Pecan Pie Predicament (Murder in the Mix #27) - Addison Moore Page 0,5

both happen to be clapping up a storm as they garner the attention of the crowd. Not that they needed to clap to do it. They’ve both donned short shorts and bright yellow blouses that tie off under their ample bosoms. There’s so much skin and sass, it’s a spectacle that’s hard to look away from.

“Two, four, six, eight”—they shout in unison—“who do we appreciate? Fitness!” They yelp and jump, and while doing so, all sorts of girl parts wiggle and jiggle. And judging by the raucous applause, spearheaded by the male population, the crowd most certainly approves. I cut a quick glance to both Noah and Everett, but neither of them is clapping, and wisely so.

Hannah cups her hands around her mouth. “Come and get your Shake Your Booty Shakes while they’re fresh! Three different flavors to choose from! Put some thump in your rump and shake your way to a better booty today!”

And just like that, the masses migrate her way.

Autumn averts her eyes.

“You’re not a fan, I take it?” I ask. I’m not a fan either, but I won’t be making that proclamation to a journalist, of all people. Besides, now that I’m staying with Noah, I’m technically still Hot Hannah’s neighbor.

“Oh, I’m a fan.” Autumn shrugs. “I’m a friend, too. I’d better go over and say hello. Once you’re free, come by and I’ll introduce you to Hannah and Maizy. They’re pretty incredible when you get to know them.” She takes off, and that man in the red tank top comes by once again and swipes another slice of my pecan pie before waltzing off toward Hot Hannah’s booth as well.

“Hey,” I shout after him, but he doesn’t bother to turn around. “Everett, Noah, that guy in the red tank top keeps stealing my pies. I demand you arrest him, Noah. And Everett, once he shows up in your courtroom, give him fifty years to life.”

Lily snickers. “Nope, you’re not moody at all, Lottie.”

I choose to ignore her as I make my way around the booth to Noah and Everett.

“Quick, before he gets away.” I try to shove them in that direction, but they’re not budging.

“Lot?” Noah moves his head from side to side as if trying to get a good look at the guy. “I don’t see him.”

“What do you mean, you don’t see him? Everyone else is bundled in wool coats and jackets. He’s the only one running around practically naked—right there in the red tank top and grungy looking gray sweats. He’s tall, got muscles for days, and he’s scarfing down my pie as if it’s the most delicious thing he’s ever eaten.” Because it probably is.

“Lemon.” Everett’s chest expands as wide as a wall. “I can’t see him either. Do you know what that means?”

I gasp as every muscle in my pregnant body freezes. “That means murder.”

Chapter 2

An icy wind picks up, causing what leaves are left in the maple trees to rain down over Main Street like confetti. It seems as if all of Vermont has come out for the Taste of Honey Hollow Street Fair, and good thing, too. My bakery has already taken enough orders for Thanksgiving pies to keep me busy until next November.

We’re in the thick of fall, and every citrine-colored leaf is blowing through this part of town as if they, too, wanted a taste of all we have to offer. I’ve already scarfed down my fair share of cookies and pies at my own booth. I polished off those slices of pizza from Mangias that Noah gave me as if I were a human food vacuum, and I still have plenty of room for one of those Thanksgiving feast plates they’re selling at the Honey Pot Diner.

Across the street, Too Hot to Handle Hannah’s Shake Your Booty booth is teeming with people, and I can’t help but glower at it.

“All right, boys, I’m going in.”

“Lemon.” Everett blocks my view of the bootylicious booth in question. “Do you see the—you know, ghost? You said it’s a man in a red shirt?”

I nod. “One of those muscle shirts. He’s super beefy, too.” I crane my neck past Everett. “But there’s no sign of him at the moment. And I highly doubt he’s sucking down one of those shakes she’s hocking. I bet it tastes like chalk.”

Noah steps in. “All right, I just called to increase the foot patrol. We’ll have this place crawling with sheriff’s deputies before we know it.” His chest is palpitating in and out