Murder in the Mountains by Alyssa Johnson

Author:Alyssa Johnson [Johnson, Alyssa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-30T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Sneak Attack

Outside on the sidewalk, the town was busy. Ladies in expensive-looking sweaters made their way into the upscale boutiques that peppered Main Street, hardcore runners zipped by in rows of two, while skiers and snowboarders flocked to the restaurants for food to fuel their day on the slopes.

The girls left the café full of caffeine and claws, with Mia happily carrying a bag filled with more of the same. Gazing around, she took in the bustling scene, then looked up at the crisp blue sky. The sun shone brightly, bathing the winter morning in a silvery glow. To Arianna she remarked, “It sure doesn’t look like a storm is coming. What a gorgeous day!”

Skirting around a couple who had stopped to window-shop, Arianna responded, “Don’t let it fool you; a beautiful sky can be deceiving. In the mountains, storms can sneak up on you – suddenly, and without warning. Clear skies can change quickly to dark and stormy ones.”

Mia grimaced. “Ugh, that’s just too unpredictable for me. I mean, this place is beautiful and all, but I’ll take South Florida’s weather any day.” She paused for a second to scan the shops for the Fayheys’ bakery. “When a hurricane is coming, we know it’s coming. Plenty of time to prepare.” Then, seeing their destination ahead, she pointed just a few stores up on the right. “There it is.”

Anxious for another update on Muffin, the girls hurried to the Fayheys’ shop. Over the door hung an oval-shaped sign depicting a coffee cup and basket overflowing with baked goods.

“Fitting,” Arianna said, recalling the gorgeous welcome basket Sally had prepared for them.

“Placid Pastries & More,” Mia read, opening the door. “Cute.”

The happy tinkling of bells announced their arrival.

Inside, Mia inhaled deeply of the cinnamon-scented air. “Oh, this place smells amazing!” Studying the array of pastries and donuts in the display case, she turned to Arianna, awestruck. “What is it with this town and awesome bakeries?”

Arianna chuckled in amusement, about to reply, when a distinguished-looking man approached them from behind the counter. Although Arianna had not yet met Mr. Fayhey, she knew it was him from the worried look in his eyes.

“Mr. Fayhey!” Mia exclaimed, at the same time that he said, “Mia, good morning, dear,” as he reached across the counter to take her hand in his. Though he emanated kindness and warmth, he appeared weary, exhausted.

The poor man, Mia thought. I wonder if he slept at all.

To Arianna, he extended a hand in welcome. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Arianna. What an honor it is to have the Arianna Anderson back in her hometown for her book signing!”

Arianna blushed, but managed a cordial reply. “Thank you, Mr. Fayhey. It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.” Tentatively, she asked, “How’s Muffin this morning? I just feel so awful about what happened…” Her voice trailed off as a pang of guilt set in.

The older man sighed. “Well, thank you, dear, but it’s certainly not your fault.”

Arianna dropped her eyes, wishing she could tell him the truth.

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