by Holly Plum
“Did you notice anything suspicious at the scene?" Detective Sugar continued. "Did your dog have any unusual markings or wounds?”
“Well, according to what the manager told me, no.”
“Ms. Morin,” Detective Sugar said, obviously already jumping to conclusions in his mind. “Are you telling me that you haven't even visited the crime scene? If that is so, I don't think you should jump to conclusions just yet."
“Miss Doodles was a smart dog," Minnie said, ignoring the detective's concerns. "Someone’s targeting me. What else could it be? I can't go back there, sir. I won't feel safe at that hotel until I know that you're doing everything you can to figure out what is going on.”
Detective Sugar suppressed a sigh, glancing again at Joy and her assistant. “I’ll go to the hotel and take a look around.”
Detective Sugar took a few steps closer to Joy as Minnie reseated herself at the table, pressing her fingers to her forehead. "Are there any fritters left?” he whispered. It seemed Joy wasn’t the only one having a hard time remaining grave.
“Yes, sir.”
“And a coffee?" he requested.
Joy fought a smile as she nodded. "Always."
“I'll take whatever you've got,” Detective Sugar replied.
Joy said her goodbyes to the detective after handing him what he'd requested at no charge.
“I don’t believe my case is in the best of hands, as the saying goes,” Minnie remarked, tartly.
“Don’t you worry, honey,” Sara Beth responded. “Detective Sugar is as reliable as old Lassie. He’ll get the job done.”
“He’d better.”
Joy narrowed her gaze, wondering why Minnie had agreed to come into town in the first place. She obviously didn't care much about the townsfolk. But Joy reminded herself that Minnie was probably still in shock from what had happened.
"He will," Joy insisted. "Can I get you anything else?"
“I’m too distraught to talk about the book launch anymore today," Minnie answered. "Arrange the rest of the details with Frances Land. I’m going for a stroll on the beach before seeing to the damage at the hotel.” Minnie’s eyes suddenly grew wide. “Miss Doodles was my dearest friend. What will I do now?"
“I am sorry for your loss,” Sara Beth said.
While Sara Beth worked on walking Minnie Morin to the door, Joy reserved two large donuts for Detective Sugar, assuming that he would be back soon, and tried to get her head around what had just happened.
By the time Sara Beth reentered the bake shop Joy had made up her mind to give Frances Land a call. It seemed that Minnie was going to be very hard to please, and Frances seemed to know her better than anyone.
Joy knew nothing about the death of Miss Doodles, and she worked hard to convince herself that nothing else would happen because of it. She looked at Minnie's book launch event as a great opportunity for her business, not to mention a great source of income for the month. Joy resumed her work as she usually did. It was time to check out her venue.
She left Sara Beth with a few key tasks including searching her mother's old cookbooks for pecan pie recipes and grabbed her purse. The fresh air would be a fresh start to Joy's chaotic morning.
***
The walk to the local bookstore was a pleasant one. It seemed that news of Miss Doodles hadn’t hit the streets yet. Most likely this was because she was a dog. If it had been a person that would have been a different matter. The news would have spread easily like soft butter.
Joy cherished the lack of gossip since the times when chatter was distant were few and far between. But, she could be sure, when word of something juicy hit the streets, there would be more chaos to follow.
Joy walked past The Sugar Room, a rival bakery belonging to Maple McWayne. The Sugar Room had always been fierce competition, but even matters in that department felt quiet today. As she passed, Joy went over in her mind how lucky she was to have been invited to bake for the book launch party over The Sugar Room. Maple would most definitely be mint green with envy when she found out, but Joy didn’t let it phase her. There was baking to be done.
The local bookshop was located on a quaint corner right between the police station and the drug store. The small, gold bell above the door chimed as Joy entered and the overwhelming aroma of books enveloped her. The wood floors were creaky as ever as she walked past the display table housing current bestsellers. The one that had been set as the focal point sported a dramatic picture of a woman dressed in a wedding gown, looking tentatively over her shoulder as she was pursued by a dark silhouette holding a knife. The name Minnie Morin was stamped at the top in bold, navy blue letters.
Joy picked up the book and thumbed through it. After a few moments, her eyes locked on a particular paragraph. It was a scene describing a heart-pounding pursuit, and it nearly caused Joy’s own heart to accelerate with fright. Though far more of a fan of lighter reads, she decided to purchase a copy. Joy was having a hard time believing that the death of Miss Doodles was meant to mirror Minnie’s book. But it wouldn't hurt to learn the plot herself.
“Ms. Cooke.” Frances’ face was bright with excitement as she studied Joy at Minnie's display table.
“This is still an okay time for me to look at the space for Minnie Morin’s party, right?’
“My heavens, yes,” Frances exclaimed.
Frances was quick to usher Joy to the back of the shop where there was a charming spot with multiple tables set up near a window. The tables were empty. One would be Minnie's signing table, and the others would be for desserts. The walls behind them were covered from ceiling to floor with bookshelves. It seemed fitting, although none of the décor spelled wedding reception.
“What do you think?” Frances asked, still sounding as jittery as ever.
“It’s just fine," Joy responded. "There should be plenty of room for the display, and I will do my best to make it feel like a wedding reception. That is what Minnie requested.”
“Well, I hope so." Frances smiled even wider. "We had a larger table brought in just for the occasion.”
The front door chimed again. Frances turned to face her new customer. She cleared her throat. “I’m expecting someone. A few someone’s actually.”
Joy nodded. “Of course, I won't keep you. I’m just going to buy Minnie’s newest book and be on my way.”
“Oh, her book, yes,” Frances said, already heading toward the front of the shop. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”
Joy figured that’s what she said to every customer about any book he or she picked out.
When Joy and Frances reached the front of the shop, there were three women gathered, all talking together.
“Ladies,” Frances greeted them.
The women all offered greetings in response.
“Joy, you know everyone, don’t you?” Frances asked. "Meet my book club."
Joy nodded. Each of the women had come into the bakery from time to time. It was a rather interesting group of women for a book club. Ruth Denning was a real estate agent and also happened to be the president of the book club, made obvious by the ribbon-like pin attached to her blouse which read President. Colby Darte, a high school teacher, and aspiring screenplay writer looked as if he didn't mind being the only male of the bunch. Vivian Gilly was a nurse at the local hospital, and she also dabbled in romance writing. Lastly, there was Saffron Smith, voracious reader and part-time psychic. Joy was sure there were many varying perspectives offered during their discussions. Disagreements too, no doubt.
“Hello, Joy,” Colby greeted her. He was a small man with big eyes which nearly swallowed his face. “Oh, you’re buying Minnie Morin’s book. Are you coming to the book launch party?”
“I’m catering for it, yes,” Joy said.
“Oh, how wonderful. What an honor.” Colby grinned.
"Yes, lucky me," Joy muttered.
“Such talent,” Frances said, dreamily. “And all the traveling she does. Why I don't know how she has time to write any
thing. And have you seen her little golden doodle? Such an adorable pup. I would like to do something special. Perhaps you could bring some of the pup cakes you bake at your shop, Joy?”
Ruth, who always looked pressed and professional, actually appeared somewhat uncomfortable with the suggestion. “Would it really be appropriate to have a dog here during the book signing? A little unorthodox, don’t you think?”
“But, she’s Minnie’s companion,” Vivian chimed in. “Of course she should be here.”
“Our image though,” Ruth persisted. “We’re representing our community, and I think that it would be best if—“
Frances cut her off, her voice rising an octave. “Why would she object to us inviting her own pet to her party?”
“Miss Doodles won’t be coming to the launch party,” Joy blurted out. She couldn't help herself. All eyes were suddenly on Joy, some wearing expressions of surprise and some of confusion.
“What do you mean?” Frances demanded.
Joy shifted her weight, awkwardly clutching Minnie’s book in front of her chest. She hated being the center of attention, especially when it meant she had to give news that the group wouldn't like. She braced herself for the worst.
“Miss Doodles is dead.” Joy kept a serious expression on her face.
The group gasped, looking wide-eyed at each other.
“That’s terrible,” Vivian exclaimed. “What happened? How did you know this?”
“It happened while she was at my bakery," Joy confessed. "Minnie seems to think someone did it on purpose. She thinks the killer is mimicking her book.”
The book group began talking all at once, and Joy hoped that she hadn't made a mistake in telling them what was going on. Joy was sure Saffron would wish to employ her psychic abilities to interpret what had happened. She had offered her skills to the local police department several times. But frankly, Joy didn’t have much confidence in such things.
“It was my idea to host this book launch.” Frances looked as if she was holding back a panic attack. “I ruined Minnie's life. Her beloved companion is dead. Oh, Joy, it is just like in her book."
Just as Joy predicted, Saffron was quick to speak up. “I can contact the spirit of Miss Doodles. She will tell us who killed her, and we can see that justice is served.”
“Are you sure you can contact the spirit of a dog?” Ruth asked, dubiously. “I thought that only worked with dead ancestors and stuff.” The realtor’s tone suggested that she was wary of such tactics.
“It can be done,” Saffron assured her with a bravado that Joy was sure only Frances could rival. “And I’ll do it. Don't worry, Frances. Minnie will not regret her decision to have her party here. I will make sure of that.”
The other group made a few unenthusiastic remarks in response before continuing to talk amongst themselves. It seemed that they were all ready to go and spread the news because the book club meeting ended soon after and everyone went their separate ways.
Word about Minnie's dog Miss Doodles would soon be all over town.
CHAPTER FOUR
Though Minnie believed the death of her dog was connected with her book launch party, Joy found it interesting that Frances had assumed that as well. Who would want to sabotage a mystery author in a small beachside town like Joy's? Joy couldn't fathom why anyone would take the time to hurt an innocent dog like Miss Doodles.
Joy meandered toward the front counter of the bookstore where Frances was working on the computer. “So, has Minnie’s book been selling well?”
Frances looked up at her through her thick glasses. “Enormously well,” she answered. “They’ve been selling like hotcakes."
“I see,” Joy responded. "Well, I'm glad her novels are good for business."
“Practically everyone in town has bought one," Frances pointed out. "Everyone except you until you strolled in here and bought a copy.”
Everyone in town. That was a lot of suspects to sift through.
“That's right,” Joy answered.
“You'll enjoy it.” Frances nodded. "Chapel of Doom is one of Minnie's best yet. At least, that's what I think."
“Well then, it looks like I have a lot of reading to do.” Joy held up her copy. "Until the signing." With that, Joy figured it was time to leave. She moved toward the exit but stopped when she realized that the book club members were still in the shop. It looked as if she’d been wrong about the group running straight out to spread the word of Miss Doodles.
Perhaps some of them lingered to mellow out their anxieties first. Her curiosity getting the better of her, Joy decided to take the opportunity to speak to them individually. She was becoming increasingly more interested in the circumstances surrounding the death of Miss Doodles. Why not start with the Minnie Morin fanatics? One might know something that would provide a clue or two.
Joy started toward Ruth first, who was browsing the home and garden section.
“Finding anything good?” Joy had no idea how to approach her. Ruth was the least friendly person of the bunch.
“A well-tended garden should be a house’s pride and joy,” Ruth answered, still wearing her President pin.
“I thought that was the kitchen,” Joy said, glancing over the spines of the books on the shelf. "I guess that would be the right answer in my line of work." Joy smiled, but Ruth didn't.
“I believe the yard represents the state of the home. If it’s clean outside, it’s most likely clean inside.”
“Of course,” Joy replied, adopting a tone that was much more serious.
A few moments of silence passed.
"I'm sorry, did you want something?" Ruth bluntly asked.
“No …" Joy took a deep breath. "I guess I was just wondering if you've met Minnie Morin? I feel like I might have some trouble getting the catering menu just right. She seems to have very specific tastes."
“No, and I warned my book club that putting on an event like this would bring about heaps of trouble," Ruth stated. "Frances and the others insisted. Of course, when Minnie accepted our offer, the group hasn't stopped talking about it.”
“They do seem excited,” Joy agreed.
Ruth lifted her shoulders. “If you ask me Minnie sounds like a Drama Queen, just as I suspected.”
“High maintenance,” Joy added. "Yes."
Ruth released a small snort. “That’s one way of putting it.”
“She’s making quite an ordeal out of this," Joy said casually. "If it were my book promotion party, a simple seaside gathering would do just fine.”
“There’s nothing simple when it comes to bestselling authors it seems. Over the top, the lot of them.” Ruth nodded matter-of-factly. “You seem like exactly the level-headed sort we need in our group. How would you like to join the book club?”
Joy was surprised by the offer. In all honesty, the idea of spending one afternoon a week chatting with Ruth didn't sound like fun.
“I’m afraid the bakery occupies all of my time," Joy answered politely. "We’ve got more business than we can handle right now.” Joy wondered why Ruth even bothered remaining a part of the group. She didn't seem enthusiastic about her own club as the others were.
"If you change your mind …"
“I know where to find you,” Joy finished.
Joy moved on, walking along the bookshelves. Colby and Vivian were in the same aisle but on opposite sides of each other. They hardly acknowledged Joy as she passed by them. Saffron, on the other hand, was open to a conversation. She watched Joy browse through the bookstore before finally approaching her.
“I’ll work on finding out from Miss Doodles who killed her,” Saffron said as if Joy had asked her to do just that. “We’re all connected, you know. Everyone in the universe. I’m sure I’ll be able to get a hold of Miss Doodles.”
Joy was tempted once again to remind Saffron that Miss Doodles was, in fact, an animal and not a person. But she didn't. Even if Saffron did succeed in contacting the spirit of Miss Doodles, it would be difficult for
her to understand the constant barking. “I wish you the best of luck.”
As she exited the shop, Joy was surprised that no one followed her. She assumed that the entire book group would be anxious to spread the word about Minnie's dog. It seemed as if each member had some sort of agenda of their own. Saffron, Vivian, and Colby had been paging through books. Ruth, strangely enough, didn’t touch a single book that would undoubtedly give her insight into how she could keep her garden looking manicured to a T.
Every member of the local book club was undoubtedly strange.
CHAPTER FIVE
Sara Beth had chosen some delicious-looking recipes for the book launch party and Joy went over them in her mind as she drove to the bakery the morning after her encounter with Ruth's book club. She hoped that Minnie would be pleased with the result of the dessert table. It seemed it would be easy to disappoint her. However, she might be too focused on the death of Miss Doodles to care much. Or it could make her even more irritable. Joy wouldn’t know until the party.
Joy’s attention was drawn off the road when she caught sight of two police cars in the parking lot near the bookstore. It appeared that the bookstore itself was an area of police interest. Had Detective Sugar actually found something out about Miss Doodles' accident? What if there was a clue at the bookshop? Joy felt a little proud of herself. Yesterday she’d done some investigating of her own because she was suspicious. She’d been the first to sense something. Joy pulled to the curb in front of the bookstore. Her curiosity taking the driver's seat again, Joy wanted to know if Detective Sugar had found anything.
As Joy got out of the car, Detective Sugar was just stepping out of the book shop.
“Detective Sugar,” Joy called out, walking toward him.
“Oh, hi, Joy.”
“This is quite the display," Joy responded. "What’s going on?”
Detective Sugar put his phone in his pocket and took a deep breath. “We received an anonymous tip about Minnie Morin's case. I had no choice but to bring the boys down here to search the bookstore.”