Page 52 of Poison Apple Crisp

“Carlotta,” I hiss just above a whisper. “That is not what I said.”

Evie shrugs. “It’s sort of what you said. I’m a witness.”

Lainey giggles. “So what’s going on with the case, Lot? I heard someone ate one of your apple crisps and dropped dead at a big fundraiser.” She peers into one of my bakery boxes. “Ooh! Apple crisps.” She pulls one out and waves it at me. “You’re not trying to off me, are you, Lottie?” She takes a bite without waiting for an answer. “So come on. Fill me in on the deadly details.”

I do just that, and I tell her all about the book that was stolen from me, too.

Lainey shudders. “So scary.”

“It sure is,” I say. “Carlotta, may I please have my sweet little niece?”

Carlotta lands the sleeping angel gingerly in my arms and I gasp.

“Lainey, she’s still lighter than air,” I coo at the tiny pink princess. “Look at her tiny nose, her rosy cheeks, and ruby red lips—she’s just perfect. And would you look at the pale hair? She’s a towhead.” I lean in a notch. “Oh my sweet word, you are so very precious.”

“That she is. It never gets old.” Lainey sighs as she grabs another donut out of the box. “I can’t believe you had a break-in. I bet Noah is beside himself that someone actually penetrated Fort Fox. But I guess if you leave the door unlocked, just about anyone can stroll on in—even a thief.”

Evie nods. “My dad was pretty upset with himself, too. I grabbed a copy of that book at the library. Desmond Meadows was a real nut job.”

“Desmond Meadows?” Lainey shudders. “I remember when all that went down a few years ago. That’s the guy who killed his wife and made his girlfriend clean up the mess, right?”

Evie shakes her head. “The girlfriend claims she never saw a body.”

“Pfft.” Carlotta snickers. “That’s what they all say. She was just trying to lessen her time in the big house. I’d bet money she helped chop that woman to pieces.”

Evie gags. “I bet you’re right, Carlotta. And just like you said, you’re always right about everything.”

“Carlotta,” I say. “It’s not nice to poison the mind of a youth.” I’m teasing more or less—less being the greater of the two in this situation.

Lainey wags a donut at her. “Meg sent me the pictures. You guys are a riot.” She looks to Evie. “Did those girls need their parents’ consent for that?”

“Parents’ consent for what?” I squawk as loud as I can without waking the baby.

Lainey opens her mouth to say something, and Carlotta quickly plucks the angel out of my arms and gently lands her back to her mama.

“It’s been real, Lainey.” She leans in. “Hush, little baby—and, Mama, don’t you say a word. But that baby’s gotta eat.” She snatches a fried pickle out of the box and shoves it into my mouth before navigating me all the way in the driver’s seat of my car. “It’s a brisk night. I think Evie Stevie and I are going to hoof it.” They take off, and I shake my head in their wake.

Carlotta is up to no good, and whatever she’s up to, she’s dragged poor Evie into it. And by the sound of it, Evie’s friends are in peril as well.

I shoot a text to Everett.Parent conference. You and I regarding the effect Carlotta is having on our daughter. You up for takeout?

He texts right back.I’m in. About to leave the courthouse. I’ll pick up dinner.

My phone pings again, but it’s not Everett. It’s Noah.

Are you up for unlocking a mystery? The lab just called and said I can come down and open that envelope.

I gasp as I read it and send a message right back.Don’t move a muscle. I’ll meet you down at the station.

I text Everett and let him know there’s been a change of plans.

We’re meeting with Noah, and I have a feeling we’re about to find out what really drove someone to break in and steal that book.

Chapter 14

The Ashford Sheriff’s Department is a boxy building with white floors, walls, and woodwork inside. The only thing that warms the place up is the tan and olive uniforms the deputies wear. Actually, Noah can wear whatever he wants as the lead homicide detective. Keelie’s father, Jack Turner, is the sheriff, and he’s the one that hired Noah a few years back. And as it turns out, he also hired the woman I’m staring at now.

“Ivy,” I say, less than enthused. Detective Ivy Fairbanks rarely has a smile for me, or anything great to say to me either.