Free A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander

cup of coffee and a croissant sandwich when it’s not buzzing with tourists. We make all of our soups and sandwiches fresh every day. Our standard menu includes an old-fashioned PBJ with homemade jams. I love mine grilled on the panini maker with our rustic French bread. We offer a cranberry-walnut chicken salad and basil egg salad. Our deli case is stocked with locally sourced meats and cheeses so that our customers can create their own sandwich. To finish off any order, we box up sandwiches with a cookie and drink for a quick lunch on the go.
    With fall on my mind, I thought I’d try an apple-inspired sandwich for today’s special. I chopped organic Rogue Valley apples and shredded a pork loin that I had chilling in the fridge. I tossed them in apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Pork and apples tend to pair well together. I’d serve it in a baguette with arugula and Fontina cheese.
    Thomas beat the lunch crowd in. He waited for me to finish assembling the sandwiches, taking a cup of coffee that Sterling offered him while standing at the counter. I still hadn’t gotten quite used to seeing him in his uniform. In high school he’d been a goofy football player who liked to make us all laugh. I’d witnessed his serious side and dedication to following leads without jumping to conclusions when we worked together on Ashland’s last murder, yet watching him size up Torte in his blue police uniform made me stifle a giggle.
    “What’s the latest?” I asked, bringing him an apple and pork baguette on a plate with two amaretto dream cookies.
    “Is this for me?” He ran his fingers through his sandy hair.
    “I figured you might want lunch.”
    “You are a mind reader, Jules.” He took the plate and directed me toward a table in the far corner. “Let’s go sit.”
    Andy should be back from his morning class soon. I checked with Sterling to make sure he had the front under control before joining Thomas.
    “You’re not going to eat?” He ripped off a chunk of the sandwich with his teeth.
    “Not if you’re going to devour my food like that.” I feigned disgust.
    That only encouraged him. He yanked another bite and chewed from one side of his mouth. “This is so good; you can’t expect me to eat it like a civilized gentleman. This sandwich was made to be eaten like a man.” He thumped his chest.
    I rolled my eyes. “It does make me happy to know that some things— or people —never change.”
    “What? How can you say that, Jules? I’ve changed. Look at me.” He patted his taut stomach.
    “Right.” I smirked. “Can we talk about Chef Marco?”
    Thomas rested the remaining portion of his sandwich on his plate and glanced around the room. “What do you want to talk about? I thought I made it clear that I don’t want you messed up in this.”
    I folded my hands on the table. “I already am, Thomas. I found him.”
    He sighed. “I know. Are you doing okay?”
    “Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I snapped.
    “Maybe because we care about you.” He looked at his sandwich.
    “Sorry. I guess I’m a little on edge.”
    “Jules, it’s okay. Someone was murdered. Even in this line of work it’s not exactly something you ever get used to, you know.”
    “Did the coroner confirm that?”
    “He as much as did. Said he’d have more info this afternoon, but that it looked like blunt force trauma to the head.”
    I swallowed hard. “Have you talked to the Professor?”
    Thomas plucked a piece of arugula from his sandwich and nodded. “He should be back later. I think we have everything under control, but I know the Professor won’t be able to rest until he sees the scene. Speaking of the crime scene, are any of Chef Marco’s personal items here? I’m going to need to go through them.”
    “His workstation is full of his stuff.” I nodded. “I’ll take you back there after you finish your lunch. Did you talk to Philip? The rest of the contestants seem to think