favorite place in the bottom of the hedge.

  “The thing is, with all these animals missing, I’m frightened that he’s been taken.”

  Angel was shocked once more. “More missing? Other than Sissy and Big Red?”

  Maddie led her inside and handed her the papers she’d shown Ethan.

  “This is terrible.”

  “I found his collar and it was undone. I don’t know why I didn’t see it in the grass sooner, but then I wasn’t looking hard because I really hoped he’d be at Grans, or somewhere in the vicinity.”

  “Don’t think the worst. Maybe he caught it on something and wriggled enough to loosen it. Then he went for a walk and lost track of the time. You know how it is. You get chatting and before you know it you’re late.” She tried a grin.

  Maddie shook her head. “Ahhh, he doesn’t actually speak so people can understand him.”

  “Except for us,” her friend added seriously.

  Angel was a happy pill you didn’t need a prescription for and Maddie had to smile about that. She wouldn’t make a habit of telling anyone else about the perception of understanding a cats’ language, but Angel was not just anyone and Big Red loved her too.

  “He does have a way of letting you know exactly what he thinks.”

  “Since you’ve moved back from New York City he’s been even more vocal. I’ve been watching him terrorize the local cats and even the dogs are wary of him. He seems to have lost any patience he once had.”

  Maddie snorted. “You can say that again. I guess he prefers his own company too much. Some of the delivery men haven’t been impressed. They’ve taken to bringing things in by the shop door.”

  Despite their worry they were laughing hard.

  “Grown men afraid of a bitty cat!” Maddie wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

  Angel held her sides as she squealed. “More like a small lion. I need to sit down. I don’t suppose there’s anything to eat around here?”

  “Nope. Nothing to eat in a bakery.”

  “Dry crackers and water?”

  “If you want, but I just remembered I do have some left-over carrot cake in the walk-in chiller. Only if you don’t mind?”

  Angel was already up out of her chair and headed to the silvery kettle purchased and sent via Gran’s brother all the way from England.

  “I guess if there’s no donuts then carrot cake will have to do, and we better have tea.”

  “Of course. You get the cups while I get the cake.”

  While Angel made tea, Maddie went into the walk in and brought out the cake. There was no way she could eat anything else just now, but she cut a generous slice and put it on the matching side plate. One of the wonderful things about having Angel for a best friend, and there were many, was her love of food. Anything Maddie made was eaten with such relish, there was no way a person could ever believe it wasn’t first class and therefore gave this baker a wonderful boost to her ego every time.

  When she was done Angel set her fork to the side of her plate in a ladylike way as if she hadn’t just devoured her portion in record time, and smacked her lips
.

  “I swear your baking gets better every time I eat it.”

  Maddie grinned. She’d heard this a million times. “Let’s hope that’s an ever increasing upward trend.”

  Angel wiped her mouth and hands delicately on a napkin. “I can’t wait for our next cooking lesson tonight.”

  Maddie was holding a class for her close friends. It was informal and free, but she could see the potential of doing more once she had Luke up to speed, and if there was enough interest. If it worked out that she had the time, then she would charge a fee and make it a side business. So far the one she was running was fun, but it had only been a few weeks, and she was nervous about committing further energy into another venture just yet.

  “In the meantime, what are we going to do about finding Big Red?” Angel finished her tea.

  “We?”

  Maddie received a disbelieving look.

  “Yes, we. If we can solve a murder we can certainly find a cat.”

  Maddie pursed her lips. “Ethan said it was too early to worry.”

  “That’s because he doesn’t have a pet or a child. He has no way of knowing how you feel.”

  It made sense and she really didn’t need much encouragement. “Four hands are better than two. I’m going to make up some flyers and get them out around town first thing tomorrow.”

  “Great. I’ll put one up in my shop and walk around Maple Lane dropping them off at the houses and businesses. Most of those won’t be open until Monday, but we might see other people on our travels.”

  Maddie felt a surge of excitement. “I’d already decided to go door to door locally. He might have been nosey and accidentally got himself locked in a shed or a garage. If people don’t need to go in them, they probably won’t think to look unless someone asks.”

  “Great idea. Let’s get the other two involved. With her connections at the school, and various committees she’s on, Suzy will be a big help.”

  They both grinned. Suzy was the local school principal, which hugely amused Angel and Maddie. The three of them being at school together, had never been fond of their principal.

  Retired, and running for mayor, Maude Oliver, was currently the President of the Maple Falls Country Club and still capable of making them shake in their shoes. Suzy was a pleasant contrast. Diplomatic and fair, she could be firm when needed. More importantly, she was a huge hit with children and parents alike.

  “I’m sure Laura will be happy to help in other ways too. She adores Big Red. Do you need a hand making the flyers?” Angel asked.

  “I’d appreciate it. You don’t think I’m over reacting?”

  “Not at all. Your idea that he’s managed to get stuck under a house or in a shed somewhere and can’t get out is highly plausible. Either way it will alert people to check and if he turns up by himself, then that’s an even better scenario.”

  Maddie and Angel clinked their tea cups, drank deep, and moved into the small alcove where the computer and printer lived.

  Between them they worded it as positively as they could and before long they had a recent picture of Big Red on fifty flyers. It could be noted that she had several (hundred) pictures to choose from, but Angel didn’t bat an eyelid at that.

  ‘Have you seen Big Red? He is definitely a cat, and yes he’s huge. He shouldn’t be too hard to spot and since he’s a curious fellow he may have wandered into your shed or garage. Sorry! If you find him, please phone Madeline Flynn at Maple Lane Bakery. Thank you.’

  She also added her phone number and e-mail address at the bottom in case a stranger to town found him.

  “It looks great.” Angel picked up a couple of pieces of spare paper and two pens, handing one of each to Maddie. “Let’s get a list together of people to ring.”

  Maddie, self-confessed queen of lists, appreciated her enthusiasm. After running out of names of people they were friendly with, Angel took half of the pile of flyers and names and put them together. She was about to leave when Maddie remembered she had something to discuss with her.

  “Before you go, I was wondering if you’re still looking for help in the salon?”

  Her friend stopped at the door. “Definitely. Did you have someone in mind?”

  “I do. How do you feel about piercings and tattoos?”

  Angel tilted her head, then grinned. “They don’t do much for me, but growing up like I did in a trailer park, it’s a lot easier to look past them. I’d be more interested in how they relate to customers and what their personal hygiene is like. You can’t have a client tucked under your armpit while you’re shampooing if it’s not as it should be.”

  Maddie grinned. “I couldn’t agree more. I’ve chosen the person I’m going to hire from the three who applied. Luke was the better fit for me. The girl I think would suit you seemed eager to try anything. She wouldn’t have any experience in hair salons. Is that an issue?”

  “Naturally, experience would be preferable, but like you, there are so few people needing work in Maple Falls at the moment… I’m willing to give it a try. I think it’s the whole small town thing. Anyway, having someone to answer the phone, clean up, and do the shampooing, would make me happy for now. If you think she’d be okay, then I’m willing to at least meet with her.”

  Maddie found the number she had for Beth and handed it to Angel. “I only met her once, so I can’t make promises she’ll be any good.”

  “Sometimes people just need a chance and goodness knows I felt that would never happen when I was young.”

  She gave Maddie a wink and a wave. It was nice to think Angel and Beth could benefit from being brought together, which in turn made Maddie feel more positive about everything else.

  Hope and positive friends were a great combination. Like fresh berries and cream.

  Chapter Seven

  Wiping down the food preparation counter, Maddie placed the vase of flowers she’d picked earlier from her small garden behind the shop. Even wild flowers, which at any other time would have given her a boost, couldn’t lift her spirits. Being out in the garden made her even more aware of Big Red’s absence. He’d taken to watching her from under his hedge, making sure she wasn’t leaving without him, or more importantly, watching to see if she was bringing him food.

  She’d thought about cancelling tonight’s baking class, but it had become, in the few weeks since its inception, such a regular and important feature of their lives that she couldn’t do it.

  Madeline Flynn did not usually feel sorry for herself. Living the dream of owning her own bakery, having a group of friends she loved like family, and a Grandmother second to none, should be more than enough. She knew it would be again, when she had Big Red by her side.

  A day without him was hard. More was proving unbearable.

  He was her best friend, apart from Angel and Suzy, and had proved to be in many ways when she had moved to New York City. It had been a giant leap from small town Maple Falls.

  Knowing no one initially, he had endured her rants over the job she didn’t like and the rudeness of cabbies. He walked with her through the park and to the shops, waiting patiently for her to emerge with some tidbit for both of them. He snuggled with her during storms and reluctantly played with string she dangled for him, because it really was beneath him, just to humor her.

  The few days it had been were far too long. Was it too long for the outcome to be good? No, she wouldn’t allow herself to go down that rabbit hole.

  A knock at the kitchen door heralded the first member of the group. She didn’t bother to let them in, because the door was, as usual, open, the knock a mere formality.

  Angel entered in a bounce of chatter, wrapping herself around Maddie, and squeezed.

  “How are you doing, Sugar? I brought your favorite nougat and some peppermint tea to give you a boost. Shall I make a cup now? You look tired. Sit down and I’ll bring you some.”

  Maddie, did not want tea, which was a rarity. She didn’t want any fuss. And she definitely didn’t want to be rude
. “Not right now, thanks.” She extricated herself and went to the massive pantry to get the last of the supplies they needed, and rid herself of this rising irritation of not doing enough.

  Angel had always gone overboard in her concern for everything and everyone, especially Maddie. That’s simply the way she was and Maddie wouldn’t change her for the world.

  With no sign of Big Red and the resulting lack of sleep, she was grateful to have these three women as her friends and would hate to ruin their night by being a Debbie downer.

  She came back with a smile on her face. “What do you think of the recipe I chose for tonight?”

  Angel sighed. “I would rather have made the scones you talked about last week. Bagels look harder, so I hope I don’t muck it up.”

  “Think positive, the way you do about everything else. Did you read it through?”

  “I did. It looks very healthy.”

  “That’s the idea. I want to sell them in the shop, so you lot are my guinea pigs.”

  “Charming. I hope you don’t intend to sell the ones I make?”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Angel wrinkled her nose. “Hmm. I’m not sure how to take that.”

  Suzy, and Laura arrived just then, to interrupt their banter, and the usual cacophony of greetings ensued. Eventually, they settled down into their places while Angel poured them wine.

  Maddie stood and smiled at these wonderful women. “Ready to bake?”

  Their faces lit up, and they picked up their recipes from the well-equipped counter she’d previously set up with everything they would need.

  “As you can see, tonight’s bake is one you weren’t expecting, but I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Bagels are a healthier carb option and as I told Angel, something I’d like to sell in the bakery. As usual, you’ll be making your own to take home. Although, since you can make them with different flavors and toppings, you might like to try each other’s.”

  Suzy grinned. “My grandfather will be so happy if I take him something I made that’s actually edible. Since grandma passed away he’s always complaining about the food I bring him.”