Coffee Treacle Murder: A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery - Book 24 Read online

  “Not one that I wanted to handle,” Heather said. She slurped the foam off the top of the coffee and hummed under her breath.

  Warm, filling and delicious.

  “Has Ryan heard anything about him?” Amy asked.

  “Nope. They don’t know where he is, and I don’t know if they have the research to set up a manhunt for him, right now,” Heather replied.

  Amy drank from her cup then placed it on the glass countertop. “Maybe it’s up to you, then. Maybe you’re the only one who can get to the bottom of this.”

  Heather looked to the front of the store and out at the street. Cars bustled by and people strolled along the sidewalk. The sun cast long shadows, and a wind tussled the remaining leaves on the trees.

  Hillside had its own peaceful allure.

  “I don’t know,” Heather said.

  “What?” Amy grabbed a stool and dragged it closer to her best friend. She plonked down, then slurped her coffee. “You don’t know what?”

  “I don’t know if I should try to find Geoff just yet,” Heather whispered. She picked up her cup too but didn’t drink from it.

  “What? Why not? It’s the perfect mystery.”

  “I told you that someone slipped a picture and a receipt under my door, right?” Heather gestured with her cup.

  “Yeah, you did. You think it was him?”

  “Who else could it be?” Heather asked. “He had the receipt for Laura’s purchase. And there’s only one person who would have that.” Heather shook her head and raised her finger. “No, if Geoff Lawless wanted to be found, he would’ve come out by now.”

  “Ugh,” Amy said and looked over either shoulder. “I feel like he’s watching me right now.”

  Heather twiddled all her fingers and made a spooky ghost noise.

  “I’m serious.” Amy shuddered and took another sip of fortifying coffee. “If he slipped that stuff under your door, it means he’s watching. He’s keeping an eye on us.”

  Heather shivered this time, too. “Okay, I see why you find it spooky now. Let’s focus on happier times.”

  Amy and Heather fell into silence and sipped their coffees. Their gazes fixated on the street outside.

  “How about a slumber party tonight? You bring the movies. I’ll bring the donuts,” Heather said.

  “And Lilly will bring the attitude.” Amy grinned and the tension leaked out of her shoulders. “That sounds like the best idea you’ve had all week.”

  “Apart from the Coffee Treacle Donuts, right?” Heather asked.

  Amy pursed her lips. “Not even close.”

  THE END

  A letter from the Author

  To each and every one of my Amazing readers: I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know what you think by leaving a review!

  I’ll be releasing another installment in two weeks so to stay in the loop (and to get free books and other fancy stuff) Join my Book club.

  Stay Curious,

  Susan Gillard