Free BlueBuried Muffins (Black Cat Cafe Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Lyndsey Cole Page B

hand on Leona’s. “We both love Annie. I don’t know why I ever felt competition for her love, there’s enough to go around.”
    “What are you two whispering about?” Annie saw their hands intertwined and smiled. “Never mind, none of my business.” She held up the photograph. “What do you think?”
    “Wow!” Leona exclaimed. “That’s perfect for the café. A black kitty and my signature blueberry muffins. Quite the modern still life. You are extremely talented, Red.”
    Annie walked around the café holding the photograph up in different places and waiting for thumbs up or down from Leona and Mia. Finally, when she held it directly across from the door, they both smiled and gave the thumbs up sign.
    “That’s perfect. Everyone will see it when they come in, right next to the French doors with the view of the lake.” Leona got up to hold it so Annie could step back and get a better perspective.
    She nodded in agreement. “It looks like it was always meant for this spot. I’ll tap in a picture hook, it will only take a minute.”
    As Annie straightened the frame on its new home, Roy walked in. “I hope you aren’t putting nail holes in my new walls.”
    “Of course not,” Annie replied without turning around. “This hangs here by magic.”
    “Very funny.” He glared at Leona. “Are you ready to open at seven?”
    “Right on the button. Would you like a cup of coffee? On the house?” she asked with a voice dripping with fake sweetness.
    He glared at each woman before turning and leaving without the courtesy of a reply.
    “What’s up his butt?” Leona asked to no one in particular.
    Mia answered, “He’s been like this ever since Annie got back. Something is bothering him but he sure hasn’t told me.”
    Detective Jaffrey showed up next. “Am I too early to get some coffee and granola?”
    Leona checked the time on her watch. “Yup.” Then she laughed. “Go ahead and help yourself, but don’t tell anyone we’re giving you preferential treatment.”
    The detective nodded toward Annie’s photograph. “Great photo. Was it there yesterday?”
    “I just put it up. We’re definitely cutting close to the wire getting everything done.”
    “I like it.” He tilted his head sideways. “I think it’s hanging a little crooked.”
    “Darn, this wire needs to be adjusted. It keeps listing to one side.” Annie brought the photo into the office where she could lay it down safely and check the wire on the back.
    Leona finished setting up the breakfast cart with the granola, juices and milk. She checked to be sure the coffee pots were all set and the tea selection was varied. Smiling to herself, she felt the satisfaction of hard work paying off. Her goal was to make everything as self-serve as possible to cut down on labor for herself and Annie.
    Detective Jaffrey helped himself at the granola cart and poured himself a big cup of coffee. As he slid into the booth across from Mia, his right arm bumped into the corner of the seat back and he winced in pain, almost dropping the coffee.
    “Here, let me help you.” Mia jumped up to take the coffee and granola so he could massage his arm. “Did you hurt yourself?”
    He rubbed his arm before picking up his coffee. “Yeah, one of those stupid things that happen that’s too embarrassing to talk about. It sounds so much better if you end up with an exciting story to go with an injury,” he joked.
    “Any leads with the investigation?” Mia asked.
    He smiled his charming, dimpled smile. “Can’t share those details, sorry.” He watched Leona and Annie hustling around, with only minutes left before the café would open for the first day of business. “This café is full of charm with the shelves filled with books, and all the mouthwatering smells. I predict a big success.” Draining his coffee and finishing the last of the granola, he wiped his mouth. “I’ll get out of your hair before the rush starts.”
    No sooner than he uttered those