Cookies and Chaos

by C A Phipps

  “She’s dead?”

  “Yes, and before you go all super sleuth on me, it was years ago from natural causes. You probably haven’t heard of her, because it would only be in the last five years that her work was uncovered and lauded for being ahead of its time. She was Nicholas Brack’s wife.”

  “Really? It’s a nice painting of the mountains and the lake, but I wouldn’t call it amazing.”

  “There’s thousands who would disagree with you. The price for them has skyrocketed, so Mom’s lucky to have one to hand. Perhaps that was her intention for the blank corner of the gallery. It’s pride of place, because it showcases the picture by itself so the eye isn’t drawn elsewhere.”

  Maddie wasn’t sure what to say about all that information. Dissecting it wasn’t going to help her one bit, although she was sure it made sense, otherwise Suzy wouldn’t be so delighted with her find. “What do you make of the wet paint?”

  “I’ll mention it to Mom, but this is highly irregular.” She pointed to the corner of the smudged painting. “The colors fit with the rest of it, otherwise I’d be inclined to suggest another one had rubbed off on it. Except, that wouldn’t make sense either, since like I said, we don’t ever get any that aren’t dry. I don’t want to touch any more of it, but the other top corner looks a little wet too.”

  They studied all of the painting, but apart from those two corners nowhere else seemed affected.

  Maddie could see that this bothered Suzy a great deal and thought that Ethan might also be interested in a painting, recently done, by a dead woman.

  “Can I take a picture of it?”

  Suzy nodded. “I don’t see why not, if you promise you’re not making a copy in your secret basement?”

  Maddie laughed. “I wish I was talented enough to have a secret basement.”

  Suzy waved her away. “Please! Your talents as a baker are just as artistic and far more important than a picture masquerading as an older one.”

  She bit her lip s if she had said something wrong and Maddie didn’t pursue it. She took the photo with her phone, then went back to the others, who were now crowded around a set of hand-crafted serving plates. Each one was graced with a different view of the lake and they were gorgeous.

  Maddie would have loved one or all of them for her catering, but she saw the price and tamped down that idea before it could get any traction.

  Suzy came over to the group, still looking worried, but trying to hide it. Maddie imagined, whatever was going on here, it didn’t bode well for the gallery.

  “Do you think the painting’s a copy?” Laura asked.

  “I can’t think why mom would buy one if it was, but I won’t know for certain until after I speak to her.”

  “If it is a copy does that mean it’s a forgery?”

  “Not necessarily,” Suzy hedged. “I think it’s time to lock up, and I’ve got reports to write for school tomorrow.”

  Maddie stole a look at her watch. They had been there less than an hour. Cora kept traditional 9-5 hours. Suzy must be really upset if she was closing early, but they left her to it and wandered back to the bakery.

  “I don’t like this business at all.” Maddie said as they stood by her gate.

  “Did I miss something?” Angel asked.

  “The paining in Cora’s gallery is not what it should be.”

  “But Suzy said it wasn’t a forgery.”

  “No, she didn’t.”

  Angel frowned while she tried to put it all together. Then she shook her head.

  “Suzy wouldn’t lie to us.”

  “She wasn’t lying, because she doesn’t know for sure. She’s protecting her mom by protecting the gallery and its reputation.”

  “Oh. How can we help her without making everyone think Cora is doing something illegal?” Angel bit her lip.

  “I don’t think we can, but Ethan might be able to.”

  “Yes. He can be discrete. Not that you aren’t.” Laura’s cheeks reddened.

  Maddie shook her head at her friends. They were as eager to help as she was, even if they didn’t approve of some of her methods.

  Angel hugged her. “Then we’ll let you deal with him. Good luck and call us if we can help in any way.”

  “Don’t worry about that. I’ve learned my lesson about keeping Ethan in the dark about anything I’m planning.”

  “Sure, you have,” Angel grinned as she went two doors up to her salon and her own apartment.

  Laura waved at both of them and went home to the cottage and Gran.

  As Maddie got to the door, an orange paw reached out and grabbed the bottom of her pants. A squeal died in her throat. She might never get used to Big Red’s tactics. He growled a little then curled around her legs as though he had just been saying hi.

  “That is no way to greet me. I’m sorry for leaving you behind, but you were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t think you’d notice.”

  He gave her a disdainful look, but waited for her to open the door. He wouldn’t lower himself to use the cat door, when someone was on hand to open the door for him. Plus, it was nearly dinner time, which meant she was required to stay in his sight until his bowl was full.

  Chapter Twelve

  Ethan had been in another town all day Monday and she knew he would be tired so hadn’t phoned him last night about the painting, even though she had been itching to. As soon as the sun came up she sent him a text, and was pleased to see him not long after.

  He came through the door of the kitchen with barely a knock, took off his hat and kissed her cheek. The twinkle in his eye let her know he would have liked to do better but a) he was in uniform and b) they had an audience.

  Laura and Luke gave them a smile and said hello, but Big Red looked decidedly put out about Ethan’s proximity. In fact, he reached out a paw from where he was crouched just inside the door and gave Ethan a whack on the ankle.

  “He’s letting you know you’re out of order, Sheriff,” Laura said, then blushing, turned back to the frosting of a cake.

  Maddie often had a twinge of awkwardness around Laura when Ethan was there. She hoped one day that Laura could let it go that Maddie knew of her feelings for Ethan. As far as Maddie was concerned, it was in the past and didn’t matter anymore, but her friend was still a little fragile around personal topics. With over-the-top parent’s like hers it was no wonder she had deeply embedded issues.

  Ethan was, of course, oblivious to Laura’s pink cheeks. He greeted her and Luke in the friendly relaxed way he had. Luke was still a little tentative around him, which she imagined might take some time to get over. Everyone had their story.

  When her staff had returned to work, Maddie nodded to the alcove and Ethan followed her along with Big Red. Her protector jumped onto her chair at the small desk, pretending he wasn’t aware of anyone aside from Maddie.

  She pulled out her phone. “I need to show you this picture. I took it of a painting at the gallery. It was in a crate with many others, but this was painted by a famous artist who is dead, and the painting is damp on the top corners.”

  “Damp?” he asked quietly as he enlarged the picture.

  She nodded. “Wet oil paint. I got some of it on my fingers.”

  “I’ll check it out myself, but was there any way moisture could have gotten in?

  “I shouldn’t think so. The stand that the paintings are in is like a big open crate made of wood, with sliding trays inside so you can flip the pictures. I never thought to look at the ceiling, but the gallery is pristine and Cora likes to keep it that way. If they had a leak it would be dealt with quickly and I’m sure they would have noticed if any paintings were affected.”

  He nodded. “I’ll head over there now and talk to Cora. Suzy is knowledgeable, but no-one knows as much about the stock and value of the art as her mother.”

  “I agree, but can I show you something else?”

  She ignored his raised eyebrow and opened her laptop. “I googled the artist. Here she is. She passed away fi
ve years ago. Since then her painting prices have gone through the roof. Look, this one sold recently for one hundred thousand dollars.”

  It was another landscape in the pastel colors, E Wilson obviously liked to use.

  Ethan whistled as he scrolled the page. “She painted so many.”

  “I know and even prints of them go for several thousand.”

  “Anything else?” he asked.

  She grinned. “I think that’s enough to keep you busy for now.”

  He looked around, suddenly aware that they could not be seen from here.

  “Actually, I have thought of something else.”

  His voice was husky and hers became a little breathy as they gazed at each other.

  “Yes, Sheriff?”

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and hard, so that her knees trembled. Whilst unexpected, it was certainly not unwanted and she returned the kiss.

  Her eyes shot open when she heard steps.

  “Oh! Excuse me,” Laura backed hurriedly away.

  “It’s okay.” Maddie called after her. “Ethan was just leaving.”

  He coughed. “Yes, I was. You all have a good day.”

  He slipped on his hat as he went out the door, and Maddie gave him a small wave. She hadn’t planned on their relationship escalating as it had. She hadn’t planned on ever getting back with Ethan. But plans changed and she was looking forward to spending more time with him once this case was wrapped up.

  “What did you need?” she asked Laura.

  “Oh. This delivery will be late.” She handed Maddie a piece of paper. “The company called with an apology.”

  Maddie blanched as she recognized the company she used for most of their supplies. “Of course, it’s the delivery Owen was supposed to make. It certainly isn’t their fault, but we’ll need to do an inventory as soon as we can. I’d hate to run out of anything and I noticed on Saturday that some ingredients are getting low.”

  “If we don’t get too many customers we could do it mid-morning, once we’ve stocked everything.”

  Maddie was pleased with the suggestion. “Excellent idea. You and I can do that while Luke handles the shop.”

  Luke agreed, and with that sorted, they managed to get everything on their schedules done in time to secure a window of time to do the inventory before the lunch-time rush.

  The women went into the walk-in pantry. Maddie had a clipboard with all the ingredients listed alphabetically and Laura called out amounts. Just as she thought, supplies were getting dangerously low on a couple of items, but provided they got a delivery in a day or two, they would be fine. Happier with that knowledge, she took Laura over to the schedule board to make a few adjustments for tomorrow, just in case.

  “We did that in record time.”

  Laura grinned. “Well, you are very organized.”

  “I’m taking that as a compliment and not as a comment on my compulsive disorder.”

  “Do you really have that?” Laura appeared shocked.

  “I’m pretty sure I do, and Angel would certainly agree.” She laughed at herself. It was just the way she was and nothing was going to change. She loved being organized and had tried to tame her fear of not getting around to everything she needed to achieve each day.

  Laura giggled and Maddie seized the opportunity.

  “I want to talk to you about something, but I don’t want it to offend you.”

  “Sounds serious. Have I done something wrong?” Laura’s voice shot up a couple of octaves.

  “No, I don’t think it is, and you most certainly haven’t done anything wrong. It’s not about work.”

  Laura grimaced. “Just say it.”

  Maddie put a hand on her arm. “Do you still have feelings for Ethan?”

  “I never . . .” Laura was outraged for a second or two. “Oh, that’s a lie. I did have feelings for him, but he only has eyes for you. He is one heck of a man and you deserve him. That’s all there is to it. I’ve moved on. It’s just embarrassing that you know about it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Laura gave her a steady look. “I’m sure.” Then she grinned. “As long as you don’t mind me admiring him from afar?”

  “I’m not blind to his appeal. Obviously,” Maddie snorted. “I can also see the appeal to other women, which is why I felt the need to clear the air. I didn’t want it to come between us.”

  “Because I saw you kiss? I’m a big girl Maddie. I’m not jealous. Maybe a little envious, but I’m happy for the two of you.”

  “You have no idea how relieved I am.”

  “Can I get some help here?” Luke called from the shop.

  “I’ll go. I’m sure you have a list or two to make for the next delivery.” Laura winked cheekily.

  Maddie sat down at her desk with a lighter heart and Big Red jumped up on the desk and squeezed himself onto her lap. He gave her a wise look, then curled himself into a very large ball. Sometimes things had to be brought out into the open and sometimes they were best left unsaid. She was glad that her talk with Laura had turned out to be the former.

  Naturally her thoughts turned to Laura being over Ethan. Did it have something to do with Deputy Rob Jacobs?

  Another mystery, but one that would be sweet if it got solved.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ethan called Tuesday night to say that he would be out of town for a few days and he would see her when he got back. He added that Maddie should behave herself. He sounded serious and she said she would try, but things had a way of cropping up when he wasn’t around, so she couldn’t promise.

  Wednesday proved to be one of those times.

  Behind the counter, she had served Jed Clayton with his usual order of coffee with a slice of the cake of the day⏤in this case, chocolate gateau⏤when Suzy’s mom entered. After the formalities, Jed took a seat while Cora studied the display case.

  “Are you looking for anything in particular?” Maddie asked.

  “I’ve come for some of your cakes. I have a potential client coming in for a private showing tonight and I don’t know what he might like. I’ll have wine and cheese, but he might prefer coffee or tea, in which case, I’d like to offer them something bite-sized to accompany that?”

  “I’m sure I could cut down some slices or make you something special if you have any suggestions?”

  “I don’t have a clue, so anything would be great. Sorry about the short notice, but he only rang an hour ago. The things he’s interested in are not cheap, so I want to make sure he’s looked after if you know what I mean? If you could do something special, I’d be grateful.” Cora was buzzing with excitement.

  “It’s no problem at all and I’m sure I can think of something. When did you want them?”

  “He should be there about seven, so any time before then?”

  “Sure. I’ll drop them off if you like, so you don’t have to worry about picking them up?” Maddie offered.

  “I’d appreciate that. To be honest, I feel a little flustered. Silly really since I’ve dealt with a few famous people, but they’re artists. This feels so different.”

  “I’m sure you will be just fine. Should I cater for just the two of you?”

  “That’s a good point. He said there would likely be one or two other people, but they weren’t buying, whatever that means.”

  “Perhaps he’s bringing family?”

  Cora frowned. “I really don’t have a clue. I should have asked more questions, but he knew what he wanted and was quick to get off the call.”

  “Hopefully that means you’ll get a decent sale.” Maddie’s skin prickled with worry over Cora being on her own with a stranger wanting to look around the gallery where Owen had been hanging around prior to his death.

  “I do hope so. With winter coming I need a few good sales. I’d better get back to the gallery. Dan’s looking after it while I run my errands, and he’s not exactly a great salesperson.”

  Maddie laughed. Suzy had said the same thing a
bout her father, but Mr. Barnes had always been a sweetheart when Maddie had been around him and she couldn’t imagine him as anything more than a big teddy bear of a man.

  Laura came in to the front of the shop with the coffee and apple pie Mr. Clayton had ordered and when she’d served him Maddie told her about Cora’s request. Since she had such an affinity for baking, Maddie was pushing Laura into a more senior role and liked to include her in decisions.

  “What do you think would be good for this?”

  Laura looked through the display case. “We still have the lunch group to get through so I don’t think we’ll be able to take anything from the shop without leaving us short on baked goods. Besides, if they’re fancy people then perhaps we should make something to suit.” She put a hand to her mouth as she turned to Maddie. “I didn’t mean that what you sell isn’t first class.”

  Maddie waved her away. “I know what you meant and I had the same thoughts. Let’s rustle up some truffles, mini fruit tarts and salmon blinis with creme fraise?”

  Laura couldn’t hide her relief. Pale skin warmed with flushed cheeks of excitement. “They sound lovely. Luke and I can manage the order if you want?”

  “Great. I’ll carry on with some paper work and you delegate the jobs. I’ll pull out the recipes and be close by if you need me.”

  “I’ll go tell Luke.”

  The teenager happened to come from the kitchen with a tray of fresh raspberry filled doughnuts just then.

  “Tell me what?” he asked.

  “We have a new order and you’re making Rum Balls.”

  “Really? I’ve never made those. It’ll be something different.”

  Maddie laughed. As much as they all liked baking, it was good to be able to tackle different recipes and she understood the urge to always be learning.

  “I’m happy to be the guinea pig if you need someone to sample them?” Mr. Clayton called out from over his paper.”

  “If you’re still here by the time they’re made, the job is yours.” Maddie answered, then went to her alcove and pulled out the recipes. She’d have to make sure she had enough ingredients. If there was no delivery tomorrow, she’d have to make the trip into Destiny to pick up supplies.