CHAPTER 11
“ L et me come around the counter,” Magda says as she quickly does just that and we find a nice quiet table in the back of the café, right here at the Cozy Corner Grocer and Gourmet.
She pulls a few treats from her pockets in the shape of iced sugar cookies.
“They’re doggie biscuits,” she assures me. “Do you mind if I share the wealth with your cute puppies?”
“Not at all,” I say, and soon all three pooches are noshing away. And I can’t help but laugh at how attentive they are to the snacks. “Boy, they really like them.”
“All dogs love our biscuits. And don’t you worry, Mom, they’re nutritional, too.”
She doesn’t seem to realize that two of these cute pooches belonged to Blythe. And I’m not going to point it out either in the event she grows suspicious of me.
“This is Sherlock Bones,” I say, giving him a pat. “And those two redheaded cuties are Chestnut and Acorn.”
Fish pops her head out of my tote bag. What about me?
“Oh, and this is my sweet cat, Fish,” I say, setting her down on the empty seat next to me.
“Oh, gracious.” Magda laughs. “I don’t have any cookies for you right now, but before you leave, be sure to pick out whatever treat you want from the kitty bar. We take care of our feline friends here, too. So nice to meet you and your crew, Bizzy.” She shakes her head as her smile begins to fade once again. Too bad we’re here to talk about Blythe. She bats her lashes at me. “Now what kind of questions did you have for me?” A part of me wonders if Ree told her about the falling-out I had with Blythe. But then, I’m not sure Ree knows all the details either. Heaven knows I did my best to cover up the dirty laundry that was out and about.
Duly noted. I nod her way.
“I was just wondering about the poor woman who passed away,” I say, leaning in. “The sheriff’s department hasn’t ruled out a homicide just yet. You know, all that red tape, and the body has to be thoroughly examined by the coroner—that kind of stuff. And, well, the incident took place on my property, so I thought I might garner some insight into her state of mind that night. I did see the two of you talking. I was just wondering what your take on her behavior was.”
Technically, the beach belongs to the state, but the woman was close enough to the inn for it to essentially be true.
“Let’s see.” Magda leans back while glancing at the ceiling. “Oh, all right. I got it now. The Friendsgiving event was well underway, it was after dinner, and I was eyeing this scrumptious cheesecake you had set out. I never did get to it.” She cringes a moment. “Would you mind telling me what I missed out on?”
“Oh, it was to die for,” I say before grimacing. “I’m so sorry. I certainly didn’t mean that. I mean, I did mean that—about the cheesecake, but I didn’t mean to sound crass. And now I feel terribly awkward.”
She belts out a hearty laugh. “Don’t worry, Bizzy. This conversation couldn’t be more awkward if it tried. Blythe was married to my ex-husband. Suffice it to say, the woman and I were never close. And believe me, he was no loss. I’ve said for years that she could have him. Beau and I, that’s my ex, we share children, of course, and a history, but outside of that, we’ve gone our separate ways for years now.”
She slices a glance toward the bustling market. Thank goodness I had this place. But with the way Blythe was determined to take everything away from me, I’m shocked she didn’t sleep with my brother for a piece of the proverbial pie. And I’m still not convinced it wasn’t on her list. The woman was as spiteful as she was vengeful. Good riddance is what I say .
I clear my throat. “Well, it certainly sounds like the two of you weren’t close.”
“Not close at all.”
Told you! Chestnut gives a quick yip. Mama called her Mean Magda. She said the woman was a battle-axe.
Oh dear, Fish mewls.
Acorn lifts his furry little chin. Mama once said she wouldn’t dare eat a thing Magda had to offer because it would probably be poisoned. He sits up straight. We just ate the woman’s biscuits! Is it just me, or is it getting harder to breathe? He jumps to his feet and dances in a circle before falling to the floor and panting.
Don’t mind him. Chestnut sighs. He did love to entertain Mama with his drama.
Magda chuckles. “Look at this little darling,” she says as she quickly scoops Acorn into her arms and lands a kiss to his forehead. “Aren’t you just the sweetest little thing? Oh, what a cute baby.” She lands another kiss to his fur and he all but gags and sputters.
A killer is holding me, he squawks. I think she’s trying to squeeze the life out me! Somebody help! Can’t breathe! I’m about to be fed poisonous biscuits until I’m good and dead! Someone call the police!
I’d eat another biscuit, Sherlock says without missing a beat. Even if it was my last meal, it would be a good one.
Quick, Fish mewls. Someone get the dog a biscuit. Make it ten! Stat!
I shoot her a look for even going there.
“Wait a minute.” Magda narrows her eyes over me. “You think that Blythe was murdered, don’t you?” She gasps as she glowers at me. Well, well, I bet she thinks she’s looking right at the killer, too.
A small smile tugs on the woman’s lips as if maybe I’m right.