Death and Eggnog (Sugar Creek Mystery Series Book 5) by Walsh Nova

Author:Walsh, Nova
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Two Worlds Press
Published: 2024-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Later that evening I stood at the kitchen counter at Primrose House, carefully piping dollops of goat cheese and herbs into tiny peppers for the Christmas party I was catering the next day. The smell of rosemary and toasted bread filled the room, but my mind was far from the task. I couldn’t stop thinking about what I’d seen at the theater earlier—the way Brittney had stormed offstage, Charles’ tension, and Katherine’s almost casual attitude about everything. It didn’t sit right.

I wiped my hands on my apron and paused, staring down at the neat rows of appetizers. Should I tell Ryan? He had enough on his plate without me barging in with more speculation. He’d accuse me of snooping again, and I couldn’t exactly blame him. Still, something about the way everyone reacted to Katherine’s return made my gut twist. Maybe it was worth mentioning... but maybe after the party.

I shook off the thought and grabbed my phone, texting Cassie. Hey! Bonfire at Aunt Meg’s tonight. Come by if you can! I could use a break, and I have stuff to share!

I didn’t elaborate, knowing she would catch my drift. I gave her maybe ten minutes before she pulled into the B&B parking lot. I smiled as I hit send, imagining Cassie’s mad rush for gossip. And I wondered if she’d had any luck on her end, learning anything about the past of Katherine and Kelly and Charles.

Just as I was about to move to the next tray of appetizers, I heard the screen door creak open, followed by a gust of cold air and the unmistakable sound of Sheila Connoly’s voice.

“Anybody home? I come bearing gifts!” she called, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

I looked up from the counter, smiling as Sheila stepped inside, cheeks pink from the cold and a bottle of wine in her hand. Her grey hair was barely tamed under a knitted cap, and she was bundled in a thick scarf, looking every bit the part of a festive holiday visitor.

“Well, if it isn’t the queen of Wild Hare Winery,” I teased, wiping my hands on my apron as I moved toward the door. “Come on in, you’re just in time for appetizers.”

Sheila grinned, holding up the bottle like a trophy. “Wine and appetizers? Sounds like a perfect evening to me. How’s it going in here, Miss Busy Bee?”

“Oh, you know,” I said, waving a hand toward the trays of peppers and goat cheese I’d already prepped. “Just trying to stay ahead of the holiday rush. Tomorrow’s party is a big one.”

Sheila whistled, stepping further into the kitchen. “I don’t envy you. The winery’s been slammed with holiday visitors too. We’ve got one more day before we close up for the season, thank goodness.”

I grabbed a couple of wine glasses from the cabinet. “I can imagine. People love their wine this time of year. Are you running any specials?”

“Of course,” Sheila said, setting the bottle down and pulling off her scarf. “We’ve got tastings, gift sets, the whole nine yards.

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