Free Tastes Like Murder (Cookies & Chance Mysteries Book 1) by Catherine Bruns Page A

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."

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    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.