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

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