Free Dark Chocolate Demise by Jenn McKinlay

jacket. Stan didn’t care. He patted her back and shushed her while she cried even harder.
    Coming from sturdy Irish stock, the Cooper men were built big. They gave the best hugs in the world, and there wasn’t a day that passed that Mel didn’t miss getting squeezes from her dad. She was so grateful to have Uncle Stan in her life to help fill the void. She hugged him back as hard as she could.
    â€œYou all right?” he asked when her sobs began to slow.
    â€œYeah, I’m good,” she lied. “It’s just been . . . awful.”
    Stan let her go and stepped back to study her face. They both knew she wasn’t just talking about finding the body. Heck, she’d found enough bodies to have developed the requisite gallows humor as a coping mechanism.
    No, she was talking about the relentless stress and worry she’d been enduring since Joe had begun his trial a few months before, and Stan knew it.
    â€œHe’s okay,” Stan said. “We’ve had protection on him since day one, and don’t discount the brothers. They’re excellent guard dogs.”
    Mel snuffled and nodded. “I know. I’ll just be really glad when this trial is over.”
    â€œHang tough, kid.” Stan patted her shoulder. Then he straightened up and Mel knew he was bracing himself for what he was about to go do. She didn’t envy him the grisly task.
    One of the crime scene investigators was cordoning off the area with yellow tape. Mel was relieved that they didn’t loop the van, although she was certain there was no way they’d be selling any more cupcakes today. The mere thought made her sick to her stomach.
    â€œI feel sort of disgusting in this getup,” Angie said. “Do you think Stan will mind if I leave?”
    â€œI don’t think so,” Mel said. “I mean, you weren’t here, so it’s not like you’re a witness or anything.”
    â€œKristin!” a man yelled as he charged towards them.
    Mel only had a moment to register that he was dressed in a tuxedo and looked an awful lot like Tate, the zombie groom, before he was upon them. He grabbed Angie’s arm and spun her around.
    â€œKristin! Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you,” he said. He hugged her close. “Did you hear a woman was killed? When I couldn’t find you . . .”
    His voice trailed off and he let go of Angie as he noticed Mel standing beside them. Mel glanced at Tate, who looked as sick about the situation as she felt. This had to be the dead woman’s boyfriend or husband. Mel closed her eyes for a second and dug deep, looking for strength. This could have played out so differently.
    â€œSir, I’m so sorry, there’s been a . . .” she began but he interrupted her.
    â€œMel? Mel Cooper?” he asked.
    Mel looked at him. She couldn’t see past the ghoulish makeup or the fake gash on his neck. If he was a regular at the bakery, she couldn’t place him.
    â€œIt’s me, Scott Streubel; I’m a law clerk in your . . . er . . . in Joe DeLaura’s office,” he said.
    Ding!
The light went off and Mel remembered Scott and his wife, Kristin. They’d gotten married about six months ago. She and Joe had attended the service and reception. Joe had even toasted them, wishing them a long and happy life together.
    Mel felt bile splash up into the back of her throat. She desperately hoped that she was wrong, please, please, please, but on the off chance she wasn’t, she figured it was better if she was the one to tell Scott what was happening.
    â€œOh, Scott,” Mel said. Her voice must have registered her distress, because he gave her a wary look.
    â€œWhat is it, Mel?”
    â€œThis isn’t your wife,” she said, gesturing to Angie. “This is my friend Angie.”
    Angie faced him so he could really see her, and Scott blinked.