Cupcakes and Carnage (Cassie Desmarais Mysteries Book 1) by Tammy Beck

Author:Tammy Beck [Beck, Tammy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Beatrice lived in an older part of town, where the houses still held remnants of yesteryear. It was tucked against the rugged coastline, with weathered shingles that clung to the house like a well-worn coat. The gabled roof had a widow’s walk that looked out over the sea, and the large multi-paned windows were like eyes, looking out at a century of changing tides.

The shutters had withstood countless storms and the wraparound porch looked like it held the house together.

Sam knocked on the door when we stepped onto the porch, and we waited.

A moment later, a woman opened.

She had a slight figure and wore a gray oversized jersey and pants of the same color, with sensible shoes. Big round glasses balanced her nose and her mousy hair cut short into a modern, pixie style.

“Officer Samuel Cooper,” Sam said. “And this is Cassie.”

“The bakery girl,” Beatrice said with a small smile. “Come in, please.”

I glanced at Sam, who gestured for me to step in, first.

The interior of the house was marked by the passage of time. It was understated and warm, with the hardwood floors creaking under my feet with each step. The rooms all had antique furnishings and crown moldings, and a grand staircase led to the next floor.

Beatrice waited for us in the living room. A large, stone fireplace dominated the room but it wasn’t lit. On the coffee table, Beatrice had put a pot of freshly brewed coffee and a platter of cookies.

“It’s nothing you haven’t tasted before,” Beatrice said when she gestured to the cookies. “I’m sure you can do much better than the store bought stuff, but I never have the time for baking.”

I smiled and took one to be polite while Beatrice poured us each a cup of coffee.

“Thank you for seeing us, Beatrice,” Sam said.

“Oh, of course. Anytime. If I can help with the investigation, I want to do what I can.”

Sam nodded.

“We were hoping you could tell us more about Luke and his business.”

Beatrice pursed her lips together and held her coffee cup on her lap, wrapping slim fingers around it as if it could anchor her.

“What’s there really to say? Owning a business can be so stressful. I don’t think it’s what Luke had in mind when he bought the pizza place, you know.”

“It’s very different from working there,” I offered. “I’m starting to learn the difference between working in one and running it.”

Beatrice nodded.

“Luke didn’t come to the grand opening, did he?” Sam asked.

Beatrice shook her head. “No. He wanted to, but he’s always working these days. The poor man. Stress can be a killer.”

I glanced at Sam, but he studiously avoided looking at me and made a note in his little book instead.

Beatrice glanced down at Sam’s book and swallowed nervously. She reached for a cookie and nibbled on. I bit into my own, and tried not to pull a face.

Beatrice was right—I could do much better. I’d made better mud pies when I was a toddler.

I didn’t say so.

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