Susan Gillard - Caramel Glazed 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

The donut sat in the center of the plain white plate, glistening beneath the downlights in Donut Delights. Caramel dripped from its fluffy dough base and gathered in a golden brown pool beneath it.

This is your best one yet, Eva Schneider said. She swept her gnarled finger through the caramel drippings, then lifted it to her lips. Oh, delicious. Im almost afraid to take a bite. I know Ill get addicted.

I guess, I wanted to celebrate this week, Heather replied, then sat down at Evas favorite table at the front of the store. Only two more weeks and the store reopens, bigger and better than before. I hope.

Of course, it will be better, Eva replied. She picked up the donut and caramel glaze dribbled down the sides. Excuse me, dear, but I must have a bite.

Heather grinned and dipped her chin downward. The purpose of her donuts was just this: to make people happy. Especially, people like Eva Schneider. The woman deserved all the happiness in the world.

Eva took a massive bite. She chewed, and her eyes lit up. How did you get the caramel inside? She asked.

Injected it with syringes. Theyre my masterpieces, Heather replied. Based on an old recipe from my grandmothers book.

And they might give you diabetes if you eat too many of them. Amy strode toward them, a Donut Delights apron tied around her waist.

I can believe that, Eva replied, but took another big bite, regardless. She drummed her heels on the golden boards and sighed.

Heather rose from her seat and met her best friends gaze. I get the feeling that you didnt come out here to warn Eva about potential sugar overload.

Astute as ever, Amy said and stuck out her tongue. We got another order. Its a big one.

How big?

Two hundred donuts for an event in Dallas. And theres a hint that they might order more, Amy replied, then looped her arm through Heathers aside. And get this, the order is for a gaming convention.

A what?

You know, gaming. PC, Xbox, PlayStation, that kind of thing, Amy replied, then roll her eyes. The only games I play are the hidden object kind.

They have conventions for games? Heather asked, and scratched her temple. Who wouldve thought?

Plenty of people. Its kind of a big deal. Gamers come from everywhere to meet up and play or compete, or do whatever it is that they do there. Anyway, this is just a pre-emptive order. The guy on the phone said that thered be more if the donuts were a hit.

Just how many days is this convention? Heather asked.

Four, Amy replied. She chuckled and wiggled Heathers arm. Thats a lot of sales.

Thats a lot of donuts. They didnt have the staff for that many orders, yet. Maybe in two weeks, when shed had a chance to hire after the launch of the new and improved store, but now? Not a chance.

Theyd be swamped. Theyd never be able to

Ive already spoken with the team, Amy said and cut right across Heathers thoughts. Everyone thinks we can do it. I mean, these are Choc Revolution Donuts, Heather. Theyre relatively straightforward to make.

Heather bit the inside of her cheek. She nodded at last. That last part was true.

The Caramel Glazed Donuts were simple. A vanilla donut injected with drippy caramel glaze on two sides, then triple dipped for luscious flavor. Sticky and sweet, easy to make.

All right, Heather said, at last. Yeah, I guess we can do that if everyones on board.

Youll have to force Maricela to go home. Shes really excited about this. I think shes most excited for a few of the rejects, Amy replied, then laughed.

Heather stopped and tapped the bottom of her chin. When is the first order of two hundred due?

This weekend.

So, well have to form a production chain for this, Heather said. Oh wait, lets get everyone in here for a meeting and

A knock rattled the glass pane of the front door.

The women turned on the spot and stared at it. Heather grinned.

Ryan Shepherd stood outside Donut Delights, handsome in his smart police uniform. He raised his knuckles again and rapped once. Can I come in? He asked.

Amy and Heather exchanged a glance. Why had he even asked?

Heather unhooked her arm from Amys and walked to the front, and her heart skipped beats in time with her steps.

Ryan didnt smile at her. Oh yeah, something was up. Could it be her first case as a consultant to the Hillside Police Department?

She unlocked then opened the door for her husband.

Ryan took two steps inside, then looked around the front room of Donut Delights. Good morning, ladies, he said.

Officer, Eva replied, gravely. But a glob of sticky caramel on her chin ruined the effect.

Ryans gaze flickered from the blob to Evas eyes, and he nodded once, then turned to Heather. Unfortunately, this isnt a personal visit. Im here about a case.

Ooh, Amy squealed, then grasped Heathers arms. Its happening. The first real one. The first case.

Ryan didnt reply.

Heathers heart pounded against the inside of her ribcage. All right. Would you like to speak in my office?

Ryan opened his mouth, then hesitated. He cleared his throat and moved closer to them. Actually, that would be a great idea.

Heather spun around and walked toward the office.

But, Ryan said, Im here to speak with Amy, first.

All sound ceased, apart from the slow tick of the clock against the wall. Amy? Why would he be here to see her?

Heather turned back to her husband. Whats going on?

Ryan took his notepad and pen out of his pocket. Amys cheeks paled, her eyes went wide.

Theres been a murder, he said. We have reason to believe that Amy might have been the last person to see the victim alive.

Chapter 2

Heather braced her elbows on her desk and interlaced her fingers beneath her chin. How is this possible? She asked. Amys been at Donut Delights all morning.

Except for one delivery, Amy said, then swallowed an air bubble. She oscillated between an upright posture, then a lean back against the chair opposite Heathers desk.

Ryan stood beside Heathers chair, his notepad out. Thats the time slot were looking at.

That means that

Junior Buckle is dead, Ryan replied, then scrawled a note across the top of his lined pad. He was poisoned by one of the extra thick chocolate malt milkshakes you delivered, Amy.

Heathers bestie shook her head. I dont believe it. I saw him this morning. He was fine. He was happy.

That was before the aforementioned poisoning, Ryan replied, then scratched his stubbly chin.

Ryan, Heather whispered, and made eyes at Amy, whod sunk in her chair.

Sorry, her husband said, Its been a long day, and its only 11 am.

Heather leaned over and opened up her top desk drawer, then brought out her notepad. Shed probably have to start taking notes on a tablet or an app soon. Given the frequency of her investigations, itd be more environmentally friendly that way.

I can provide you with surveillance tapes, Heather said and wrote Junior Buckle at the top of her page. Youll see there wasnt any foul play with those milkshakes in Donut Delights.