by C A Phipps
She had given Luke the task of preparing it, and he seemed to take this small task very seriously.
Laura was frosting a birthday cake ready for picking up that afternoon, when Maddie got the courage to ask her about tickets for the Country Club meet and greet. She perched on a stool on the other side of the counter and her fingers immediately began their tapping.
Laura stopped mid-smoothing. “What’s wrong? Have I messed it up?”
“It’s lovely. I think you’re ready for the decorating side of things too.”
“Are you sure?” she asked nervously.
Maddie nodded. “Why not? If you make a mistake, we’ll redo it. It’s the only way to learn.”
Laura beamed. “I’d be happy to try. I think I love this side of the baking as much as anything. It feels really creative.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. Baking in all its forms is creative. This is just another aspect of it.”
Laura worked on in silence for a little while, then her hand stilled again. “You look like you want to ask me something.”
“Do I?” Maddie prided herself on keeping her feelings off her face. It was a must when you had to deal with an awkward customer or delivery person.
“You’re tapping. You do that when you’re anxious, or want to say something.”
Maddie looked down at her fingers and recognized the habit. She sighed, wondering how many other people had witnessed her doing this and why Gran hadn’t mentioned it? Prior to moving away, she’d made Maddie aware of it, thereby enabling her to control it better.
She sighed. “You’re right. I want to ask you a favor, and you’re not going to like it.”
“I’d do anything for you, or the bakery. You know that.”
“Don’t be too hasty. I heard that you have an invitation to the Country Club on Friday?”
“How on earth do you know about it? Was it Angel?” she shook her head “I guess it was a natural assumption, but it doesn’t matter, because I’m not going.”
“I heard it’s a meet and greet for Mickey Findlay and Irene Fitzgibbons in their bid for mayor of Maple Falls, isn’t it ?”
“Yes. There’s no secret about that.”
“Unless you don’t belong to the Country Club. Which I and many other residents of Maple Falls don’t.”
“I guess that’s true. I hadn’t given it any thought. Especially, since I’m not running.” She smiled. “It’s such a relief.”
“Were your parents okay when you picked them up yesterday? You didn’t say much about it.”
Laura frowned at the question. “They were fairly typical. Dad couldn’t get a word in, and Mom monopolized the conversation around what was good and bad about Maple Falls. She didn’t say too much about the election, to be fair, except to say I was expected to front up on Friday night. I think they’re both happy now that Mickey’s running. Maude Oliver might have been a formidable opponent, but Irene Fitzgibbons isn’t in the same league.”
She ran a hand over her bun, smoothing it. “You know, I’m pretty sure that Mickey would have realized I wouldn’t have any more success than last time and now he has the perfect opportunity to get what he wants with minimal fuss.”
“I’m glad to hear you say so. I’ve been looking at the history of the last couple of elections. I believe he still wants the land that his brother-in-law, Mr. Willis, donated to the town. He’s always wanted to develop there, and if he’s elected he can do what he wants, because no one will be able to stand up to him.”
“Denise said ‘no’ because the whole community benefits from holding all the festivals and market days on that land. I don’t think Maude would have agreed to making it available, since it would have been highly contentious. Mickey thrives on being that way.” Laura gasped. “Do you think that’s why they were killed?”
“Even if it was, no one could prove Denise’s murder had anything to do with Mickey. I’m betting the same can be said for Maude. That being said, there’re other things that he might be involved in.”
Laura tilted her head. “I feel that you’re taking me down this path for another reason. What does any of this have to do with me?”
“If you got tickets for both of us and Angel, to go on Friday, we could find out if any of the members are missing pets and if they’ve received ransom notes. If some are and they’re paying, then this might never end. If not, you could ask to put up flyers. It’s kind of a win-win.”
“Not for me.”
Maddie’s heart sank, but she could see Laura was adamant. “I understand. Feeling that way is totally reasonable.”
Laura dabbed at the cake half-heartedly. “I knew you had something important to say. I absolutely want to help, but the memories about the last election are far too real. People said terrible things to my face. It went on for months and no matter that it’s been a while, I still cringe when any of them come in to the bakery.”
“It was too much to ask, and I’m truly sorry I did. I wasn’t in town when it happened, but Angel filled me in and it sounded awful. Please forget I mentioned it. There are always other alternatives.” Maddie felt terrible for bringing it all back to Laura.
“I don’t think I can. The missing pets are the main topic of conversation around town at the moment. The mayoral race is definitely second on the list.”
Maddie nodded. “It’s only natural when it affects so many people.”
Laura put down her spatula. “If you’re asking, then it is a big deal. And, I love that pompous cat of yours. I miss him.”
Maddie smiled and stood, placing a hand on Laura’s shoulder. “I know you do, and Gran says if you don’t ask you never get, but seriously, don’t give it another thought. I’ll get you the piping bag and some colors. You’ve done a great job. This cake looks perfect and ready for you to decorate.”
She could feel Laura’s eyes on her back as she went to the walk-in pantry. The last thing she wanted was to cause her friend more stress. It wasn’t an alien concept to Maddie that families had a member or members who weren’t as nice as they should be. Her own mother left her behind when she wanted more from life. The difference was she’d had Gran. Laura only had her friends, and Maddie wasn’t being a good one to suggest her doing something which would cause her pain.
No matter that they had left the conversation on a warm note, the atmosphere in the kitchen felt strained and the afternoon began to drag. Maddie was relieved when Angel and Suzy came by as they were closing up.
“Any updates on the murder?” Suzy asked.
Maddie shook her head. “I haven’t heard anything.”
“Irene Fitzgibbons was in for her wash and blow wave. She was terribly upset about the murder and telling everyone that she and Maude Oliver were best friends, until Gary from the garage, who was in to pick up his special shampoo, informed her that she might be the number one suspect if that was the case. She back-pedaled faster than a cat being forced to have a bath.” Angel said with puzzlement.
Suzy grinned. “Don’t worry about it. Irene couldn’t kill any one, unless it was by talking them to death.”
“We shouldn’t joke about it.” Angel paled.
“You’re right. I can’t pretend that Maude was a friend of mine, or that I particularly liked the woman, but she’s dead and it’s not right.” Suzy gave her a pained look. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come by sooner, but the Meeting dragged on this week, because of the chatter around Maude and the pets.”
“It’s all good. I know you spoke to Angel, and you rang a couple of times.”
“Still, I wanted to be here for you. Is there anything I can do to help make life a little easier?”
“Thanks for asking. I’ve done all I can think of. I wish I could come up with something else.” She pursed her lips to stop the quiver that threatened to explode into an unexpected bout of tears.
Suzy made a soothing noise. “I saw the ad in the paper too. The reward should definitely help.”
“One hundred dollars wasn’t a huge
amount, but with Mr. Clayton’s and the addition of a few others it might be enough to encourage people to keep a better look-out, or for them all to be returned. I sure hope so.”
Suzy tucked her auburn curls behind her ears. “So, it’s definitely kidnapping and ransom requests for all the pets?”
Ethan had asked her not to discuss the ransom letters and she had also promised Mr. Clayton that she wouldn’t, which made her feel a little awkward since she shared everything with these women, and they knew almost as much as she did.
“Even though I haven’t had a ransom note yet, I honestly believe it is the work of the same person. Big Red was here that morning, and I wasn’t worried until it was dinner time. I searched everywhere I could think to. It’s not like he’s small enough to stay hidden somewhere near for this long. Someone should have seen him somewhere. Every day I walk the area, speaking to as many people as I can. After that, I call the pound and the vet, who are probably sick to death of me.”
“I still don’t understand who would take him. Or why.” Angel pondered.
Suzy gave her a stunned look which Angel was oblivious to, and Maddie remembered Jed Clayton asking the same question, looking just as vague. They were used to Angel’s rose-colored glass view of the world and Suzy patiently explained.
“His breed is worth a lot of money. There are all sorts of unscrupulous people who buy stolen animals. They don’t care where an animal came from if it’s one they particularly want.”
Angels’ perfect eyebrows shot up. “You mean like car theft?”
“Exactly.”
“But that’s terrible. I’ve heard of it, but until now, I couldn’t believe it was even a thing.”
Despite her history, Angel’s innocence never failed to amaze Maddie. “I did find his collar, remember? It was undone. Big Red is clever, but not that clever.”
“At least if he was taken, that means he didn’t get . . .” Laura gasped.
“Run over? Lost? I’ve pictured every scenario, believe me, but I don’t think he’s dead. Does it sound stupid to say that I think I’d feel something more than I do if that were the case?”
The group looked at her and each other, as if they couldn’t decide if she was actually crazy or not.
Laura smiled. “I believe you.”
Suzy shrugged. “Only you know the bond you have. If you say he’s not dead, then it must be so. I was at the vet’s with Tosco yesterday and I saw your signs there. You must have covered every inch of Maple Falls.”
Tosco happened to be a very pampered Pomeranian that Big Red despised and due to his nipping of ankles habit, Maddie wasn’t particularly fond of him either but couldn’t find it in herself to say a word against him, because she knew Suzy would be devastated that everyone didn’t feel the same way about her beloved pet.
When you loved your animal, it was hard to find any fault, which was something she knew first hand. Pedigree or not.
“I have them in every shop and on every lamppost in town and even some on the outskirts. The reward will be in the Destiny Tribune tomorrow and was in our local paper today. Bernie said next time he has to take a fare or pick someone up from the airport, he’d drop a few of the flyers into some business’s there. Animal rescue are keeping an eye out for him too.”
Suzy nodded enthusiastically. “I’ve had another idea. We’ve already used the phone tree through the school, but why not tackle the actual phone book?”
“How do you mean?” Laura asked.
“We split it up into sections and, with the help of the school phone tree, we phone everyone in the county. Just to be sure we haven’t missed someone.”
Maddie felt a renewed surge of hope. “What a fantastic idea. The more people know the better the chance of getting him back.”
“Let’s do it.” Angel agreed.
“I’ll organize it. We’ll each have a section, plus I’ll rope in some volunteers. I’ll contact them and give them their portion of the phone book to work from.”
“That’s a lot of work for you, Suzy.”
“I want him back as much as you do. I can’t bear to see you so down, and I know how I’d feel if it were Tosco.”
As they left, Suzy put her hand on her arm. “I’ll be in touch tomorrow with the names of who’s helping us and which section everyone has.”
Maddie hugged her. “That’s wonderful. I appreciate the trouble.”
“It’s no trouble. You’d do it for Tosco.”
Maddie nodded. Certainly, she’d like to believe she would. A noise made her turn to face the bathroom, where Laura was exiting.
“I thought you had gone with Angel?”
“I wanted to talk to you.”
“Sure, but it’s dark outside, and you walked here.”
Laura waved away her concern, determined to speak.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve been thinking about what you said about what good it could do going to the Country Club on Friday.”
“Please don’t. I was immediately sorry to have brought it up and making you feel bad.”
“No. You’re right. I can help, so I will. It’s time to stop letting my past dictate my future.”
“Wow, where did that come from?”
“You. Things in your life weren’t making you happy so you changed careers. I’ve made a small inroad by taking a job with you and saying no to my parents in their bid to have me run for Mayor a second time. At twenty-nine, it was high time. I need to continue the trend. That means standing up for myself when I’m being bullied. Every time.”
Maddie made a sympathetic noise. “It isn’t as easy as it sounds, is it?”
“It isn’t, and I appreciate you get that.”
“What’s the plan then?” Maddie asked.
Laura shrugged. “You tell me.”
“I want to get in so I can confront Mickey with other people as witnesses. I don’t believe Irene Fitzgibbons will put up much of a fight, so I might speak to her on a one to one basis. She has a cat, so I could appeal to her empathy on that score. Do you think you’ll get the tickets easy enough?”
“You mean because they threatened to disown me? When I picked them up from the airport it was hardly mentioned so I don’t think getting tickets will be an issue at all. Despite mother thinking I’m an embarrassment.”
“You’re being very brave, and I’m proud of you for standing your ground. Although, I may be a little selfish in wanting tickets to an event that could make both of us ill.” Maddie grimaced.
“I’m only brave because I have all of you. I feel stronger, and more capable of dealing with them somehow. Plus, I had no intention of throwing away the only job I’ve got on my own, and more importantly enjoy, despite their threats. I don’t want them to have the power to hurt me anymore.”
Maddie’s heart swelled. “I’m so glad. If you need any of us, you just holler and we’ll be there.”
Laura grinned. “Thanks. I may need to take you up on that, depending on how long they stay.”
When she left, Maddie called Gran. She needed to know that Laura got home safe and Gran understood completely. They chatted until she heard Laura had arrived.
Now she could go to bed and only worry about Big Red, and a party she had no stomach for.
Chapter Twenty
Maddie had just opened and was stocking the cookie trays when the door chimed. Angel came in wearing a chiffon concoction that flowed about her as she walked.
“Coffee,” she demanded from the doorway.
Maddie laughed. “What can be that bad?”
“I have the last of the blue brigade coming in this morning, to get them ready for the party tonight.”
Laura came through from the kitchen to make the coffee. “I guess they’ll all be going?”
Angel nodded. “For sure. It’s their stomping ground, after all. I’m thinking there will be plenty of discussion over Maude’s death in the salon today.”
“I’d be surprised if there wasn’t. How’s Beth doing?” Maddie ask
ed.
“She’s a marvel. I’m managing much better now. She doesn’t mind doing all the cleaning and people are saying her shampooing is better than mine.” Angel tried to look outraged but she couldn’t hide her pleasure. “I’m hoping some of them will allow her to try her hand at putting in rollers.”
“I’m so glad. It seems like our staff issues have been resolved.” Maddie turned to find Luke at the doorway staring at Angel. It wasn’t an oddity with men folk but he’d never done it before. “Everything okay?”
“What? Oh yes.” He hurriedly moved back into the kitchen like he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Maddie shrugged as she and Angel shared a quizzical look.
“Boys,” they said together, then laughed.
“I’d better get back, before they arrive.” Angel said.
“Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask you for a haircut.”
“Anytime, you know that.”
Maddie nodded. “Tell me when you’re free, and only if you let me pay.”
“Don’t talk crazy. We’re best friends. I must owe you a million haircuts for all the baking you throw my way.”
“That’s different and I don’t throw food.”
“Don’t start that again, detective. We’re all offering a service. Therefore it’s a fair exchange.”
“Don’t let the Sheriff hear you call me that.”
Angel grinned. “Especially when we have our first real detective in town, who happens to be very good-looking.” She winked. “How about super sleuth?”
Maddie’s hands went to her hips. “How about none of the above? Are you going to let me pay or not?”
“No, I am not. It’s not like you’re in my shop every day or even every week. Unlike me coming in here sometimes twice a day.”
Maddie groaned. “But you pay.”
“That doesn’t account for all the extras. On top of that, both you and Gran feed me a couple times a week.” Angel gave her a serious look, which did more than all the joking around. “Please. I want to do something for you, but you’re always so independent. It would make me feel good.”