Amber Crewes [Crewes - Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Box Set 2

SANDY BAY COZY MYSTERY SERIES BOXSET 2

By

Amber Crewes

Published by Pen-n-a-Pad Publishing in 2019

All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Pen-n-a-Pad Publishing

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

CONTENTS

Released : September, 2018

Series : Book 4 Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Series

Standalone : Yes

Cliff-hanger : No

Meghan Trumans relationship with her assistant is severely tested when she becomes prideful over a donut recipe shes introduced to Truly Sweets menu. Matters are further worsened when a distant relative of this assistant, with selfish intentions and bad manners, is found dead in the town center.

The local handyman is arrested and put in jail when several witnesses confirm they saw him having an altercation with the murdered victim. Handsome detective Irvin and Meghan believe hes innocent but the evidence against him is too damning to overlook.

Will Meghans attempt to give her assistant a second chance at restoring their relationship backfire or will a determination not to harbor unforgiveness in her heart lead her to the true murderer?

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ITS A HUGE PROMOTION! Jack Irvin exclaimed as Meghan Truman beamed back at him. The pair stood in the dining area of Truly Sweet , Meghans bakery, and Meghan could hardly believe Jacks good news.

Being moved up from a police officer to a detective is serious business, and I cant believe it just happened to me. Jack explained, his face filled with pride.

Meghan could see the excitement in Jacks blue eyes, and she felt butterflies in her stomach as he grinned at her. She could hardly contain her crush on Jack; they had been on several dates together over the last few weeks, and as she stared up at his enormous smile and deep dimples, Meghan hoped she wasnt blushing too hard.

Im so excited for you, she said. This is cause for celebration. How about I bake a nice black forest cake for you? You could take it in to work to celebrate. Im sure the folks at the station would love some treats.

Jack nodded enthusiastically. Thats truly sweet of you to offer, he replied, winking at Meghan as the heat rose to her cheeks. I love your cakes so much, but you know what would be great, Meghan? Donuts!

Meghans dark eyes widened. Donuts? she answered weakly. Are you sure?

Jack bobbed his head affirmatively. Yeah! Chief Nunan was just talking about how badly she wanted donuts, and this is the perfect occasion. I know that cakes, pies, and cookies are your specialty here at the bakery, but could you swing some homemade donuts for me? That would be so awesome.

Meghan brushed a stray dark hair from her forehead and wrinkled her nose. Come on, Jack! Let me make some brownies for you, or even a pie! Isnt it a big clich for police officers to love donuts?

Guilty as charged! Im just a big clich, but humor me here, Meghan. Pretty please make some donuts for me? Please? I would be the most popular officer at the station if I walked in with some homemade donuts.

Meghan forced herself to smile. She ran a hand through her long, dark hair, and looked up at Jack. Of course, Detective Irvin she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. I would be happy to make homemade donuts for you.

Jack gathered Meghan into a hug. Thank you, he said. You are truly the sweetest.

After Jack left, Meghan raced upstairs to retrieve her cell phone from the little apartment just above the bakery. She rifled through her purse, throwing aside gum wrappers, her sunglasses case, and her wallet. Where is it? she groaned, tossing the contents of her purse onto the wooden floor.

When she finally found her cell phone, she dialed the number of Karen Denton, one of her best friends. While at twenty-seven, Meghan was several decades younger than Karen, there had always been a strong connection between the two women, and whenever Meghan had any trouble, Karen was her first phone call.

Come on, Karen, pick up! Meghan muttered as the phone rang and rang.

Finally, Karen answered. Meghan! How are you, sweetie?

Karen, I have a problem, she whispered, her stomach churning. I need your help.

Whats that sweetie? So sorry! Im on mile fifteen of my twenty-mile run and the reception out here is just awful.

Meghan couldnt help but laugh. At seventy-three years old, Karen Denton was the fittest, healthiest person Meghan had ever known, and Karen was always training for something.

My marathon is coming up next month, you know, and these back roads arent going to run themselves! Meghan? Meghan? Are you there? Karen asked, her voice cutting in and out. The call suddenly dropped, and all Meghan heard was the dial tone.

Shoot, Meghan said. She thought for a moment, and then called Lori, her trusted assistant. Lori had been working as an assistant in the bakery for several months, and Meghan adored her company; Lori was like the little sister Meghan never had, and Meghan knew she could always rely on her.

Meghan! Lori squealed as she answered Meghans call. How are you?

Meghan smiled. Lori was unfailingly friendly and energetic, and Meghan loved having her around.

I have a little problem, Lori, she said, her voice serious. Jack came over earlier and had something important to ask me.

Finally! Lori exclaimed. Finally! Its about time.

Meghan cocked her head to the side. Finally? What are you talking about, Lori?

He came over and asked you to be his girlfriend! Its about time! Youve been on a handful of dates with him, and even your dogs get along well together! Im so happy to hear this news, Meghan! Jack is such a cutie. I cant believe he asked you to be his girlfriend at last.

Meghan sighed. She had been thinking a lot about their budding relationship; Meghan had moved to town and met Jack only a few months ago, and while she hadnt been fond of him at first, she had developed strong feelings for him. She hoped that perhaps someday, their relationship would turn into something more than just dates at the dog park and the occasional dinner together, but for now, she had bigger donuts to fry.

Thats not what he asked me, Lori, she said. He asked if I could make donuts for him. Donuts , Lori!

Lori paused. Wait, what? I dont get it, Meghan.

Meghan took a long breath. I dont know how to make donuts, Lori, her voice tinged with sadness. I never trained formally to become a baker! I went to college, and then moved to Los Angeles to become an actress, and when that didnt work out, I ended up here in Sandy Bay.

But your treats are so good, Meghan! Who cares about formal training? Lots of people dont train for things and are successful.

Lori, Meghan said slowly. You dont get it. I have no idea how to make donuts! I tried once, and it was a total failure! I couldnt get the filling right, I burnt them in the fryer, and the sugar melted into a big mess when I tried to sprinkle it on top. I dont know what to do. I told Jack I would make him three dozen homemade donuts to celebrate his promotion at work, and I dont know how to make homemade donuts! What do I do ?