Текст книги "Powdered Murder "

Автор книги: A. Gardner

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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 14 страниц)

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Monday morning came way too fast. It started at 7 a.m. when Mrs. Tankle had knocked on my door to ask me if I was still planning on attending her book club meeting on Wednesday. I kindly reminded her I had already accepted her invitation. Twice. I also repeated to her I'd read the book of the month and I would bring a veggie platter for those who couldn't have sweets. Mrs. Tankle had then proceeded to pick my brain about the wedding.

I'd ended up inviting her in for tea and toast. I didn't tell her much more than what the BC Gazette had already reported, but she was grateful to hear more about it from me. Joy had spent the night at the resort. I could only imagine the sort of damage control she was dealing with. Mrs. Tankle had avoided looking towards Joy's bedroom. When she had finished her toast, she got up to leave.

I headed up to the resort for work. I took my time finding a parking space only because I knew what I was in for. The employee entrance was supposed to be private, but I could see news vans and reporters pacing the parking lot through my rear view mirror. The resort had placed a security guard at the back entrance to keep any unwanted guests from wandering about. I quietly stepped out of my car and looked down at my turquoise work out shoes.

"Excuse me. Excuse me!"

The press was onto me.

I jogged to safety and felt a cool shiver run down my spine as I entered the staff lounge. Joy was in the middle of an impromptu meeting. She waved at me to join her when she saw me. I studied the employees in the room. Aggie was sitting at a table with a cup of coffee, and most of her kitchen staff was with her. A couple of waiters listened eagerly as Joy read a statement written by Mr. Kentworth about how to behave concerning the events of yesterday.

"There you are." Taryn walked up beside me. "Have you seen our appointment book?"

"Oh, no," I whispered. "Don't tell me our regulars cancelled."

"Actually we have the opposite problem," she answered quietly. "You might even have to hire a new trainer."

"What?" I exclaimed a little too loud.

Joy shushed me.

"Sorry," Taryn quickly apologized. She resumed our side conversation. "All our slots have been filled and then some. We have a waiting list, a cancelation list, and a backup waiting list."

"You're joking."

"Blabby Millbreck is no longer your most high-profile client," Taryn said proudly. She swiped her bangs to the side.

We listened to the rest of Joy's speech from the doorway. She made sure the staff knew some of our guests could be undercover reporters trying to dig for more information. The kitchen staff agreed not to discuss the matter with strangers. Aggie continued sipping her coffee as Joy collected her things and joined me.

"We need to talk," Joy said. "Lunch?"

"Okay," I agreed. She forced a half smile which meant if she was going to be fired, it hadn't happened yet. Joy isn't the type of person who would waste time working for an employer who was planning on screwing her over.

I met Taryn upstairs in my tiny office and reviewed our jam packed training schedule. The morning went fast and consisted of new clients and a few regulars. I found myself going through the motions of initial fitness testing and proper weight-lifting form. My mind was far away, near an occupied hospital bed.

In between clients my cell phone rang off the hook. I didn't know how the media had gotten hold of my number, but I resorted to screening all my calls and texting family and friends to let them know the quickest way to contact me would be filtering through the hotel phone lines.

I'd barely blinked when Joy knocked on the studio door after my last training session. I fixed my ponytail and grabbed my jacket, following her back downstairs. As we passed windows overlooking the ski lift I avoided looking through them. Joy did too, and she walked just as fast in her heels as I did in my work-out shoes.

"Where to?" she asked. "I have about thirty minutes." We entered the employee break room and lounge where Eli and Misty were sharing a chicken pot pie from the kitchen.

"Oh, Joy," Eli shouted. "There you are."

"Not now," Joy responded.

"Someone was looking for you."

"Mr. Kentworth?" She raised her eyebrows and took a deep breath. "Because he is always looking for me."

"No." Eli's eyes darted to the hallway behind us. "Oh, there he is."

Wade came strolling towards us with a smirk on his face and one of Aggie's homemade dinner rolls. He was wearing his same attire of semi-fitted jeans and a shirt that showed off his muscular top half. Joy shifted back a little, steadying herself. I clenched my fists together, ready to break up a fight.

"What are you doing here?" Joy said quietly. She took a step forward and snatched the roll. "You can't just go around taking things either. This isn't a garage sale."

"I didn't steal it," Wade replied. "Aggie gave it to me."

"Bull," Eli shouted from inside the break room. Misty giggled.

"My charm appears to be good for something." Wade spoke casually, looking away from Joy when he said it.

"Why are you here?" she asked, bypassing the opportunity Wade had given her to argue some more.

"I'll tell you in a minute." Wade looked at me. "The sheriff’s looking for you, Essie. He's upstairs in the Columbine Room."

"The sheriff?" Joy repeated. "What is it this time? I don't think I can handle another homicide, theft, burglary, or whatever. When does it stop?" She rolled her eyes.

"Calm down, honey. Go on upstairs and see what he wants. The both of you."

"Honey?" I whispered to Joy. The two of us followed Wade's instructions and made our way back up the stairs, knowing our little chat with the sheriff would take up our entire lunch break.

"He's weird like that," Joy responded.

"The two of you never skip a chance to argue," I pointed out. "You're seeing him again, aren't you?"

"Essie, that's absurd." But Joy wouldn't look me in the eyes. Instead she pretended to check her watch.

"I know what you're doing, and you can only check your watch so many times."

"Essie," she said through her teeth.

"Can you even tell me what time it is?" I teased her.

"Okay fine." She spat it out like a giant pill she couldn't swallow. "We are back together. I don't know what came over me but…"

"I do," I commented. "He came over you."

"I don't know what to do." She rubbed her eyes. "He's so … I can't resist him sometimes."

"You slept at his place last night," I guessed. It was probably true though.

"Darn it, Essie, I hate it when you do that," she barked. "You can read people like an open book."

"Not all people," I reminded her.

"Am I crazy?"

"Last week I would have said yes," I answered. "But last week I didn't know Lila. You're definitely not crazy."

We continued walking until we pushed open the doors leading into the Columbine Room, the resort's second largest event room. The loud sound of clapping hit me like a free weight. My torso froze and I covered my mouth after blurting out a loud laugh. A good portion of the resort's staff was standing and clapping. They were headed up by Mr. Kentworth who was standing next to a buffet table with a banner that said Congratulations. When the room quieted down, Mr. Kentworth cleared his throat and waited for all eyes in the room to settle on him.

"We are here today for two reasons," he announced. "First, to celebrate Bison Creek's recent rise to stardom. The press might be overbearing at the moment, but they have already booked us customers from all around the globe. And second, to thank these two women here for all their hard work."

The audience began clapping again. I faintly smiled and nodded. "Essie, you stepped in at a critical hour and cleared our workers of any criminal charges. And Joy, you worked day and night to make the Jaye wedding a magical one."

"What good that did," Joy murmured. The few people who heard her chuckled.

"Joy," Mr. Kentworth went on. "I think it's safe to say you deserve this after everything that has happened. You handled yourself with such grace and such poise." Mr. Kentworth paused and discreetly winked at me. "Everyone, say hello to the resort's new Head Event Coordinator."

Joy's eyes widened. She stared vacantly at the congratulations banner as a line formed beside her with employees who wanted to shake her hand and wish her well. My heart pounded as my face beamed. She'd wanted this promotion for so long and she had finally gotten it. There was a tap on my shoulder and I promptly turned around and grinned. The sheriff actually was in the Columbine Room waiting for me.

"Sheriff," I said.

"Essie." He gave me an approving nod. "I take it you heard the latest about Lila?" The studio had been so busy this morning neither Taryn nor I had remembered to turn on the TV and none of our clients had complained. The view of the mountains and a pair of headphones must have been enough for them.

"Not yet." I admitted. The sheriff bowed his head and immediately I knew what that meant.

"She didn't make it?"

"No," he said solemnly.

I swallowed the news, feeling like I'd been pushed back to yesterday when my feet were so frozen I thought they would have to be amputated. It was like staring down the barrel of Lila's gun all over again. I shivered, wondering if I would ever be able to shake that feeling. The feeling of impending doom. Once I experienced it, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

"I hope she finds the peace she was looking for," I responded.

"Have you ever thought of joining law enforcement?" His question stunned me. The thought of me in a police uniform chasing down a tourist who had stolen a snow globe from a souvenir shop was a foreign concept to me. I never pictured myself close to doing anything relating to law. "You would make a fair officer." The admission was a compliment coming from Sheriff Williams. A huge compliment.

"You already have an officer," I responded.

"True." He placed a hand on his thick belt. "But with all these extra tourists coming in I'm going to need more help. What do you say?"

"No offense, Sheriff, but I don't think you can afford me now."

"Part-time?" He chuckled.

"I don't know."

"Town Consultant?" he suggested.

"I'll think about it." The idea was intriguing, but working with the sheriff would be a tricky task, especially since it wouldn't take long for him to revert back to his old habit of distrusting everyone including those with whom he worked. Besides, after a week there Murray might try to propose to me.

"Think about what?" Joy asked. She was holding a champagne glass. A giant smile was on her face. Wade wrapped his arm around her torso and she didn't seem to mind.

"I was just trying to persuade your sister to change her profession," Sheriff Williams answered.

"No way," Joy laughed. "We need her here, Sheriff. We're booked solid for the next year, and I have hundreds of wedding requests to sift through now."

"Hundreds?" Wade commented. "That number will keep rising for a good while." Wade chugged his complimentary alcohol like it was water.

"Do you think this town will be able to handle all those extra people?" Joy threw the question out there, not expecting an answer. She tilted her head back and laughed. The volume in the Columbine Room progressively got louder and louder.

No, I answered her question in my head.

More people meant more problems.

More drama.

And more scandals.

RECIPES

Pinecliffe Delights

Ada's "Triple V" Cupcakes

Essie's No Bake Granola Bars

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Green Ginger Pick-Me-Up Smoothie

Red Berry Protein Shake

PINECLIFFE DELIGHTS

Baker Beware

CUPCAKES

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups whole milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

FILLING

1 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup powdered sugar

CHOCLATE GANACHE

1 cup heavy cream

1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips

For the cupcakes, cream together butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the milk and dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture. Combine until the batter is smooth.

Line a cupcake pan with paper liners, and scoop in chocolate cupcake batter. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 – 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool before decorating. This recipe makes about 2 dozen.

For the filling, whip together the peanut butter and butter. Add the powdered sugar and whip until smooth. The consistency should be semi-stiff.

For the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Add the chocolate chips and stir until the mixture is fully melted.

When the cupcakes have cooled, use a pastry bag to pipe the peanut butter filling into the center. Or use a knife to cut a small hole at the top of each cupcake, and scoop in the peanut butter filling. Dip the top of each cupcake in the chocolate ganache, making sure any visible filling is fully covered. Top with sprinkles or chocolate shavings, and enjoy.

ADA'S "TRIPLE V" CUPCAKES

Vanishing Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes

 

CAKE

1/2 cup vegan (non-dairy) butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup unsweetened almond milk or non-dairy milk

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

FROSTING

1/2 cup vegan (non-dairy) butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk or non-dairy milk

A pinch of salt

NOTE: Vegan or non-dairy butter can be found in most grocery stores.

For the cupcakes, cream together the vegan butter and sugar. Add the vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. In a separate cup, mix together the almond milk and apple cider vinegar, and set aside. Also in a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine the milk mixture with the vegan butter and sugar mixture. Slowly add the dry ingredients, and mix well. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners, and scoop in batter so that the liners are half full.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 – 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. This recipe makes about two dozen.

For the frosting, whip together the vegan butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, almond milk, and pinch of salt. If the consistency is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If the consistency is too stiff, add a little more almond milk. Pipe or spread on the cupcakes when they have cooled. Top with vegan-friendly sprinkles, and enjoy.

ESSIE'S NO BAKE GRANOLA BARS

 

1 cup pitted dates

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

3/4 cup raw almonds, crushed

1 1/2 cups oats

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened

In a blender or food processor, blend the dates and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt the peanut butter, and stir in honey. Combine the oats, almonds, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and coconut in a large bowl. Pour in the honey and peanut butter mixture, and mix together. Add in the blended dates, and mix well.

Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Wet hands with water and press mixture into the dish. Let it sit for a couple of hours, and then cut into bars and serve.

NOTE: You can create different flavors by substituting the almonds and dried cranberries for various nuts and dried fruits.

CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING

Why are there seeds in your pudding?

 

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup chia seeds

3 – 5 tablespoons honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk, and cocoa powder. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Use the honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup to sweeten to taste. Lastly, mix in the chia seeds. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The chia seeds will soften and create a pudding-like consistency. Makes about two servings.

GREEN GINGER PICK-ME-UP SMOOTHIE

 

1 cup coconut water

1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

1 frozen banana

1 cup spinach

1 cup kale (or additional spinach)

1 cup diced pineapple

A drizzle of honey (optional)

Blend together all ingredients until smooth, using the honey to sweeten to taste. Substitute the frozen banana for a thawed banana plus a handful of ice if preferred. Makes one serving.

RED BERRY PROTEIN SHAKE

1 cup almond milk

1 cup frozen berries

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 tablespoon Nutella (optional)

Blend together all ingredients until smooth. Add the Nutella to achieve a sweeter shake. Makes one serving.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A. Gardner is a native westerner exploring the sweet bites of the south. After years of working in the healthcare industry, she moved across the country with her husband and adventurous baby boy. She is a mystery and romance writer with a serious cupcake obsession and a love of storytelling that began at an early age. When she is not writing, she is either chasing after her son, out for a swim, trying out a new recipe, or painting her nails bright blue.

To learn more about A. Gardner, visit her online at: http://www.gardnerbooks.blogspot.com

Connect with her on Twitter, and Facebook.

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BOOKS BY A. GARDNER

Bison Creek Mysteries:

Powdered Murder

Iced Spy

Poppy Peters Mysteries:

Southern Peach Pie And A Dead Guy

Chocolate Macaroons And A Dead Groom

Bananas Foster And A Dead Mobster

Ice Cream Bombes And Stolen Thongs (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)