Perilous Plans (Sparrow Haven Cozy Mysteries) by Claire Harlow

Author:Claire Harlow [Harlow, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowan Publishing
Published: 2024-08-14T00:00:00+00:00

14

Last night, Fred texted me asking to meet up at Vivi’s café this morning. I was relieved too, anxious to review the investigation thus far, and get our ducks in a row, as my mom would say.

I spotted Fred, who sat at our usual table by the bay window, reading something on his phone with an annoyed expression on his face.

Vivi scurried over and gave me a hug. “Zao shang hao, Olivia.”

I recognized my friend’s native tongue, though she knew four other languages as well. “Good morning to you too,” I said, looking hopeful.

She squeezed my arm. “Very good. Next time, I’ll have to say something less obvious,” she kidded.

I smiled. “Please stick with the easy stuff. It makes me feel smart.”

Vivi laughed. “Have you found the perfect dress?”

“Funny you should ask. Mary finished my dress yesterday, and we had a little try-on pow-wow last night. I love it.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see you in it. Did you go with Diane’s suggestion? The column-stye?”

I laughed. “This town never ceases to surprise me. Who told you?”

She smacked her lips. “You have to ask?”

“Ha. Of course, Milly. I must need my morning fuel.”

“I’ll bring it right over. Fred’s already ordered for you. Word of warning…Paula has put him on a strict diet. He ordered eggs benedict for you both.”

“Oh dear. Fred cutting out sugar? Lucky me.”

She winked. “And I wish you more of it.”

I inhaled deeply and took a seat across from him. Fred acknowledged me with a grunt, while barely glancing up.

“Is it all that bad?”

He put his phone down and sneered. “Don’t act like you don’t know.”

I bit my lower lip. “Eggs benedict was a good choice. Thank you.”

“Yeah, if you like cardboard.”

“Clearly, you’ve never had Vivi’s specialty.”

He refilled his coffee. “Well, there’s a first for everything.”

“Is Paula home, then?”

“No, they’ll discharge her tomorrow if today goes well. Paula’s sister is at the hospital. They demanded some girl time, which was fine by me. I don’t like being out of the loop on a murder investigation.”

“Well, I’ve missed you too.”

Just then, our breakfast arrived, along with my favorite coffee. “Thank you,” I said to the server.

My mouth watered with anticipation as I lifted the fork to my mouth. With a satisfying crunch, my teeth broke through the crust of the toasted English muffin, which paired deliciously with the perfectly poached egg and buttery hollandaise sauce. The rich flavors danced across my palate, tingling with the tangy zest of lemon-infused sauce and crispy Canadian bacon.

“Earth to Olivia,” Fred said.

I dabbed my mouth. “Sorry. But you’ll understand when you taste this. It’s so good.”

A single brow lifted. “I see that.” With a shrug, he bit into it and chewed cautiously. “Yeah, this is decent for what it is.” He glanced at the display case, showcasing every pastry imaginable. “This is ridiculous. I’m not the one who had a stroke.”

I took a sip of coffee. “Paula is just looking out for you both. You do eat too much sugar, Fred.”

He groaned. “Now you? Stay in your lane.

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