It Cannoli Be Murder (Bread and Batter Cozy Mysteries Book 3)

by Karoline Barrett

  She sipped her soda. “Yes, it is. Read the headline.”

  SOUR GRAPES FOR ROCCO MASTROSTEFANO AS HIS WIFE, CHRISTINA, VOWS THAT SHE’S HAD ENOUGH AFTER ALLEGED MOBSTER STEPS OUT WITH YET ANOTHER WOMAN.

  The article went on to say that Emily was another in the long list of women Rocco had been involved with over the years. Apparently, Mrs. Rocco was done turning a blind eye. Feeling queasy, I stopped reading.

  “I wonder if Emily has seen this,” I said half to myself as I stared at their picture.

  “Oh, she’s seen it,” Serafina assured me. “I was just over there. She glanced at it then refused to read it. I told her in no uncertain terms that she needed to drop this guy. She tried convincing me that he and his wife are separated, yada, yada, yada. The woman is totally in love with him. I warned her, that’s all I can do. She’s not the first and she’s not the last as the article states.”

  I tore my eyes away from the newspaper. “I know. I tried talking to her at the vineyard opening. She didn’t want to hear it. I’m scared for her. Rocco asked her to go to Italy with him.”

  Serafina covered one of my hands with hers. “If it’s any consolation, he’ll tire of her soon. We’ve both spoken to her, there’s nothing more we can do. She’ll get over it. She’s a strong woman.”

  “I guess. I wish she’d never met him,” I lamented.

  “She’ll be wishing the same thing, too, believe me. So, how was the opening? I haven’t seen you in a while it seems like.”

  “Not too bad, aside from the mafia thing. There was a huge crowd. The wine was delicious. Our desserts and bread were popular. We gave out lots of business cards. I even managed to talk to Rocco about murders.”

  Serafina folded the newspaper and stuffed it back in her bag. “Tell me you did not talk to him about the murders.”

  I fiddled with the napkin dispenser. “What can I say? I thought maybe he could help.”

  She leaned back and threw her hands in the air. “Dios mío, girlfriend. You’re as bad as Emily! The man’s a killer. Maybe he killed Rachael and Melanie. You’re disturbed about his relationship with Emily and here you’re getting into bed with him, too.”

  I felt my face flush and grow warm. “I have no intention of getting in his bed, and I don’t think Emily has either.” At least I hoped not. The thought of one of my best friends sleeping with a killer turned my stomach. I focused back on Serafina. “He didn’t kill Rachael or Melanie.”

  “You know what I mean. You can’t go to a murderer about a murder.”

  “And why not? He’s not going to hurt me,” I assured her.

  “He might. You don’t know that. You are incredibly naïve. Or incredibly brave. I can’t decide which.”

  “I am not naive. Sean assured me the mob doesn’t hurt women, children, or dogs.”

  “Oh please.” She flipped her hair back behind her shoulder. “Where did he come up with that? In a nursery rhyme?”

  She could be a little insufferable at times. “He’s not an idiot, Serafina. He’s from the city, just like you in case you’ve forgotten. Stop being so condescending. Besides, he was joking, ha ha.”

  She had the grace to lower her eyes, and looked appropriately chastised. “Oh, all right. I’m sorry. I take it back. So, did Rocco help you?”

  “He was kind of evasive. He told me some stuff, but then told me not to repeat it. It was all rather cryptic. It wasn’t anything we needed, anyway.”

  “What made you talk to him in the first place?”

  “Long story. Senator Rydell’s husband was involved with the Bellafiori family. Like Rocco. I thought maybe if Lucas, or this other guy Piero, was involved, he could tell me.”

  Serafina slapped the table with one of her hands. “That’s right! I remember Lucas Jardine going to jail. So, if it was her husband or this Piero guy did you expect Rocco to give them up?”

  “I guess not. But it was worth a try I thought. It doesn’t matter now.”

  “Do the police think Rocco killed the women?”

  “No. I told you he wasn’t the killer. Please keep this to yourself, the killer is a woman. I can’t tell you more than that right now.”

  Serafina placed a hand on each side of her temple. “Ay! Is there a point to this rambling?”

  Did I mention insufferable? “Anywayyy,” I continued, giving her my great-grandmother’s fish eye, “as I said, the killer is a woman.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You know this for a fact?”

  “I can’t tell you anything else. I’ve probably said too much as it is.”

  “My lips are sealed. I wonder if she lives in Destiny?” Serafina pondered.

  “My lips are sealed, too. I’m not saying anymore. I’m sure it will be in all the papers, and all over the news soon enough.”

  Serafina slid out of the booth. “I’ll stop picking on you. Sorry for being snarky before. Listen, I’ve got to get back to S. I just wanted to show you the paper. In case you want to talk to Emily again.”

  “No, I’m going to leave her alone. No use nagging her.”

  “I agree. See you later.” She scooted out of the booth and held up her hand in a wave.

  “Bye, Serafina,” I called as she went through the door.

  CHAPTER 30

  * * *

  The next morning, I opened The Destiny Trumpet to find another big article about the Sweet Hill Winery opening on the first page with Rocco’s handsome smiling face taking up most of the accompanying picture. I guess the paper was milking the story for all it was worth. Apparently, his alleged mob connections weren’t a big issue for Destiny. We seemed to have welcomed him seamlessly to our collective bosom. The article also mentioned the winery was now Our Lady of the Lakes Vineyard.

  In our collective defense, we were a little distracted what with two dead women popping up in town, even if he was a semi-suspect in the back of my mind. Bobby Crandall had done a great job reporting everything, from the opening of the winery, to the murders. Maybe he should give up his career as a car salesman and try for a job in one of the state’s major newspapers.

  I’d just spread the paper to proceed to page two to finish the story when I saw what, or should I say, who? was also making news. Bobby had artistically arranged three panels under the heading Rocco Romances the Women of Destiny and Detective Corsino Keeps Company with a Mysterious Redhead.

  One panel showed Rocco and Emily dining somewhere. Their heads together, holding hands across the table. The other one showed Rocco, Olivia and me at Mia’s on the day we met to discuss Sweet Hill Winery’s opening under Rocco. Why were Olivia and I staring at him like such wide-eyed, star-stuck twits? Had I been showing that much décolletage? What had I been thinking?

  The third picture showcased my Sean, and that mysterious redhead, at Bubby’s Diner leaning over the table looking at something. I couldn’t tell what. They looked like paint chips, but that would be odd, unless…I couldn’t even come up with an “unless” for that. It would have to remain just plain odd.

  I pushed the paper aside and put it out of my mind as I got ready for the day at Bread and Batter. Kendra would be with me for most of the day since her class was later in the evening, so I’d be able to finish a batch of Cherry Limeade cupcakes. I’d come up with them, and a Blackberry Buttermilk flavor, two months ago, and I was sure they would be a big hit. After a lot of research, not to mention experimenting, until I got the recipes just right, I was ready to create the final product. I was partial to cherries, so I tackled them first.

  ###

  “I see we made the paper today,” I said to Sean when he got home that night. I was fixing roast chicken (for him), corn-on-the-cob (for us), and a Zucchini Manicotti (for us). We’d opened a bottle of Lady of the Lakes Chardonnay that Rocco had given me. Of course, the label still read Sweet Hill Winery.

  He scowled. “Yeah. I can’t say that I’m thrilled about it. What does Crandall do, spend his time stalking people?”

  “He sells cars and trucks, too
. He’s not a bad guy, once you get to know him.”

  “He should stick to selling cars and mind his business,” he mumbled.

  “He did do a good job reporting about the murders, and the opening of Rocco’s winery.”

  Sean grunted, I think, so I knew he wasn’t impressed.

  “Who’s in the picture with you? You two look intense,” I asked.

  He wouldn’t meet my eyes. He was very taken with his current piece of chicken, and was giving it his utmost attention. “She’s an informant on a project I’m working on. I can’t talk about it.”

  “The cybercriminal thing?” I prodded.

  “Sorry babe, I can’t talk about it. It’s on a need-to-know basis.”

  Meaning, I did not need to know. “What are you and this informer looking at?”

  “Evidence. Sorry, I can’t say any more.”

  “Okay.” I wasn’t going to push even though I couldn’t imagine what evidence they would be examining on a diner table. I should have pumped Ava for more information.

  After I’d put the leftovers away, and Sean and I had said our good-nights, I collected Noelle, and went back to my apartment. I had laundry to do, and Sean had a case to work on via his laptop. It involved a bank robbery and carjacking. Luckily, the people in the car weren’t hurt.

  ###

  “Now that things are back to normal I can go back to my passion,” I told Noelle as I finished up my breakfast dishes the next morning. “If Olivia and Kendra will have me.”

  She cocked her head at me and barked softly.

  “You’re absolutely right,” I replied. “I’m lucky they’re both so understanding. Why don’t we head over to Bread and Batter?”

  She agreed and hurried to the door, waiting impatiently as I gathered snacks and couple of favorite toys for her.

  I’d be glad when these murders were behind us, even though I had enjoyed helping Alex. Sean and I were seeing each other most nights, but by implicit agreement, we didn’t discuss Rachael and Melanie, or Zoe. He and Alex still had work to do, and there were things he and Alex couldn’t share with me.

  I wondered how Meg was holding up, knowing the woman who birthed her was a murderer? Maybe Alex would reach out to her. They’d seemed to hit it off with the archaeology thing, unless that was a ploy on my cousin’s part to make her feel comfortable. And truthfully, I hoped he’d try again with Emily.

  I fastened Noelle’s leash on her and we made our way to the car with her in the lead, almost pulling me down the stairs. “Whoa girl!” I told her. “No need to be in such a rush.” You’d think I never took her out of the apartment. Sean was sleeping in, so I didn’t knock on his door to say good morning. He’d gone home soon after dinner with the rest of his roast chicken after I’d convinced him I could handle the clean up by myself. He had a busy day in front of him. There was a lot involved in wrapping up a murder, or two. “Luckily, I’d been released from my duty to help with the investigation, so the only clean up I’d be doing was at home and at Bread and Batter.

  Noelle and I piled into my car. I put on soothing music, and focused on Bread and Batter. Noelle stuck her head out her window.

  “Look who’s here!” Kendra called out as soon as we walked through the door. “I forget your name, but are you staying, or just breezing in to say hi?”

  I stuck my tongue out at her. “I’m staying. I promise. I’ve got bread and cupcakes to work on.”

  “Molly!” Olivia came out from the back. “We are so glad you’re back. Noelle, we’ve missed you, too!” She hugged me, then knelt and gave Noelle some love, which she was glad to reciprocate. After she’d had enough, Noelle claimed her favorite place in Bread and Batter, the rug in front of the window. She curled up and was asleep again in minutes.

  “I know I just got here,” I said, “but I want to go see Emily for a few minutes. I haven’t seen her since I gave her a hard time about Rocco. Then he just ups and leaves. No good-byes, no nothing. How could he do that to her? I’m not surprised, though. I told her she wasn’t in his league.”

  “Yeah, I think she’s a little heartbroken,” mused Olivia. “The way he just up and left without even saying good-bye to her stung. I feel awful for her. It’s for her own good, though. She’ll see that soon. It’s too bad she has to go through the heartache part first.”

  “I feel bad for her, too. He’ll be back, won’t he? To run the winery, I mean?” Kendra asked.

  “I hope not,” I said. “I don’t think he’s an asset to Destiny. We don’t want to be a mob hang out. He’ll probably let his underlings run the winery. He just wanted his name associated with it.”

  “It certainly did attract attention,” said Olivia, “and he did pay us well. You have to admit that.”

  “You’re right, Liv,” I grudgingly agreed. “And I appreciate his generosity, but still, the man has a reputation and it’s better that he’s gone.”

  “I think you’re more upset at what he did to Emily than his alleged mob activities,” observed Olivia.

  She was right. “I guess because what he did to Emily hits close to home. I don’t have concrete proof that he killed anyone. Be right back.”

  Noelle didn’t seem inclined to abandon her nap, so I left her sleeping. Besides, she and Emily’s cat, Poe, didn’t get along. It wasn’t so much my sweet Noelle, naturally, but the fact that Poe didn’t like his territory invaded. Especially, by a lowly dog!

  CHAPTER 31

  * * *

  “Hi, Jane. How’s everything?” I asked as I entered Barking Mad Books.

  She looked over at me and waved. “Hi, Molly, dear. Oh fine, fine. I just love working here among all these books and I adore all the lovely people who come in here.” A tiny frown line appeared between her sparse eyebrows. “Emily seems a little distraught though. That perfume woman was here a little bit ago. I’m not sure exactly how long ago. Saffron? Serendipity?”

  I laughed. “Serafina?”

  She snapped her fingers. “That’s her! She brought Emily a New York newspaper. I guess there was something in it that Emily didn’t like. It’s the second time she’s been in here. I don’t like her upsetting Emily.”

  “I’ll go talk to Em. I’m sure everything is fine.” I wasn’t sure how much Jane knew about Emily’s involvement with Rocco. Probably not a lot, and there was no reason to tell her when it would just serve to upset her.

  Jane looked relieved. “Good idea. I don’t want her distressed. She’s so good to me and all our customers love her. Please excuse me, Molly, I’ve got to get this new shipment of books unpacked. I can’t take time to chat.”

  “New books are always a good thing!” Too bad I hadn’t had time to pick one up. I was a failure at Mystery Monday and my book club. I resolved to do better at both.

  I climbed the steps to Emily’s office. She was at her desk, surrounded by stacks of books, staring at one of the major New York City papers. Rocco’s picture was splashed over the front page. The headline read something about him being indicted again for tax evasion, something to do with construction bids, and racketeering.

  He had his arm around a woman who I suspected wasn’t his wife. Eeesh! Some men never learn. More likely he just didn’t care, or didn’t think he was doing anything wrong. The woman looked like she wanted to be anywhere but on the front page of the paper, but I didn’t care about that, I cared about Emily.

  “Hi there, you okay?” I asked. I gently tugged the paper away from her. She didn’t resist.

  She looked up at me. “I’m an idiot.”

  “No, you’re not.” My heart broke a little for her. I knew how she felt. Not that I’d ever been in love with a mafia member, but I’d had my heart broken before.

  She folded her arms on the desk and laid her head on them. “What was I thinking? You tried to tell me. Serafina tried to tell me. She brought me a newspaper the other day with Rocco in it, and now he’s in this one, too.”

  “Stop beating yourself up. It’s not your fault. I came over to apo
logize for poking my nose in your business.”

  She lifted her head and looked at me with red-rimmed eyes. “You don’t need to apologize. I know you were only looking out for me. I feel so stupid. Right after the Lady of the Lakes opening, he stopped talking to me. When I tried calling him his number was disconnected.”

  “It was probably one of those disposable phones,” I offered gently. I couldn’t picture him giving out his real phone numbers to these miscellaneous women he collected. His wife probably didn’t even have it.