Pumpkin Glaze & Murder: An Oceanside Cozy Mystery - Book 5 Read online

  Pumpkin Glaze & Murder

  An Oceanside Cozy Mystery Series Book 5

  Susan Gillard

  Contents

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  Pumpkin Glaze & Murder

  1. Donuts and Costumes

  2. The Woman in Black’s Invitation

  3. Preparing to Board

  4. Arriving at the Party

  5. Screaming and Yelling

  6. The Dead Zombie

  7. Interview with the Party Planner Vampire

  8. The Crowd of Witnesses

  9. Dance Floor Crime Scene

  10. Undead Ex-Lover

  11. Talking to Tanya

  12. Suspicious Characters

  13. Bag Check, Please

  14. The Search

  15. Lucrecia’s Lies

  16. The Case

  17. Hostage Situation

  18. Treats

  Also by Susan Gillard

  About the Author

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  Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Copyright 2017 by Guardian Publishing Group - All rights reserved.

  All rights Reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means such as printing, scanning, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

  Pumpkin Glaze & Murder

  Book 5

  Donuts and Costumes

  “Boo!”

  “You don’t like the new Pumpkin Donut flavor?” Heather asked her best friend.

  Amy laughed. “I love it. I was hoping to scare you so I could sneak off with what you already baked.”

  Heather returned the laughter and handed her another donut. "You're my bestie. You don't need to scare up donut opportunities."

  "It was also more fitting for the season," Amy said before gobbling up her donut.

  “Uh oh,” Digby said, entering the Donut Delights kitchen. “Amy’s here.”

  "What's that supposed to mean?" Amy tried to ask. It was difficult because her mouth was still full of donut and she was trying to remain dainty and ladylike.

  “Just that we’re going to need some of these new donuts for the customers,” he teased.

  “I can’t help it if I love all things Halloween, and I love donuts. These Pumpkin Donuts are combining my two favorite things,” she said. “I think I’m entitled to some.”

  “You are,” Heather said. “And you can’t help loving them. But you can help me whip up another few batches. Digby is right. Our customers are going to want to buy up this flavor.”

  They began work on the new batch as they continued chatting.

  “It’s delicious like all your flavors are. And it’s perfect for the holiday,” Amy said. “I can’t believe it’s almost Halloween.”

  “Me neither,” said Digby.

  “Do you have big plans?” asked Heather.

  “My friends and I are going to finally see that cult Halloween movie that’s been playing at the classic theater this month Zombie Pirate Caper. And then we’re having a small party. I’m going to make sure I order some of these donuts for it.”

  “They’re the perfect party snack,” said Heather.

  “But I still need to finish making my costume,” said Digby. “I wanted to be a superhero this year. Because, you know, I am super.”

  “Super dramatic,” Amy joked.

  “A super assistant,” Heather said instead. “You’ll just have to make sure that you don’t get your cape stuck in any batter if you wear it here.”

  “My dilemma has been not wanting to wear tights,” said Digby.

  "I'm having trouble with my costume too," Amy said. "Jamie has an idea for a couple's costume, but it's silly. I'm trying to come up with a better idea for us, but if I don't, then I'm going to be stuck wearing it."

  “What is it?” Digby wondered.

  “I’m not telling,” Amy said. “And I’m hoping I won’t have to show it either.”

  “Fine,” Digby said. “What about you, boss?”

  Heather wrinkled her nose in annoyance. She had mentioned how at her first Donut Delights location her employees had called her “boss” to tease her, and now the new shop was picking up the habit.

  "My costume is all set," Heather said. "But I'm keeping it a surprise. My bigger dilemma is finishing Lilly's costume. She gave me a tall order. And I do mean tall."

  “Giraffe?” Digby guessed.

  “Apatosaurus,” said Heather.

  “Lilly is the most awesome kid,” Digby said.

  “I’m glad you think so,” said Heather. “I agree. And I can’t wait to go trick or treating with her this year.”

  “Hopefully it’s all treats like these,” said Amy. “And no tricks. We’ve had enough tricks with our investigations this year.”

  “Boss?”

  Heather looked up and saw Nina, another assistant, poking her head into the kitchen.

  "There are some people here to see you," Nina said. "But a duo you'll be happy to see."

  “A treat already,” Heather said. “Digby, will you finish these donuts up?”

  “Of course,” Digby said. “I am a super assistant.”

  Heather and Amy followed Nina to the front of the shop and saw their favorite customers and friends were visiting. Eva and Leila were two senior ladies who, at the moment, were trying to contain their giggles.

  “What are we walking into?” Amy asked. “Is something going to jump out at us?”

  “Of course not,” said Eva.

  “We just wanted to see what you thought of our Halloween costumes,” said Leila.

  Heather and Amy exchanged a look. They hadn’t noticed that the women were wearing a costume.

  Heather put her keen eye towards examining their ensembles, and her sleuthing senses kicked in. She laughed and shook her head.

  “They’re wearing each other’s clothes,” Heather explained.

  “We’re dressing up as one another,” Eva said.

  “And so, when we’re in costume if you call out Leila, then both she and I will respond. Me because I’m the real Leila, and Eva because she’s pretending to be Leila. And if you call out Eva, then Eva will respond. But I will also be Eva.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t choose a confusing costume,” Amy said wryly.

  "You know," Heather said. "If you're really going to sell this costume you're going to have to switch to each other's hairstyles and colors as well."

  “I suppose she’s right,” Eva said.

  “If we can’t find an appointment with a hair stylist, it’s going to be rather difficult on our own,” said Leila. “It’s a distinctive shade of blue.”

  “Perhaps we should figure out another costume,” Eva sighed. “If it took a moment for our best friends to realize what we were dressed as, it might be impossible for the people we just met.”

  “I know someone who will recognize it,” Leila said.

  “Oh, don’t start that,” said Eva.

  “Who?” asked Amy.

  “A certain gentleman at the senior center who has been trying to impress Eva,” Leila blabbed.

  “Trying and failing,” said Eva. “I’m not interested in romance righ
t now. Especially from the likes of Vincent.”

  “He is going to be all the Senior Halloween Ball,” said Leila. “And I think that’s why she wants to change costumes now. To look impressive there.”

  “I do not,” said Eva. “I don’t care what he thinks. And we could dress as slugs for all I care.”

  “As slugs?” Leila asked. “If we start crawling around on the ground, I don’t think we’ll ever get up.”

  Eva groaned. “Heather, can you end this fight for us? Can you provide us with some donuts to stop our mouths from running when they have to chew?”

  Heather promptly presented them with some donuts, and the women smiled at them.

  “They’re orange,” Eva said. “Is it the flavor I think it is?”

  “This is the Pumpkin Donut,” said Heather. “A simple and sweet pumpkin flavored based, covered with a sugary glaze.”

  “Pumpkin perfection,” Eva declared.

  “Pretty, pleasing and perfect,” Leila added.

  “Please,” Heather said, adding one more “P” to the conversation. “You’ll embarrass me.”

  “We’ll stop with the alliterations if we get some more donuts,” Leila said.

  Heather happily handed them another one, and then asked, "If you go to the Senior Halloween Ball, will you still be free to go trick or treating with Lilly and us?"

  “Yes,” Eva assured her. “We wouldn’t want to miss that.”

  “Especially in her dinosaur costume,” Leila said.

  "The senior party is in the afternoon," Eva said. "So, we can still go to the parade with everyone in the morning and trick-or-treating that evening."

  “I’m excited about the parade,” said Amy.

  “It does sound fun,” said Heather. “But I’m most excited for going door to door with candy with Lilly. I hope nothing gets in the way of that.”

  “Don’t say that,” Amy said. “That’s like inviting something to come along and disrupt our plans. And since it’s Halloween, it’s bound to be something scary.”

  Even though it was a clear and tropical day, they could have sworn they heard a boom of thunder. Then a woman in black flowing skirt sauntered inside.

  The Woman in Black’s Invitation

  “Is anyone else getting a strong witch vibe?” Amy asked.

  Heather shushed her. Even though it was the week of Halloween, most of the residents and tourists on the streets were still wearing shorts and T-shirts. This woman was in a full-length layered black dress and corset. Her hair was also long and black. She had dark eyeliner on but refrained from black lipstick. Instead, she wore a dark maroon color on her lips.

  She looked out of place is the bright and cheery Donut Delights shop. She also didn't look pleased to be there. She glared as she glanced around the store at the clean and colorful donut display.

  “You’re sure this is the right place?” she asked as another woman joined her.

  The only black this other woman was wearing was a T-shirt that advertised for a Halloween "Boo"ze Cruise. She had her pale hair pulled back and looked annoyed with the situation.

  “Yes,” she said. “I’m sure.”

  The woman in black surveyed the donuts. Nina was nervously cleaning the counter, afraid that the woman might cause a disturbance.

  “Can I help you?” Heather asked.

  “Possibly,” the woman said. “I am Lucrecia Gravely.”

  “Gravy?” Amy asked. “Like what goes with potatoes.”

  “Gravely,” said Lucrecia. “Like a grave. Like where corpses are buried.”

  “Oh. That’s different,” said Amy.

  "I'm the party planner for a Halloween booze cruise operating this week. We're going to have to add some more desserts to our menu because our guests have been hungrier than anticipated. My assistant suggested I come here."

  “I’m Tanya,” said the assistant. “I heard that you have specially flavored donuts. I thought you might have something for Halloween.”

  Digby arrived at that moment with the fresh batch of Pumpkin Donuts. The doubt disappeared from Lucrecia's eyes as she smelled the freshly baked pastries.

  “Why don’t we have a seat?” Heather suggested.

  Eva and Leila said their goodbyes after Heather promised to update them on whatever happened with the ladies from the cruise.

  Heather and Amy sat down with Lucrecia and Tanya who happily sampled the new flavor.

  “I’m sorry I doubted you,” Lucrecia said. “When I entered and didn’t see any decorations, I thought that you weren’t enthused for Halloween. It made me suspicious of the treats you’d make.”

  “I suppose we could add a few decorations to the shop. At least a pumpkin or two,” said Heather. “I suppose I wasn’t focused on the décor because we opened so recently. I’m still getting used to the regular beachy theme of the place.”

  “Now,” Amy said. “You’ve been to the donut pumpkin patch. Are you going to pick them?”

  “I would love to order a large order of these donuts from you,” Lucrecia said. “I think they would be perfect for our cruise.”

  “What sort of cruise is it?” Heather asked.

  "It's an evening cruise," Lucrecia explained. "It's not a multi-day cruise. It's a ship that goes out for a few hours in the evening so guests can dress up and party. We operate all Halloween week. Obviously, some nights are busier than others, but there are some people who like to party every night. And we do have a lot to offer."

  “Like what?” asked Amy.

  “There are, of course, fun drinks and snacks,” said Tanya.

  “And you’re on the deck of a ship with a view of the waves with the moon above it and surrounded by the crisp night air,” said Lucrecia.

  “And in addition to all the joys of a regular booze cruise, the Halloween one has some fun activities,” said Tanya. “There’s a dance floor and some black light dances to make things feel creepy. There’s some bobbing for apples if you feel like a classic game. And the Captain will give a prize to his favorite costume at the end of the night.”

  “There will also be a screening of that cult classic that has been playing so successful after its restoration: Zombie Pirate Caper,” said Lucrecia.

  “How could I forget that?” asked Tanya. “It’s been so popular lately.”

  “We’ve been so busy with the shop and investigating cases that we haven’t had a chance to go to the movies,” said Heather. “Is it good?”

  Tanya shrugged.

  "It's a little cheesy," said Lucrecia. "But it is enjoyable. It was made about thirty years ago but was just remastered and rereleased. Actually, one of the men from the classic movie theater helped with its release: Jason Myers. We're presenting it on our ship because of his help too."

  “It does sound like a good time,” said Heather.

  “I’d love to invite you both to it,” said Lucrecia. “You’d have to pay for drinks, but I can give you tickets to board. For both of you and your dates. Then you can see what a great time it is.”

  “Thank you so much,” said Heather.

  “I can give you tickets to any day except Halloween,” Lucrecia said, realizing.

  “That’s fine,” Heather said. “I have plans with my daughter on Halloween anyway.”

  “Then we’ll be pleased to see you all and hope that you dress up,” said Tanya.

  “But beware,” said Lucrecia with a twinkle in her eye. “There might be dead bodies on board.”

  Then, Heather and Amy caught each other’s eye and shrugged.

  “I suppose we’ve seen our fair share of them,” Heather admitted.

  Lucrecia hadn’t expected that response, but still said, “Our musicians are all dressed as skeletons.”

  Preparing to Board

  Heather looked at herself in the deerstalker hat in the mirror's reflection and smiled. She didn't need the magnifying glass in her hand to tell it completed the look. She and Ryan had agreed to dress up as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for Halloween and
were putting on their costumes early for the Halloween Boo-ze Cruise that they were going to board that night.

  She made sure that her red hair was hiding in the cap and practiced the line, “Elementary, my dear Watson.” She knew that he never really said that phrase in the book series, but it would be expected of her to say it.

  She was excited about the cruise. She hadn't been on boats very often and thought this was a fun opportunity to board one. She was looking forward to dancing with her husband and was dying to see what Amy and Jamie had dressed up as. She also never gave up the chance to see her donuts enjoyed at events.

  “What do you think?” Heather asked as she modeled for her daughter.

  “I better not commit any crimes because Sherlock Holmes would find me,” Lilly answered happily.

  “You better not be committing crimes anyway,” Heather teased.

  Ryan entered the room ready to show off his costume as well but then froze in his tracks. He was also in a deerstalker hat, coat with a cape and balancing a pipe in his mouth. Heather was staring at a second Sherlock Holmes.

  “I thought we were going to be Holmes and Watson,” Ryan said.

  “Me too,” said Heather.

  Then they both burst out laughing.

  “I guess we both think that we’re the master detective,” Heather admitted.

  “And we both are really skilled,” said Ryan.

  “Technically, Holmes was a consulting detective and not on the force,” said Heather. “I guess that might be why I thought I’d be him.”

  “Either way,” Ryan said. “We couldn’t solve our cases without our partner at our side.”