Game of Scones by Mary Lee Ashford

Author:Mary Lee Ashford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-08-16T16:28:36+00:00

Back in the office that afternoon, I stood and stretched. It seemed like I’d been on the phone all day, getting prices, confirming advertising. I’d been drinking water since I was talking so much but I’d also begun to get hungry. Of course, it might have had something to do with the smells coming from the test kitchen.

I wandered into the kitchen. “How’s it going?”

“Really well.” Dixie picked up her notebook and made a couple of notes.

“I’ve nearly finalized our advertising for the cookbook. I’m following up by phone to confirm and sending the ad copy to Liz.” Liz was our graphics person.

“It feels so good not to be worried about Bertie.” Dixie leaned against the counter.

“I’m sure it does,” I agreed. “Though it still feels unsettling to know the police feel there’s a murderer out there.”

“I know.” She sighed.

“I’m thinking about calling it a day.” I glanced at my watch. “I need a break from the phone. Unless there’s something in particular I could help you with?”

“Not really.”

Suddenly the bell dinged out front. I went to see who it was.

“Thought I’d come in the right way this time.” Dixie’s Aunt Bertie had just stepped through the door. This time she was in her usual work clothes. Jeans and T-shirt, and a Jefferson Street B & B apron tied in front.

“What can we do for you?” I asked. “Dixie is in the back.”

“Hey, there.” Dixie rounded the corner and joined us. She leaned in and kissed her aunt’s cheek. “I guess I’m going to forgive you for giving me gray hair.”

“I’m sorry about that. Really I am.” She sounded a sincere this time. “But that’s not why I’m here. I’m trying to get some work done at the B & B and the sheriff says all my papers they confiscated I can’t have back. They’ve given them to some state crime something or other. Terry said you had them and they took them from you. Can you tell me if my Rolodex was part of what they took? Sheriff Terry didn’t seem to know what I was talking about.”

“I might know something about that but I’m not sure I can be forthcoming when you’re not open with me.”

“About what?”

“About the rat poison, Berts.”

“You always were too snoopy for your own good, Spicey. Even when you were a kid.”

Dixie waited for a few minutes and then went to the cupboard and pulled out the Rolodex and handed it to her aunt. “I could put these addresses on the computer for you. It would be a lot easier to update.”

“Thanks, hon, let’s do that.” She smiled innocently.

“And the poison?” Dixie stared her down.

“I have rats,” Bertie finally sputtered.

“Oh, gosh, no.”

“I bought it because I have a rat problem. I didn’t buy it locally because if word got out that I had a rat problem no one would want to stay at my place.”

“Did you tell the sheriff and the state people that?” Dixie asked.

“No. I did not.” Bertie put her hands on her hips defiantly.

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