Strawberry Cream Murder: A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery - Book 1 by Susan Gillard Read Free Book Online

Splenda.
     
    Leaving the cup on the counter to cool, she poured kibbles into Dave’s bowl, then headed to the bathroom for a quick shower.  At least this wasn’t hair-washing day.  Her long, curly red hair was already dry enough that if she washed it every day, she would start getting split ends.  Quick shower, throw on some clothes, and she’d be good to go.
     
    She laid a pair of tailored slacks and a short-sleeved, fitted blouse on the bed to wait for her.  Ten minutes later, she was dressed and properly accessorized, and she headed for the kitchen to drink her coffee.
     
    “Big day ahead,” she told Dave as she leaned up against the counter, sipping the strong brew.  Dave watched her intently, his large, brown eyes fixed on her face, his head tilted to one side.  “You know what?” she added.  “You’re always such a good listener.”
     
    ***
     
    Donut Delights was bustling with customers as Heather breezed through the back door.  “Need help?” she called to Michelle, who was waiting on an elderly man at the counter.
     
    Michelle tossed her a smile and waved her off.  Heather headed into the dining room with the coffee pot.  There was Eva in her usual spot.  They smiled at each other, and Heather refilled a few customers’ coffee cups as she made her way to Eva’s table.
     
    “And how are you this morning?” Eva asked.
     
    “Tired,” Heather said.  “But good.  I see you’re having a Banana Cream Pie donut today.”
     
    “It’s delicious,” Eva said.  “I like it how the cream is sweet, but not too sweet.  Sometimes, the cream inside cream donuts is nothing but sugar.  If that’s what someone likes—” Eva shrugged.  “Who am I to tell them they can’t have that?  But I don’t like too much sugar.  I want to taste the ingredients that are in the cream, not just the sugar alone.”
     
    “I know what you mean,” Heather said, smiling.  “And I don’t blame you.  I hate to run, but I have to make a phone call.”
     
    “You run along,” Eva said, waving Heather off.  “I’ll just sit here and enjoy my morning cup of joe.” 
     
    “See you tomorrow,” Heather said.
     
    “Yes, you will,” Eva agreed.
     
    Heather stashed her purse in the bottom drawer of the desk in her office and sat down in the chair.  It was 9:00.  She wouldn’t be surprised if Shepherd had been up working on the case for hours.  She reached for her landline, but before she could pick up the receiver, Maricela’s voice stopped her.
     
    “Could I talk to you for a minute?”
     
    Heather swiveled in her chair and waved Maricela into the office.  “Sure.  What’s up?”
    Maricela’s sweet face looked tense, but she smiled.  “I just—I was just wondering if you’ve thought about replacing Christa yet,” she said.
     
    “Sit down,” Heather said, gesturing to the chair next to her desk.  “I know I should have replaced her already, but I just haven’t gotten it done.  We do need another employee, though, don’t we?”
     
    “It gets pretty busy sometimes,” Maricela said, nodding.  “I don’t mind working hard, but there are times when I can’t keep up.  And I don’t want to let your customers down.”
     
    A small smile lifted the corners of Heather’s mouth.  “Do you have a new employee in mind?”
     
    “My cousin Angelica needs a job,” Maricela said.  “She’s never made donuts before.  But she’s a good worker and a fast learner.  She’d be great.  You wouldn’t regret it.”
     
    “She sounds perfect.  Tell her to give me a call.  Give her my cell number.”
     
    “Thank you so much,” Maricela said, standing.  “I’ll text her and tell her right away.  Thank you.”
     
    “You’re welcome,” she said as the first notes of “Here Comes the Sun” floated out from inside the desk.
     
    She opened the drawer, snagged her cell phone from her purse, and slid her thumb across the screen to accept the call.