“Thank you, Tristan,” Harlow chuckled. “I hope so.”
Morgan promptly washed her hands and helped Harlow arrange a fresh batch of cookies on the sheet. “Michigan Treasure Cookies? I’ve never heard of them.”
“My friend, Abby, owns a catering business and claims they’re popular with her customers.” Harlow rattled off the ingredients.
“I love baking and cooking.”
The women finished placing the cookies on the sheet and Harlow eased the tray into the oven. “Thanks for the assist.”
“Glad I could help.”
“I have the final prints here.” David slipped his reading glasses on while Morgan and Brett gathered around.
Meanwhile Mort and Chester, who had already become besties, sat side by side, closely monitoring the kitchen activity.
“Would you like a treat?” Harlow pulled out Mort’s favorite treats and fed one to each of the pups.
Chester pawed her hand, begging for more.
“Can I give him a treat?” the boy asked.
“Just one more,” Morgan said. “He’s an excellent beggar.”
“Chester learned a new trick,” Brett said. “Tristan taught him how to eat a boiled egg.”
Harlow opened the fridge. “Mort likes tricks. We have boiled eggs. Do you think you could teach him?”
Ting.The kitchen timer chimed.
“Right after we sample non-burnt, fresh-from-the-oven cookies.”
During the cookie and lemonade break, David filled the Eastons in on the fire investigation. “The investigator and fire chief both believe an accelerant was used near the laundry room.”
“But you don’t know who or why,” Brett said.
“Not yet. We’re hoping we get answers but, to be honest, it might never happen,” Harlow said.
Morgan’s eyes were filled with sympathy and understanding. “It could be a blessing, not knowing.”
Harlow could feel her throat clog at the empathy and kindred spirit she felt from a woman she barely knew. Morgan had not only suffered the loss of her mother, but had grown up without her father or family. “I never looked at it that way, but maybe you’re right.”
“I didn’t mean to make you sad.” Morgan dusted her hands. “I’m sure Tristan is itching to teach Mort the trick. Come here Chester.”
Her pup promptly trotted over. “We’re going to teach Mort your boiled egg trick,” she told him. “Do you think we can do it?”
Woof.Chester spun in a circle, prancing excitedly.
“I swear he understands every word my sister says,” Brett joked.
Harlow peeled a boiled egg and handed it to Tristan.
“Stand still.”
Chester promptly obeyed the command, his eyes never leaving the treat in the boy’s hand. He held the pup’s chin while placing the peeled egg on his snout. Slowly pulling his hand away, Tristan gave him the “stay” command.
He stood perfectly still with the egg balancing on the end of his nose.
“Now.”
