Creamed at the Coffee Cabana: A Cozy Mystery (Sweet Home Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Constance Barker Read Free Book Online Page B

just knew we should have given Eli that button!”
     
    I filled up the coffee urn with fresh brewed hazelnut. “Really…I don’t seem to remember you saying anything of the sort. In fact, didn’t we agree to talk to Mildred first?”
     
    Essie stuffed her muffins and cream horns into the bakery case. “I do believe you talked me into that.”
     
    I turned to look at her. “Essie, what do you think is going to happen? That Eli will arrest us?”
     
    Essie flopped a muffin onto the floor. “See what you made me do.” She bent over to pick it up and toss it into the trash. “My nerves are shot.”
     
    “I wouldn’t be surprised,” Hildie said as she walked out of the back room. “She drank four cups of coffee this morning.”
     
    “I had to. I didn’t get a lick of sleep last night.”
     
    “Your non-stop snoring says otherwise.”
     
    Essie made a harrumph noise and headed to the back.
     
    “Is she really that nervous over the button?” I asked Hildie.
     
    “I believe this entire tragedy has taken a toll on Essie. Yes, she and Fannie had a tumultuous relationship, but to have her murdered right here in the shop…well it’s more than a body can handle.”
     
    I always thought of Essie as the stronger of my two aunts, but now it seemed that it was Hildie who was more in control. Essie was brash, fly off the handle, no holds barred kind of gal. Whereas Hildie was even-tempered, softhearted, and at times a little clueless but loveable all the same. They couldn’t have been more different. And now I could see how their differences helped each other. When one was in a dark place, the other could help find a way out. Although they argued and fussed, I knew that was how they wanted it. It was their way of communicating.
     
    But now Essie was struggling. She knew she was thought of as the leader. That people looked to her on how to behave in certain situations, but now, thrust into the unknown, she wasn’t sure how to react either. Frankly, none of us did. So we’d have to come together and support each other, just like we tried to do the evening before with Meghan. I felt a pang as I remembered the previous evening and my questioning Meghan about Mike. I felt bad. Why did I feel the need to harass her like that when we were supposed to make her feel better? I decided to go over later that morning and apologize.
     
    After the morning rush, Harvey made his way into the shop at his normal time. Only this time he wasn’t alone. Once a week he’d bring Miss Pickles with him, on a leash no less. Good grief, I was humiliated for the cat. Harvey sat down at his usual table and Essie brought him his coffee and muffin. Essie gave Miss Pickles a wide berth, but the cat still hissed at her.
     
    Essie walked back around the counter wiping her hands on her apron. “I’d like to kick that cat into next week.” I giggled, although I didn’t want to get near the she-devil feline either.
     
    Toe came in for his morning break. “Morning ladies. Hildie, I’ll have my usual.”
     
    “Coffee with cream, coming right up.” Hildie went to grab a mug.
     
    “So what are you up to today?” I asked Toe.
     
    “Fixing a leaky faucet over at the Methodist church. The preacher called this morning and said the faucet in their kitchen wouldn’t stop dripping. Easy fix. Next I’m headed out to the Jenkin’s place to install a new front door.”
     
    “Sounds like you’re quite busy today.”
     
    “Yes’m I am. Thank you Hildie.” Toe walked over and sat down with Harvey. Miss Pickles promptly jumped up into his lap. He stroked her fur and she took her paw and touched his face.
     
    “My gosh that cat is a flirt,” Essie grumbled.
     
    “Now you’re jealous of a cat?” I said teasingly.
     
    Essie looked me square in the eye. “I’m not jealous of anyone, feline or otherwise.” With that, she marched into the back room. I rolled my eyes and looked at Hildie.
     
    “Hildie would you mind if I went