A Sticky Toffee Catastrophe: An Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery by Baker Ruth

Author:Baker, Ruth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CleanTales Publishing
Published: 2022-08-27T00:00:00+00:00

14

Lucy hung up the phone, exasperated, and turned to Aunt Tricia. “That was another reporter, wanting to interview me about finding the trash bag with the murder weapon.”

Aunt Tricia shook her head, annoyed. “I can’t believe word got around town that fast. It was just yesterday!”

Lucy rubbed at her temples, trying to stave off a headache. “The price of living in a small town, I guess. I’m so glad Hannah took the day off.”

The bell jangled as Betsy arrived. She bustled in, worry lines on her pixie face. “Any news?”

Aunt Tricia and Lucy shook their heads. They were all waiting to hear from Taylor; hopeful that the killer’s DNA would be found on the costume and clear Hannah’s name.

Betsy tied on an apron. “Well, maybe later today. Lucy, should I start on a batch of baklava?” With Hannah off for the day, Betsy was going to assist Lucy in the kitchen.

Lucy attempted a smile, but it didn’t touch her eyes. “That would be perfect, thanks.”

Betsy disappeared into the back, and Aunt Tricia spoke up, her tone low. “I know you and Taylor had words yesterday, Lucy. Maybe you should give him a call.”

Lucy was saved from answering as the door opened again. She glanced up, surprised to see Vince Byers and Tina Landon enter the bakery, with Tina clinging to the man’s arm.

The pair approached the counter, and Aunt Tricia found her voice first.

“Good morning,” she greeted the couple smoothly. “What can I get for you?”

Tina glanced at Lucy’s face; her eyes filled with uncertainty.

“Hello…” she nodded at Lucy and Aunt Tricia. “Ah… I’m Tina Landon.” She hesitated and looked at the man beside her.

“Vince Byers,” he said, extending his hand to Aunt Tricia first, then Lucy. Both shook it perfunctorily as Lucy addressed Tina, her voice sympathetic.

“We are so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Landon.”

Tina nodded, her bottom lip trembling. She again looked at Vince, seeming reluctant to take the lead.

“Ms. Hale,” began Vince, his gaze solemn. “The tragedy that occurred has left the bulk of the paperwork in a half-finished state. I see in Mr. Landon’s notes that he made an offer on your bakery, but I don’t see a contract. Was there one in progress?”

Lucy stared at him, surprised. “No,” she informed him. “I refused the offer.” She was puzzled. Everyone knew how opposed she was to the office park, and Tina and Vince had been at the town meeting.

Tina cleared her throat. “Rex said he was going to double the offer,” she said in a small voice. “I wasn’t sure if he had… before…” She dropped her gaze, and Vince wrapped an arm around her shoulders, comforting her. Tina leaned into him, squeezing her eyes shut and sighing.

Lucy was nonplussed for a moment. Gathering herself, she addressed Vince, saying firmly. “It doesn’t matter what the offer was, doubled, or tripled. I will not be selling Sweet Delights Bakery.”

Aunt Tricia spoke up. “Are you saying construction will still be going forward? Even after all that’s happened?” The dismay in her voice echoed the sentiment in Lucy’s heart.

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