Free Vanilla Baked Murder: Cozy Mystery Book 3 (Kim’s Cozy Mystery series) by Tom Soule, R Taylor

Chapter One
     
    The clock struck twelve and the store was already crammed with hungry desperate customers rubbing shoulder to shoulder, itching for a sweet treat during the lunch session. They poured in droves to the newest trendy pastry shop in town, “Cream Fusion.”
     
    The cozy pastry shop had high ceilings, with modern art work hanging at each corner of the walls, creating the perfect atmosphere for a modern contemporary eatery.
     
    “Cream Fusion” baked fresh the finest gourmet cakes, muffins and cupcakes in Huntington.  It also served hot or cold beverages at the customer’s request.
     
    Samuel Hamilton, wearing a dark gray suit that hugged his chiseled body, stood several feet away from “Cream Fusion,” just enough to glimpse inside without being detected. His beloved ex-fiancée Kimberly Johnson was working the best hours of her new store. Each time the door swung open, he lifted his chin and stretched his neck, hoping to glimpse her even once. Instead, he saw Mrs. Bellman and her broad straw braid hat blocking his view.
     
    A disappointed Sam shook his head. “I know she is going to get the carrot cake, the new customer special,” he thought.  “She always orders the same thing.” He wondered why she couldn’t shake things up for a change. “I mean, I love carrot cake too, but every day?” Deep down, his issues weren’t really the carrot cake; it was that he couldn’t hang out with Kim, the love of his life, but it was easier to blame Mrs. Bellman.
     
    He refocused his attention on his failed relationship and his fruitless attempts to see his ex-fiancée. After 15 minutes outside, he abandoned his hopes when the impenetrable crowd stood like a brick wall, blocking his view of the large glass counter full of pastries.
     
    He made his slow journey back to City Hall. “At least I can get Jerry to pick up my favorite cupcake, aaaaah the moist fudge flavored one. Ooh man, I miss that girl.” Sam smiled as he reminisced about his lost love and her baked goodies.
     
    Sam finally reached his destination: Huntington’s Town Hall Legislative House. He pushed through the revolving doors and instantly was harassed by the town clerk who desperately sought his approval.
     
    “Sir, please,” the town clerk asked eagerly. “Can I please get your signature on the new zoning audits?”
     
    “No, not right now.” Sam said. “Bring it to Lisa. She will put it on my timetable.” Sam's stern dismissive attitude was not like him. The toll of his failed engagement had started to affect his professional life, diminishing his usually calm demeanor.
     
    Sam was already bombarded and he hadn’t even reached his office yet. The Legislative House, a French Renaissance building, was bustling with council members, special interest groups, and advisors making new grand plans for the city of Huntington. Sam quickly rushed through the security checkpoint and made his way to the elevator before anyone else could steal his time.
     
    Once Sam finally reached the Mayor’s Chambers, he found a  group of six senior council members patiently waiting for the appointed interim mayor to confirm a new proposal.   All eyes were fastened on Sam as he entered, took his seat and listened attentively to the council’s proposition.
     
    A heavy-set man, 6'2, got up and spoke.
     
    “You’re doing such a fine job as interim Mayor,” enthused Mr. Guttman. “The economy is coming back and new citizens are moving in. We had it rough last year, but like a phoenix, this town is rising out of the ash.” He continued to boast about the rising new Huntington. But as usual, Guttman went off onto a tangent. He looked intensely at Sam. “Back in my day, men had guts and hearts…a--”
     
    Fuming with a desire to focus on the proposal, Harold, a toupee council member, intervened. “Cut to the fun stuff, Guttman,” he said contemptuously.  “Sam, what Guttman is trying to say is that we want you to run for mayor on your own