Free A Geek Girl's Guide to Arsenic by Julie Anne Lindsey Page B

My tummy tried to eat itself as I hustled to Dream Bean for a triple-shot café au lait and pain au chocolat. I measured my gait, careful to maintain the balance of my hoop skirt. Nothing screamed amateur like a swinging hoop.
    The clip-clop of horses’ hooves added to my morning trip through time. Slowly, my pace settled into a casual stride. Music and laughter energized the cool autumn air. Maybe Pioneer Days wasn’t the worst thing ever. Maybe I was a grouch in need of sugar and caffeine treatments.
    “Morning, Mia.” A man on horseback tipped his hat.
    “Hi, Mark. How’s it going?”
    Mark was the head of Horseshoe Falls’ security. He’d taken a leave of absence over the summer when the FBI contacted him about an outbreak of identity thefts centralized around our community. They’d thought I was a criminal mastermind and sent Jake in to play temporary head of security in Mark’s stead.
    He slid off the horse and tied him at a bicycle rack. “Not bad, yet. I’m checking in on the Kubickas.”
    “Uh-oh.” I glanced at the side-by-side doors behind us. Dream Bean and Sweet Retreat. The Lindseys owned Dream Bean and sold the best coffee and pastries in town. The Kubickas owned the Sweet Retreat and served the most delicious ice cream and gossip around.
    The shop owners had a long and colorful history of feuding.
    Mark sighed. “Pioneer Days started two hours ago, and I’m already here to document a complaint. I believe this is a record.”
    “Good luck.” I tried to smile but couldn’t manage without more coffee.
    I tugged the door to Dream Bean open and suppressed the immediate urge to twirl when warm scents of caramel and brown sugar climbed my nose. I leaned against a stool at the end of the bar and shoved my skirt under the counter.
    The soft pink-and-white décor reminded me of a French candy shop, complete with white twisted-iron chairs and small round tables. The best seats, though, were along the beautiful glass counter.
    Stew Lindsey winked at me. He filled a display with fancy pastries, éclairs and macarons in every color. “Can I get you something, Mia?” He leaned an elbow on the case and dusted his palms.
    “Café au lait, triple shot, please.”
    “Okay. Can I get you something sweet to go with that?”
    My mouth watered. How could I choose? He might as well have asked me to pick a favorite book or pair of shoes. “I came in for pain au chocolat, but everything looks amazing. I can’t decide.”
    “How about I surprise you then?” Stew turned to prepare my coffee.
    His wife, Darlene, dumped a load of empty cups into the sink. She dried her hands and headed my way. “Morning, Mia.”
    “Good morning.” I beamed. The promise of coffee and surprise treats had completely remedied my earlier disposition. Today was a good day.
    Darlene stopped moving. Her gaze fixed on a smudge, she grabbed a fancy cloth from her apron and scrubbed the glass display case.
    Stew hummed behind her, cheerfully filling a plate with a rainbow of assorted sweets. He delivered my order with a flourish. “Surprise.”
    “Thank you.” I gripped the cup with both hands.
    Darlene shoved the cloth deep into her apron pocket. “Enjoy.” Her smile seemed somewhat counterfeit.
    Mine, on the other hand, was born of pure bliss.
    Stew tapped her shoulder. “Honey? Everything all right?”
    “There was a smudge.” She turned for the prep sink without another word.
    Stew raised his gaze to mine. “I guess she’s a neatnik now?” He laughed and gave the counter another wipe. “I left powdered fingerprints again?”
    I sipped the heavenly drink and imagined floating above the stool. “Something gooey. Butter maybe.”
    Stew was always covered in the fruits of his labor—powdered sugar, flour, butter. He lifted each arm and examined the white material of his smock.
    I pointed to a greasy mark on one sleeve and swallowed a pastrygasm. Bits of flaky croissant filled with melted chocolate clung to my tongue and