Susan Gillard - Banana Coconut Murder

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Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright 2016 by Guardian Publishing Group - All rights reserved.

All rights Reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means such as printing, scanning, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

How are Angelica and Ken doing with the next batch? Heather asked, and tightened her apron.

The clink of plates and coffee cups in the new and improved Donut Delights brought a grin to her face. Life had come to the store an injection of customers for the grand re-opening today.

And, boy, were the Banana Coconut Donuts a hit.

Amy rang up another order, handed out a coffee, then turned to Heather. Theyre coming, theyre coming. You need to stop stressing. Everythings going smooth as can be.

Heather stretched her neck, then knuckled her lower back. Shed been on her feet since 4 am, preparing for the big day.

Gosh, Heather, Amy said, Youre exhausted. She turned, got a plate, then brought out another Banana Coconut Donut and placed it, carefully. She handed it to the young girl on the other side of the counter with a smile.

Its finally happening, Heather replied. She rotated and planted her feet, then smiled around at the massive interior of her store. The work team had knocked down the divider which had once led into the building next door.

Now, she had a massive kitchen and more space for customers too.

You need to take a break, Amy said, behind her. Why dont you go sit with Eva for a while? Shes been asking after you since she came in.

Good idea, Heather replied. She didnt bother untying her apron. Like it or not, she needed a break, even if it was just a short one.

Heather strode to Evas sunny spot at the front of the store, then lowered herself into the chair opposite the elderly woman.

Evas expression lit up, and she shifted her newspaper to one side. Heather, dear, how are you this fine Monday morning?

Spinning, Heather replied, then twirled her finger beside her head. Crazy too.

Eva chuckled then glanced around the store. You should be proud. The grand opening is a fantastic success. Ive never seen this many Hillside residents together in one place. Apart from that nasty business with the archery competition.

Heather eyed Evas Banana Coconut treat and wriggled her nose. Are you enjoying the newest creation, Eva?

Oh yes, divine. Absolutely divine, as usual. Eva lifted the donut, then took a bite. How did you make this one?

Heather scooted forward. I thought youd never ask. Well, I got it from an old recipe in my grandmothers book, and adapted it slightly.

Do tell, Eva replied, then picked up her napkin and dabbed at her lips.

I wanted to do something creamy and lights, so the topping is a whipped banana cream, with toasted coconut for topping.

And the donut itself?

Heather tapped the side of her nose. Coconut laced batter, crisped to perfection, then dipped once in a light vanilla glaze.

Genius, as usual, Eva said. She finished off her donut and sighed her delight. Her plum colored hairdo wobbled. Oh, Ive meant to ask you a question, Heather.

And whats that?

Eva patted the front page of the newspaper with her forefinger. Do you like ballet?

Heather blinked at her. Amy probably would have had a smart retort, but she couldnt summon one up. The ballet?

Yes, you know, dancing. It says in the paper that the local ballet school is putting on a big show, Eva said and hunched over the newspaper. Apparently, some big American Ballet Theatre recruiter is coming to Hillside to see if theres any talent here.

So the school is putting on a show to impress?

Thats right. It opens this week Wednesday. Would you be interested in going? Eva asked.

That sounds like a great idea, Heather replied. Oh, its a school night, though. Im sure Lilly wouldve liked to come.

Oh, Eva said, then readjusted the paper on the table. Yes, the show will go until quite late. Maybe theres a midday show we could go to. Ill phone the number here and find out.

That would be fantastic, Heather replied. So much had happened in the past while, she could hardly keep track.

Lilly had chosen Ryan and Heather to be her foster parents, but she couldnt move in immediately. Pamela, her social worker, first had to interview them and inspect their home to ensure it was the right place for a ten-year-old girl.

Nerves fluttered around in Heathers belly.

Her phone buzzed in the pocket of her jeans, and she hopped in the chair. Excuse me, a second, Eva, Heather said. She slid from her seat, then squished her phone out of her pocket.

Ryans number flashed on the screen. She swiped to answer, then pressed the phone to her ear.

Hello?

Mrs. Shepherd, her husband said. Hows the grand opening treating ya?

Very well, Heather replied, then stifled a yawn behind her fist. She strode to the front door of the store, then opened it and slipped into the fresh fall breeze outside. Great actually. Im just a little tired.

Then, youd better pick up a couple of coffees on your way over here, Ryan replied.

Heathers insides looped around themselves. A pretzel of anxiety. Over where, exactly? And do I need to ask why?

The ballet school. Theres been another murder. It looks like a young woman, a ballerina, was pushed down the stairs, Ryan said. Can you get away from the store? Or do you want to skip out on this way.

Ballet summoned thoughts of beauty and grace, not murder. And Eva had been so excited about the show.

Ill take the case, Heather replied. Honestly, she wouldnt let a case slide in her beloved Hillside. Not with the possibility of a new family member looming on the horizon. The safer Hillside became, the better. And Ill bring those coffees you suggested.

Hoskins is angling for donuts again, Ryan muttered.

Heather laughed out loud. A man in a suit nearby flinched, then frowned at her. I wont bring any donuts, she replied. Not until he learns to behave himself.

See you soon, Ryan replied.

Oh, you can bet your last donut on it.

Chapter 2

Heather folded her arms across her chest and stared down at the landing below her. The body had been thankfully removed before her arrival. One flight of stairs in the entire building?

Thats right, Ryan replied. He walked to the top of the stairs, a takeaway Donut Delights coffee cup in his hands, and positioned himself in the center of the walkway. My best estimate is that she was here when she was pushed.

If she was pushed, a gruff voice said, from the doorway nearby. Hoskins bulk filled the entryway, which led into the office of the ballet school.

The scent of resin, hairspray, and musty costumes wafted on the air.

She was pushed, Ryan replied.

How do we know? Heather asked.

Hoskins grunted and stared at her. His jaw dropped perhaps, hed thought shed be biased. She was here to discover the truth, not pick sides in an internal issue.

Ryan nodded and used his coffee cup to gesture. Blunt trauma to the back of the head. Focused blunt trauma. Whoever hit her, did it when she wasnt looking and with enough force to topple her.

The narrow flight of stairs had given Heather vertigo on the way up. She restrained a shiver at the thought of whatd happened here.

Victims name? She asked, and refused to meet Hoskins gaze which burned a hole in the side of her face. Heather took a sip of her coffee and focused on her husband.