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Bitter Sweet Copyright©2023byAnneM Scott AllRightsReserved
PreviouslyPublishedasLove,SafetyandSweets©2022byAnneM Scott AllRightsReserved
Allrightsreserved Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeansincludinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems, withoutpermissioninwritingfromtheauthor.Theonlyexceptionisbyareviewer,whomayquoteshortexcerptsinareview.ThisbookmaynotbeusedtotrainArtificial Intelligence,LargeLanguageModels,orsimilarcomputergenerationmodels PiratesmaybedroppedintothegiantblackholeofAndromedawithoutfurtherwarning
DevelopmentalEditingLiaHuni
ProofreadingPaulaLester,PolarisEditing
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitherareproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactual persons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental
AnneM Scott
Visitmywebsiteatwwwamscottwritescom/romance
FirstPrinting:September2023
LightwavePublishingLLC
Dedication In memory of my cousin, Coleen, who left us too young May perpetual light shine upon you and your family.
Contents 1 Chapter1
2.Chapter2
3.Chapter3
4 Chapter4
5.Chapter5
6.Chapter6
7 Chapter7
8.Chapter8
9.Chapter9
10 Chapter10
11 Chapter11
12.Chapter12
13.Chapter13
14 Chapter14
15.Chapter15
16.Chapter16
17 Chapter17
18.Chapter18
19.Chapter19
20 Chapter20
21.Chapter21
22.Chapter22
23.Chapter23
24 Chapter24
25.Chapter25
26.Epilogue
Author’sNote
Acknowledgements
AnneM.ScottBiography
AlsoByAnneM Scott
Chapter1 “Andthat’sourspecialsfortomorrow!We’llbeopenatseven,andI’ll haveprepackedboxesreadytoflyoutthedoor.”Shewiggledherfingers.“Seeyouthen!”Sheclickedthevideooff,reviewed it,addedcaptions,hashtagsandmusic,thenpostedittotheDeb’sBakerywebsiteandsocialmediaprofiles,pluscommunity pages.Herlastchoredone,sheturnedoffthesigninthefrontwindowofherbakery,andthenroseonhertiptoesandreached forthesky,herbackpoppingandcracking Atamerefivefoottwo,shedidn’thaveaprayerofreachingtheceiling,letalone thesky.
Crossingthesmalldiningareainfrontofthecounter,shecheckedforstraycrumbsornapkins,butJeff,hercleanupperson, wasmeticulous.Behindthebakerycounter,shepulledmostly-emptytraysoutoftheglassfrontdisplaycases.Ifonlyshecould findmorepeoplewithJeff’sdedication Heremployeeswereniceenough,buthadnorealloveforbaking;theyweretherefor thepaycheckonly.Whichwouldbefine,ifshecouldaffordtopaythemmorehours.Butshewasstuckinwhathersmall businessadvisorcalledthemuddymiddle.Shehadmorebusinessthanshecouldhandle,butnotenoughtoaffordfulltime workerswithbenefitsandinsurance,nomatterhowmuchshewantedto.
Afterwrappingthefewleftoversinplastic,sheplacedthemintheday-oldsalesbasket Thoseleftfromyesterdayhad alreadygonetothefoodpantry,alongwithloavesoffreshbread.She’dliketosendmoretothemandthefamilyshelter,too, butshecouldn’t.
MarcusBank’sPresident,SharleneMurphy,hadstronglysuggestedDebacceptinvestors.She’dsenteagercandidatesready toshovelcapitalintoDeb’sBakery Aninfluxofcashwouldallowhertohirefulltimeemployees,butatthecostoflosing control.Themenshe’dinterviewedatMrs.Murphy’srequest andtheywerealloldermen tookalookatherbalancesheet andtoldhertobuycheaperingredients,getridofJeff,andcontractacommercialbakerytomakehermostpopularcupcakes withpreservatives,thendistributetogrocerystores.
Debdidn’twanttodoanyofthat Shewantedtobake,designnewcreations,andmakehercustomershappy Cheaper ingredientsandpreservatives requiredifshewantedtodistributehergoodsmorethanacoupleofhoursaway changedthe tasteandtexturetoomuch.Besides,thereweremorethanenoughcheapcupcakesinstoresalready.Highqualitylocalgoods kepthercustomerscomingback.Plus,goingcommercialmeantshuttingdownherdiningarea,andshelikedtalkingto customers
Evenifsomeofthosecustomerswereapain,likeCharles“Chaz”Custandhishorrible,butwealthyandinfluentialmother Butshe’dtaketheCustsanydayoverthemostrecentso-calledinvestorsSharleneMurphysentherway.
Roughmeninboxysuits,withwaryglancesonenteringthebakery,theyreekedofcologneandgunpowder.OnceRyan,Erin’s fiancé,pointedoutthesigns,shecouldspotthebulgeofconcealedpistolsundertheirarmsorattheirwaists Thesemenwere demandingandrude,too,pushinginfrontofcustomersandpracticallyshoutingthatMarcusBanksentthemtoinvest,andnot takingnoforananswer.She’dhadtothreatentocallthecopstwice.Thelastthreeinvestorshadheavyaccentsaswell;Nadia, oneofherregulars,toldhertheyspokelikeBratva theRussianmob andshecouldn’tcomeintothebakeryanymore.She boughtcupcakesattheSaturdayFarmer’sMarketwhenDebopened,thenscurriedaway
Afterthelastuninvitedmobstermadeafussonabusymorning,DebhadSamKerr,herattorneyandotherbestfriend,senda cease-and-desistlettertothebank,statingformallythatshewasnotinterestedininvestorsorfranchising.Ms.Murphyhad stormedinthenextday,hernormallycalm,palewhitefaceflushedandglaring,accusingDebofbackstabbing,underhanded behaviorandtryingtogetherfired Debhadrepliedcalmly,remindingSharlenethatshe’dcalled,emailed,andsentpersonal letters,andyet,moreso-calledinvestorskeptshowingupandattemptingtointimidateherandhercustomers Debhadanotherreasonfortakingthenuclearoption;theidiot“investors”attemptingtointimidateherdidn’tunderstandthe peopleofMarcus,Montana.Atleasthalfofhercustomerslegallycarriedfirearms.Thelastthingsheneededwasawildwest
shootoutinhershop Filingthatinsuranceclaimwouldprobablygetherdroppedastoobigarisk,andinsuringabakerywas difficultenoughalready.
“Hey,Deb,areyouhere?”Erin’svoicerangoverthehumofcoolingfans.
“Upfront!”Shestackedthedisplaytraysandcarriedthemtothesinks.Hernightworker,astudentatthelocalcommunity college,wouldcleanthem,andthenextday’sgoodswerereadyfortomorrow’ssalesoncoveredtraysintheback
Erin’sbrightredhairappearedbetweentheracksofcupcakes,cookies,andbread,thensheleanedagainstthesinknextto Deb.“Itsmellsamazinginhere.”
Debchuckled.“Youalwayssaythat.”
“AndIalwaysmeanit Youarethesuperheroofbakedgoods”ErinpointedherelbowatDeb,agestureleftoverfromher daysintheAirForce,wherepointingwithafingerwasn’tpoliteforsomeoddreason.
Debputherhandsonherhips.“That’sme,CupcakeWoman!”
Erinlaughed.“Funnyeverytime.”Shesobered.“Howareyoudoingaftermymotherwent‘TerroroftheTown’onyou?Any fallout?”
Shegrimaced.“IgotanofficialletterbackthroughSam,statingmywisheswouldbefollowed,butthatmyloanwasunder review.”Otherthanherfirstyear,she’dmadeeverypaymentontime,andpaidextraontheoriginalamountduringgood months.
“Idon’tknowwhat’sgottenintoherlately”Erinsighed “First,shetriesreallyhardtosetmeupwithslimyChazCust,then shealienatesmeandRyanpublicly,andshesucksuptoherwealthycustomersinallkindsofweirdways.Nowshe’ssending mobsterstoyourdoor.I’mafraidshe’sgottenintosomethingreally,reallybad,andcan’tfindawayout.”Sheshookherhead, herexpressionsad.“Ihatetosayit,butI’mgladwetookWiz’swarningsseriouslyandopenedaccountsatotherbanks.Ican’t trustmyownmotheranymore”
“I’veopenednewaccounts,too,butIreallydon’twanttogothroughthehassleofgettinganewbusinessloan.”Thatwould taketimeandeffort,andshewasshortonbothalready.
“Meeither,butmyloanandatinybusinessaccountareallIhaveleftatMarcusBank.Anothergoodyear,andwe’llbepaid off”Eringrinned “Andspeakingofbusiness,withRyandownrange,Ineedtogetbacktomine Myboxesareintheirusual places?”
Debgrinned.“Sureare.AndIputaspecialpresentinthereforyouandyoursnugglestud.” Erin’sexpressionturneddreamy.“He’scominghomelatetonight,andIcanhardlywait.”
“Ibet”Debwaggledherbrowsandgrinned,butcouldn’thelpthejealousyspearingherheart Ifonlyshecouldfindaguy likeRyan Herfirstmarriagehadbeenatotaldisaster;they’dbothbeentooyoung,andshe’dbeenblindlystupid,too Afterher sisterKimmetandmarriedNicAcer,Debhadhopedshe’dhaveachancewithNic’sbrother,Michael.Kimevensuggestedthe twoofthemdate,butMichaelhadscoffed,claimingtheideawasridiculous.Hiswordshadstabbedherintheheart,but stiffenedherresolve Nomanwouldevermakeherfeellessthanenougheveragain;she’dhadenoughofthatwithherfirst marriage
DebstillusedAcerHomeRepairwhensheneededhelpwithherbakery,butshecalledNicdirectly.BothNicandKimtold herthatMichaelstillstruggledtoaccepthismedicalreleasefromtheArmyanddealwithhiscontinuinghealthissuesdespite creatinganextremelysuccessfulbusiness
“Speakingofstuds,didyouknowMichaelAcerwasinLouisianahelpingwiththehurricanecleanupatthesametimeas Ryan?”Erinraisedherbrows.
“No,really?”Michaelhadseemedtotallyfocusedonhisbusinessandhewasjustplaingrumpy Volunteeringhalfwayacross thecountryseemedoutofcharacter.Butshedidn’tknowhimthatwell he’dmadesureofthat. Erinshowedheraphotoonherphone.“Yep.RyanhadnoideaMichaelwasaTeamRubiconmemberuntilhewasassigned toMichael’steamtomuckoutafloodvictim’shouse.Sincehe’sacontractor,theymadeMichaelateamleaderimmediately.
Ryansaidhedidagreatjob”ThephotoshowedagrinningRyanandagrimacingMichael,thetwooftheminmud-covered whiteplasticsuits,carryingabatteredwhitebathtub.Despitehavingamechanicalgripperinsteadofalefthand,Ryandidn’t seemtohaveanytroublewithhisendoftheload.Michaellookedmorepained.“They’reonthesameflightbacklatetonight, though,soI’mgivingMichaelaridehome.”
“I’msureKimandNicappreciatethat”Debpretendedtopout “ButnowIwon’tgettowatchherkids”Isabellaand Sophia,herniecesfromKim’sequallydisastrousfirstmarriage,werethejoyofDeb’slife.Butshehadatonofcupcakesto decoratefortheFarmer’sMarket,andthetwogirlsmadethatdifficult.Ifshewassmart,shewouldclosetheshopon Saturdays,andconcentrateonthemarket,butherregularswouldwhine.
Erinchuckled “Thegirlsarecute,butI’msureyou’llhavemoreopportunities” “Guaranteed.”Thebackdoorbuzzermadeherjump.“Wonderwhothatis?”
Erinfollowedhertothedoor,pickingupherboxesontheway.“Youdon’thaveafternoondeliveries?” “Rarely.Almosteverythingcomesinthemorning.”Debopenedthebackdoor,revealingaharried-lookingFedExworker. “CanIhelpyou?”
Hethrustaflatwhitecardboardenvelopewithhisblackhandheldontopather.“Ifyou’reDeborahBoulanger,Ihavealetter foryou,anditrequiresasignature.”Hepointedatthescreenonthehandheld.
Suspectingshe’dratherpickuparattlesnake,Debputherhandsbehindherback.“Who'sitfrom?” Theguyturnedthehandheldaround “GeorgeFranks”
“Nope.Senditback.”She’dratherpickupadoublebatchofbreaddoughwithoutyeast andthatstuffwasheavy,bulkyand awkward.Shepulledherphonefromherpocketandsnappedapictureoftheenvelopeandhandheld. “Yousure?”Theman’seyebrowscrinkled.
Debpointedathishandheldabovethescreen “Yes Lookatthesender’saddress” “DeerLodge,Prisonernum oh Gotit”Hepulledoutthestylusandtapped “Refused Haveaniceday” “Youtoo.”Theywatchedthebigtruckdriveaway. Erinwalkedtohersilverhotrod,Smoky,andopenedthetrunk.“Doesthathappenoften?”
Debgrimaced “Oftenenough,althoughthisisthefirsttimehe’ssentsomethingbyacommercialcarrier He'salwaystrying togetmoneyoutofme Healmostruinedmylifethefirsttimearound Hissecondandthirdtriesweren’tanybetter,andnow I’mdone.”Afterthefirstyear,she’dwritten“ReturntoSender”oneverysingleletter.Asmuchasshewantedchildren,she wasthankfultheyhadn’thadany,becausethenshe’dbetiedtotheidiotforlife. Erinnoddedfirmly “Goodforyou DoesSamknowthisisgoingon?” Debshrugged “Yeah There'snotmucheitherofuscandountilhecomesupforparole Withanyluckatall,hisrecordof harassmentwillkeephiminprison.”
“Here'shoping.”Erinfrownedatthedustleftbythespeedingtruck. EvenifFranksgotout,hewouldn’tbeDeb’sproblem,andtherewasnosenseinworryingaboutit Besides,Erinhadbetter thingstodo “Havefuntonight!”
Erinlaughed,blushing.“Thanks.Butletmeknowifthere'ssomethingIcanhelpyouwith,whetherthat’sFranksormy mother.”
Debappreciatedtheoffer,evenifErincouldn’tdoanything “Thanks,Erin”Theyhuggedandhermusclecarrumbledaway Debreturnedtoherbakeryandthehundredsofcupcakeswaiting.Erinwassoluckytofindtruelove,twice.Abitterperson wouldbelieveitwasn’tfair,butDebknewbetter.Lovegrewslowlybetweentwopeople,withmutualcareandtrust,not instantattraction,desperationorprettywords.Therightpersonwouldcomealongsomeday,andhe’dbeworththewait. Despiteherpeptalk,theimageofamud-spattered,grimacing,darkhairedmanlingered
Chapter2 MICHAELACERHAULEDHISheavybagintohishouse,wavingattheretreatinglightsofErin’shotrod Itwasabeautiful car,butloud conversationbetweenthethreeofthemhadbeenimpossible.Whichwasjustaswell.Beingthethirdwheelwas badenough,butRyanandErinactedliketeenagers.Attheairport,he’dpulledouthisphonetofindanotherridebeforethetwo ofthemfinallybrokeapart.
ButifhehadawomanlikeErin,he’dprobablydothesame Unfortunately,theoddsagainstthatwereastronomical His constantbackpain,hearingproblems,anddebilitating,unpredictablemigrainesmadehimunreliableandshortwithcustomers; arelationshipwouldneversurvive,nomatterhowmuchacertaincheerful,gorgeous,curvyblondebakermadehimwish otherwise.
Hedroppedhisdufflebaginthelaundryroomandcarriedhissmallerbackpacktothebathroom Yankinghistoiletrykitout, hepulledandreplacedtheridiculousnumberofpillbottlesherequiredtoremainafunctioninghumanbeing.Flyingwithmeds wassuchahassle.Ifhe’dbeenabletodrive,he’dhavepackedeverythingindailydosagecontainers.Butflyingrequired carryingtheoriginalprescriptions,especiallysinceoneofthemwasanopioid.He’dtakenallhismedswithhimeveryday, lockingtheminavehiclewhiletheywereworking,andneverlettingthemoutofsightotherwise He’dalsobeenverydiscrete whentakingthem.Heneededthestrongerdrugsoccasionallytofunctionandhedidn’twanttotemptarecoveringaddict.Ora thief disasterzonesattractedthebestandworsthumanbeings.
Michaelloadedhisday-of-the-weekpillholder,tookthedosesheneeded,brushedhisteeth,andploppedintobed.Thework inLouisiana,clearingmuddy,water-loggedfurniture,appliances,wallboardandeverythingelsefromfloodedhouseswas physicallyhardandmentallychallenging.Theexertionwasgoodforhim;he’dusuallyfallenasleepquicklyandwokenfrom onlyafewnightmares.Butthefacesofthehomeownerswerehardtoforget.Theywereallgratefulforthehelp,butmany couldn’tacceptthatthey’dlosteverything,whileothersshutdown,unabletofacethedevastation.
Hestaredupinthedarkenedroom Ifafloodsweptthroughhisapartment,he’dloselittlehecaredabout Theirfewfamily heirloomsweresafeinNicandKim’shouseandmostofhisremainingpossessionswerethesimplethingsneededtolive,like clothing,food,andfurnishings.Theonlythingshe’dbesadtoletgowouldbetheshadowboxhe’dbuilttoremembertheArmy brothersandsistershe’dlostinAfghanistan.
Heraisedhisrightarm,bringingitclosetohisface Withtheblackoutcurtains,itwastoodarktoseethememorialsinkedon hisskin Evenifhelosttheshadowbox,thetattooswouldremain
Rememberingthoseterribleeventswouldn’thelphimsleep.Hecouldtakeasleepmed,butdidn’twanttobegroggyonhis firstdayback.Instead,heconcentratedonhisbreathing,attemptingthemeditationtheVeteran’sAdministrationshrinktaught him Butratherthanblankinghismind,awomanwithlongblondehairinahighponytail,brightblueeyes,andashort,curvy figureappeared
ForgettingDebBoulangerwasimpossibleatthebestoftimes;tryingtofallasleepafteralongdayontheroadwasfarfrom hisfinesthour.Butdatingherwasimpossible.Shewastooyoung,toopositive,andsimplytoogoodforhim.Plus,hersister wasmarriedtohisbrother,whichmadethewholethingjusttooweird Anyrelationshipbetweenthemwasdoomedtofailand shedeservedawholelotmore,especiallyafterherfirstmarriage GeorgeFrankshadbeenahighschoolfootballhero,buta druggieeventhen.Michaelhadneverunderstoodwhyanyonefellforhisso-calledcharm.ButDebhadbeenasoft-spoken sophomore;withlessthanstellarparents,shedidn’tstandachanceofresistingfifth-yearseniorFrankswhenallthejocksand cheerleaderswere“shipping”thetwoofthem
BusylearninghisnewjobintheArmy’sStrikerunitseighthoursawayatFortLewis,Washington,Michaelheardaboutthe marriageafterthefact.AyearaheadofFrank’soriginalclass,he’dknownKimandDebonlybysightintheirtinyschool,butif he’dknownaheadoftimehemighthavewarnedheroff.Someonecertainlyshouldhave.
Woulda,coulda,shoulda Somanythingsinhislifefellintothosecategoriesandthinkinglikethatonlybroughtguilt,which wasn’thelpful.Michaelconcentratedontheairgoinginandoutofhislungsandtheriseandfallofhischestuntilhefinallyfell asleep.
Thenextmorning,Michaelopenedhiseyesandimmediatelyslammedthemshut,thesliveroflightshiningthroughtheshades piercinghisbrainlikealaser Theleftsideofhisheadthrobbed,hisstomachchurned,andhereachedforthemedicationhe keptbesidehisbed.Butitwasn’tthere he’dprobablyleftitwithalltheothersinthebathroom.
Stupid.He’dknowntravelmighttriggeramigraine;he’dbeenluckyonthewaytoLouisiana,butthepotentialwasjustas greatgoinghome.Maybemoreso,becausehe’dchangedhissleepschedule,gainedaltitudeandeatenunusualfoodallweek.
Despitehispoundingheadandthetossingwavesinhisstomach,Michaelslidhislegstotheedgeofthebedandstood, leaningonthenightstand,thenthewall.Ignoringtheflashinglightspartiallyobscuringhisvision,heshuffledintothebathroom, forceddownaglassofwater,andthenfoundhismedication,poppingthepillunderhistongue.Pattingthecountertop,he grabbedandsqueezedhisemergencyicepackandshambledbacktobed,slidingunderthecoversandputtingthecoldpack underhisneck
Withnoactionslefttodistracthimfromthepain,heconcentratedonhisbreathing.Allhecoulddowasendureuntilthemeds kickedin,andthencallNic.Fortunately,Kimhadsetupavoicetriggeronhisphone.“Phone,migrainealert.”Otherpeople hadclevernamesfortheirphones;heonlywantedittoworkwhenheneededit.
“NotifyingNicyouhaveamigraine”Thephone’svoicewasasoothing,lowfemaletonethatdidn’tmakehisheadhurt worse.
Michaelendureduntilthethrobbinglessenedandtheicepackwarmed.Hepulleditaway,lettingitfalltothefloor,and slept.
Hewoke,painfreebutgroggyandtired,andcheckedhisphone Alittlebeforenoon;nothisworstepisode Nichadsenta “gotit,sleep”texthehadn’tnoticedwhilesufferingthroughthewavesofpain.Fortunately,Michaelhadn’tscheduledany estimatesorcommittedtofinishingaproject;experiencehadprovenhishealthwastooshakyaftertravel.
Gettingoutofbed,heshowered,shavedanddressed,thendrovetoNic’sworksite.
Nicwasputtingtoolsawayintheworktruck “How’reyoufeeling,bro?”
“Better”Michaelshrugged “Areyoudonehere?”
Nicnoddedandslammedthetailgate.“Suream.Timeforacoffee.Joinme?”
“Sure,whynot?”Hecouldgetadecaf.Withalltheextrasleep,he’dhaveahardenoughtimefallingasleepathisnormal time,andregularitywascriticaltopreventinganotherepisode
Nic’slipspursed “Actually,Ineedsomefoodtoo Let’sstopbyDeb’s” Michaelgrimaced.“I’llheadbackhomeandworkonthebooks.”
“Kim’sgotthebooks.”Nichuffed.“Comeon,don’tbeachicken.Deb’scupcakesarethebestandyouknowit.”
Michaelglaredathisbrother “Don’tbetryingtosetusup Thesistersandbrothersthingistooweird”Andshedeserved betterthansomebrokendownguywhocouldn’tevengetoutofbedatleastonedayaweek
Nicguffawed.“Yeah,onlyifyoumakeitweird.It’snotlikewe’rerelatedtothembybloodormarriageotherthanmeand Kim.Butno,I’mnotmessingwithyourlovelife.”Hesmirked.“ButKimmightnotbesorestrained,andI’mnottellingher no”
“You’resowhipped”Hedidn’treallymeanthewords,andNicknewit Nicgrinned.“Happily.I’mgettingacupcake,whetheryouareornot.”
“Fine”He’dadmitDebwasthebestbakerintown,probablythebestinthestate,andhertreatswerealmostworththe certainawkwardness.HegotinhistruckandfollowedNic.Withanyluck,DebwouldbesohappytoseeNicthatshe’dignore him.TheyparkedinthesmalllotbehindthebakeryandhefollowedNicinthebackdoor.
Theheathithimlikeahammer,remindinghimofsummersinAfghanistan,butthesmellwasmuchbetter.Browningsugarand bread,cinnamon,yeast,vanilla,andadozenotherssweptoverhim Theywovethroughthemachineryandcoolingrackstothe frontofthestore.Justbeforethebakerydisplaycase,Debsatatatable,rotatingacakeonastandwithonehandwhile spreadingwhitefrostingwiththeother.
Coldairblasteddownhisneck,fightingtheheatofthecommercialovens,andMichaelsteppedtotheside.Deb andher cake neededtheairconditioningmorethanhedid Besides,extremetemperatureshiftscouldbringonanothermigraine “Nic!”Debgrinned.
Nicputanarmaroundhershouldersandsqueezed.“Hey,how’smyfavoritesister-in-law?”
“I’myouronlysister-in-law.”Shechuckled,thenhereyesmethisandthesmilefellfromherface.“Michael.” “Hey”Heliftedhischinlikeanidiotkid
SheturnedbacktoNic.“Soletmeguess.Cupcakes?”
“Foryournieces,ofcourse.”Nicnoddedlikeabobbleheaddoll. Debchuckled.“Right,justforthem.”
“Well,ifyouinsist,I’msureKimwouldlikeone,too AndIwouldn’tmindeither”Nicgrinned “I’msureMichael appreciatesyourexpertiseaswell.”
“Yep.”Shesmoothedthefrostingintoathinlayer,thenspunthecake.“Goodenoughforthebaselayer.”Hoppingoffthe stool,shesashayedtothebakerycounter.“Luckilyforyou,Imadeatestbatch.”Shebentandpulledasmalltrayoutfrom underthebackcounter
Michaelquicklyavertedhisgazefromherbackside,butcouldn’thelpstaringagainonceshestoodandturnedtothem.Deb wasshort,curvy,andsmokinghot.
Sheplacedfourcupcakesinabox,thenheldthetrayouttoNic.“Takeone.”NicdidandthetrayswungtoMichael.“Go ahead”
Hegrabbedoneoftheelaboratelyfrostedtreats,almostsquishingthecakeoutofthewrapperbeforehegentledhisgrip “Thanks.”
Shenoddedandplacedthetrayonthecounter.“Letmeknowwhatyouthink.It’sanewrecipeforthisfall.It’sonlyafew monthsaway”
Michaelpeeledbackthepaperandbit,tryingtogetsomecakewiththeenormouspileofcreamyfrosting Sweetcinnamon andvanilla,withalittlebiteofheat,andadelicatecakethatalmostfellapartinhismouth.Wantingeverybit,helickedthe remainingfrostingfromhislips.“It’sdeliciousnomatterwhatseasonitis.”Deb’seyeswereonhismouth.Heraisedthetreat totakeanotherbitewhenpoundingfromthebakery’sfrontdoormadehimjump
Debscowledandmarchedaroundthecountertothefrontdoor,puttingherhandontheknob,butnotopeningit “Sorry,we’re closed.Weopenatseventomorrow.”
“I’vegotamessageforyou.”Araspyman’svoice,thetonecarriedanedgeofmenace.
MichaelexchangedglanceswithNic TheyputdowntheirtreatsandmovedclosertoDeb,buthiddenbehindthedoor She raisedherbrowsatthem,thencrackedthedooropen “CanIhelpyou?”Shekeptherhandontheknob Michaelleanedovertopeerthroughthewindow.Atall,hulkingman,withabitofagutandafive-dayshadowglareddown atDeb,handsclenchedathissides.“AreyouDeb?”
“Yes”Sheraisedherchin “DebFranks?”Heemphasizedthelastname. Herneutralexpressionturnedintoaglare.“No.”
Heputahandonthedoor,andsheshovedhertoesagainsttheotherside.“YouusedtobeDebFranks,though,right?”
“Yes Formysins Whatdoyouwant?”Shescowled Iflookscouldkill,theguywouldbeflatontheground.Buttheprettyblondewasn’tasuperhero.GoodthingheandNicwere there,ortheconfrontationcouldgobadlyforher.
“Georgehasamessageforyou.”Themanpushedthedoorharderandthreatcoatedhiswords.
MichaelraisedhisbrowsatNic,andslidclosertoDeb Nicshadowedhim “Well,Idon'twanttohearit,oranythingelsefromhimeveragain.”Shestabbedtheairinfrontoftheman’sfacewithher pointerfinger.“HeshouldhavegottenthatmessageloudandclearwhenIdivorcedhisslimyselfandreturnedhisletters.” “Ifyouknowwhat'sgoodforyou,you’lltakethismessage.”Hedrewbackhisarmandslammedhispalmagainstthedoor. DebstumbledbackintoMichael Hegraspedheraroundthewaistandheldheruntilshewassteady Shepulledherphone fromapocketonherapron.“Backoff,buster!Leavenow,orI'mcallingthecops.Nobodythreatensme,especiallyinmyown shop.”
Heknockedthephonefromherhand.“You'regonnalistenandlistengood!”
FurysweptthroughMichael,buthelockeditdown HesteppedinfrontofDebandshovedthemanback “No,sheisn't Leavenow,oryou’llbeleavingonastretcher.”
“Gonnatakemorethanyoutotakemedown,shortstuff.”ThemanpokedhisfingerintoMichael’schest.“Andthisisnoneof yourbusiness,sobuttout!”
Michaelgrabbedtheman’sfingerandbentitback “Don'tthinkit'lltakeevenme,butguesswhat?Igotlotsofhelp”
Themanyelped.ThenNicpulledthedoorwide,grabbedtheman’spantsandspunhimaround,yankinghisfingerfrom Michael’sgrasp.Nicgrabbedtheman’srightarmandpulledituptowardhisneck.“Thisismysister’sbusiness.Getout,and don'tcomeback.Weseeyouhereagain,you'redonefor.”
Together,MichaelandNiccrowdedhimoutthedoor NicletgoofhispantsandMichaelshovedhimhard,sendinghim sprawling Nicpulledouthisphoneandclickedapictureofhisface “Don'tcomeback AndtellGeorgetobackoff,orhe'll bestayingevenlonger.”
Themanscrambledtohisfeetandwalkeddownthesidewalkbackwards.“You’llregretthis!”Heshookhisfistintheair, thenjoggedaway
HeandNicwatcheduntilthemancrossedthestreetandwalkedoutofsight ThentheyreturnedinsideandMichaellocked thedoor.Heshookhisarmsout,tryingtoshakehisangeraway,too.
“Deb,areyouokay?”Nicheldouthisarms.
Debnodded,butherlipstrembledandshethrewherselfintoNic’shug “Yeah,I'mfine Thanksforthehelp Areyouguys okay?”
Ifonlyhe’dthoughttoofferahugfirst.Butthatwouldbestupid.Shedeservedabetterguy;someonehealthyandhappy. Niclethergo,chuckling.“Sure,thatwaseasy.”
Michaelcouldn’tlaugh,notwithrageandfearstillcoursingthroughhisbody “Deb,hasthishappenedbefore?”
“No”Shewrappedherarmsaroundherwaist “Georgehasbeensendingletters,butIreturnthemunopened Don'twant anythingtodowiththesleazeball.”Sheshivered.
Nic’smouthtwisted “Can'tblameyouthere Hemustwantsomethingprettybadtosendsomeonetothreatenyouinperson Maybeyou'dbetterreportthis?”
Debsighed.“Yeah,probably.I'mreallytiredofdealingwiththis.” Michaelraisedhisbrows.“Exactlywhatisthis?”
Deb’slipspressedtogetherforamoment “Wantanothercupcake?It'sabitofastory”Shewalkedawayfromthemandput thecakeshe'dbeenfrostingintoanearbycommercialfridge.Shepulledouttheremainingcupcakesandcarriedthemtoa table.“Waterorcoffee?”
“Waterwouldbegreat,thanks.”Michaelknewheneededtorehydrateafterhismigraine,andmoresugarwasn’tgoingto help Buthecouldn’tresisthersweets Hefollowedherbehindthecounter,takingtheglassesshefilled,andthenreturnedto thetable,sittingaftershedid.
Nictookabite.“YoushouldbeononeofthosecupcakeshowsonTV.Nowayanyonecouldcompetewiththese.” Debsmirked.“Nothanks.ThoseshowshavedeadlinesandpressureIdon'tneed.AndI'mnotexactlyTVmaterial.”She rolledhereyesandwavedahandfromherheadtoherwaist “Ieattoomuchofmyownproduct” Michaelcouldn’thelphimself.“Youlookperfecttome.”
Nicelbowedhim,hard.“Dude,badtiming.”Hekepthisvolumelow,butDeb’sfacereflectedamusementanddisbelief. “Whatelseisnew?”HewasgenerallybadwithwomenbuteverythingcameoutwrongaroundDeb.“Sorry,nevermind.I knowthebasicsofwhathappenedwithFranks,butIdon’tthinkNicdoes,soifyoucouldtellusthewholestory,maybewe canhelp.”Hehadtostaycalmandprojectreassurance.DisplayingangermightmakeDebmoreanxious,anditwouldn’thelp himeither.
Debtookadeepbreath.“IgotmarriedinhighschooltoGeorgeFranks.Hewasajock,andthepicture-perfectboyfriendfor aninsecurefatgirlwho'dbeenteasedherwholelife George'sdadwasprettywelloff,soGeorgewasmorethanalittle spoiled,anditturnsout,awholelotlazy.WegotmarriedrightafterhegraduatedhighschoolwhenIwasajunior.Ifoundout laterhismompressuredhimhardtomarrythe‘rightkindofgirl’thinkingthatwouldkeephimonthestraightandnarrowwhen hewenttocollege.”Sherolledhereyes.“Itdidforawhile.Thenhestartedpartyingharder,andhelosthisfootball scholarship,andhereallywasn’tgoodenoughthattheywerewillingtooverlookhisacademics,sohedroppedout”Deb lookeddownatthetable “I’mprettysurehecheatedonmethewholetimehewasthere Helivedinabighousewithhis teammates,andthereweregirlsthereallthetime.WhenIconfrontedhim,heblamedmefortrappinghimintomarriageand gaslightedmehard.”Sheshrugged,stillstaringatthetabletop.
GoodthingGeorgewasinprison,becauseifhewashere,Michaelwouldberearranginghisface Georgehadalwaysbeen sleazybutemotionallyabusingawomanmadehimintotruescum “Didhephysicallyabuseyou,too?”Michaelhardly recognizedhisownvoice,hiswordscomingoutinagrowl.
Debshookherhead.“No.HeknewIwouldn’tstandforthat.Anyway,afterhedroppedout,hewentfromjobtojob,whileI supportedusbyworkinginabakeryinMissoula Hisdadcuthimoff,tellinghimtogrowupandgetarealjob,buthegotfired timeaftertime Thenhegotintodrugs,andbeforelong,hewasdealing,notthatIknewthat”Sheshudderedandglaredatthe wallinfrontofher.“WhenIfoundneedles,Ikickedhimout,packedmystuffandgotthecopstosearchtheplace.There wasn’tanythingtherebutparaphernalia,butitwasn’tlongbeforehegotcaughtthefirsttimewithdrugs,andIstarteddivorce proceedings Thenhegotcaughtdealingatthehighschool,whichsenthimuptothestateprisonatDeerLodgeforaverylong time”Hermouthtwistedandsheglancedbetweenthetwoofthem “Samdrewupthedivorcepaperworkforme,eventhough shedoesn'tusuallydodomestics,andGeorgeactuallysignedit,soitwasn’tevencontested.Buthekeptsendingmeletters, mostlyaskingformoney,andwhileIsenthimsomeearlyon,Iquitafterthethirdrequest.ThenIsentthelettersbackunread.
Butsomethingelsemustbegoingonnow,becausethisisthefirsttimeI’vebeenthreatened”Sheshookherhead “I'dbetter callSam.”
“Ithinkyoushouldspendthenightwithus.”Nicpointedatthefrontdoor.“Toomuchglass,notenoughsecurityhere.” “Here?”Michaelwasn’tsurewhatNicmeant.
Debpointedattheceilingaboveherhead “Iliveinanapartmentabovethebakery Nocommuteforme” “Nice.Normally.ButNicisright.”Michaelglancedaroundthefrontofthebusiness,tryingtorememberwhatthebackdoor lookedlike.
“I'mnotgoingtoletsomethugscaremeoutofmyhome.Ormybusiness.”Debglaredathim,butitwaslikeakittenglaring. Michaelsmirked “GuessI'llbespendingthenight”Shewasfamily,andheneverabandonedfamily Rememberingthat wouldkeephimonthestraightandnarrow.
Sheraisedhereyebrows.“Idon'tthinkso.Idon'tevenknowyou.”
Hechuckled.“Wecanfixthat.Onenightwithme,andyou’llknowmerealgood.”He’dalreadyveeredwayoffthestraight andintoaracetrackfullofcurves
Nicpunchedhisarm.“Whatiswrongwithyou?”
Michaelhelduphishands,palmout.“Justkidding,tryingtolightenthemood.” Badly. “Kimisgoingtokillyou,andI’llcheerheron.”Nicscowled.
“Thanks,butnothanks”Debrolledhereyes “I'llcallSam,we'lltalktotheSheriff,they'llkeepaneyeonmyplace,and everythingwillbefine.”
Michaelsnorted.Shewasbeingcompletelyunrealistic.He’dseenthesametacticsintheTaliban-controlledtowns.The cowardsalwaystargetedwomen,andtheyweresuccessful,moreoftenthannot.“Whatareyou,five?Doyouliveinacartoon? Gonnastartwailingsomefeel-goodsongsoyoucanhopeandprayyourwayoutofthis?”Witheveryword,Debglaredharder Butevillooksdidn’tscareoffdrugdealers;ittookforceorleverage.
Nicsmackedhimharder.“Hemaybearudejerk,buthe'sright.Whatkindofprotectiondoyouhavehere?Surveillance? Security?Aweapon?”
Debsighed “Ihaveasecuritysystemwithmonitoring,becausebakeryequipmentisexpensiveandflammable Nocameras; neverneededthem Noguns Ihaveataserupstairs”
Itwasamiracleshehadn’tbeenrobbedorattackedbefore.EventhelittletownofMarcushadcriminals.“Youhavetoget tooclosetouseataser.You'retootinytotakethatchance.Unlessyouknowsomesortofmartialarts?”Itwashighlyunlikely. Debwassoftlyrounded,prettyinacutecheerleader-girl-next-doorway,andaboutasmenacingasastuffedbunny Although sheprobablyhadstrongarmsandhandsfrombaking,sohecouldteachherafewtechniqueseasily
“No,doIlooklikeakarateexpert?Ibake.”Shespreadherarmswide,raisingherhandsintheair,andlookeddownather pinkaprondecoratedwithherlogoandyellowsunflowers.
Shelookedasdeliciousashercupcakes,buthewasn’tdumbenoughtosaythat
“Idon’tthinkyou’resafeherebyyourself YoushouldstaywithNicandKim,orIcanhelp”He’dresistedtemptationbefore,andhe’ddosoagain
Debrolledhereyes.“I’mnotabandoningmybusiness,andI’mstayinghere,bymyself.Ihave911onspeeddial,thecops lovemebecauseIbringthemgoodies,plusIhavemysecuritysystemandmytaser.I'llbefine.I'llcallSam,andwe’llwarn thepolice,andfileacomplaintwiththeprison”Sheglancedatherphone “Nic,wasn’tKimexpectingyouhomeearlyforthe girl’sdancerecital?”
Nicwincedandtappedhisphone.“Yep,gottogo.”Hestood.“Michael,yougotthis?”
Henodded “Yeah I’llgetafewthingsfromhomeandcomeback”Goodthinghehadn’tunpackedhisduffelbag;his sleepingbag,pillow,andsomecleanclotheswerestillinside.He’daddafewofhisbusinessT-shirts,repackallhismeds, grabhisweaponandhe’dbegoodforguardduty.
Debshovedherchairbackwithascreech.“Stayhome.Idon’tneedyourhelp.”
Michaelstood,andmovedtodeliberatelyloomoverher “Toobad,cupcakequeen You’regettingit Icansleepinmytruck, butI’mnotleavingyouherealonetonight.”
Deb’slipcurled.“Hopeyouhavewarmblankets,becauseyou’llneedthem.”
“Don’tyouworry,I’llbefine,andI’llmakesureyou’resafe.”Stayinginhistruckwasabetteridea,anyway.Debwastoo tempting,toodistracting Outside,he’dstayalertandaware,andhe’dremembershewastoogoodforhim
MichaelfollowedNicoutofthebakery’ssugar,spiceandeverythingnice,backtohistruck,coatedinthedust,muck,and dirtofhislife.AlittlereminderthatsweetDebwastooyoungandtoocleanforhim.Acupcakequeendeservedaking,nota guywhocouldn’tgetoutofbedbecausehisheadached.Hedrovefasterthanusual;fearforDebsimmeringinhisgut.She broughtsomuchjoytosomany;shedeservedasafe,happylife
Chapter3 DEBREADIEDTHECASHdrawerforthemorning,placeditinthesafe,checkedthefrontandbackdoorlocks,engagedthe securitysystem,andthrewherapronintothelaundryhamper.Despiteherbravewords,shewasgratefulforthecommercial steeldoorsleadingtoherapartment.Shecheckedthedeadboltsonthedoorseparatingherstairwayfromthebakeryandthe exteriordoor,thentrodupthenarrowstairs.Sheshoulddoasalevideohighlightingthenextday’sspecials,butshecouldn’t, notafterthat
Openingandlockingthefinaldooratthetopofthestairs,sheenteredhersanctuaryandtookadeepbreathofrelief.Most wouldfindthetinystudioapartmentclaustrophobic;herqueensizebedtookupmostofthespace,withjustenoughroomfora readingchairandanottoman.Thebathroomsqueezedintothespacebehindthekitchenette;bothweresmall,butsowasshe.A narrowislandwithtallstoolsseparatedthekitchenfromthebedandgaveheralittlestorage
Thesunnyyellowwallswithdarkbrownfurnishingswereabolddesignchoice,butthesplashesofbrightwhiteandpale bluelightenedtheintenseshades.Sinceshewokeveryearly,andthewinternightswerelonginMontana,strategicallyplaced full-spectrumlightsstartedherdayonabrightnote.Intheevenings,sheuseddimmerlighting,therelaxinghuessignalingher workdaywasdone
MichaelAcerinherspacewouldbeanythingbutrelaxing.Theman,withthosebroadshoulders,constantscowlandblunt wordssimplydidn’tfit,physicallyoremotionally.Atleasthewasn’tunfairlytall,althoughhecouldstillhoveroverher physically,buteveryonecould.Shewasusedtoit,butshewouldn’tletanyoneintimidateherinherownhome.Orattemptto intimidateherinherbusiness Shewasn’ttheshy,needy,insecuregirlGeorgehadgroomed,andshewasn’tgivingintohis demandsoranyoneelse’s.IncludingMichael’sorNic’s,nomatterhowwell-meant.
Slippingoffhershoesandputtingonslippers,shedrewtheshadesonthetall,narrowwindows.Shehatedtoshutoutthe view,buthavingglassinthethreewallssurroundinghersleepingspaceseemedtooaccessible,toovulnerable.Sheshookthe sensationaway;shewasonthesecondstoryaboveahigh-ceilingedbusiness Itwouldtakealotofeffortforanyonetoclimb up.Butcontactinghersecuritycompanytoinstalladditionalsensorsupstairsseemedprudent.Maybesomecameras,too, dependingonhowaffordabletheywere.Shecouldgetdoorbellcamerasattheveryleast.
Shewantedtoplopdowninherchairandmindlesslyeatchips,butinstead,sheputonanapronandfixedaheathymealwith chickenandveggies Owningabakerymeanteatingtoomuchsugarandbutter;ahealthymealeverynightwastheonlywayshe couldkeepherweightincheck Atleastbakingmeantplentyofstepsandweightliftingwithoutdeliberateexercise,something she’dalwayshated.
Debatehermealattheisland,cleanedandthentookashower,dryingherhairandreadyingherclothesandmakeupforthe morning Tighteningasilkyrobearoundherwaist,shecouldnolongerresist Shepeeredoutthetinybathroomwindow,the onlyonethatlookeddownonthesmallparkingareabehindherbusiness Awhitetruck,withalargeworkboxonthebackwas parkeddirectlyinfrontofherbackdoor.Shecouldn’tseethewords,butsheknewthestarkblackandwhitelogoonthedoor: AcerHomeImprovement.
Michaelreallywasgoingtocampoutinhistruck Thatcouldn’tbecomfortable Andwhiletheworstofthewinterwasover, thenightswerestillchilly Shecouldn’tleavethemandowntheretoshiver,nomatterhowmisguidedhewas
Partofhersaidsheshould;shehadn’taskedforhishelp.Infact,she’dobjected,strongly.Shewasperfectlycapableof calling911andshehadataseronhernightstand.Although,shewasn’tsureitwascharged;she’dcarriediteverydaywhen sheworkedinMissoula,butMarcusseemedsosafe,andshedidn’tevenhavetogooutsidetoreachherapartment
ButmaybeMarcuswasn’tsafeanymore WizhadwarnedallofthemthatErin’smother,SharleneMurphy,hadmadesome baddecisionsregardinginvestorsintoMarcusBank.ErinstillhadtroublewithChazCust,andhe’dharassedbothherand Sam,too.ThentherewerethemenwhoattackedWizlastfall,tryingtoassaultherandburndownherhouse.Noneofthose
seemedrelatedtoGeorgeFranks,buttheso-calledinvestorsMarcusBanksentherwaymightbe Organizedcrimewasinto drugs,andGeorgehaddealtthem.Maybetherewasaconnection.
Andinthatcase,Michaelmightnotbesafe,aloneinhistruck.Shecouldn’tdomuchtohelpasoldier,butshecouldprovide asecure,warmplaceforhimtostay.Heralarmsystemwouldalertbothofthem,wherehemightbesurprisedinhistruck, especiallyifheslept Sheputherhandonthedeadbolttothestairs Offerornot?
Shewaskiddingherself.Shewouldn’tbeabletosleepknowinghewasdownthere,coldanduncomfortable.Especially withlingeringmedicalproblemsrelatedtohismilitaryservice.Sleepinginatruckwouldn’tbehealthy.Shetiedherrobe securely,grabbedherkeys,openedthedoor,andpaddeddownthestairs.Attheoutsidedoor,shehesitatedagain,puttingher eyetothepeephole Thewhitetruckwiththeshadowyfigureinthepassenger’sseatmockedhercowardice Sheshutoffthe alarmandleftthebuilding,makingsureherkeyswereinherpocket,andmarchedtoMichael’struck.
Assheneared,hescowled.Regretmadehergrimace,butshewasn’tturningaround.
Herolleddownthewindow.“Yes?”
Sheclenchedherfists Shehadtobepolite,evenifshedidn’tmeanit “It’sgoingtogetcold,andyouwon’tknowifmy alarmsgooffuntilit’stoolate.Wouldyouliketocomeupstairsoratleastinside?”
Hisscowldeepened.“I’mfine.I’mnotsleeping,andifIwas,thisseatismorecomfortablethanaStriker.”
ShehadnoideawhataStrikerwas,butitdidn’tmatter.“Thatmightbe,butyoudon’thavepeoplesharingyourwatch.And youhavejobstodotomorrow,right?”
Hegrimaced.“Itwon’tbethefirsttimeI’veworkedwithoutsleep.”
“Butifyouslippedbecauseyou’retiredandinjuredyourself,I’dfeelterrible.”Whichwastrue,evenifshehadn’taskedfor hishelp.“Ifyou’reinsistingonguardingmybusiness,whichfortherecord,Idon’tthinkisnecessaryandIdidn’task,youcan atleaststaywarmandcomfortable,andmaybegetsomesleep”Sheclenchedherfistsandgrittedthewordsout “Please?” Heglared,thennodded.“Stepback.”Shedid,andheopenedthedoor.Fromthebackseat,hepulledalargedarkgreenbag, closedthedoorsandlockedhistruckwithabeep.Abig,blackholstersecuredanequallybig,blackpistoltohismuscular thigh.“Leadtheway.”
Grimacingonceherbackwasturned,Debopenedthedoor,lettinghimin Shelockeditbehindhimandenteredheralarm code ThetinylandingatthebottomofherapartmentstairswasmuchtoocrowdedwithMichael’swideshoulders Nomatter howshetriedtosqueezeclosertothekeypad,herbacksidebrushedagainsthim.Thealarmsystemflashedandbeeped she’d enteredthewrongcode.Carefullypushingeachbutton,sheenteredtherightnumberandjumpedwhenitflashed“AlarmOn.”
Shesuckedinhergut,andturnedtofacehim,regrettingitinstantly
Michaelglowereddownather “CanIopenthedoortothebakerynow?”
“No,Ihavetounlockit.”Debwincedattheanticipatedawkwardnessandshuffledtoherleft.Heslidtotheright,tryingto keephisgiantbagfromknockingherover.
Despitetheircare,everyinchofherbrushedagainsthim,tryingtosendshiversdownherspine Butshewasincontroland shewouldn’tlethisbodyaffecther Sheopenedtheinnerdoortothebakery,hertensionfadingwiththecomfortingscentof flour,sugar,butterandvanilla.Skitteringaway,shewaiteduntilMichaelsteppedinside,thenclosedandlockedthedoor.She swallowed,wishingforaglassofwater.“Doyouwanttostaydownhere,orupstairs?”Shedidn’twanthiminherapartment, notonelittlebit
“Iwouldn’tbeeffectiveupthere”Heturnedafullcircle,thenglareddownatheragain
“CanIgetthealarmcodesandaset ofkeysincaseIneedtogooutside?”Hewalkedtowardthediningarea,pullingcoolingracksoutoftheirneatrows,making
hermovearoundthem Aftershegrabbedoneandstoppedhimfromblockingher,hegrowled “I’mtryingtocreateobstacles foranyonecomingintheback.”
Sheputherhandsonherhips.“Well,tellmewhereyou’reheaded,andI’llgetinfrontofyou.”
Hesnorted,steppedback,andbowed,sweepinganarmouttotheside.“Yes,milady.”
Itwasherturntoglare “Look,Ididn’taskforthis Idon’twantyouhere ButI’mnotgoingtoleaveyououtsideeither,so canthesarcasm.”Shemarchedinfrontofhim,stoppingatherdecoratingtable,whichstoodattheendofthedividerbetween thesalesareaandthebakery.Customerslikedwatchingherdecorate;saleshadincreasedwhenshemovedhertabletothat location.Plus,itwasrightunderanairconditioningvent,soitwasadoublewin. Michaelstoppedrightbehindher,blockingherbetweenhisbodyandthetable Shesteppedtothesideandturned Hesurveyedthespaceandturnedbacktoher.“I’llstayhere,betweenthetwoareas,whereIcanhearandseeeverything. Givemekeysandcodes,andyoucango.”
“Oh,thanksfordismissingmefrommyownbusiness.”Debmarchedtohersafe,openeditandpulledanextrasetofkeys, throwingthemathimandglaringharderwhenhecaughtthemeasily “I’llsendthecodestoyouonatext Ihopeyourphoneis properlysecured.I’llbebackhereatfour.”Shewalkedaway,wantingtogetbackupstairs.
“Fourinthemorning?That’swhenyourdaystarts?”Hisvoicesoundedincredulous. Likesomany,heprobablythoughtbakingwaseasy,butsheworkedreallyhardforhersuccess.“Yes.”Shespokeoverher shoulder,notwantingtospendevenonemoresecondwithhim “Right.Seeyouthen.”
Shemarchedtothestairway,notlookingback,andafterlockingandalarmingeverydoor,sheretreatedtoherapartment, tryingtocalmhernerves.Mencamein,tookcommand,neverlistened,andblamedthefemalewhenthingswentwrong,no matterhowmanytimestheywerewarned Shepacedthesmallfloorspacebetweenthekitchenetteandislandandtextedhim thealarmcodes.Atleasthewasdownthere,notupheremakingeverythingworse.He’dundoubtedlymakefunofherdécor andlackofspace,andcomplainaboutherlackofatelevision.
Herrugswouldbesofterthanthesealedconcretefloorofhershop.Butno,hedidn’tbelonginhersanctuary.
Debuntiedherrobe,drapeditoverthefootboardofherbed,turnedoffthelightsandclimbedintobed Nomatterhowangry Michaelmadeher,shestillhadtoworkveryearlytomorrowmorning,andifshedidn’twanttowastehundredsofdollarsin ingredients,shehadtosleep.
Afterarestlessnightoftossingandturning,andwonderingfartoomuchaboutMichael,Debrose.Shedabbedonextra concealer;darkcirclesstoodoutagainstherpaleskin,andthatdidn’tmatchherbrightandbubblyimage Happinesssoldmore cupcakes
Preciselyatfour,sheturnedthealarmoffandunlockedthedeadboltontheshop’sbackdoor.Hermorningemployeeshad keystothedoorknob,buttheywouldn’tshowupforanotherhour.Inside,sheputonherapronandslidhercellphoneinthe pocket,checkingforallherothernecessaryitems Shepulledtherackofalreadydecoratedcupcakes,cookies,andother breakfastitemsfromthebigwalk-incooler,androlledittothefront,pushingtheMichael-createdobstaclecourseofcooling racksaside.
Standingnexttoherdecoratingtable,Michaelstuffedadullgreensleepingbagintoasmallerbag.Athin,redmattresswith moreholesthancushionwasonthefloornexttohisfeet,abrightgreenpillowontopofit Maybeshe’dworriedfornothing ErinhadsaidsomethingaboutRyantakinghisbackpackinggearwithhimlastweek,becauseplaincotsweren’tvery comfortableforafullweekofhardwork.Butthatmattresslookedtoothinforconcrete,though.
Well,nomatterhowlousyhernighthadbeen,shecouldbepolite “Goodmorning”Sherolledtherackpasthim,flippedthe coffeemakeron,andloadedtraysintothebakerycase.“Helpyourselftoanythingintheback,andcoffeewillbeready shortly.”
“Thanks,butI’mgoinghometogetalittlemoresleep,andIcan’teatthissugarystuffanyway.”Herolledandstuffedtherest ofhisthingsintohisdufflebag,thenwalkedawaywithoutanotherword
Debfinishedloadinghertrays,carefulnottoslamthemintothecase.Thelastthingsheneededwasbrokenglass.Sheplaced breadintobaskets,lettingtheloavesfallwithalittlemoreforcethannecessary.Howdarehedismissherproductsas“sugary stuff”whenshehadsomuchmore.Shemadeagreatselectionofglutenfreeproductsandlowsugarproducts,too.Theguywas determinedtobenasty;atthispoint,musteringgratitudewasfarbeyondhercapabilities
Goodthingshehadbreadloavestoshape;tryingtobakecupcakeswithallthisangerwouldendindenseblobsof overworkedbatter.ShecouldpunchthebreaddoughandpretenditwasMichael’sgloweringface.
Afterafulldayofhappycustomers,Debwasexhaustedbutrestless.She’dtriedtotakehernormaltwentyminutenapafter closingthefrontdoor,butmemoriesofthebruteGeorgesentwouldn’tletherrest SheroseandworkedwithJefftocleanthe shop,startedsavoryandsweetbatchesofbreaddough,thendecoratedthecupcakesherdecoratorJoancouldn’tfinish.After Jeffleft,shecheckedherspecialorders,confirmingshehadnothinglefttonight;thenextevening,she’dbebakingbiglayer cakesforaweekendwedding.
Debstretchedherfingersandjumpedatthepoundingfromherbackdoor Shehadabuzzer;nooneshouldknock Sheyanked hercellphonefromherapronpocketandtrottedthroughthebakery,peeringthroughthepeephole.Thesamebrutishmanwho’d confrontedherthedaybeforestoodthere,onehandthrustunderhisjacketathiswaist.Hemighthaveagun.Heraisedhis otherarmandpoundedonherdooragain.
Debtookadeepbreathandyelled “Goaway Ihavenothingforyou!” “Youoweusmoney.Openup,orI’mcomingin!”
Shemovedawayfromthepeephole,pressedtheemergencybuttononhersecuritypanelanddialed911.
“MarcusDispatch,what’sthenatureofyouremergency?”Atthesametime,aman’svoicecamefromthespeakerinher panel “Doyouneedpoliceresponse?”
“Help!There’samanwithagunatthebackdoorofmybakeryandhe’sthreateningtobreakin Pleasesendthepolice,fast” Herbackdoorshookandthunderousbangsounded,followedbyaringingthwack.“Ithinkhe’stryingtoshootmydoor!” “Anofficerisrespondingtoyourlocation.Pleasetakeshelterbehindalockeddoorifpossibleandconfirmyouraddressfor me”The911operator’svoicewascalm
Debenteredthestairwelltoherapartment,gavethe911operatortheaddress,andhername Thealarmcompanyconfirmed they’drequestedresponsetoo,thenhungup.Shejumpedagainwhenaseconddouble-bangsounded.Shepeeredaroundthe stairwelldoorintothebakery;bitsofglassglinted,spreadacrossherfloorwithamangledbitofbrassinthemiddle.“Heshot thepeephole!”
Asirenwailedinthedistance Themanoutsideyellednastynamesather,thenacardoorslammed,andanenginerumbled thenroared,fadingasitspedaway.Afewsecondslater,flashingredandbluelitthefrontofherbakeryforafewmoments, thenthenormaleveninglightreturnedastheofficer’scarsquealedaroundthecornertotheback.Acardoorslammed. “DeputyMileshasarrivedatyourlocation Pleaseremainindoorsandawayfromwindowswhilehesearchesthearea Otherofficersareresponding Anofficerwillcallthisnumberwhenit’ssafetoopenthedoor Doyouunderstand?” “Yes,thanksforyourhelp.Iappreciateit.”
