The Bakers and Bulldogs Mysteries Collection: 20 Book Box Set

by Rosie Sams

  Walking outside with the goodies, Melody couldn’t help but giggle at Jake and Smudge. The two were best of friends, and Smudge was doing her best to put on a show for the man, impressing him with all of her tricks in return for belly rubs and scratches.

  “What a ham, she is!” Melody laughed, passing Jake his coffee and taking a sip of her own. “But I have to admit, you’re not much better, sir! You shouldn’t encourage her so much! She’ll get used to all this attention and expect it from me too!” Smudge looked up at Melody and wagged her furry little tail excitedly. Both her and Jake were in their glory.

  “She sure is a little sweetheart, Melody. You’re lucky to have her. I’ve always wanted to get one of those support dogs that help out veterans. I figure it would do me some good to have a little friend around, you know? We could take care of each other, plus it would really help me deal with some of the PTSD symptoms I still suffer from. Unfortunately, I don’t qualify. Not with being homeless and all. I have to find myself a nice place and some sort of income before they will let me have a dog.” Jake looked at the ground and shook his head sadly.

  “Have you talked to the sheriff again?” Melody asked, hopefully. “I know that he was looking into some housing possibilities for you. Has anything come of that yet?”

  “Nope.” Jake shook his head. “Nothing. I’m not going to lose hope yet. I keep getting odd jobs here and there. Is there anything else I can do for you… no charge?”

  “Thank you, there’s nothing at the moment, but I will bear you in mind.”

  Patting the man on the back, Melody said she would talk to Alvin again and see if there was anything more that could be done. She handed him his box of pastries. “Something will come up soon, I can just feel it! It’ll be no time at all before you have your own place and a little pup for Smudge to play with!” she said, keeping her voice optimistic. “We’d better get to work now, Jake. I’ll see you tomorrow morning!”

  Smudge said her goodbyes as well, and the pair walked inside, waving as Jake began to sample some of the goodies in his package.

  “What a sweet man, Smudge. It’s so unfortunate that someone can give so much to their country and end up on the streets when they come home. I hate to see him out there with nowhere to go. It just breaks my heart.”

  Smudge barked and did a little dance as if in agreement. Spinning around and around, she barked again.

  “Absolutely. Hopefully, a housing opportunity will come soon and Jake can get back up on his feet again. Well, at least he’s had something warm to drink and has some food in his belly.”

  Smudge barked her approval, and they set off to the back kitchen to get started on the day’s long list of baking orders.

  Not long after the first batch of cakes had gone into the oven, the front door chimed, announcing Leslie's arrival at work. Both Melody and Leslie glanced up at the clock at the same time, then looked at each other, laughing. "Good morning, Les, I'm happy to see that you’re on time today and back on schedule!"

  Nodding her head, Leslie agreed. "After that fiasco with Jamieson Shepherd down at the theater, everything is finally on track again. I'm so sorry for everything I put you through and for not giving my all to the bakery while that horrible man was around. I was blinded by the prospect of love and fame, but I swear to you it will never happen again. With Jamieson in jail where he belongs, my only focus is on Decadently Delicious! "

  Wrapping her arms around the girl, Melody showed that all was forgiven and forgotten. "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for, Leslie. That man was a liar and a scoundrel. You were an amazing actress, and something may still come of your talents one day, but until then, I'm putting you to work here! We have tons of orders to fill today, and with Kerry on her romantic vacation with Bradford, we are going to be extra busy for the next little while. I hope you’re up for it!"

  Nodding eagerly, Leslie promised to give the bakery her full attention. "Just tell me what to do and I'll do it!" She stood to attention and saluted her boss laughing. "Plus, I'm going to be keeping Kerry up-to-date while she is away through video chats. That way, when she gets back, she will know what's been going on!" Picking up a mixing bowl, Leslie was swift to start on the next order.

  Carrying a tray of cakes that had just finished cooling to the front display, Melody looked up as the front bell chimed again. Carole Archer, the bakery's former bookkeeper, had just entered the shop.

  "Well, hello, Carole!" Melody's welcome was warm and inviting. "It's been ages since I last saw you. How have you been? How's the family?" Setting the tray down, she walked over to her old friend and gave her a hug.

  "It's good to see you too, Mel." Carole gave Melody a squeeze. "Trevor and the little ones are doing just fine. Keeping me on my toes, as usual!" She rolled her eyes, laughing. "But listen, Mel, the reason I'm here is strictly business. I just caught wind that there's a new bakery opening up in Port Warren. I wanted to give you a heads up and came down here as soon as I could to let you know."

  Leslie, having heard the familiar voice, had made her way up from the back. "What's this I hear about a new bakery? " she inquired, intrigued.

  "This is the first I've heard of it," Melody answered, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.

  "Well, we are always up for a little friendly competition, aren't we, Mel? After all, compared to Decadently Delicious' amazing desserts, any other bakery will fall flat on their face!" Leslie's vote of confidence was endearing.

  "Well, I sure hope that's true, ladies," Carole replied. "I just wanted to come down here and be the first to let you know. After all, Melody, you have done so much for my family and me. I wanted to try and repay the favor."

  "Aw, thank you, Carole. I appreciate it. I'm sure we have absolutely nothing to worry about though." Melody hugged the woman in thanks, and walked her out of the shop, watching her get into her car.

  "You ok, Mel?" Leslie couldn't help but notice a look of concern on her boss’s face. Biting her lip, Melody assured her everything was fine.

  "Listen," Leslie's voice was firm. "How many years in a row have we won the best bakery in this region? No newbies are going to be able to come into this town and win over the hearts of Port Warren. We know what this town wants and needs and we are going to be the ones to give it to them!"

  "Thanks, Les, that really means a lot. But I guess if we are going to blow this new shop out of the water, we'd better get back to baking. I'll meet you in the kitchen in a minute."

  Heading into her office, Melody slumped down behind her desk. "What do you think about all this?" she asked the pup who sat at her feet. Smudge cocked her head to one side and let out a tiny growl.

  "I agree." she sighed. "I have to confess, the idea of a new bakery in town has got me a little on edge."

  Chapter One Hundred Five

  It was a beautiful, sunny, summer day. An absolutely perfect day for a Grand Opening. Melody stood watching from her storefront window as the town’s newest bakery prepared for their big day. The store was directly across the street from Decadently Delicious.

  There were banners hung across the front, placards placed along the sidewalk, and the store’s owners were just finishing setting up tables outside that offered those passing by, free samples of their wares. “Swan’s Sweets” was displayed in large, swirly lettering on the shop’s sign above the store and boasted of the health-conscious, sugar-free and gluten-free goodies that they sold.

  The shop was run by a husband and wife team named Alexander and Drusilla Swan. The couple had fallen in love with Port Warren a few years earlier after vacationing there and had decided that it would be the perfect location to start their new business venture. Originally from Boston, the pair were focused on sharing their healthier way of eating with others and offered only baked goods of the healthiest variety.

  Watching, Melody could see samples of cupcakes and cookies displayed elegantly on little trays outside. Beside each one was an information sheet explaining the benefits of embracing a
gluten-free way of life, the hazards of too much sugar in your diet or the benefits of converting to an active, low-calorie lifestyle. Even Melody had to admit that the displays were done up beautifully and the goodies, despite their unconventional ingredients, looked delicious.

  “How’s it going over there?”

  The sound of Leslie’s voice had startled Melody out of her thoughts.

  “Anything exciting going on?” Leslie peered out the window, wiping her hands on her apron, a disapproving look on her face. “I’m not sure that these city folk have what it takes to survive here in Port Warren. They’ve done a beautiful job setting up their displays but it all seems a little much for a small town like ours, don’t you think? And opening up right across the road from the town’s famous bakery! That’s practically suicide!”

  “Well, I have to admit, I was a little worried when I found out they were going to be located right across the street, but seeing that they are catering to a totally different demographic than us, I feel a bit better. Everyone is going to want to indulge a little bit now and then, and Decadently Delicious will still be their go-to shop to satisfy all of their cravings!” Melody's voice was cheery and it was evident that she was feeling much better about the whole situation. “Actually, I think it would be a nice gesture for Decadently Delicious to welcome these newcomers to town. I’m going to go over and introduce myself and take them a little care package!”

  “I think that’s a great idea, Mel. Let’s show them how we do it in Port Warren!”

  Setting to work, Melody and Leslie found their nicest takeaway box and filled it with the best selection of treats that the bakery had to offer. Moist, red velvet cupcakes, bite-sized cheesecakes, colorful French Macaroons, and decadent, handmade chocolates filled the box to the brim. Sealing the box up, Melody was proud of her work and her neighborly attitude. Who knew, maybe they would all end up being good friends. Perhaps they could even exchange baking tips and recipes one day.

  Clipping the leash to Smudge’s little, pink collar, they set out across the road to welcome her new neighbors to town. Melody was surprised by all of the attention the shop was already getting, so early in the day. There were crowds of people already gathered around the sample tables, reading pamphlets, and trying out the goods.

  “These are absolutely delicious!” someone exclaimed.

  “The best I’ve ever had!” Another voice agreed.

  Through the crowd, Melody spotted the new owners, standing proudly, looking out over the crowd and nodding approvingly. Approaching them, she put on her best smile. “This is quite a turnout!” She gestured to the crowd, catching the Swans’ attention. Reaching out her hand, she introduced herself. “My name is Melody Marshall, and this here is Smudge. I’m the owner of Decadently Delicious, the bakery across the road. It’s our pleasure to meet you!”

  Drusilla took Melody’s hand in hers in an awkward handshake. “Hmmm.” She muttered disapprovingly, looking Melody up and down. Alexander reached out his hand next and at least had the courtesy to introduce the pair.

  “My name is Alexander Swan, and this is my wife, Drusilla.” His tone was matter-of-fact and he didn’t seem at all interested in engaging in any further conversation. Despite this, Melody’s good manners urged her to continue on.

  “We wanted to come over and welcome you both to the neighborhood. It’s a lovely shop you have here, and your baked goods look absolutely scrumptious.” Melody was doing her best to remain hospitable despite the glares she was receiving from the Swans. “We also brought you some of our best goodies to sample as a little gift.” She handed the nicely packaged box to the couple.

  Drucilla reached out, taking the box with a scowl. Opening it, she glanced at Alexander and they both let out a rude laugh. “You don’t actually think that we would put something like this into our mouths, do you? This is pure sugar, it's practically poison. We believe in keeping our bodies healthy and sustaining ourselves on only the most natural ingredients. I’m surprised that you do any business in this town at all.” With that, she threw the box into a nearby garbage can, shaking her head in disgust.

  “It’s my prediction,” Alexander continued, “that once the people of Port Warren realize that they can get a better and more health-conscious product from Swan’s Sweets, Decadently Delicious will be out of business in six months’ time.”

  Drucilla nodded in agreement. “If not sooner.”

  Melody was speechless at the greeting that she had received from her arrogant new neighbors and was shaking as she turned to leave. Smudge, on the other hand, had something to say. Growling, she bared her teeth at the Swans. “Come on, girl.” Melody urged, “They aren’t worth it.”

  As they made their way back across the street, Melody found herself quite upset. She couldn’t believe the way that she had been spoken to, and she felt unnerved that there may just be a possibility that the newcomer’s prediction may come true.

  Chapter One Hundred Six

  Sleeping on a park bench had never been that difficult for Jake. He had slept in worse places. During the war, he had spent his days covered in mud and his nights on the cold hard ground, barely able to close his eyes amid the gunfire and bombings. It had been hell, a hell that he tried not to think about too much.

  Taking a bite out of one of Decadently Delicious’ finest cupcakes, he lay down, pulled up his tattered blanket and tucked himself in for the night. It wasn’t long before he was fast asleep. Jake’s sleep was never peaceful, though.

  His dreams often found him back in the middle of a battle, surrounded by enemy troops. He had to slow his breathing and remain calm. If he played his cards right, no one would know where he was hiding and he may still have a shot at carrying out his mission. He had been sent to kill the leader of the opposing army. As one of America’s best snipers, he was the only one who had a chance of pulling it off. The only catch was that it had to be made to look as though it was done by friendly fire, an impossible task for anyone else.

  To get an open shot, he needed to cross the road and make it onto the roof of the adjacent building. It was only a few feet away but would mean putting himself out in the open, an easy target for the enemy. If he moved fast enough, though, he just might be able to make it. Taking another deep breath, he made a run for it, bursting through the broken-down door across the street. Shots had been fired but all had missed, and as far as he could tell, he was uninjured.

  The house around him was quiet, and he stealthily moved from one room to the next, clearing them as he went. Luckily, he was alone. He had heard far too many stories of his comrades coming across civilian families hiding in abandoned buildings. He never wanted to have to make the choice between letting them live and them coming after him or blowing his cover, or taking their lives.

  He continued to creep up the stairs to the rooftop. Laying on his belly, out of sight from the enemy, he crawled to the edge where he would have the perfect spot to take the deadly shot. He carefully set up his rifle, double checking to make sure that everything was exactly as it should be, and when he was satisfied, he hunkered down to wait.

  Just then, he was startled by yelling and screaming, and gunshots rang out all around him. He panicked, unsure what was going on or what his next move should be. His heart was beating faster and his breath was rapid. He could hear voices approaching behind him and he knew he was trapped. The enemy had found him and they came out, guns blazing. As if in slow motion, he watched as a single bullet came straight at him, hitting him squarely between the eyes.

  Jake woke with a start, panting. His heart was racing, and he couldn’t catch his breath. He was soaked with sweat and shaking uncontrollably. It will pass, he kept repeating over and over. It was just a dream.

  The nightmares had been coming on much more frequently lately, and he found them getting increasingly harder to recover from once waking. The war had really taken a toll on him and although he had never been physically harmed, emotionally, he was scarred for life. His PTSD symptoms we
re at times unbearable and he often couldn’t control them.

  He pulled the blanket up tighter around him, trying to find some comfort. He knew that sleep wouldn’t’ come again for him tonight. He wouldn’t let it.

  Chapter One Hundred Seven

  After a sleepless night spent going over the previous day’s events, Melody was exhausted and distracted at work. Going through the motions and barely concentrating on the job at hand, she nearly burnt her first batch of pies. She was filled with anxiety and a sense of dread that stuck in the pit of her stomach.

  It was just as she was mixing up her second batch of pie crust batter that a ruckus outside the shop caught her attention. Loud voices and shouting had her swiftly making her way to the front of the store. Outside of the front window, she could see the Swans waving their arms and yelling at Jake. The fear in his eyes was evident and his skin had turned a pasty white. The poor man was scared to death. Opening the door, Melody could hear Alexander’s voice above the traffic.

  “If I ever see you around this shop again, I will be calling the police and having you arrested!”

  Shaking to the bones, Jake turned and started to run wildly down the street. Melody knew that loud noises, and raised voices were just the thing that would set off the homeless man’s PTSD. She called out to him but he didn’t hear her and continued frantically, off the sidewalk and into oncoming traffic. Horns began honking and cars had to swerve out of the way, narrowly missing the poor, frightened man.

  “Jake, wait!” Melody cried out and ran in his direction, but in all of the confusion on the street, he was gone out of sight before she could get to him.