Meow Means Murder Page 2

  “You do?” Cindy looked at Lauren.

  “He’s a detective,” Lauren replied, wishing her cheeks would stop flaming.

  “And good-looking.” Zoe grinned. “And he and Lauren like each other,” she added in a sing-song voice.

  “Zoe!” Lauren scolded.

  “Brrt!” Annie chided Zoe.

  “Sorry,” Zoe replied, but she didn’t look apologetic.

  “That’s good to know,” Cindy replied. “Thanks.” She let out a breath. “I feel a lot better now after talking to you about it.”

  “We’ll get your mocha and cupcake,” Lauren said.

  Annie stayed behind with Cindy, allowing the waitress to continue stroking her.

  “I can’t believe that food critic,” Zoe said with disgust. “To think I was so excited about him reviewing us. And to find out he’s nothing but a lech!”

  “I know,” Lauren agreed. “I just hope he doesn’t try anything tomorrow when he comes back for Ed’s pastries.”

  “If he does, we can sic Ed on him!”

  The thought of big burly Ed, with monster rolling pins for arms confronting Todd, the food critic, made Lauren smile. Ed made pastry like a dream but valued his privacy, and rarely came out of the kitchen.

  “Now you have me kind of hoping that’s going to happen tomorrow.” Then she sobered. “But that would be bad.”

  “Would it?” Zoe tilted her head. “He’d deserve it.”

  “But would Ed?”

  “One look at Ed, and Todd would probably run out of the café,” Zoe predicted.

  That thought cheered Lauren as she made Cindy’s mocha. Zoe plated the cupcake and together they took the treats to the table.

  “This looks great.” Cindy smiled at them as Lauren set down the coffee and cupcake.

  “Brrp,” Annie said in approval.

  “So you’re going to tell Gary what happened after you leave here, right?” Zoe encouraged.

  Cindy stirred her mocha, then licked thick, creamy cocoa colored foam off her spoon. “Yes,” she said. “You’re right. He needs to know. I just hope he doesn’t fire me.”

  “Why would he?” Lauren asked. “You must be his best waitress.”

  “Thanks.” Cindy looked pleased at the compliment. “But I need this job.”

  “Even if he did fire you,” Zoe said, “not that he would,” she amended hastily, “surely you could get another waitressing gig right away? What about the steakhouse?”

  “Maybe.” Cindy shrugged. “But Gary’s been good to me about fitting in my shifts with school. He’s like that with everyone,” she added hastily. “Not just me.”

  “I don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about,” Lauren told her.

  “If you do, then Gary isn’t the guy he seems to be,” Zoe added. “And you shouldn’t have to work for someone like that.”

  “You’re right.” Cindy nodded. “Thanks, guys. I knew coming here was a good decision.”

  “Brrt,” Annie agreed. Yes.

  Lauren and Zoe left Cindy to finish her mocha and cupcake. Annie stayed with her, her eyes closing in bliss as Cindy stroked the top of her head.

  “I hope that critic doesn’t come back tomorrow for one of Ed’s pastries,” Zoe muttered. “Because if he does ...”

  “I’ll serve him,” Lauren promised, wondering if she actually could. She’d love to turn him away, but would doing so hurt their café’s reputation? Whatever her personal feelings toward the critic following Cindy’s revelation, she had two employees as well as Annie to think of. She didn’t want their café’s standing to be savaged in print.

  The door opened and a slim, middle-aged woman staggered in, loaded down with a lot of shopping bags.

  “Brrp?” Annie asked curiously as she left Cindy’s table and trotted toward the newcomer.

  “I’ve been shopping, Annie,” the woman with honey-colored hair told her with a smile. “I’ve bought so many bargains!”

  “Brrt,” Annie replied, leading her toward a table in the rear.

  “That’s Kimberly,” Zoe murmured to Lauren. “She’s married to Wayne.”

  “Who owns the steakhouse.” Lauren nodded. Although she’d only been running the cat café for a few months, she was on friendly terms with the local restaurant owners.

  “I wonder what she’s bought?” Zoe’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “And where she did all that shopping? Not here in Gold Leaf Valley.”

  “No,” Lauren replied. She enjoyed living in the small town, but she didn’t see how it could be possible for someone to buy so much stuff from the local stores.

  Annie trotted back to Cindy’s table, jumping on a chair and bunting the girl’s hand. Cindy smiled and obliged, stroking the Norwegian Forest Cat while finishing her cupcake.

  “I’ll see if Kimberly’s ready to order,” Lauren said.

  “Good idea,” Zoe replied. “She looked ready to drop carrying all those bags.”

  Lauren headed toward Kimberly’s table. Paper and plastic bags of all sizes and colors surrounded her chair.

  “Hi, Lauren.” Kimberly looked up and smiled at her.

  “What can I get you?” Lauren asked.

  “That’s sweet of you to take my order. I’d love a latte.” Kimberly sighed and pushed back her chair, wriggling her red kitten-heeled feet. “I went to the new outlet mall today and walked for miles. You won’t believe how many bargains they had there!”

  “Where is it?” Lauren asked. Maybe she and Zoe could have a day out there soon.

  “Thirty minutes south from here,” Kimberly replied. “I meant to go straight home, but I definitely need a coffee first. I had a latte at the mall, but it wasn’t nearly as good as one of yours.”

  “Thanks.” A smile tilted Lauren’s lips. She prided herself on creating the best beverages and baked goods she could.

  “Look what I got!” Kimberly pulled out a jade sweater. “Cashmere. Seventy percent off!”

  “Wow.” Lauren admired the elegant item.

  “Ooh, is that cashmere?” Zoe zoomed to the table. “It’s gorgeous!”

  “I know, right?” Kimberly beamed. “You should see what else I bought.” She started pulling out more sweaters, and a pair of stilettos dotted with pink crystals.

  “I wish I could wear those shoes.” Zoe sighed.

  “Aren’t they fabulous? How could I pass these up?” Kimberly waved them in the air. “I’m going to save them for special occasions, like a dinner date with my husband.” Her expression dimmed. “If he ever has some free time.”

  “I guess he must be busy with the steakhouse,” Lauren said sympathetically.

  “Yeah.” Kimberly sighed. “Six nights per week. And then he says he’s too tired to go out on his day off.”

  “Oh.” Zoe wrinkled her mouth.

  “You don’t know the half of it.” Kimberly shook her head, her sleek hair brushing against her jaw. “We never seem to do anything as a couple anymore.”

  “That’s a shame,” Zoe replied.

  “Oh, well.” Kimberly shrugged. “Maybe I’ll surprise him one night.”

  A movement at the door caught Lauren’s eye and she turned. A man in his early fifties with a burly frame and curly dark hair entered the café.

  “Your husband’s here,” she told Kimberly.

  Kimberly brightened.

  “Over here, hon!” She waved to her husband.

  He waved back and headed toward them.

  Annie looked up from Cindy’s table, saw that everything was under control, and settled back on her chair.

  “I thought I’d stop by for a cappuccino before I start the prep work for tonight,” Wayne greeted his wife.

  “It looks like we had the same idea.” Kimberly laughed.

  He frowned as he glanced at the shopping bags surrounding his wife’s chair.

  “I can’t wait to show you my bargains.” Kimberly grinned.

  “I thought we agreed—”

  “Oh, you!” Kimberly wagged a finge
r at her husband. “It’s only a few things, and I actually saved us money by shopping at the outlet mall. I bought you something I think you’ll love,” she added playfully.

  “What can I get you, Wayne?” Lauren asked hastily, feeling like a third wheel.

  “A cappuccino with an extra shot would be great, Lauren,” Wayne replied.

  “Coming right up.” Lauren gestured to Zoe to follow her. “I thought we should leave them to it,” Lauren murmured to her cousin as they reached the counter.

  “Good idea.” Zoe scanned the quiet café. “If you don’t need me, I guess I’ll get started on the dishes.”

  “Thanks.” Lauren gave her a grateful smile. She made the drinks, and carried them to the table. The married couple looked like they were having an intense discussion, although their voices were lowered.

  “Sorry to interrupt.” Lauren made her voice bright. “Here’s your cappuccino, Wayne, and your latte, Kimberly.”

  “Thanks.” Wayne seemed to mask the irritation on his face. “Just what I need.”

  “I heard Todd Fane the food critic was in the area,” Kimberly spoke as she sipped her coffee.

  “That’s right,” Lauren replied neutrally. “He was in here a little earlier.”

  “How exciting!” Kimberly looked around the room, as if expecting to see the critic. “He gave our restaurant such a good review a while ago.”

  “I know.” Lauren nodded. “Zoe told me.”

  “You and Zoe should come in sometime and try my wagyu.” Wayne set down his cup. “Todd was impressed by it.”

  “I’ll talk to Zoe about it,” Lauren replied noncommittally. One hundred and sixty dollars for a piece of steak wasn’t in her budget right now, however delicious it might be.

  Lauren left the bill on the table and headed back to the counter. Soon it would be time to close up – and then what? After feeding and playing with Annie, her evening was wide open. She’d probably relax on the couch with her knitting and a TV show.

  Maybe Zoe was right – maybe they should visit the steakhouse one evening or do something fun after work. They were in their twenties, after all.

  “I have to go now, Annie.” Cindy appeared at the counter, turning to speak to the silver tabby following her. “I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

  “Brrp.” Annie seemed to pout as she looked up at the blonde girl.

  “I think you’re one of her favorites.” Lauren smiled at Cindy.

  “She’s definitely mine.” Cindy beamed at the silver tabby.

  “Brrt!”

  After Cindy left, Lauren scanned the room. The few customers remaining seemed satisfied with their beverages and baked goods. Only Kimberly and Wayne seemed dissatisfied – but with their discussion, not their orders.

  “Dishes are done!” Zoe emerged from the kitchen and joined Lauren at the counter. “Anything happening?”

  “Not really.” Lauren motioned to Kimberly and Wayne’s table. “Apart from their conversation. It looks serious.”

  “Ooh, Wayne’s getting up. Oops.” Zoe busied herself, stacking clean china plates. “We don’t want him to think we were staring.”

  “You’re right,” Lauren replied, pinning a pleasant smile on her face.

  “Thanks, girls.” Wayne stepped up to the counter, digging out his worn wallet and offering cash. “This is for both our orders.”

  “Thank you.” Lauren rang up the sale and gave him a few coins in change.

  “Hope you get a great review from Todd,” Wayne said. “The more people who know how good our food is down here, the more business for everyone.”

  “You’re right.” Zoe nodded.

  After Wayne left, Zoe turned to Lauren. “Do you think we should see if Kimberly would like something else?”

  Lauren glanced over at the middle-aged woman’s table. She seemed busy checking her purchases.

  “Maybe we should give her some time to herself,” Lauren said thoughtfully.

  “Yeah.” Zoe sighed. “I was so tempted to say something about Todd’s behavior at Gary’s when Wayne mentioned getting a good review from him, but I didn’t think I should. It’s Cindy’s business.”

  “You’re right.” Lauren nodded. “It is Cindy’s business. And I don’t think we should do anything to interfere – unless she asks us to.”

  CHAPTER 2

  “Why isn’t he here?” Zoe fumed as she scanned the café. It was the next day, and half the tables were already taken that morning.

  “It’s just past ten o’clock.” Lauren checked her practical white plastic watch.

  “I don’t know if I want Todd to come back,” Zoe admitted. “Not after what he tried on with Cindy. But I still want us to get a good review. Does that make sense?” A guilty expression shadowed her face.

  “It makes perfect sense,” Lauren assured her. Last night, she and Zoe had spoken about Cindy’s predicament while watching a crime show, and had finally determined it was up to Cindy to decide what to do, although they would gladly help if asked. She and Zoe had agreed not to mention Cindy’s encounter with the food critic to Ed – or anyone else. Not until their friend told them otherwise.

  The swinging kitchen door opened and Ed stuck his head through the gap. “The apple Danishes and the pinwheels are ready,” he said gruffly. His short auburn hair stuck out in all directions and smudges of flour decorated his black apron.

  “Great!” Lauren hurried to the swinging door. “I’ll bring them out.”

  “Hope the critic likes them,” Ed said, ducking back into the kitchen.

  “I’m sure he will,” Lauren replied, the scent of freshly baked fruit and pastry teasing her senses.

  Thirty minutes later, there was still no sign of the food critic or his intern, but one-third of Ed’s baking had already been snapped up by eager customers.

  “This is ridiculous,” Zoe grumbled. “If he doesn’t come soon we’ll be out of pastries again.”

  “I’ll put two of each away for him.” Lauren placed two golden apple Danishes and two pinwheel shaped pastries inside a cardboard box, slid it into a brown paper bag, and made a notation in pencil. “There.”

  “Good idea.” Zoe nodded in approval.

  An influx of customers snagged their attention, and only one hour later did Lauren realize that Todd still hadn’t arrived.

  “He should have been here by now,” Lauren murmured to herself. She checked her watch. 11.40 a.m.

  “Brrt?” Annie jumped down from her bed and trotted over to the counter. What’s wrong?

  “The food critic hasn’t returned,” Lauren told the Norwegian Forest Cat. “And he seemed keen to try Ed’s pastries.”

  “Brrp.” Annie scrunched her eyes closed for a second. “Brrp?”

  “Maybe we should check on him.” Lauren wondered if that was what Annie had just suggested. She scanned the room. The morning rush had abated and there were only a few tables taken.

  “Is he here yet?” Zoe came through the swinging kitchen doors.

  “No.” Lauren shook her head. “Maybe I should go to the motel and see if he’s there.” The motel Todd had criticized as a “dump” was the only one in town.

  “Yeah!” Zoe’s brown eyes sparked. “Maybe you should tell him he’s too late to try Ed’s pastries!”

  “I was thinking I could take the pastries to him,” Lauren replied.

  “I guess that would work.”

  “Brrt!”

  “I think Annie wants to go with you.” Zoe’s voice held a trace of amusement.

  “Brrt!” Annie seemed to nod.

  “Okay.” Lauren smiled at the cat. “But you’ll have to wear your harness.”

  “Brr-t.” This time it sounded like a grumble.

  Annie didn’t like wearing her harness when she went out for a walk with Lauren. But Lauren didn’t want anything to happen to her, like being startled by a passing car – or worse.

  Lauren grabbed the harness from the cottage and fastened it on Annie.

&nb
sp; “I think this lavender color really suits you.” She stroked Annie’s silky soft fur after fastening all the buckles.

  “Brrp.” Yes. Annie nudged Lauren’s hand.

  They walked out of the café, Lauren waving goodbye to Zoe.

  “It’s not far to the motel,” she told the Norwegian Forest Cat.

  “Brrt,” Annie replied. She held her silvery gray plumy tail high in the air and gazed at the red maples lining the sidewalk.

  “Cat!” A little girl with blonde curls pointed at Annie from her stroller. She waved a chubby hand in the feline’s direction.

  “Brrt!” Annie replied. Hello!

  “She’s gorgeous,” the athletic looking mother remarked to Lauren as they passed each other.

  “You can meet her at the cat café down the road,” Lauren told her. “And we offer babycinos as well as coffee.”

  “What’s that?” the mother asked.

  “It’s a little cup of frothed milk with chocolate sprinkles. I think it’s an Australian invention.” Lauren smiled.

  “Cino, cino!” The toddler clapped her hands.

  “I’ll check it out,” the tall woman promised with a grin.

  “Cat!” The little girl waved goodbye.

  Lauren and Annie reached the end of the main street and turned left.

  “The motel is just along here,” Lauren told the feline.

  Gold Leaf Valley Motel was a Swiss chalet style building and had seen better days, but Lauren thought its fading glamor added a certain type of charm. It was the only accommodation in town, apart from a few small bed and breakfasts, although there was talk of a developer wanting to build a huge motel on the outskirts of Gold Leaf Valley.

  Red roses adorned the front garden, along with a lush, green lawn. Although the building could use a coat of paint, the owners maintained the grounds nicely.

  “I wonder which room he’s in,” Lauren said to Annie.

  “Brrp?” Annie stopped and looked up at the two-story building.

  “We can ask at reception,” Lauren told the feline.

  Annie led the way to the office at the front of the building. A glowing Vacancy sign hung in the window.