Thin Crust Killers Read online

  “Good-bye, Eleanor.”

  “Come by the Slice tomorrow and I’ll make you a sandwich on the house.”

  “Maybe I will,” he said.

  That’s when I realized that his hands were empty. “Hang on a second. Don’t forget your box,” I said.

  I started to reach for it when he beat me to it. “Sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  Before I could answer, he was gone.

  I dead-bolted the door behind him, and as I took the tray back into the kitchen, I had to wonder what it was he’d wanted me to hold onto for him.

  Whatever it was, chances were I would never know now.

  I couldn’t even tell Maddy what had happened, because I knew exactly what she would have done without even having to ask her. She would have promised to watch the box, then the second Steve was gone, she would have opened it herself to see what the mystery was all about.

  For once, I found myself wishing that I’d followed her instincts instead of mine. Not knowing what was inside that box would most likely keep me awake all night wondering exactly what it had contained.

  But it was something I was willing to live with.

  Chapter 7

  “I can’t believe you didn’t call me as soon as you found it,” Maddy said when we talked later that night. “Are you seriously trying to tell me that I have to hear news like this from one of your other employees? Is that all I am to you, Eleanor, someone who just happens to work for you at the Slice?”

  “Take it easy, Maddy. It wasn’t that big a deal.” She was upset about the red encrusted menu I’d found on my car, or more importantly, the fact that I hadn’t called her immediately to tell her about it. I’d just about gotten ready for bed when the telephone rang. I thought about not answering it, but if I did that, I knew it might be something I regretted later. There was just something about a ringing telephone that I couldn’t ignore.

  “I didn’t want to interrupt your date, and there was nothing either one of us could do about it,” I added.

  “Listen to me, sister of mine, if you ever pull a stunt like that again, you and I are going to have some serious words. Am I making myself clear?”

  “I said I was sorry.”

  “Okay, we’re fine then.”

  That didn’t end it as far as I was concerned, though. “Just out of curiosity, how did you find out what happened so fast? It had to be Greg or Josh. Which one told you? It was Josh, wasn’t it?”

  Maddy paused, then she said, “I never reveal my sources, you know that.”

  “That’s not good enough this time. Tell me.”

  She knew I wasn’t about to give up, so she finally admitted, “There was a call on my answering machine when I got home. He was worried about you.”

  “So it was Josh.”

  “Didn’t I just say that?”

  “No, Maddy, you didn’t.”

  “Fine, you’re right. It was Josh. There, I said it. Are you happy now?”

  “I’m nowhere near happy, and you know it,” I said. “I wish everyone would give me a little credit. I can handle whatever comes my way.”

  “Yeah, it’s tough having people care about you. Don’t you just hate it?” After a brief pause, she asked, “What did Kevin say about the menu?”

  “He thought it was a gag, some kind of sick practical joke,” I admitted. “Who knows? Maybe he’s right.”

  “Don’t talk that way. We got to somebody today. That was a warning; don’t kid yourself into believing otherwise.”

  “You might be right,” I said. “But who did we spook?”

  “I don’t know, but I think it’s time to crank up the heat.”

  I yawned into the phone. “Can’t it wait until morning? I’m whipped.”

  “Funny, I’m just getting started.”

  I’d neglected to tell her about Steve’s odd visit. I’d bring her up to speed on that in the morning.

  Unless she somehow heard about it before I could tell her.

  On second thought, I knew how she would react, and I wasn’t about to make that mistake again. “Joe’s brother was just here.”

  “What did he want?”

  I took a deep breath, then said, “He had a box he wanted me to hide for him, and I said no. Before you can chew me out about it, I didn’t like the way he was acting when he asked. There was something that just felt wrong about the whole thing.”

  “Then you did the right thing,” Maddy said.

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Are you actually agreeing with me?”

  “You have to trust your gut, Eleanor. If it felt wrong, it probably was.” There was a moment’s hesitation, then she added, “I can’t help wondering what was in the box, though.”

  “That makes two of us.” A thought suddenly occurred to me. “Hang on a second. How did Josh find out about that note so fast, and when he did, why did he call you?”

  Maddy reluctantly admitted, “I asked him to. Now, before you explode, Josh and I have had an agreement since he first started working at the Slice. If your name ever comes up in conversation around his house, he’s supposed to call me, no matter what time of day or night it is. Don’t blame him. I practically had to make him swear a blood oath to get him to do it. I know you’re a grown woman, Eleanor, but I worry about you sometimes.”

  “Part of me wants to tell you that it’s sweet, but the other part wants to strangle you the next time I see you.”

  “I’d listen to the first part if I were you,” she said with a laugh.

  A sudden thought occurred to me. “Is Bob still there?”

  “Don’t worry, he’s in the other room. I’ve seen this movie a dozen times.”

  “Then why watch it again?”

  “Maybe there are advantages to watching a movie I know by heart with a handsome man, have you ever considered that possibility?”

  “No, but now that I have, I can’t get the image out of my head.”

  “Good night, Eleanor. Sleep tight.”

  “Good night, Maddy.”

  “One thing,” she said before we hung up. “I meant what I said about Josh. I’d rather he didn’t know you found out about our agreement.”

  “Okay, what can it hurt?” I said. I was just too tired to argue about it at the moment. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do tonight.”

  She laughed heartily. “Now why would I limit myself like that?”

  I could still hear the echoes of her laughter even after we hung up. It was good to be so close to my sister, and not just geographically. She had a way of buoying my spirits that no one else did.

  Well, one other person could, but he was gone, and I was finally starting to realize in my heart of hearts that he was never coming back.

  The next morning, it was beautiful when I left the house for the pizzeria. It was hard to believe that I’d felt so threatened the night before. The world somehow looked like a safer place to me in the light of day. I hadn’t heard from Maddy, but that wasn’t all that unusual, especially since she’d had company the night before.

  I parked in my normal spot, despite what had happened. As I got out of the Subaru, I could see traces of red paint on the asphalt, and I wondered how long it would be before the rain washed it away. If nothing else, I could keep dumping buckets of water from the pizzeria on it until it was gone. That was one reminder I didn’t need to see every day.

  The pathway between the buildings was particularly lovely, and I found myself wanting to linger a little on the bench and enjoy the autumn theme, but I had dough to make this morning if I was going to be able to serve anyone pizza by the time we opened for business.

  As I approached the front door, I could see a piece of paper tucked into the handle.

  I wondered briefly if I should I call Kevin Hurley before I read it. Maybe it had something to do with Hank’s murder.

  But maybe it didn’t.

  At least I could be careful when I read it. Grasping it by one edge, I tugged it free, and then care
fully unfolded it.

  It was from Paul, our near neighbor and just about the best friend I had on the promenade of shops.

  It said, “Eleanor, come by before you open. We need to talk. Paul.”

  Brief, and to the point.

  But it sure didn’t sound like good news.

  At least I hadn’t called Kevin first. It would be more than a little unpleasant having to explain the false alarm to him.

  I tucked the note into my purse and walked over to the bakery. Wonderful smells emanated from the building before I even opened the door, and I wondered sometimes if Paul had a fan set up somewhere inside to shoot the enticing aromas to unsuspecting passersby to lure them inside.

  If I ever found out that he’d done just that, I would be the first in line to tell him that he was brilliant.

  I walked inside, and stared openly at the display of donuts, éclairs, long johns, and cupcakes for sale. The next section was equally appealing, with hard crusted breads in all shapes and sizes. Finally, there was an entire case filled with muffins, and most important of all, a variety of flavors most bakeries only dreamed about.

  “I’ll be right with you,” Paul called out from the kitchen.

  “It’s just me,” I said. “Take your time. I got your note.”

  Paul was tall and slim, somewhere in his mid-twenties, and a very nice-looking young man. He’d finally shaved the goatee he’d worn and had his hair trimmed neater than I’d ever seen it. It was hard to believe that the man who could bake so many wonderful things had once graduated law school at the top of his class. I for one was glad he’d returned to his first love and opened his bakery instead of practicing law.

  “Thanks for coming by,” he said as he walked out. “Can I get you some coffee? How about a donut? They’re fresh, and I’ve got a new orange zest donut I’d love to get your opinion on. I’m not sure if it’s ready for prime time yet.”

  “Well, if it will help you out, how can I say no?” I said with a grin.

  He smiled at me as he reached down for a donut. “Be honest with me, even if you hate it. I’m depending on your candor.”

  “If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s my donut integrity.”

  I took a bite, and my mouth immediately filled with flavor. It was almost as if I could taste orange blossoms in it. I’d been expecting a heavier tang, but this was a tribute to subtlety and nuance that I couldn’t touch in my pizzeria.

  “It’s so good,” I said as I gobbled the rest of it down. “The flavor sneaks up on you, doesn’t it?”

  “Is it too mild? Folks seem to like flavors that overwhelm them these days.”

  I shook my head. “I wouldn’t change the flavor, but I think it needs a different name.”

  “You don’t like Orange Explosion?” he asked.

  “No, to be honest with you, it’s a little bit misleading. My first bite reminded me more of the gentler smell of an orange blossom, though I’ve never smelled an actual one in my life. Who knows, the flowers might smell like anything, or nothing at all, but that’s the impression I got. The name needs to match that.”

  “Then that’s what I’ll call them,” he said. Paul took out a Sharpie pen and wrote on a small display placard, hints of orange blossom. “That says it all, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, I’ll steer anyone who wants something bold away from these, but I know quite a few folks around town who should appreciate these for their textures.”

  “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve got a feeling you didn’t ask me over here to help you name your donuts.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short,” he said. “Some people are awful with names and titles, but I knew you’d have the knack for it.”

  “Thanks, but I’m still not wrong, am I?”

  “No, you’re not,” he said as he looked down for a moment. “I don’t like saying this, but I’m a little disappointed in you, Eleanor.”

  Though the words were spoken in soft tones, they hit me hard. A line was starting to form of the folks I’d let down lately. “What did I do? Whatever it was, I’m sorry, Paul.” Then I finally understood. “Don’t tell me, you’ve already heard about the auction.”

  “Why didn’t you ask me for a donation?” He waved his hands around his shop. “Don’t you think my offerings are good enough?”

  “Are you kidding? I think they’re spectacular. The only reason I haven’t talked to you yet is because this thing is so new.”

  “Then you want something from me after all?” he asked hopefully.

  “More than your wares,” I said, getting a sudden inspiration. “I’m using your dessert for the pizza dinner I’m donating, but I just got a wonderful idea. How would you like to offer a class on baking?”

  “I don’t know, Eleanor,” he said. “I’ve kind of got my hands full here full-time baking. I’m not sure I could find the time to teach, too.”

  “I’m not talking about an ongoing thing,” I said. “I mean we could offer an evening with you teaching baking fundamentals at the auction.”

  “How about some afternoon after I close for the day? You know how early I have to get up.”

  “An afternoon it is. Would you be willing to do it? It’s for a good cause.”

  “You bet,” he said. “Who knows, it might even be fun.”

  “Count on it.”

  Before I could go, Paul bagged a few more treats for me and topped off my coffee. When I tried to pay, he said, “Consider them your consulting fee for the day.”

  “If that’s the case, you were seriously overcharged for my services.”

  “Funny, I think I got off easy,” he said.

  “Let’s think of it that way, shall we? I love it that we both win,” I said on my way out the door.

  I was surprised to see the lights on when I got back to the Slice. Maddy was already in the kitchen, cutting veggies for our toppings and listening to the radio twice as loud as I ever would.

  “You’re late,” she said as she turned the volume down.

  “I was here before you, as a matter of fact,” I said as I hung my jacket up.

  She pointed toward the bag Paul had given me on the way out. “But you stopped for breakfast along the way, and I didn’t.”

  “Do you forgive me?”

  “That depends,” she said. “Is there anything in there for me?”

  “Do you like orange donuts with just a hint of flavor?”

  “If Paul made it, I’ll eat it,” she said as she reached for the bag. It just wasn’t fair. We were both big fans of Paul’s, and yet Maddy didn’t seem to ever gain weight from her indulgences, while I could pack on three pounds just walking past the bakery.

  I didn’t want her to have to eat alone, though.

  As I grabbed one too, she said, “I thought these were for me. Didn’t you already have one?”

  “Yes, but I thought it was rude to expect you to eat alone. I’m just doing it out of concern for you.”

  We both broke up laughing, and I took a bite.

  As Maddy sampled hers, I said, “I’ve got great news. Paul is donating an afternoon baking session in his shop for the auction.”

  “That’s brilliant,” Maddy said. “He should go for a fortune.”

  “Are there really that many folks who want to learn to bake?” I said as I finished my donut, wishing there were more in the bag.

  “Eleanor, are you kidding me? He could be demonstrating composting and we’d get some serious offers. Paul is as nice as he is good looking. What woman wouldn’t want to spend a day with him? Are you going to bid on him?” she asked.

  “For Paul? He’s too young for me.”

  “Don’t kid yourself. He’s not that young,” Maddy said.

  “How about you?”

  “I’m dating all I want to at the moment,” Maddy said. “But who knows what might happen between now and the auction? I might just give you a run for your money.”

  “You’ll have him to yourself then, because I’m not bidding,” I insisted.
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  “Then you’ll probably be the only single woman in town who isn’t,” Maddy said.

  “Somehow I’ll manage to live with that,” I said.

  I honestly hadn’t thought of Paul as an eligible young bachelor, but I realized that my sister was probably right. It was hard to think of little Paul as a man about town. Whenever I saw him, I remembered how cute he’d been riding around Timber Ridge on his bicycle and playing baseball at the park. If I ever did start dating again, it would have to be with someone I didn’t see in my mind’s eye still wearing a little league uniform.

  After the dough for thick and thin crusts were made and Maddy had the toppings prepared, we took a break and walked outside. It was nice to get out for a few minutes, particularly in the lovely autumn weather. The mornings had a nice chill to them, while the afternoons still offered enough warmth to go without a jacket.

  Our favorite bench just outside the pizzeria was unoccupied, and Maddy and I took up temporary residence there. From where we sat, we could see the Slice, as well as half a dozen of the other shops on the promenade.

  “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” I asked my sister as I breathed in the fresh, crisp air.

  Maddy frowned.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked. “You suddenly don’t like fall weather?”

  “It’s not the weather I’m unhappy about,” she said as she pointed over my shoulder. Racing up the promenade towards us was Trent Caldwell, the one-man newspaper.

  “Come on, Eleanor,” she said as she stood. “If we hurry back in, we won’t have to talk to him until we open at noon.”

  “What good will that do?” I asked as I kept my place on the bench. “He’ll just come into the Slice then.”

  “I don’t know if it will help us any, but it will drive him crazy, and that can’t be all bad, can it?”

  “You can go in,” I said. “I’m staying right here.”

  “Suit yourself,” Maddy said as she hurried inside the Slice. I couldn’t believe she’d bail on me like that, even if she had threatened to do just that. Once she was safely inside, I saw her stick her tongue out at me just as Trent got to me.