The Bakers and Bulldogs Mysteries Collection: 20 Book Box Set

by Rosie Sams

  Tara hushed the crowd as she kept watch from a dark corner of the room. She waved her hands furiously as she spotted Francine entering the restaurant’s front door on Otto Kelshaw’s arm. Melody noticed the jacket he was wearing and suspected it was the one Alvin told her about.

  “Surprise!” The crowd jumped up and cheered as Francine stepped into the room. Otto stood a few steps behind her, letting her have her moment. But it was the crowd that was surprised.

  Francine was not over-joyed by her daughter’s gathering, in the slightest. Instead, she stood in front of Tara with a glare as cold as ice.

  Chapter Two Hundred Twenty

  “What is all this... fuss?” Francine’s face was like stone. The corners of her mouth turned down with disgust.

  “Surprise, Momma,” Tara stuttered. “It’s a party for you — for your retirement.” She forced a smile, noting her mother’s lack of enthusiasm. “All of your friends came to celebrate.” She took her eyes off her mother to smile at them apologetically. Her cheeks were flushed red with embarrassment, and unshed tears glinted in her eyes.

  Melody frowned as she watched Francine’s expression. She heard Kerry behind her gasp disapprovingly. “I told you she wasn’t very nice,” she whispered in Melody’s ear.

  The crowd remained silent as Francine looked around the restaurant. It was empty of other guests besides those at the party. “You must have spent a pretty penny to rent this place out for the night, money that you do not have.” She picked up one of the homemade centerpieces and examined it. “So, tell me, did I pay for my own party?”

  “No, Momma. No. I paid for everything. Mr. Green has been very generous, and I made the decorations myself.”

  “At the expense of the store?” her mother questioned. But before Tara could explain further, Francine continued, “This is exactly why you’re not fit to take over the craft shop once I retire.”

  Harriet Vickers, a long-standing employee, moved toward Francine and Tara. Harriet was a tall, lanky woman with auburn hair. She wore a vintage style, red and blue flowered boho dress that was belted at the waist instead of hanging loose. It was so unique that Melody suspected she made it herself.

  Maybe all crafty people make their own clothes, she thought.

  Harriet walked gracefully toward Francine with a broad smile upon her face, as if she was the golden child. Tara pursed her lips tightly as Harriet approached. She was clearly uncomfortable standing near the woman.

  “I see you’re disappointing your mother once again,” she said to Tara, gloating.

  “Ah, Harriet! Yes, you are a far more capable planner in every sense of the word. Perhaps you should have thrown this party,” Francine said.

  Tara seethed. She balled her hands into tightly clenched fists and stormed away. As she did, she said, “Apparently, I can’t do anything right for my impossible to please mother!”

  The crowd mumbled in hushed tones. The mood of the party was ruined.

  “How embarrassing for the kid,” Leslie whispered.

  “Excuse me.” Hiram approached the angry mother, his eyes flicking to her mortified daughter. “Is the party canceled? Some of your guests appear to be a bit uncomfortable and are leaving.”

  Some of the guests had indeed started to gather their things.

  Francine held up a hand to get their attention. Her voice was suddenly cheery as she said, “No, please. Do not leave. Tonight, we will celebrate!” A smile spanned her once stone visage. Her leaving guests paused, confused. “Tonight, we will celebrate that upon my retirement, Francine’s Fine Art will be under new management!”

  How awkward! Melody thought.

  Melody watched Tara storm out but then turned her eyes back toward Francine. She had to use everything within her power not to give the woman a piece of her mind. Maybe she would anyway. As she started toward Francine, she watched Otto approach Francine and Harriet with a round of champagne. He was oblivious to his girlfriend’s poor treatment toward her daughter, or he simply didn’t care. He handed one to Francine, then one to Harriet.

  Before Melody could reach them. Otto lifted his glass and commanded the room. “To a fresh start, my love,” he said. The other guests did the same, joining in the toast.

  “How could her mother do that to her?” Leslie asked quietly.

  “Because she’s an unappreciative, mean old woman,” Kerry said.

  “I would just personally like to thank Francine,” Harriet said, taking over the toast and lifting her glass. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have been like a mother to me all of these years. You’ve also taught me everything I know about business and allowed me to do what I love and love what I do. Happy retirement!”

  “Wait, is she selling the business to her instead of leaving it to her daughter?” Kerry asked in a low voice. “That’s some shady dealings.”

  “Shady like an oak tree on a hot summer’s day,” Leslie said.

  “Shhh, you two. I’m going to see if I can find Tara,” Melody said and walked out. It didn’t take her long to find Tara in the bathroom.

  “Tara, I’m so sorry…”

  “Don’t be!” Tara cut her off, trying to sound calm even though tears streamed down her face. “My mother is an evil woman. She never liked me. No matter how hard I try to impress her, she continues to degrade me, especially in front of others.” Tara angrily pulled tissues from a box near the sink. “Thank you for being here, Melody. I’m sorry you worked so hard on that cake for that ungrateful woman.”

  Melody put her hand on Tara’s shoulder. “Don’t be sorry. It was a great project that we worked on together, and you know what... it was the best cake I’ve ever made, with your help.”

  Tara smiled through her tears as she dabbed her eyes. “Thank you, I really appreciate your kindness. I’m just so angry.” For a moment, she screwed her hands into fists and shook them, then she seemed to crumple.

  Melody pulled her into a hug and held her for a moment. “I understand, wipe away those tears, then go back out there and show your mother that you don’t need that business. You’re a strong independent woman. You’re talented, and you’ve got amazing ideas. The motor we put in the cake is just one of them, and don’t forget your leatherwork. I don’t know anyone that can make their own purse, let alone a matching jacket. You will have a thriving business within no time.”

  “But I do need that job. I still have to pay for the party. Mr. Green was kind enough to take a small deposit and let me make payments, but now I’m not sure how I’m going to pay him off.”

  “Don’t worry about that right now. Just get through the night with your head held high. After the party, I’ll help you talk to Hiram and see if he can give you a little time to find another job, or get your own business running before you start making those payments.”

  Tara nodded reluctantly in agreement. She took a moment to collect herself, then together they returned to the party.

  “I don’t want to give Harriet any satisfaction, so I’m going to follow your suggestion. She’s always thought she’d make a better daughter to my mother. I’m through with them both. They can have each other.”

  Melody smiled, Tara was feistier than she had expected she would be.

  “I’ll hold my head high, finish the night, then figure out my next move. Honestly, my mother has embarrassed me like this so many times, I’m used to it. I’ll be relieved when she’s finally gone - out of my life once and for all.”

  “Good! Now, let’s get back out there, and you show your mother what you’re made of!”

  Motivated and composed, Tara threw open the bathroom door and stormed back into the party.

  Melody followed her, but she couldn’t accept Francine’s behavior, so she marched right up to the woman and tapped her on the shoulder.

  Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-One

  “Otto?” Alvin asked as he entered the restaurant with Smudge in tow.

  Otto Kelshaw had been standing aside, watching the crowd celebrate Francin
e’s retirement. He turned quickly when he heard his name.

  “Alvin! It’s good to see you — twice in one week, I might add. It’s starting to feel like old times,” Otto said jokingly. They shook hands firmly, then turned back to watch the party-goers.

  “It looks like Tara arranged a nice turn-out for the event.”

  “Yes. Honestly, I’m a little surprised. Between us, I didn’t think this many would show. Francine is not the most tolerated person in these parts.” Realizing Alvin arrived with a dog, Otto asked, “Are you two here for the party?” He looked between them, confused.

  Smudge yipped as Alvin laughed.

  “Us? No. We were taking a walk. I saw you through the window, then I remembered that Melody was stopping by to drop off the cake, so I figured we’d pop in and check out the scene.

  “Melody?”

  Alvin pointed to Melody just as Francine was turning to face her. “The red-head. She baked the retirement cake.” Otto nodded with understanding. “Oh, yes. That’s right. It’s a lovely cake. She’s got that little shop on Main Street, right?” he said vaguely, as if it was something he had once heard, but didn’t know firsthand. “Of course, you married her.”

  “That’s my girl. We just made things official.”

  “That’s great news! Marriage can be a beautiful thing.” Then, true to his old investigative ways, Otto noticed something brewing between the two women. He lifted his glass toward them. “Do you have any idea what that’s about?” he asked suspiciously.

  “No, but if their body language is any indication of their conversation, maybe we should break it up. C’mon, Smudge.” They crossed the room to intercede, Melody’s face was a little flushed as she spoke.

  “With all due respect, you shouldn’t speak to your daughter that way. She worked very hard on this event, Ms. Leeson. She just has your best interests at heart,” Melody said. She kept her tone low and even so as not to alert the party’s guests.

  “With all due respect, Ms....” Francine didn’t even know her name.

  “Mrs. Hennessey,” Melody said.

  “Mrs. Hennessey, my relationship with my daughter is none of your business. Thank you for the cake, thank you for attending. Have a good evening.” But as Francine dismissed Melody, and she was about to respond, Melody spotted Alvin and Smudge stood not far from them, along with the former sheriff.

  “Ladies! Here’s a funny story,” Otto said, attempting to distract them. “Francine, this is Alvin Hennessey. He’s the new Sheriff of Port Warren. This young man took my place. I think I’ve mentioned him to you once or twice.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sheriff!” Francine smiled and extended her hand toward Alvin, who, in turn, shook it. “Otto has actually told me some delightful and also frightening stories about your adventures back in the day.”

  Melody watched as Francine, who had always been so cold with her daughter, now affectionately wrapped her arms around Otto tightly. Her mood seemed to shift from intolerable to smitten instantly.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Francine. Congratulations on your retirement,” Alvin said. “Otto, here is a fine man. He’s a good man to have in your corner. He’s taught me everything I know about being a good investigator.”

  Smudge whined. Alvin looked down and winked at her. “You, too, Smudge,” he said quietly. “You’ve taught me the best detective tricks of all.”

  “Alvin is also married to this pretty little red-head, Melody. She baked your cake and owns that adorable bakery on Main,” Otto said. “Congratulations on taking the plunge.” He held up his glass and took a deep swig of the amber fluid. “Marriage is a beautiful thing,” he repeated.

  Melody noticed that Otto had moved on from Champagne to Scotch. By the way, he sloppily swigged it, Melody’s keen eye deciphered that this wasn’t his first one, either.

  Francine turned to offer an overly friendly smile to Melody despite their previous exchange. “Yes, we’ve already met. The cake is lovely. I simply can’t wait to taste it. You must have worked so hard on it!”

  Melody stared at Francine in awe.

  Was this the same woman who was just as cold as ice moments ago?

  “And, the little motor that makes the waves move against the shore is simply brilliant!” Francine said delightedly.

  “Thank you. Tara did a fine job of designing the cake and making the motor for the waves.” Melody forced a smile back as she stood next to Alvin. She picked up Smudge and cuddled her close. Alvin wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him, hip to hip. “Don’t you think so, Otto?”

  Francine rolled her eyes at Melody’s compliment toward Tara.

  “Oh, yes. Little Tara did a fine job.” But as Francine glared at him again, Otto cleared his throat. “Well, you’re the one that had to put it all together, Melody. I don’t suppose Little Tara really has the brains for that.”

  Francine’s true colors started to seep through her brief, pleasant presentation, and now they appeared to be rubbing off on Otto, too

  “Tara is only doing this for show. She wants to take over my shop, but that’s not going to happen. She’s not capable,” Francine said, coolly. Melody narrowed her eyes at the woman, taking yet another potshot at her daughter in front of others.

  Alvin was taken aback by the woman’s words. He and Melody shared a knowing glance.

  “Oh, you don’t have to worry about the shop, Francine.” The words came from Harriet as she sauntered over, obviously hearing the tail end of the little group’s conversation. “I will make sure the shop continues to run smoothly.”

  Francine harrumphed. “I don’t think so, Harriet. You will have to make other arrangements. Just as I announced, I’m selling the shop, but don’t worry. You’ve been loyal, and I’ll be sure to provide you with a handsome severance package once the deal is closed.”

  Melody felt as if the world was spinning, what was it with this woman?

  Harriet’s jaw dropped.

  “Didn’t you just announce you were selling the shop to Harriet?” Melody asked.

  Francine turned her head sharply to glare at her.

  “I said no such thing.”

  “You know something, Francine,” Harriet said. “You are a horrible boss, you have always been cheap! I’m sure your idea of handsome is less than a week’s salary.” Harriet’s face had turned the color of a beetroot. “How dare you! I have been a loyal employee. You even promised that shop to me – that’s what I worked so hard for all these years! That’s why I put up with you! Now you’re going to renege on our deal?”

  “Well, aren’t you the entitled one?” Francine apparently denied Harriet’s accusation

  “Now, now, Harriet, it’s Francine’s shop,” Otto said, in what could either be a consoling voice or a condescending one. “It was her blood, sweat, and tears that went into making that shop, and she’s not obligated to do anything but compensate you for your time,” He was as Alvin said, in Francine’s corner. “She’s earned the right to do what she wants with her business.”

  “Really, Otto, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Francine promised me that shop. That’s been the plan ever since my first day working there. Hey, you know I’m right. You’ve heard her say it yourself! Honestly, Francine, you better watch your back. You don’t know who you’re messing with.” Harriet stormed off.

  Otto whistled at her retreating back, and then he and Francine clinked their glasses together, triumphantly.

  “You were right, Sheriff Hennessey, I do have a fine man in my corner,” Francine said.

  “And, I’ll be in your corner as we travel every corner of the world,” Otto said.

  Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Two

  “I feel so bad for Tara and Harriet,” Melody said as she unclipped Smudge’s leash.

  Alvin shrugged off his coat. They had just returned home from what was supposed to be a fun retirement party. “Yeah, well, Francine is a piece of work. She must have some kind of hold over
Otto. I’ve never seen him act that way. He’s typically the defender of the underdog, if, of course, what Harriet said is true.”

  “Do you mean about Francine promising to give her the business over Tara, and then reneging on the promise altogether?”

  “Well, technically, they are right. Francine, as unpleasant as she may be, doesn’t owe her worker the business just because she’s been loyal, even if she did promise it. That’s why she gets a paycheck, right?”

  “Maybe Otto thinks he’s going to benefit from the sale financially. That would make sense on why he just took Francine’s side, instead of being honest about what he knows about Harriet’s deal with Francine. Ugh, I don’t know how he tolerates a woman like that.”

  Melody shook off her jacket. Alvin took it from her and hung it up with his.

  “I don’t see how that would be the case,” he said with an exasperated sigh. “There’s no way the ‘Otto’ I know would ever leech off anyone or stand for any injustice. He’s retired and living on his own pension. He’d have no reason to tolerate Francine if he didn’t want to. Face it, Mel, even mean people can be loved.”

  “Unless, of course, she’s manipulating him.”

  “Melody, stop it.” He sighed, obviously thinking better of his harsh tone. “I’m sorry, but I’m not really in the mood for conspiracy theories tonight. I just want to enjoy the evening with my wife and our cute little doggy.”

  Smudge pawed at his leg to say she agreed.

  “I’m just saying that from your stories about Otto, I always pictured him as a pretty smart, independent thinker. Plus, as a leader of men, I just can’t picture him being…” she paused, thinking of the word, “… whipped.”

  “Look, I know the guy. He was my mentor, and he’s always been a solid guy. But, who knows what these two see in each other. Maybe it’s just a case of opposites attract.”