Going to Something Sweet would help me confirm whether Leia worked there. And, if she did, I’d verify whether her schedule matched what her husband said it was. And, it would also give me an idea if she was using her job as an excuse to meet her lover — assuming that she was cheating. Mr. Hamm’s accusation could be completely off. It happened often enough with other clients, that I rarely took infidelity claims at face value.
I stepped into the bakery and wanted to puke. It was decorated in enough pastels to rival a gender reveal party. Pinks, blues, yellows, purples, and even some soft greens created a motif of fluffy decadence. Water colored paintings of flowers filled the walls. Plush rugs, but the fake fur kind, were strewn about. Wooden tables with velvet chairs were scattered throughout. As if the chairs weren’t enough, under each window was an upholstered bench. It was a place that invited lingering.
A pretty woman, behind the counter, noticed me. “I’ll be with you in a moment, dearie,” she said.
Muffin tugged at his leash, doing his best to take off my arm. Since he wasn’t acting aggressive and we were the only ones in the shop, I let him go. He made his way to the rugs and snuggled up like we were here for an extended stay.
The woman emptied a tray of goodies into the glass displays which were already over-filled with all kinds of cavity-inducing desserts. Even an anti-sweets person like me, couldn’t help but admire the beauty and artistry needed to make each of these dainty delicacies. They looked like little works of art and were adorned with tiny swirls, roses and glittery sprinkles.
There were sprinkles on everything, which added a sparkle to them. I’m sure most customers loved that touch, but it just reminded me of the time a pixie vomited all over Betty. I’d never have thought a creature who flew could get motion sickness? I still found it baffling.
Once the pixie was done being sick, it looked like a glitter bomb went off and there wasn’t an inch of Betty that wasn’t covered in sparkles. Naturally, my car revolted and refused to run until she was cleaned up. It took nearly a week to get most the glitter out. A year later, I still found traces of it.
“Sorry about that. Can I help you with something?” she asked.
I had the description of Mr. Hamm’s wife from the case files. And while I was pretty sure this woman was her, I needed to be sure.
“I’m not sure what I want, Miss –”
“I’m Leia. I work here in the afternoons most days, so if you come back, you’ll see me.”
God, she was a sweet as what she sold. I really couldn’t picture her having a rendezvous with a lover. She seemed so wholesome and happy. Generally, happy people didn’t cheat.
“Do you have anything that isn’t a dessert?”
“Oh, how lovely. We sure do and most people forget that we don’t just make desserts.”
She brought out a thick sheet of paper from a drawer somewhere.
“This is our sandwich menu. We make some of the best ones here in the Mid Line. You won’t regret choosing one of these.”
I’d missed lunch and why waste an opportunity to stay here a bit and watch Leia work? I could observe her interactions with customers. I wanted to see if she or the customers behaved oddly or lingered beyond what was a reasonable amount of time.
It was then that she noticed Muffin. “Is that a Devil Dog? Why is he here?”
“That’s mine. His name is Muffin.”
“What a great name.” And just like that, she relaxed. Having a harmless name for a killer creature, like Muffin, put people at ease. As if a name had anything to do with how dangerous something was.
“As long as he behaves, he’s welcome. We’re a pet friendly place. Besides, how could we allow shifters in here, but not actual animals?”
“I appreciate that. What sandwich do you recommend?”
“The roast beef is a customer favorite, not that it gets ordered much, but when I do make a sandwich, it’s usually that one.”
“Give me one of those.”
A whiff of brimstone was my only warning of his impending visit. Leia gasped and I yanked my sword free. Muffin was growling. I felt for my magic, it was there and ready. It was more than ready to tackle a demon, but I’d only use it as a last resort. I didn’t want to hurt Leia or Muffin in the cross-fire.
“How lovely, the mutt of the underworld,” said Varnoc.
“Leave him alone. Why are you here when our bargain was fulfilled?”
“That’s rather unfriendly of you. And so disappointing. I thought we were friends,” he said.
“Could you leave the bakery with your friend and take your Muffin too?” asked Leia.
“We aren’t friends and I plan on keeping it that way,” I said to her, but the words were meant for him.
“You can’t talk to a demon that way,” said Leia.
“How are you here anyways?” I asked him.
“You aren’t the only foolish person to summon me without a circle. So, while I’m on a break from my pillaging, plundering and raping, I decided to see how my pal was doing.”
“I’m fine, don’t appreciate the concern.” I stared right at Varnoc, so he’d know what I said next was serious, “And why haven’t you left yet?”
“Ah, and that right there is why I needed to visit. You always know how to break up the monotony.”
“I doubt many people find pillaging and plundering monotonous.”
“You forgot the raping. But it gets rather dull. How is your father?”
“Are you trying to get us killed?” hissed Leia, who was standing behind a towering barrier of baguettes. “He knows your father?” she asked.
“How did you know he wasn’t dead? You said something about him when we
