Susan Gillard - Green Velvet 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

Heather stripped off her apron, then hung it on a hook beside the door in the kitchen of Donut Delights.

The chocolate scent of her newest creations wafted through the air. Rich, creamy, deep-fried and double-dipped in a green glaze. Oh yeah, the Green Velvet Donut would be a resounding success.

Heather opened the kitchen doors and strode out into the store, excitement squirming through her belly.

So much had changed in the past few weeks. Donut Delights had grown beyond her wildest dreams, and thered be more to come if her new prospective backer had his say.

Glowing light filled the inside of the store, glancing off the glass tops of her wrought iron tables, and the golden boards beneath them. Chatter hummed through the space, broken by laughter or the clink of cups on saucers.

Serenity this was her happy place.

Amy waved at her from the counter, lips taut. She mouthed something then pointed at one of the tables at the front of the store.

Heather frowned. What?

Amy pressed her finger to her lips. What had gotten into her bestie this time? Ah well, as long as it didnt have anything to do with leg day.

Heather hurried to the counter, then halted beside her bestie. Whats wrong? She asked, underneath her breath.

Thats whats wrong, Amy replied, through her teeth. She made eyebrows at two women sitting at next to Evas usual spot.

The shorter of the two had cropped brown hair, streaked gray and a homely smile. The blonde totally dyed, she had to be at least sixty across from her picked up her mug of coffee and sipped, gaze shooting daggers.

What about them?

See the blonde? Amy asked and masked her words by grinding up coffee beans. Thats Kents Aunt. Aunt Karly. Shes new in town and boy does she hate my guts. If she spots me, shell call me over and

Amy, the blonde yelled, and waved her hand. Amy, we need a refill over here.

No, Amy said, under her breath, and accompanied it with a groan.

Maricela appeared, her Donut Delights apron coated in confectioners sugar, and blinked at the two of them. Everything is all right?

Actually, your timing is perfect, Heather replied. Would you mind keeping an eye on the counter for me? Amy and I have a social call to attend to.

Sure. Anything for you, boss, Maricela replied, then bumped Amy to the side with her hip. She grabbed the coffee grinder and gave it a buzz.

Youre the best, Amy said and patted Maricela on the shoulder. She pointed at Heather. Dont even get me started on you.

Heather strode to Amys side, curiosity driving her step for step. Why didnt this Karly woman like Amy? And who was the other lady with her?

Amy looped her arm through Heathers, and they walked to the table. They halted in front of the two women, at last.

There you are, Karly said, then peered at Amys hands. But you didnt bring me any coffee. Ridiculous service in this place. And whos this? Another waitress friend of yours?

Heather tilted her head to the right. No wonder Amy didnt like the woman. Im Heather Shepherd, the owner of this store. Ill have Maricela bring you another cup of coffee. She turned and waved at her assistant by the counter, then held up a finger. Is your drink still full, maam? She asked the dark-haired lady who had the displeasure of keeping Aunt Karly company.

Bernie, please call me Bernie. And no, thank you, Im still full

Shes fine, Karly said, then rolled her eyes. Bernadette takes an age to say anything these days. Must be that slow brain of yours. She tapped her temple. Old age, such a pity.

Youre a year older than me, sister, Bernie replied, in soothing tones.

What brings you two lovely ladies to Donut Delights? Heather asked, tightening her grip on Amys arm.

The last rude woman shed met had lived above a rat-infested restaurant. Shed been a little senile, though, and Karly was in possession of all her faculties.

Ugh, we just moved here from Dallas, Karly said and did another teenage eye roll.

I love it." Bernie smiled. And your store is just lovely. The donuts are

I raised Kent, Karly said, talking as if her sister didnt exist. The poor boy needs moral support, so I picked up and moved here, along with the rest of the Belushi family. That includes Bernie, here.

Heather put up her best customer smile. Well, if you need anything, you just let me know.

I need coffee, Karly replied and tapped the side of her mug. The porcelain tinged. I believe I said that already.

Please, theres no need to be rude, Bernie said. Im sorry, my sister can be

I cant understand why Kent would want to move to this bottom feeder town, Karly said, loudly, and her gaze swept up and down Amys length. I understand he had the motivation, though it doesnt look all that strong.

That was enough. Heather hadnt been rude to a customer in the entirety of Donut Delights' existence, and she didnt plan to start now. She swiveled her head and tapped Amy on the forearm. Amy, please go to the kitchen and check on my Green Velvet donuts. Im sure Bernie would like to taste one, she said.

Amy jumped as if shed been goosed, then hurried off without another word.

Green Velvet, that sounds interesting. Bernie straightened and peered at the kitchen doors. The first full sentence shed gotten out since the conversation had started.

Yeah, Amy helped me plan them. Shes a whizz in the kitchen, Heather said, then turned and walked back to the counter, anger whipping up and down her spine.

Amy helped make them? Aunt Karly said, in a stage whisper. Youd better stay away, then, Bernie. That girl cant cook to save her life. Come on, lets go to the donut store on the other side of town.

Heather counted to ten, then finally faced the front of Donut Delights again. The horrible woman was gone, and shed forgotten to pay for her coffees, too.

Good riddance, Heather said.

You want I get the rolling pin? Maricela asked, and wriggled her eyebrows.

Heathers laughter bubbled up from the tips of her toes.

Chapter 2

Heather handed the leash to Lilly, then rubbed her palms together and stretched her neck. Whats our route today, Miss Lils?

What about the park? We havent taken Dave to the park yet, Lilly replied, then scratched her favorite dog between his fluffy ears. He barked and wagged his tail her plan had his approval, already.

Heather wriggled her nose. Shed never liked the park. The pollen drove her sinuses crazy and the memories there? Not the best. Like the time shed run into Geoff Lawless after Jelly Polinski had stolen her recipe book she still hadnt gotten it back from the cops.

All right, if you two insist, Heather said, at last.

They paced down the sidewalk, Dave trotting at his pace, the sunshine warm on Heathers cheeks. Another perfect morning in Hillside. Shed taken off from work because it was the last day of Lillys summer holiday and she didnt want to miss out on all the fun.

Or rather, Dave wouldnt forgive her if they did.

I cant wait to go back to school, Lilly said and turned her face up to catch more of the sun. I didnt get to ride my bike all holiday.