“It’s such a shame,” Mrs. Ira says, shaking her head.
The young girl leaves the bakery, and Mrs. Ira tilts her head, watching me. “You all right, Jadie?”
“Hmm? Y-yes. Sorry. I just can’t believe something like that has happened here.”
“Me too. In all my years, we’ve only ever had two murders. This will be a big case for our little town.”
“Where did you hear about it?” I ask her. West hasn’t been in yet this morning, and this might explain why.
“It came through on the radio last night,” she whispers, scanning the shop. I’m pretty sure Sheriff Donovan has already warned her about listening in to their calls.
“Now, enough of this morbid talk. Jade dearie, would you bag up a couple biscuits for me and the ladies. I’m headed to the park to meet them, and I promised to get everyone a little something.”
“Of course, Mrs. Ira.” I open the display case, reach for my tongs, and begin filling a bag for the ladies.
“So, my Samual was sure upset the other night. He came home in such a tizzy, going on about you leaving him for another man?” she questions, and I sigh.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Ira. I know you were really excited, but the truth is, Samual and I just didn’t hit it off. If I can be honest, I don’t think he is over his ex.”
“Nonsense,” she says, taking the bag of biscuits from my hand. “Now, may I ask who this gentleman you ran off with is?”
I sigh because I know she won’t leave me alone until I answer. “It was Sheriff Donovan, if you must know.”
Her eyes go wide, and I wait for her to say something.
“Huh. I think I’ll just leave this one be. I didn’t think that man would ever brave up.” She smiles and hands me the money for the biscuits, leaving me both stunned and confused.
What did she mean, she never thought he would brave up?
I hand her back her change and wave goodbye as I toss this thought around my head. It’s not long after that West enters, and I smile as he makes his way to the counter, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Morning, Sheriff.”
“Morning, Jade. How are you this morning?”
“I’m good. I got a new recipe here you can try. I was up practically all morning trying to perfect them.” I reach into the display case to grab two of the shortbreads and bag them up. “Would you like a coffee as well?” I ask.
“Sure, please.” West reaches out for the bag, pulling a shortbread out and bringing it to his mouth for a bite. I watch ashis face lights up and he lets out a gruff moan. My cheeks heat at the sound, and I have to swallow back a whimper.
“Goddamn, Jade. This is really good. How many of these you got? I bet the guys at the station would love these.”
I smile, pleased that he likes them so much. “There’s enough for everyone. I’ll just get your coffee and then I’ll fill a box for you.”
“You’re the best,” he says, and I have to hide my smile.
“So, how’s your morning going so far? It’s not often you’re not the first customer.”
“You keeping track of when I come in?” he teases, causing a warmth to pool under my skin.
“Just an observation,” I say quietly, handing him his coffee.
“I’m just teasing you.” He flashes me a smile that has my knees weakening. “My morning isn’t off to the best start, to be honest. I wasn’t supposed to start till later today, actually.”
“Everything okay?” I ask, waiting to see if he will say anything about the body.
“It could be better, that’s for sure. Had a rough call last night.”
“Mrs. Ira may have mentioned something,” I share.
