Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes - Culinary Competition Mystery #3

Chapter 19

(Amy)

Amy knew it had been difficult for Sophie to tell Matt that she was also a victim of the hacker that killed his best friend, but her boyfriend's tender attention had stabilized the café owner's mental state far better than Amy could. Sophie was not only smiling again, she had decided to keep the smaller menu and take more time off in the middle of the day. In fact, Amy had stayed longer than her Energizer Bunny of a boss to finish the decadent coconut brownies—a moist, fudgy brownie base topped with a layer of gooey coconut macaroon cookie.

One of the treats, wrapped in cellophane, along with a mocha cookie and apricot bar were stacked into the paper bag she was carrying. Shepler had asked Amy to try to find more information about what was happening downtown. Treats could be the tasty grease to the conversational cogs.

Extra points for the fact that while poking around to find clues for the homicide detective, she could order a wedding present for him and his future wife at the same time. Double win. The prints on the walls of the classroom at The Inkwell were unique, just like the couple that made them. A perfect present to celebrate the biggest day in her friend's life.

Amy tucked the treat-filled bag into the black and white polka dot tote she was using as a purse, so she could pull open the heavy, wood door with both hands. The pause gave her time to read the business hours on The Inkwell's door. They were open from 5:00 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and on Saturdays, the time was extended until 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning. The other days that the store was open the hours were from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Why in the world would any bookstore need hours like that? Maybe the bank of computers that was also in the classroom was the key to that question. Once again the crime-solving part of her brain circled back to the store possibly being a cover for a band of ruthless hackers. The owners could be masters of disguise who just appeared to be charming and innocent. If her admittedly wild theory turned out to be true, the drawing she was about to order would be one heck of a wedding gift for Shepler. A present made by a criminal given to the detective that put her behind bars. But Amy hoped she was wrong. She really liked the eclectic couple.

Aubergine and Chuck were behind the counter, chatting with a customer when Amy walked into the silver and black, outer space-themed store. Loud, excited voices rocketed through the small store and announced to Amy that the trio was debating an author's choice to end a series. The purple-haired proprietress waved a greeting and continued with the raucous conversation.

As Amy wound through the bookcases, she couldn't help but overhear the discussion. Graphic novel fans were apparently very dedicated to their favorite authors and series. After opening several books and discovering the contents were far more violent and sexy than the Garfield cartoons she read as a kid, Amy retreated to the Food section. Even that subject area wasn't safe. The first book she paged through depicted a man being attacked by an octopus that didn't want to become sushi.

"Welcome back." Aubergine said as she appeared at Amy's side. Amy had been so engrossed in reading about the bloody cephalopod attack she hadn't noticed the store had gotten quiet. The front door clunked shut behind the departing book debate participant. "What can I help you with?"

"I loved your quote drawings hanging in the classroom. I know it is very short notice, but I was wondering if I could commission a small one for a wedding present. Unfortunately, my friend's wedding is this Saturday." Amy replaced the gory book on the shelf. "I would've ordered it much sooner if I had known about you."

"As long as you don't want anything too complicated, I can do that. Since Chuck takes care of most of the customers, I have a lot of time to work." She pointed at the classroom door. "I have an album in there. You can pick out a quote and ink color."