Page 3 of Christmas Fudge Fatality
“What are you doing?” I hike up on my tiptoes as a mild sense of panic strikes me.
“Just a little preemptive action.” He flashes his screen at Everett and me. “I let Ivy know she should probably head over to the tree lot. Don’t worry. I was ambiguous as to why.”
“Nice,” I quip. “I’m sure she’ll think you invited her over for a hot date.” I couldn’t help it. Detective Ivy Fairbanks is a leggy redhead who is as keen a homicide detective as she is gorgeous. And a part of me very much believes she has a thing for her handsome co-worker.
Everett chuckles as he bumps his elbow to mine. “Something tells me he’ll be using poor Waffles as a chick magnet, too.”
Noah offers a sideways glance to Everett. “I would never do that.” He drops a quick kiss to Waffles’ forehead. “Lottie, we need reinforcements. I’m going to call for backup, just a few cruisers to keep an eye on the periphery. It’s not an unusual request at this time of year. I promise, no one will think twice about it.”
I’m about to protest, or agree, or most likely both, when I spot Lainey and Stacy heading over to Tamara and her friends, and I watch as Tamara’s eyes widen with horror.
“Ooh, maybe I’d better get over there. I’d hate for Lainey to put herself in the middle of something without realizing it.”
Everett wraps an arm around my shoulder. “I’m not leaving your side, Lemon.”
“That’s fine.” I’ll be the last person to turn down the studly judge as a personal bodyguard. “Noah? Will you hold my place in line? I won’t be gone long.”
Everett blinks a smile over at him. “Yes, Noah. Hold our place in line while we go off and have a good time.”
I try to swat Everett, but he takes up my hand instead and kisses the back of it as we trek through the snow and make our way to where Lainey stands with a group of rather unhappy looking ladies.
“Lottie.” Tamara offers me a meager smile. “I meant what I said. Your fudge is delicious. In fact, it’s the only good thing about this day.” She hardens her eyes over at Stacy as she says that last part.
My heart thumps at the volatility of the situation. “I’m glad you like it.”
Lainey steals Pancake right out of my arms. “And here’s my handsome little nephew.” She ticks her head toward her old friend and I quickly offer up a somber nod. “Lottie, you know Stacy.”
“Hi, Stacy. Everyone.” I nod to the small crowd I’m regretfully holding at awkward attention. “I’m Lottie and this is my friend, Everett—Judge Baxter.”
Tamara offers a somewhat pained smile at the two of us. “Nice to meet you, Judge Baxter. I’ve spent my fair share of time in a courtroom as of late. In fact, I’ll probably spend the rest of my life in court. I’ve probably seen you around the courthouse a time or two.” She nods his way. “Lottie, Judge Baxter, these are my friends, Joyce and Bonnie.” She waves a hand to the two women ensconcing her on either side, who look to be about the same age as Tamara. The blonde with her hair stacked up in a messy bun is quick to shake Everett’s hand.
“Bonnie Dupre.” Her silver eyes widen the size of dinner plates. Obviously, the woman is dazzled by the demigod by my side, as she should be. “I’m the accountant at Gray Farms. Clearly, I’ve been spending far too much time with barnyard animals. I didn’t realize they made men like you. Boy, am I ever glad I came out tonight. Are you free for drinks later?”
The short brunette with bronzed skin and an overall exotic look about her quickly pushes Bonnie out of the way.
“Don’t pay attention to her. Joyce Calypso.” She quickly picks up Everett’s hand and offers up an aggressive shake. “I’m Tamara’s personal trainer. Ready and willing to kick anyone’s behind who gets in her way.” She bats her lashes playfully up at Everett. “I’m not afraid to show off my moves to anyone who’s interested either. Can I buy you a cup of eggnog? Rumor has it, they’ve spiked it with rum this year.”
Stacy leads Tamara off before Everett can respond, and Lainey hands me Pancake before following along with them.
I look up at my handsome escort. “Would you excuse me for a moment?”
“Sure.” He nods to Pancake and I gently hand him over. “Stay where Pancake and I can see you, Lemon. I mean it.”
A dark rumble of a laugh strums through me. “You know I will. Steer clear of the liquor, would you?” I can’t help but make a face at Joyce before I take off for far more hostile waters.
But, surprisingly, Stacy and Tamara seem to be sharing a laugh by the time I make it by my sister’s side.
“What did I miss?” I give Lainey the crazy eyes because we both know these two women don’t have much to laugh about these days.
Tamara waves it off. “Lainey reminded us of some stupid prank we pulled when we were seniors. I guess I can’t believe how long I’ve known the two of you.” She lifts her chin to Stacy. “Some have proven better friends than others.” She looks my way. “Hey, Lottie, while I have you here—I’m throwing a Christmas party for the employees at the farm, and I would love it if I could get you to cater the desserts for me. I’d bake them myself, but I’ve got another woman shuffling around my kitchen.” Her lips harden in a knot as she glances to Stacy. “I moved into the guest house a few months back, and I haven’t moved any of my baking supplies just yet.”
“Not to worry. I’ve got you covered. Just call me with the details.”
“Great. I’ll do it tonight, before I forget.”
Stacy rolls her eyes at Tamara. “You know I’d leave the house for you to do whatever you wanted. I’ve already told you that a million times, but you just love to paint me in an unfavorable light.”
Tamara straightens. “Pardon me?Ilike to paint you in an unfavorable light? I think you’re doing just fine on your own in that department. Maybe the fact that you flirted shamelessly with my husband and thenstolehim had something to do with it?”