Tastes Like Murder (Cookies & Chance Mysteries Book 1) (7 page)

This was getting worse by the minute, and I struggled to make sense of it all. "She had to have eaten something else."

Kate shrugged. "I don't know. I've been thinking about this over and over. She was at my house earlier in the day and didn't eat then. About four o'clock, Amanda announced she was going over to her apartment to change. She called me a little while later. It was right before she left for your shop." She paused. "Amanda almost died once before from a bee sting, you know."

My stomach lurched. "I didn't know. What happened?"

"A pool party two summers ago." Kate stirred her coffee in an absentminded way. "She got stung and immediately went into shock. Fortunately, one of the hosts located the EpiPen in her purse and applied it." She looked at me sorrowfully.

Guilt crept over me. If I'd stayed downstairs, I would have heard the commotion on the porch. Perhaps Amanda had banged on my door repeatedly, but I never heard anything since I was in the shower. I shut my eyes tight. How helpless and frightened she must have felt when she went to search for her EpiPen and didn't find it. And then to die all alone like that. "If only I'd never gone upstairs to change."

I didn't realize I'd spoken the words aloud, until Kate patted my hand. "I'm sure you would have done your best to help her."

Josie paced back and forth in front of our table. "You really think someone might have done this deliberately?"

I held my breath and waited.

She paused a long moment before answering. "Yes. I think someone wanted Amanda dead."

A shiver crept down my spine.

Kate took a sip of her coffee. "Let's be honest, shall we? God knows I loved my daughter more than anything, but there were many people who didn't. She said and did hurtful things." Her eyes were full of pity as she looked at me, and I flinched. "I once overheard her telling Charlotte about your ex-husband. She sounded as if she was proud of wrecking your marriage. I'm sorry for all the pain she caused you."

As much as I appreciated her apology, I felt I had to be fair about the situation. "She didn't wreck it by herself. Colin had a little something to do with it as well."

She sighed. "I'm afraid my daughter made many enemies during her short life. We spoiled her terribly. You see, we couldn't have children. When Amanda's father and I adopted her at the age of four, she brought us such joy."

This was news to me and apparently to Josie as well who stood there, her mouth hanging wide open.

I shifted in my seat. "I didn't know Amanda was adopted."

"I think we tried to prove our love for her by giving her material things." Kate sighed. "What a mistake that was. We certainly didn't do her any favors. I did so hope that you could help me."

"I'll do whatever I can," I volunteered.

She hesitated as she glanced at both of us. "Amanda didn't have many friends. I was wondering if the two of you might consider coming to the wake Sunday afternoon. It's being held at Phibbins Mortuary."

"Of course." My insides filled with dread as I worried about the attention my presence would attract. Almost everyone in our gossip-rampant town knew about her and Colin. "We'd be glad to go." When Josie raised her eyebrows at me, I ignored her silent protest. "You're sure she had nothing to eat or drink before she came here?"

"The only thing she might have had was a fruit smoothie they stock in the waiting room of her spa. She told me they helped settle her stomach." Kate paused. "Have either of you been there?"

Josie and I both shook our heads.

"Amanda kept a supply in her fridge at home. She was crazy about them and sometimes brought one along in her car too." A sudden gleam came into her eyes, and her mouth dropped open. "Dear God, do you think someone could have put something in her drink?"

I pursed my lips. "I guess it's possible. Smoothies are thick, and she might not have noticed a difference in the taste right away."

"Oh, how stupid of me. Why didn't I tell the police about it when they asked if she'd eaten anything else?" Kate's lower lip trembled.

"I'm sure it just slipped your mind. I'd like to help you find out who did this." What I didn't add out loud was that until the person responsible was found, it was likely people would believe I had something to do with Amanda's death. My nemesis just happens to drop dead outside my cookie shop?
Yeah, Sal, nothing to worry about there.
A light bulb went on in my head. "I could call Officer Jenkins and tell him about the smoothie, if you want. Maybe they found one in her car." I tried to remember if there'd been a cup on the porch, but I was drawing a blank.

Relief filled Kate's voice. "That would be wonderful. He also has a key to Amanda's apartment if they need to search it again. I have relatives coming from out of town for the service, and I really must get home." She stood and handed me a business card, then smiled at the both of us. "Thank you for the coffee. If you happen to think of anything else, please call me, day or night."

"Of course." I nodded as Josie went to retrieve her coat.

Kate's somber eyes rested on my face. "Amanda used to come over and spend the night a couple of times a week. We were so close. Thank goodness I still have Charlotte living there, but it's lonely for me without my baby."

The bells over the door chimed, and we watched her depart, shoulders hunched forward as the rain continued to cascade around her retreating figure.

There was a lump in my throat. "I feel so sorry for her."

"I know." Josie stared out the window. "She's such a sweet thing. We should have guessed about Amanda being adopted. She was nothing like Kate."

"Uh-huh." I was barely listening.

She frowned. "You've got something brewing. Out with it."

I tapped the card in my hand. "If we could find proof Amanda ate or drank something else besides the cookies, it may clear me and the shop. Maybe we could even find the killer, too." Excited, I opened the cash register and removed the drawer.

"What are you doing?"

I lifted out another business card. "Brian's card. I'm going to call and tell him about Kate's visit and ask if they might have found the container the smoothie was in."

"He doesn't have to tell you anything, you know." Josie threw Kate's Styrofoam cup in the trash.

I gave her a saucy smile. "I think he will, though."

Josie grinned in return. "Oh, do you, now? Sal, fess up. You like him."

"Don't be silly. I just met him."

"Liar, liar." She stuck her tongue out at me in a childish manner and walked into the back room.

I sat back down at the table and entered his number into my phone. Nervous flutters danced in my stomach while I waited.

Brian answered on the second ring. "Officer Jenkins speaking."

Heat crept up my neck. "Hi, Officer, er, Brian. This is Sally Muccio."

There was a brief silence on the other end, and then Brian's voice oozed forth with warmth. "Hello, Sally. I was just thinking about you."

Our steady stream of curious customers had finally ceased for the day, along with the rain outside. Fog settled in as the sun began its rapid descent in the sky. I redirected my gaze from the window and tried to concentrate on calculating today's sales receipts. It had been a long afternoon, and we didn't have much to show for it.

Josie was sweeping the vinyl floor around me. She leaned on the broom and glanced over my shoulder. "Please tell me my eyes are playing tricks on me."

I sighed and shook my head. "I wish."

"That's
all
we did today?"

"Maybe tomorrow will be better." I pressed my fingers against my temples in a vain attempt to relieve my stress.

"I sure as hell hope so." Josie emptied the dustpan into the garbage can with a vengeance. "I wish she could have picked somewhere else to die."

My mouth opened in astonishment. "Josephine Sullivan!"

There was a long silence while she slanted the broom against the counter. "I'm sorry. I mean, I'm sorry she's dead. I'm also sorry she had to die here. What are we going to do?"

I folded my arms on the table and leaned my head on top. "I don't know. I'd hoped after the autopsy came back, the shop would be cleared. Maybe if they find a smoothie and test it—"

"Are you kidding?" Josie snorted in disgust. "If something shows up in the drink, people might think you put it there. It's not going to get better, only worse."

I tried to remain calm. "Okay, let's stay positive here."

"What happens if they make us close the shop? For good?" Josie sat next to me and clutched my arm. "I need this to work, Sal. We can't get by on Rob's salary alone."

I nodded. "I know. I'm in the same boat as you. If the shop goes belly up, I'll have to move back in with my parents. I don't think I could survive that."

"At least your parents are willing to help. My mother's never thought about anyone but herself." Her lower lip started to tremble. She pushed back her chair and walked rapidly into the back room.

Something was definitely wrong. Confused, I got to my feet and followed her. She was clutching the block table, hands shaking.

"Hey." When I touched her shoulder, she collapsed into tears. Mystified, I put my arms around her. "What is it?"

She drew back and grabbed a paper towel to wipe her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"What's wrong? You haven't been acting like yourself all day."

She brought her eyes level with mine, and her cheeks reddened. "I didn't want to tell you—"

Now I understood her hesitation. "Do you need money?"

She nodded, glancing at the floor. "How did you know?"

I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze while I reached for my purse on a nearby shelf. I drew out my leather checkbook and a pen. "We've been friends for twenty years. Give me a little credit, will you. Is three hundred enough?"

Josie's jaw dropped. "I don't know when I can pay it back. You can take some out of my salary each week."

"You're not going to pay me back." I signed the check and put it in her apron pocket. "This place wouldn't be possible without you."

"Sal." Her voice trembled as she hugged me. "You've been so good to me. And you're great to my boys, always buying clothes and toys for them. I don't want you to think this is for something frivolous. Danny needs glasses, and Rob's insurance won't cover it."

My heart went out to her. "I wish I could afford to purchase health insurance for you. Maybe someday—"

Josie held up her hand. "That's not what I was implying. I appreciate this more than you'll ever know."

I cleared my throat, afraid I might cry too, and glanced at the clock. Six thirty. "What do you say we close up a half hour early? I doubt we'll get any big orders."

She nodded and exhaled a long breath. "Okay."

I turned the sign to
Closed
on the front door and locked it.

Josie grinned. "What time are you meeting charming Officer Jenkins?"

"Seven." I wanted to take a hot shower, but there wasn't enough time.

"Oh, now I understand." Her eyes gleamed. "Why didn't you ask me to close up, silly? Go upstairs and start primping."

I waved my hand dismissively. "We're only meeting for coffee at South Street Diner. It's not a big deal, trust me."

"I see." Josie started to wipe the tables down. "And was this little rendezvous his idea or yours?"

Her eyes shone, and I was pleased my gift had made a difference. There was no need to tell her how worried I was about the shop's livelihood or that three hundred dollars could have paid my rent for another week. Josie's life had never been easy. She'd grown up in poverty, a house overcrowded with too many siblings. She was the child her parents managed to forget about and had eaten more meals at my home than her own. Josie swore her children were going to have a better life, no matter what she had to do. The problem was that as soon as she and Rob started to get a little ahead, another minor catastrophe would befall them.

"It was Brian's idea. Hardly a rendezvous. I told him about the smoothie, and he suggested we meet."

She shook her head. "I think you're wasting your time. He's a policeman. He's not going to tell you what they found."

I shrugged. "We'll see."

"Hmm." Josie peered closer at me. "Perhaps it isn't a waste of time."

She was impossible. "What are you talking about?"

Josie's smile was wicked. "Hallelujah. This might be exactly what the doctor ordered."

I made a face. "I'm not looking for a new boyfriend. I want to find out who's responsible for Amanda's death. That's all."

"Whatever you say." Josie gave me a thumbs-up.

*   *   *

At 7:15, there was still no sign of Brian. I sat in the booth of the old-fashioned, fifties-themed diner. Should I call him? Had he stood me up? And why was I even using that phrase?
It's not a date, Sal.

I sat brooding over my cup of coffee, unsure of what to do next. Someone dropped a red rose on the table in front of me. When I looked up, Brian was standing next to the booth, grinning at me.

"Sorry I'm late." He slid into the seat across from me and nodded at the rose. "I was passing the florist and figured you might need some cheering up after the last couple of days."

I sniffed at the flower, inhaling the fragrant smell. It had been a long time since a man had done something nice for me. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

He started to say something then colored up. A waitress appeared, and he glanced quickly at the menu. "Would you like something to eat?'

"No, thanks."

Brian ordered coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich. After the waitress left, he crossed his arms on the table and leaned forward, his gaze level with mine. He wasn't wearing his uniform. Instead, he was dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a white Yankees T-shirt, which revealed his muscular arms. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans.

"Did you go home to change first?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I had the day off, but I've been busy doing some work on the investigation. Your theory was correct. We did find a plastic cup in Amanda's car yesterday containing a smoothie. It was almost full, like she'd only taken a couple of sips at most. Very good detective work on your part, even though we beat you to it." He smiled.

"Well, like I said, I happened to be with Kate when she mentioned the drink and wanted to tell you. Let's be honest. I need to clear my name from this entire situation."

The waitress reappeared with Brian's sandwich and coffee.

"I understand completely. I haven't had a chance to tell Kate yet. Plus, it only went to the lab for testing this morning. I've asked them to put a rush on it. We'll be able to get it analyzed to see if anything suspicious shows up."

Brian shoveled the sandwich into his mouth, and I tried not to laugh.

"What?" he asked.

"You remind me of the little kids that come into my shop and can't stop eating cookies."

Brian nodded. "I know. I'm terrible when it comes to eating healthy. I do try to stay in shape though. I have to for my job. I go to the gym four or five times a week."

Oh, believe me, it shows.

"Speaking of cookies…" I tossed a white bag onto the table. "These are for you. A dozen chocolate chip. Josie said they were your favorite."

"That's really nice of you." His eyes twinkled at me as he took a cookie out of the bag. When he bit into it, crumbs fell onto his baseball shirt. "Mm."

I shook my head. "You're from Boston and wearing a Yankees shirt?"

"Well, I can't wear it back home. I'd have to take my gun everywhere for protection." Brian winked. "How about you? Do you like baseball?"

"I love it."

"Yankees fan?" he asked, hopeful.

I smirked at him. "Sorry, I was brought up on the Sox. My grandmother's team."

He smiled and groaned as he bit into the cookie again. "And you're a New Yorker!"

"Okay, I get your point."
God, he is so adorable.

"Maybe we could take in a game sometime." He finished the cookie and gave a low moan. "That was great."

I fanned myself with a napkin, finding it suddenly very warm in the booth. "I should have brought you more. We didn't sell much merchandise today."

He pursed his lips. "Are people staying away because of Amanda?"

"Actually, it's the opposite. We've had quite a few people coming in. But they're asking questions and not really buying much. We even caught one guy taking pictures on my front porch this morning. Josie chased him away with a broom."

"Morbid curiosity." Brian shook his head in disgust.

I sighed and fiddled with my spoon. "Something like that, I guess."

"I'm sorry you have to go through this. Hopefully things will get back to normal soon." His eyes searched mine, and he hesitated for a moment. "Can I ask you a personal question?"

My insides quivered like jelly. "Of course."

"How long were you married?"

"About five years." This wasn't the question I'd been expecting.

Brian took a sip of his coffee. "What was your married name?"

"Brown." I shifted in my seat and really hoped this would be the end of such an unpleasant subject.

Recognition dawned on his face. "Wait, Sally Brown? Like, as in, Charlie's sister?"

I rolled my eyes. "Another reason why I decided not to keep it after the divorce."

His grin lit up the entire room as he laughed. "So while we're on the subject of names, how'd you wind up with Sally? It doesn't sound very Italian. Is it a family name?"

I heard this all the time. "I'm the eldest in a Sicilian family. My dad desperately wanted a son. He was going to name him Salvatore after his father. I kind of screwed that up for him."

"Okay, that makes sense now." He was reaching across the table to take my hand when his cell phone rang. He looked at the screen, and a muscle ticked in his jaw. "Excuse me for a moment, Sally." His tone changed quickly from gentle to brisk. "Officer Jenkins. How can I help you?"

I tried not to eavesdrop, but being curious by nature it was impossible, especially when I caught wind of who the conversation concerned. Amanda.

"I see." Brian frowned. "I appreciate you putting a rush on it. Yes, this does change things. Thanks, Pete." He clicked off and looked at me with concern.

"What's wrong?"

He hesitated while he glanced around the room. "This is confidential."

My stomach lurched. "Brian, please tell me what's going on."

He lowered his voice. "That was the lab. There were traces of bee venom found in Amanda's smoothie."

"Oh my God." I struggled to breathe normally. "So someone did kill her."

"It looks that way. She might have had a sip or two from the drink on the way over to your shop, and then—" His face was a mask of worry. "Do you know what this means?"

"Maybe that people will stop looking at me like I'm a murderer, I hope."

Brian took a sip of his coffee. "This means someone might have been trying to frame you for her murder. Maybe the killer knew she was coming to your shop and wanted everyone to think you'd given her a tainted cookie. Or they hoped she'd bring the drink into your shop and people would think you tampered with it. This also means the killer was in her apartment that day and knew about her allergy."

My head was spinning. This was too much to take in all at once. "Does this narrow down the suspects then?"

Brian shrugged. "Not really. According to Kate Gregorio, many people were aware she had an allergy. Family, friends. I'm sure her employees must have known, too. I've questioned a couple of them already. There was an incident when she was stung and almost died a couple of years ago too. And you know how people like to talk in this town."

Yes. That much I did know.