Read Online Treacherous Tart by Ellie Grant - Free Book Online Page B

suppose we’ll make it Pumpkin Pizzazz, just so it will be easier.” Aunt Clara sighed and took off her coat as she went into the kitchen.
    Maggie followed her, mimicking her actions. They put their coats on the rack in the kitchen at the same time. She ran hot water, bleach, and soap into the rolling metal bucket.
    She could tell her aunt’s heart wasn’t in making pies today, but maybe getting to work would be good anyway.
    By 6:00 a.m., the floor was clean and the chairs were rearranged. Maggie made an espresso for herself while she watched the coffee perk in the big urn. Aunt Clara had changed her mind about the “fancy” coffee and had a cup from the urn.
    The pie shop was busy as usual first thing in the morning. It was a little busier with people asking about what had happened. There were more strangers than normal. Some people even came in and wanted to take photos. A lot of them asked questions and stood around talking about Donald’s death.
    Maggie didn’t have the time or inclination for that. It seemed to her that the less said about yesterday and Donald’s death, the better. Aunt Clara saidshe felt the same too, but she stood at the service window between the kitchen and the dining area each time she heard the subject mentioned.
    Mr. Gino and his handsome young nephew, Tony, brought the supplies they’d missed on their last visit. Mr. Gino gave Aunt Clara a hug and a new mug with his business name on it. He expressed his sympathies and said he’d see her later in the week.
    â€œDon’t worry, Clara. This will go away. Business will even be better for a while, yes?”
    Mr. Gino reminded Maggie of Mario in the video game. Tony was a large, solidly built man with curly dark hair and the longest eyelashes she’d ever seen. He always wore a tank top, even in the winter.
    Probably to show off those muscles , she thought, watching him move a box in the kitchen. He winked at her when he saw her staring. Maggie looked away.
    Saul Weissman from the Spin and Go Laundromat next door stopped in for plain coffee and asked about Donald’s death. He was a short, gray-haired man with heavy black glasses. He bought two whole pies to go and said he hoped Aunt Clara would be okay.
    â€œIt’s all over the news, you know,” he told Maggie. “Maybe it will be good for business. People like a little notoriety.”
    By the time he left, the pie shop was full. Maggie hadn’t had time to go into the kitchen and help Aunt Clara make pies. They were already farbehind in their orders for the day—too many nosy customers.
    She was glad to see Ryan. She’d taught him to run the cash register and wait tables. She took full advantage of his willingness to help.
    â€œI have some new information.” Ryan rang up an Elegant Eggnog pie and coffee. “Thanks for the tip about the Durham Singles website last night.”
    â€œWe’ll have to wait to talk about it. I’m sorry. Aunt Clara is swamped in the kitchen. I have to help her.”
    â€œSure.” Ryan smiled and got the next customer in line. “I don’t know how to work the coffee gadget yet. If someone wants a latte, I’ll have to call you.”
    â€œOkay. Thanks.”
    Maggie ducked into the kitchen. Aunt Clara was moving slowly through the tasks of pie making. This would’ve been a good time to have some frozen crust on hand. Maggie put on a white apron and started making crust.
    â€œAre you okay?” she asked her aunt.
    â€œI suppose so. This is one time I could’ve stayed in bed all day.” Aunt Clara smiled at her. “It’s probably just as well I had to come here. No one likes a mopey old person.”
    â€œIt’s okay to mope a little,” Maggie assured her. “You’ve suffered a loss. It’s going to take some time to recover.”
    There was a loud knocking on the kitchen door.
    Maggie went to answer, hoping it