Baby Bundt Cake Confusion (Murder in the Mix Book 31) by Unknown (reading eggs books .txt) 📗

She gives a slow nod. “A double whammy. I’m secretly hoping it’s neither. That’s a lot to put on an infant, let alone a full-grown adult.”

Lottie finishes up her breakfast while I stare off at the wall, my mind running a million different scenarios at once about the baby, my mother, Jimmy Canelli, Luke Lazzari, the mystery woman, and whoever the hell killed Jasmine and Owen. There is so much to think about. Almost all of it dangerous on some level.

A part of me wonders if life will ever slow down for us to catch our breath.

Lottie takes my hand and places it onto her belly and I can feel the baby move inside of her, and just like that, I take a deep breath.

Someway, somehow, this little baby has the power to cancel out all of my worries and fears—and judging by that warm smile on Lottie’s lips, it cancels out all of her worries, too.

Everett

“Great news,” I say to Fiona without an ounce of enthusiasm as I put down my phone over Noah’s kitchen table. “Detective Fairbanks just cleared me from the double homicide in Fallbrook.”

Fiona caws out a laugh. She has her dark hair spun into a bun, and she’s dressed a little more casual than I’m used to seeing her at the courthouse although, regrettably, I’ve seen her in less. I’m not proud of my wandering ways now that they’re coming back to haunt me at such an alarming rate. But then, I never thought I’d be satiated in a relationship and yet I am. Very much so.

“Oh, Essex,” she says, buttoning up her briefcase and rising to her feet. “I wouldn’t run off to buy a lottery ticket just yet. You’re still on the hook for moving Florenza Canelli’s body from the morgue. To be frank, I’m shocked I haven’t visited you in the morgue. I suppose all in good time.” She gives a lighthearted wink. Fiona has never been one to hide how she feels. “Try to stay on the right side of the soil, would you? I’ve gotten used to having you around.” She shakes her head as I walk her to the door. “You’re here at Noah’s place while he’s locked in a bedroom with your wife. Are you sure he’s not at the helm of that hit?”

A dark laugh rolls through me. “If he was, I’d have to tip my hat to him.”

“Well, don’t tip it at that wife of yours. You do realize she put a hit out on Noah a couple of months ago.”

“Accidentally,” I’m quick to add.

“That’s what they all say.”

We take a step out onto the porch as the icy air hits us, and I spot a silver sedan down the street tucked high against the woods.

I don’t hesitate bolting in that direction, but I don’t crest the driveway before it speeds off as if it just committed a bank heist.

“Essex!” Fiona calls out as she clip-clops after me. “What has gotten into you?”

“I thought I recognized that car.” I shake my head. “Never mind.”

Fiona slaps a hand over my chest. “Pull it together. I need you acting rationally. Trial starts in a month.” She squints her eyes at me. “Tell me now if I’m missing any pieces. You, of all people, know how pertinent it is to tell your counsel everything you may need. I’m a pro, Essex. I know you’re holding something back from me.”

I take a deep breath as I glance to those empty lots across the street I conjoined as one through the city.

She’s right. I’m holding back. But it’s not like I can tell her that my wife speaks to the dead. That Florenza Canelli insisted we steal her body because she was about to have a bad hair day and get shoved into a casket in a color she vehemently protested.

“Have it your way.” She tosses her hands in the air as she heads for her car. “We’ll talk soon. Try not to indulge in any necromancy, or get your new wheels blown up.” She turns my way. “You’ve changed. Ever since you’ve met her. You’ve changed.” Fiona takes off and I let those words sink in.

I have changed. And I’d like to think it’s for the better. My life has vastly improved despite the fact I have a target on my back, and my wife might just be having another man’s baby.

Bear Fisher’s truck pulls up into the lot across the street and I grab my coat, lock up Noah’s place, and head on over.

Bear nods my way while giving his ballcap a tug. “Go get Lottie. We’ll do a quick groundbreaking ceremony. I’ve got a dozer on its way to level out the dirt. It’s time to start this party.”

“Great,” I say. I’d ask how Nell’s old place was coming along, but I’m in no mood to remind him he has other projects on the table. Nope. I want this house buttoned up before fall. Before that baby Lemon and I are about to have turns eighteen. “Hey, did you see a silver sedan pass you on the way here?”

“Yup. Some chick with a knit cap on, driving like she was training for NASCAR. Some people have no idea how to drive on slick roads, and she’s one of them. I won’t be surprised to hear she’s toppled off the road somewhere. She’s an out-of-towner for sure.”

“I’d have to agree with that. Did you see her face?”

“Nope, but I did see that new SUV in Noah’s driveway. Woo-wee! That’s a nice set of wheels. I guess it’s true what they say, crime pays. And Noah’s rolling in the big bucks. I’ve been looking at that truck for months. It’s their flagship model. Comes with all the bells and whistles. Has a dashboard that looks as if it belongs on the Space Station. That truck can do everything but fly. Family rated, too. Eight seats, top grain leather. Nice enough to take to the