Dying for a Cupcake by Denise Swanson Read Free Book Online Page B

obviously eavesdropping and he said, “Dev, is there something you need?” I shook my head and he asked, “Something you want to add to your statement?”
    “No.”
    He motioned toward the exit. “Then it’s best if you leave. You don’t want to get caught up in the investigation and be late opening up your store.”
    The chief had hit my Achilles’ heel, so I nodded and hurried away. Since I’d already been a reluctant participant in two of his prior cases, the last thing I needed was to get involved in a situation concerning another dead body.

CHAPTER 5
    W ith Fallon’s death and the subsequent police investigation, the cupcake contest had gotten off to a rough start, but at least the weather was cooperating. July in Missouri could be a scorcher, so I was relieved that the thermometer on the Savings and Guaranty read a pleasant eighty-two degrees. The reasonable temperature was fortunate, since most of the townspeople and a good number of visitors were gathered in the village square. And that many people pressed together on a hot day would have been a recipe for disaster, not dessert.
    The square was the heart of Shadow Bend. The businesses that were lucky enough to be located on the four blocks that edged the town common would have a huge advantage over any establishments that weren’t in direct sight of the cupcake tourists. Thank goodness, my store was front and center. Little’s Tea Room, Brewfully Yours, and the bakery—which of course was selling Kizzy Cutler’s Cupcakes—would also benefit from the increased foot traffic.
    My favorite part of the square was the gazebo. With its intricately carved arches that linked the eight whitecast-iron columns, it was like a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. I could see why Kizzy had chosen it for the competition kickoff. It presented the perfect photo op for a company introducing a cupcake line called the Flavors of Your Life.
    Speaking of the cupcake queen, where was she? The opening ceremony, followed by a luncheon for the contestants, judges, media, and committee members, was supposed to start at noon. It was now ten after twelve and I could hear the crowd getting restless. People were shifting from foot to foot and looking at their watches. Maybe Kizzy had forgotten that in a small town, being tardy wasn’t considered fashionably late, but incredibly rude, and it often wasn’t tolerated.
    Had something happened since this morning? I hadn’t heard from Ronni since leaving the B & B. After hurrying home, I’d taken a quick shower, filled in Gran and my father about Fallon’s death, then rushed to the dime store. Since then, Dad, Hannah, and I had been busy with customers and I hadn’t had time to check my cell. Fishing it from the pocket of my jeans, I saw that I hadn’t missed any calls or texts.
    Just as I was about to phone Ronni to see if there was a problem, Kizzy and her entourage swept through the crowd and climbed the steps to the gazebo. A portable sound system had been installed, and once they were all assembled, Kizzy spoke into the microphone.
    “Welcome to the Kizzy Cutler’s Cupcake Weekend. Before we get started, I have a sad announcement to make. My beloved assistant, Fallon Littlefield, passed away suddenly last night. Although I’m heartbroken and begged my business partner to call off the competition, Lee convinced me that because Fallon had worked so hard to make this event a success, she wouldn’t have wanted to disappoint all of you. Fallon had no family,and in order to save the trees that would be used to make her casket and because embalming fluid contains harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, methanol, and ethanol, which are not good for the environment, she wanted to be cremated. A private memorial service will be held when we return to Chicago.” Kizzy paused, wiping away a tear. “After considering all of Fallon’s wishes, it is with a heavy heart that I have agreed to go forward with the competition.