Pecan Pie Predicament (Murder in the Mix #27) - Addison Moore Page 0,73
It’s not uncommon in the fitness industry to eschew big pharma.”
“Well, Charles didn’t. We should look him up.” I pull to the side and quickly do a little research on my phone. “A picture of him pops up, linking to an article discussing his health. It’s a headshot of him. He’s handsome enough with dark eyes and a knowing smile. “It looks as if he was still married at the time he passed away, and he had been for eight years.”
“Lottie!” My mother’s voice trills from up ahead, and by the time I look that way, she’s upon me. “Oh, thank goodness. Autumn Frasier was just looking for you. She says she’ll do an article on the B&B once she’s through with your interview. Isn’t that great? Now we’ll both get the exposure we need just in time for the holidays.” She looks past me and her lips knot up. “I’d better go speak to Reese. She checked out this morning, and I made a billing error that I didn’t catch until after I charged her card. I forgot that she and Autumn switched rooms. Her bill is much higher. She is not going to be happy to see me.” She takes off before I can interrogate her.
Barry and I exchange stunned expressions.
He leans in. “Did she say they switched rooms?”
“She did,” I pant as I glance down at my phone. I scroll through the rest of the article and note the name of Charles Nelson’s wife.
He grunts, “Well, Lottie, I think we need to get back to your booth.”
“You’re right,” I say, looking in that direction. “I have an interview to tend to. And perhaps—a killer to catch.”
Chapter 17
Clouds move in quickly, dark purple welts, and the wind picks up as all of Honey Hollow darkens a notch.
The leaves rise from the ground and swirl up toward the sky before flying off toward Honey Lake as if they had something to fear, and they just might.
Winter is licking at the heels of fall. The chill in the air lets us know the season is ready to hand her crown over to the ice queen that comes next. There’s even talk of snow hitting Honey Hollow as early as Thanksgiving.
Barry and I make our way back to the booth where Lily is selling pecan pie by the slice at dizzying speeds. And that’s exactly where we find Autumn with a slice of pie in her hands, hopping from foot to foot as if the chill in the weather was getting the best of her.
“Autumn.” I try my best to sound cheerful, but her name came out more of a threat. “I’m ready to answer your questions for the interview.”
Autumn’s face brightens as she bubbles with a little laugh. “Let’s do it! I’m hoping you can tell me what makes your pecan pie so delicious. I hope you’re up for divulging a few secrets.”
“Only if you are.” It sounds a lot like I’m teasing although I’m anything but.
The wind licks by, and I rub my arms. “How about we head into the bakery?”
“Sounds perfect.” She heads that way without hesitating, and I give a quick look around for Noah or Everett.
“Lily.” I give her a somber nod as if speaking in code. “I’ll be in the bakery. If Noah or Everett come by, please send them in.” A part of me wanted to throw Ivy into that roll call. Lord knows Detective Ivy Fairbanks is packing heat. Not that I expect trouble from Autumn, but I’m fairly certain if I begin to question her, in the least things could get heated. It’s happened before.
Barry stops cold, his eyes growing wide as he looks at something down at the other end of the street.
“Aw, man, Greer just showed up.” He grimaces. “Sorry, Lottie. I can’t help you. I’ve been looking for her all afternoon.”
“What?” I hiss without meaning to. “You can’t just leave me because you’re hot-to-trot for some girl. I’ve got a suspect to question. The suspect to question.” I do my best to say it all in less than a whisper, but I catch Lily giving me the stink eye.
“Fine,” he bleats. “But let’s make it snappy. I’ve got a girl to get.”
“That girl is very much taken, in the event your sudden captivity these past few days didn’t make it clear. And believe me when I say, Winslow was just getting started.”