A Catered Christmas Killer (A Sinful Sweets Cozy Mystery) by Carol Lee Read Free Book Online

knife in the house first. I bet he’s at least partly responsible for her murder.”
     
    Sydney peeked back toward the bar. Marcus was deep in conversation with his guest.
     
    “I’m going to bring these oils around first. I’ll be right back.” Sydney picked up as many bowls of oil as she could with the hope of having to get close enough to Marcus to figure out who his guest was. She headed toward the loaves of bread that were scattered throughout the enormous room, concentrating hard on not dropping anything.
     
    Sydney didn’t have to wait long to get what she was looking for.
     
    “Howard, this is Sydney. Sydney, Howard is my business partner,” Marcus introduced them. Sydney was taken aback that she was even acknowledged, let alone introduced. “Sydney is responsible for all the food that we’ll be eating tonight. She’s been cooking away for nearly three days, and it has smelled delicious!” he continued, turning back to Howard.
     
    “It’s nice to meet you,” Sydney said, awkwardly shaking his hand while still trying to carry too many bowls of dipping oil.
     
    “The pleasure is mine. You know, I’ve actually been looking for a cook—” Howard started.
     
    Sydney didn’t mean to be rude, but she cut him off. “Actually, I own a bakery in Twin Peaks. I specialize in desserts, but have just expanded to include catering events.”
     
    Howard looked disappointed. Sydney wondered how much money these men actually had if one of them was hosting a 100 person party and the other was looking for a personal chef.
     
    “Well, at the very least, let me get your card. Without Julia, I don’t know who will host this party next year. It might have to be at my house!” Howard gave a belly laugh and Sydney turned to put down her bowls of oil so he wouldn’t see her appalled look. She pulled a business card out of her apron pocket and handed it to Howard. “Sinful Sweets. I’m intrigued.”
     
    Sydney was disgusted. Here he was, joyous, and Marcus’ wife had been killed just before her own Christmas party. She’d have to swallow her dislike for this man and grill him later with questions about Julia. He didn’t seem to harbor any sympathy for either of the Durans.
     
    She finished putting out all of the bowls of oil and headed back to the kitchen. Grace passed her on her way to put out the first of the quiches. It wouldn’t be long before more guests arrived.
     
    Maria had made herself scarce, and Sydney suspected she was doing a last check of the areas where guests would congregate, especially the main room that was wide open and filled nearly half of the first floor of the house. She said a silent thanks that Maria had helped in the kitchen when she’d surely had more work to do.
     
    On the threshold between the kitchen and main room, Sydney looked around and took stock of what she’d accomplished. She was proud of herself, and of Grace, for getting enough food cooked for 100 people. She wasn’t tired yet, but knew she’d be dead on her feet by the end of the night. The first of everything was set out and it looked perfect—color coordination, flowers, beautiful food—and she couldn’t wait for guests to begin enjoying the spoils of her labor.
     
    When she scanned the room and her eyes passed over the stairs, she saw Maria furtively dash up them, looking behind her with an expression Sydney had a hard time reading from afar, but thought it was either guilt or fear. She slowly began to follow her.
     

CHAPTER 3
     
    Sydney confidently walked to the bottom of the stairs. She made like she was checking the food laid out there. She exchanged a knowing look with Grace across the room, who was setting out the first of the quiches and waved for her to keep going. She must have seen Maria leave, too.
     
    Sydney looked up and saw that the landing was empty at the top of the stairs. Wherever Maria was, she was trying not to be seen. Sydney crept to the top of the stairs, not making a single