Page 43 of Donut Disaster

“Lottie Lemon.” He pats me on the back. “Sandra mentioned you made the sweets for the ceremony. That was so thoughtful of you. Thank you so much.”

Cookie barks. “I don’t like him.”

Cookie doesn’t seem to like any of the suspects, so I don’t think much of it.

Keelie leans in. “I hear Hawaii is great this time of year.”

Dr. Drake ticks his head to the side as if to ask who is this strange yet wonderful woman.

His lips hike into something just this side of a leer. “I have a private jet. How does dinner on Maui tonight sound?”

Keelie purrs with delight, and I’m quick to thump her in the ribs with my elbow.

“Please excuse my assistant. She was dropped on the head repeatedly for the last twenty-seven years.” Not to mention the fact Bear will most likely want to drop Dr. Drake on his head for even making the offer. “She and her soon-to-be fiancé will most likely honeymoon in Hawaii.” A thought comes to me. “He’s an ex-Army Ranger.” I nod, waiting for the obvious display of veteran camaraderie.

“That’s wonderful.” His smile broadens her way.

Great. Keelie has cast her spell on him, and now his head is filled with visions of my bestie in a coconut bikini.

I spot Sandra going for one of my chocolate pistachio cookies.

“Would you mind excusing me for a moment?”

I step away just as Dr. Drake is closing in on Keelie. That’s what she gets for opening up a can of tropical worms. Cookie trots along my side.

“He’s friendly, isn’t he?” Sandra laughs.

“I think he likes the ladies,” I whisper through the side of my mouth.

“Don’t we all,” Cookie says wistfully.

“Sandra”—I say cheerily as I do my best to spruce up the refreshment table—“that was quite a ceremony. What a touching tribute to Dr. Dawson.”

Her eyes pinch shut for a moment. She’s far less cheery without a jewel-colored drink in her hand, but then, the impromptu memorial was rather sobering.

“It was touching indeed. He was such a good man. I still can’t believe he’s gone. He’s left quite a void.”

“I’m sure of it. I hardly knew him, and I can feel it myself. But thankfully, you have Dr. Drake here. He’s wonderful, too.”

She nods his way and straightens. “Yes, he is. So wonderful, in fact, that he’s promoting me to head nurse of the labor and delivery department.” She beams with pride. “It’s a position I’ve wanted so badly for the last several years, and now it’s here.”

“Congratulations! That’s huge. I’m very happy for you. I’m sure it’s well deserved.”

Cookie barks as if congratulating her as well.

“Oh, it is.” She winks. “And it comes with a pay raise. I can use every cent to help on the home front. My sister’s health insurance isn’t the best. How ironic is that? Here I am working my way up the ladder of success, at a hospital no less, and she has lousy coverage. But none of that will be a problem anymore. Everything I do is for my sweet sister.”

“That’s because you’re a saint. Can I ask what happened to your sister?”

Cookie whines. “This woman is a saint indeed. While I was ailing, it was Morgan who took great care of me. It takes a special person to care for someone in need.”

She nods. “Of course, you can ask. When we were kids, we were playing in the woods and she fell down a hunter’s trap—a well six feet deep meant to catch wild boars. She nearly snapped her neck. She never did fully recover. It seems every ailment she’s ever had was somehow linked to that accident. I’ve always felt responsible. She’s my little sister. I should have minded her better. That’s why I set out to live my best life for the both of us.”

“Sandra, that’s beautiful. And I fully understand your devotion to your sister. I would do anything for mine. You’re a good sister.”

“She tells me I’m the best.”

We share a warm laugh as we part ways.