“Fucking Ira.” West sighs. “What exactly did she say?”
“To be honest, I kind of zoned out. All I heard was that there was a murder.”
“That damn woman.” West rubs his hand down his face, and I feel sorry that I said anything. “Unfortunately, she is right, though. A young woman was found with stab wounds last night.”
At the mention of stab wounds, the blood from my face drains and my legs feel unsteady. My heart races and I grip the counter with white knuckles as I’m transported back to another time. Another stabbing.
“Shit. I’m sorry,” West says, placing his hand over mine and bringing me back to the moment. I was really hoping Mrs. Ira was wrong for once.
“No. It’s okay.” I smile sadly. “Just a shock to hear, you know?” I start to busy myself around the counter to keep my mind from going back to those memories. This week has really been messing with me.
West watches me for a beat, and I try not to shrink under his gaze. “You’re sure you’re good?” he asks, looking concerned.
“Mhm.” I nod, pasting on a fake smile.
West continues to watch me for a few passing seconds before speaking. “All right. Well, you have a lovely day, Jade. Say hi to Sarah for me.”
Once West leaves the bakery, I finally let out a breath. Silent tears roll down my cheeks before I quickly swipe them away and stuff down the pain.
Gathering myself together, I head towards the back to help Sarah and continue on with the day.
“I still can’t believe there was an actual murder here in Lavender Falls,” Sarah says later that day.
“I know.” I say, still in disbelief.
The whole town has been talking about it today. It seems that everyone who comes into the bakery has heard the news. I feel bad for West. I’m sure he never expected everyone to hear about it so fast. According to the rumours, no one knows who the victim is. Apparently it wasn’t someone from here, which makes this whole thing even crazier. I haven’t heard anything about anarrest yet, and in a town this small, news would be flying fast if there was.
“Have you heard anything on who did it?” I ask Sarah.
After West left, I tried to stay in the back as much as possible. Baking helps calm and distract me.
“When I left at noon, I ran into Ira and the knitters in the park, and according to them, there’s not even a suspect. I guess this is actually the second victim to be found in the same exact way.” Sarah shudders, and my hands still.
“Oh my God.” I gasp, bringing a shaky hand to cover my mouth.
“I know!” Sarah says with wide eyes. “I wonder what the hell is going on. Mrs. Ira said the first victim has been identified as a missing girl, but no one has heard anything on this second victim.”
I continue to readjust the display case and focus on my breathing when the chime of the door has me jumping.
“Jeeze. You good?” Sarah asks with furrowed brows.
“Sorry. Just all this talk of murder.” I shudder and greet the incoming customer.
We spend the rest of the day on our feet, serving the influx of summer customers, wiping down tables, and taking special orders. A mom came in and ordered a lavender cheesecake for her daughter's twenty-fifth birthday, and then we got an order for twelve dozen of our popular lemon glazed cookies.
I’m getting ready to close up shop, putting the mop away, when I hear the chime of the door.
“Sorry, we’re closing!” I yell from the closet in the hall.
“No worries. I’m actually just here for you.” The deep, familiar voice of Sheriff Donovan graces my ears.
“Oh, good evening, Sheriff. What can I do for you?” I ask, stepping out from the hall.
“I was just on my way home when I noticed the bakery lights were still on. Thought I’d stop in and see if you wanted a ride home?”
“Well, that’s very kind of you, but it’s a lovely night, so I don’t mind walking.” I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear and put my arms through the sleeves of my jacket.
“Not going to lie, I’d rather you weren’t out walking.”
