Cookies and Christmas: A Cozy Murder Mystery (Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Series Book 12) by Leena Clover

Author:Leena Clover [Clover, Leena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-10-29T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Jenny was feeling upbeat when she entered the Boardwalk Café kitchen the next morning. Christmas was just a few days away and she had a plan. She was going to be rushed off her feet but she had never been afraid of hard work.

The Swanson family was comfortably settled in at the Bayview Inn. Betty Sue had been supportive when Jenny outlined her plan to help the family. Jack Swanson had been reluctant to accept what he called charity. But Jenny had already planned for that. His wife Suzie had spoken to him softly and the couple grudgingly decided to move their brood into the inn.

“We are closed for the holidays anyway,” Heather assured them. “And we don’t fancy an empty house during Christmas.”

Jenny told Jack she needed plenty of help at the café but didn’t have funds to hire anyone. Betty Sue owed her a favor and was offering room at the inn. It was just a simple barter.

The giant man had taken one look at the raw hope in his kids’ eyes and capitulated.

Captain Charlie arrived for his coffee, minus his cheery smile.

“I ran into Jason on my way here,” he told Jenny. “Are you sure you want to risk your life again, Jenny?”

She handed over his coffee and muffins.

“Ian Fletcher needs my help. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

Jenny got busy serving breakfast. Ham omelets were on the menu. There were a lot of new faces. Some of them were tourists but many were visiting family in Pelican Cove.

Jenny rubbed one of the charms that hung around her neck on a chain, feeling closer to her son. A tiny gold ladle had been the latest addition to the collection. Nick would be home soon and she couldn’t wait to see him.

Heather arrived and pounced on the chocolate chip cookies cooling on a wire rack.

Jenny stirred the vegetable barley soup and wiped her hands on the apron.

“You want some coffee before we leave? We have to wait for Star to get here.”

Heather nodded and fixed herself a cup, adding whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles on top. She stirred it with a candy cane.

Twenty minutes later, they were on their way to Holly House.

“You think they’ll let us in?” Heather fiddled with the radio.

Jenny was tight lipped. She had been working on a cover story. She just hoped they wouldn’t have to use it.

Mrs. Griffin opened the door and asked them what they wanted. It was as if she had never met Jenny.

“Who is it?”

A petite woman in a black dress came out of a room. Dark hair framed a heart shaped face and green eyes full of anguish stared at them. She was nothing like Rose but equally attractive in her own way.

“Show them the service entrance, Mrs. Griffin.”

Jenny introduced herself.

“Are you one of Rose’s sisters? We are here to offer our condolences.”

The woman hesitated.

“Betty Sue Morse sent us,” Jenny rushed ahead. “She wanted to come herself but she’s a bit poorly.” She nodded at Heather. “This is her granddaughter.

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