Fest Up to Murder by Maggie Benton

Author:Maggie Benton [Benton, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: .ISBNincl, Mystery
Publisher: Summer Prescott Books
Published: 2023-10-23T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

An hour and a half later, it was time for the judging of desserts at Annie’s impromptu “re-baking contest.” Many of the original contestants had run home and whipped something up, and since George and Sheldon had officially released the kitchen at the pavilion, people had been allowed to pick up their baking dishes, cake stands, and serving platters that afternoon. Thankfully, the large commercial refrigerator had kept them all safe from the smoke and heat.

The desserts had all been dropped off at Annie’s Diner, and as the festival was winding down for the day, the members of the birding society decided to meet up at their corner booth for coffee to regroup for the next day.

Annie quickly organized and grouped the different dessert entries, and the judges arrived in great spirits, complimenting her for salvaging the event.

“It’s amazing how people were so willing to make new desserts,” said Olive, owner of Olive’s Sandwich Shop. “Look at all of this!”

“People are so generous,” agreed Annie. “And of course, everyone wants to participate partly because they know these desserts will also be served tomorrow night at Hazel and Harry’s wedding.”

“I can’t wait to dig in,” said Oscar Young, who co-owned Crumble’s Bakery with his wife Carolyne.

“We have some very talented local bakers from the looks of this year’s entries,” said Chef Fred, from the Blue Whale Pub. He smiled at Phoebe and Ian. “And I see we have two extra honorary judges.”

“Look at those cookies with the sprinkles,” said Phoebe. “Chef Fred, they remind me of your rainbow sprinkle cookie bars!”

“I love sprinkles,” said Ian. “I want to try those cookies.”

While the judges started testing and evaluating the desserts on one side of the diner, the birding society members who were present, along with a tuckered-out Adam, took to their booth in the back corner.

“I hope I don’t regret letting the kids try the desserts, even if they are just allowed to take small nibbles,” he said, glancing over his shoulder at the two, who were in the midst of tasting a slice of chocolate cake. “I told them we’d go back over to our house after this and watch their favorite movie. I checked in with the O’Learys and they just got Molly down, so I thought it’d be nice to give them a little quiet time. But after this, Ian and Phoebe are going to be wired.”

“Yep. They’ll be all sugared up,” said Harry. He patted Adam on the shoulder. “You’re going to be up all night, my friend.”

Adam looked at Helen, brushing her hand under the table. “Will you come over too? You’re presence is calming. Maybe they’ll get the idea.”

“I’ll bring books. If they make it through the movie, I’ll read to them and they’ll wind down, guaranteed.”

“Who are we still waiting on?” asked Harry, looking around. “Just George and Betsy.”

“Annie will be tied up for a while with the desserts, but we can bring her up to speed later,” said Walter.

“Oh look! Betsy’s here,” said Hazel, waving in the direction of the front door.

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