Brownies & Betrayal (Sweet Bites Mysteries, Book 1) by Heather Justesen Read Free Book Online

was very deliberate as his legal mind seemed to consider his words. “I thought you were referring to the lawsuit I fought against Valerie. Our clients had a business deal go bad. Valerie magically came up with some crucial evidence which cost us the trial.”
    He stuffed another bite in his mouth, not paying attention to the food anymore. “ Fabricated was more like it, though. And she couldn’t have won without the evidence. I don’t mind people playing hardball, using the loopholes of the law to get what their client wants, but I draw the line at making things up.”
    “I understand that,” I said, making sure my voice oozed sympathy. “When I was in culinary school, there was a competition with the other students. We had to create a dessert, and one guy used a recipe he’d filched from a famous chef. He won the prize, and I know he didn’t deserve it.” Yes, I’m referring to Roscoe—so you see why I was so offended by Valerie’s suggestion that he was the better pastry chef. What were the odds that we’d end up living only an hour apart?
    “Then you understand where I’m coming from. I’m sorry to see her dead, but Valerie didn’t play by the rules.” Jeff’s plate was already empty. He stared at it as if surprised to see the cake was gone, then looked at me. “It was delicious. Thank you.”
    Had he even noticed it after that first bite, or was he being polite? “You’re welcome. I hope you remember me if you ever need a special-occasion dessert.” 
    “I will.” He set the dirty plate on the table.
    He was ready to walk away, but I wasn’t finished with him, so I hurried with another question. “Valerie must have been doing well at her law firm, considering all the fancy clothes and jewelry she had. Do you think that case helped her climb the ladder?”
    “I’m sure it would have helped in the long run, but I doubt it did anything yet. Valerie’s always had more money than sense, or at least, she spends as if she does. I know she doesn’t make that kind of money at her job. I figured it was a trust fund or something.” He shrugged.
    One of the bridesmaids approached and requested a slice of chocolate cake. I tried to place her, but couldn’t do it.
    “I hope you enjoy it,” I said as I handed her a plate. Her bottle-blonde hair was teased into a chic halo around her head.
    “Thanks. I’ll try.” Her words were dry and she shot Jeff a nasty look before heading back into the crowd.
    He winced.
    My curiosity perked, but I tried not to be too obvious. “Who was that? I don’t think I caught her name earlier.”
    “Janice. She’s Tad’s sister,” he answered. He started to move away.
    “Things must have been pretty busy here the night Valerie died,” I asked, desperate to get some more answers from him before he melted back into the crowd. “Was there a wild bachelor party after the wedding rehearsal that night? Bachelorette party?”
    “No, that was a few days earlier. Both Tad and Analesa decided they wanted to be fresh and alert for their wedding instead of hung over. I understand the women were going to get together and do their nails or something, though.” He shook his head as if to say women were incomprehensible to him. “Thanks again.” He raised a hand in greeting to one of the other guests and headed off with a vague goodbye to me.
    I made notes on the little paper I had stuck in my pocket.
    I remembered Valerie’s red fingernails when I found the body—the same color she’d been wearing during the wedding rehearsal. Had she chosen not to join the others, or did she just prefer red? Did she go hang with the other women for a while, then go out, or did she skip the girl time?
    A dark-haired woman came over, holding the hand of the little girl I’d seen at the wedding rehearsal dinner Friday night. Valerie’s little girl. “What can I get for you ladies? Chocolate or vanilla with raspberry filling?”
    “Vanilla,” the woman said. She looked pale and tired.