Page 32 of Macaron Massacre

“Oh no. I’m waiting until the will is read and the money is safe in my bank account. And then we’ll resume right where we left off.”

A thought comes to me. “I bet you were very resentful of your father for forcing your hand. He was the sole reason you lost all contact with your baby girl.”

Her lips twitch with a barely-there smile, but her eyes are red with rage. “I knew how to take control of the circumstances. It’s what I do.”

“How did you do that?” By killing your father and burying the murder weapon in your mother’s flower bed?

“Let’s just say I’m a big believer in removing toxic people from my life. Sometimes it takes years, but with proper planning, you can make just about anyone disappear.” Her chest bounces as if she thought it was funny. “Nice to see you all. Excuse me. I have a book to sign.” She takes off, leaving us with a trail of her perfume that holds the scent of strong tea.

Nell shakes her head as she watches her leave. “She sure sounds guilty.”

“Too guilty,” I say.

Everett nods. “She came to Dawn’s defense when she didn’t need to. I think she might be covering something up.”

“Maybe a murder,” I say. “Maybe one she didn’t commit.”

“Or did.” Nell shrugs before glancing over to Noah who’s standing with Britney and Cormack. “It looks as if he’s furnished them each with a refreshment. How very sensible.”

Everett growls, “Let’s get out of here, Lemon. It’s time to get dangerous.”

I’m about to say something when a dark-haired woman by the door catches my attention. A crowd moves between us for a moment, and when they disperse, she’s gone.

“I could have sworn I just saw that woman again,” I pant as I crane my neck to see her.

Everett does a quick scan of the vicinity. “It could have been anyone. Eighty percent of the women here are brunettes.”

“I know. I just had this feeling it was her.”

Nell begins to float into the air, her very being glowing as if she were her own consolation. “Trust your gut, Lottie. You have a knowing when it comes to danger. And yes, danger is alive and well all around you. And him. It’s around him, too.” And with that, she dissipates to nothing.

“I knew it,” I hiss to Everett. “You’re in danger.”

His affect grows stern quickly. “And so are you.”

Everett takes me to his place and shows me exactly how dangerous he can be.

Chapter 12

“Lainey’s bridal shower is this Saturday!” my mother sounds off with distress as she runs into the bakery. Her hair is frazzled, and yet she’s impeccably dressed in a matching peach blazer and skirt, heels and pantyhose, as if she just got through with a board meeting—one that went exceptionally sideways. And knowing my mother, that’s exactly what happened.

Lily takes over the register for me as my mother storms her way through the small mob that’s amassed itself in the bakery this afternoon. It’s so hot and humid out, I think they rather appreciate the air conditioning. Not to mention the fact I just pulled a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven. Nothing brings the tourists flocking my way like the warm scent of brown sugar and vanilla.

“Don’t worry,” I assure her. “I have everything under control. My staff is working around the clock to ensure there were will be more than enough macarons at the event—more than enough to duplicate the Eiffel Tower if need be. Speaking of Paris, has Lainey hinted where they might be taking their honeymoon?”

She shakes her head. The disappointment on her face is more than apparent. My mother loves to know the details of her daughters’ lives right down to the minutia.

She strums her nails over the counter. “I’m hoping for something tropical. Crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches, lots of good food and music to dance to.” Her shoulders do that shimmy thing they’re prone to do.

“That sounds amazing. Hey, where did you and Dad take your honeymoon?”

“We didn’t have much money, so we stayed right here in town at the Old Town Bed and Breakfast.”

“Old Town B&B? I’ve never heard of it.”

“Oh, you have,” she assures. “I bought it with the insurance payout after your father died, and now I live in it.” She sighs dreamily.

“So that was the name of that old place. You do realize that’s perfectly romantic.”