Secrets in Brookhaven (Brookhaven Mystery Thriller Suspense Book 2) by Cara Kent

Author:Cara Kent [Kent, Cara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cara Kent
Published: 2024-04-27T00:00:00+00:00

Eva

The bakery buzzed with frenetic energy as we rushed to prepare for the weekend rush. My fingers flew tying paper bakery sleeves around fresh loaves of sourdough and cinnamon raisin bread while Betty restocked the pastry case with glazed doughnuts and fruit tarts. With each loaf I wrapped and treat I packaged, the movements grew more frenetic, as if sheer activity could push back the encroaching threats hanging over Brookhaven.

“Last batch of scones coming out hot!” Riley called as he pulled a tray from the oven with theatrical flair. The teen seemed tireless, his gangly limbs in constant motion.

I smiled as Riley pretended to almost drop the whole sheet of scones, juggling it dramatically before catching the tray against his chest. I was glad he was back at work, and seemed in far better spirits.

“Nice save!” I laughed. Riley shot me a playful grin, his cheeks flushing with pride at the praise.

Working alongside my makeshift bakery family settled my spirits, but only temporarily. Here in our haven, we immersed in the familiar routines—mixing, kneading, baking. Betty and I kept up light banter as we always had, but her chuckles sounded hollow. When we bumped elbows at the ovens, her body tensed involuntarily.

As I crimped an apple pie crust, Riley sidled up next to me, attempting to sneak a chunk of shredded cheddar from my cutting board. I smacked his hand lightly with my rolling pin.

“This is for the scones, you scoundrel,” I scolded teasingly. Riley clasped his hand to his chest in mock affront.

“How dare you accuse me of such thievery!” His eyes twinkled merrily. “I’m a mature professional now, I’ll have you know.”

I shot him a wry look. “Oh yes, so professional with that little smear of chocolate on your cheek from the cake batter earlier.”

Riley’s freckled face flushed as he scrubbed at his cheek hurriedly.

Betty sidled over to ruffle Riley’s hair fondly, perhaps a little too forcefully. “Don’t you worry, kiddo. You keep eating like a growing boy should!”

She pinched his lean side through his floury apron, making him squirm. “Though seems to me we ought to be fattening you up with more of these treats!”

Riley squirmed away from her pinch, laughing. Maybe it was just the worries on my mind, but suddenly their banter felt like a pantomime of easier days when laughter came unforced. But even these attempts at lightness reminded me of the family I’d lost, and the dangers that awaited outside. Still, I clung to these small comforts—the ache of missing my real family was easier to bear alongside my makeshift bakery one.

As I slid my finished pie into the oven, Riley grew quiet, picking at a stray thread on his apron.

“Everything alright?” I asked gently.

“Oh, yeah, sorry Miss Everhart!” He quickly looked up, plastering on a smile. “My mind just wandered off for a second there.”

But his forehead remained creased with unspoken worry. I touched his arm lightly. “It’s just me, Riley. You can always tell me anything.”

He hesitated, then sighed heavily, his gangly shoulders slumping.

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