Apple Pie to Die For Read online

  I had chosen a spot to meet in the rear of the exhibition area where we wouldn’t be interrupted. She was waiting for me when I entered. “Hi, Eloise.” I tried for a smile, but I was pretty sure it fell short.

  “Hello, Marjorie. I’m so glad you decided to share your recipe with me. You’re known for such generosity, I knew you would come around.” She smirked and folded her arms around her ample waist.

  She hadn’t really given me a choice.

  “Do you have the recipe?” she insisted.

  “Of course.” We both sat down at a small fold-out table. I slipped the fake apple pie recipe out of my purse and handed it to her. “I’ve never shared this with anyone before.”

  And that was the truth. I had never even baked it before.

  “Well. It’s in good hands now,” Eloise said with a smug expression on her face. She folded the recipe and tucked it into her purse. With her hand still in the bag, she grabbed a prescription bottle from her purse, opened the top, and popped two pills into her mouth. She swallowed the pills with liquid from her coffee mug.

  I got a whiff of her breath and it was definitely not coffee.

  Anderson stepped around the corner behind Eloise. He winked and then shrugged as if asking what he should do. I nodded toward the entrance to the judging area and he took the hint and left with the pies.

  “Now that I have your winning recipe, I’m going to resign my position, move back to Oregon, and start competing myself.”

  I couldn’t honestly say that I hadn’t seen that one coming.

  She chuckled and looked into her cup. “I need a refill. I’ll see you in a bit. I’m sure your pie will be a big winner.”

  “Maybe you’ve had enough coffee.”

  When Eloise got up, she swayed a little. “I’ve been working on a couple other contestants. They are about to cough up their award-winning barbecue recipes,” she said and wandered off toward the parking lot.

  I hadn’t considered that I wasn’t the only one she was blackmailing for recipes. Maybe she would just fall asleep and miss the competition altogether.

  Anderson waved at me from the display table. He was standing with a couple of the other volunteers that worked for Eloise.

  “Hi, Marjorie. Where’s Eloise? Kaley asked. “It’s time to set up for the pie contest.”

  “She said she needed to get something from her car. Do you need help?”

  “No. Sorry, but the contestants aren’t allowed to help in an event that they are entered in.”

  “No problem. We’re going to wander around, eat some junk food, and play some games until the judges announce the winners.”

  “Good luck. Personally, I think your pies are the best.” Kaley winked.

  “Thank you. That means the world to me.”

  ANDERSON TOOK MY HAND, and we walked around for over two hours before they announced the judges had winners in the barbecue, pie, and cakes categories. We shared a footlong corn dog, a basket of fried green beans, and a frozen cheesecake on a stick. I felt queasy from all the grease and anxiety.

  Nobody had seen Eloise since she left for her car, but it didn’t seem to bother anyone.

  We sat in the third row and my hands shook as the judges made their way through the barbecue contestants and then the cake winners. Kyle’s Texas barbecue and Stew’s Louisiana barbecue both received blue ribbons. They were both ecstatic and probably Eloise’s other blackmail victims.

  When it was time for the pies to be announced, my heart thudded in my chest almost to the point of hyperventilating.

  Anderson leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Take a deep, slow breath.”

  “Okay,” I whispered.

  “The first place winner in the apple pie category is...” The judge paused and then continued with a huge smile on his face, “Marjorie Vanhorn.”

  I had been holding my breath and when I heard my name called, I almost collapsed in happiness. “I won! I won!” I jumped in the air and then hopped up and down.

  Anderson hugged me tight to his chest. “Of course you did. Now go up and get your ribbon.”

  As a business owner, I thought it would look ridiculous to skip in delight up to the podium, but I really wanted to. I kept the blue ribbon tucked against my chest all the way through the rest of the categories. When it came time to announce Best of Show for baking, I looked around at all of the excited faces. I wondered who would get the most coveted award this year, plus the thousand dollar check—Betty for her Green Tomato pie, or Sherry for her Lemon Chiffon cake.

  The judge cleared his throat. “And the winner of the Best in Show in the baking category is Marjorie Vanhorn for her amazing apple pie.”

  Applause erupted, people were congratulating me right and left, and I was in a complete daze. I had never in my life won Best in Show. This was the best day of my life.

  “I can’t believe this, Anderson.” I jumped up and down and then grabbed him by the neck and squeezed. “You are my lucky charm. Come up to the podium with me, I don’t think I can walk by myself.”

  He beamed down at me. “Of course. I don’t ever want to leave your side.”

  After an hour of congratulations, handshakes, and hugs, we finally made our way back to the car. I looked at where Eloise’s car was earlier and the spot was empty. Why had she left?

  Anderson opened the door and helped me into the passenger’s seat.

  As if reading my mind he asked, “Where do think Eloise went?”

  “I don’t know. I’m sure she had a good reason.” I fidgeted with my purse handle—I didn’t want to talk about Eloise. “I’m exhausted, but starving. Do you want to stop somewhere on the way home and have dinner? I’ll buy, now that I have an extra thousand bucks to spend.”

  “That sounds great. Where do you want to go?” Anderson stroked the side of my face with his fingertips.

  “Pizza. I would love a loaded, deep dish pizza with a Stoli martini.” I rubbed my stomach in anticipation of a cheesy, gooey slice of pizza.

  “That is my idea of a perfect meal, too. You are my kind of girl, Marjorie.” Anderson smiled brightly.

  “This has been the best day ever. Thank you for sharing it with me.” I returned his smile.

  “I agree. I have never had this much fun before at a fair, but that has a lot to do with spending the day with you.” He placed a quick kiss on my lips and then started the car. “Have you ever eaten at Pisano’s Pizza?”

  “No. I’ve heard about it, but never tasted their pizza.”

  “It’s a small, locally owned pizzeria about ten minutes from here. I can guarantee you’ll love it.”

  “Just as long as they can pour a good martini, I’m willing to give them a try.” I linked my hand with his.

  “Okay... Let’s go get the Best in Show winner some pizza and a couple martinis.”

  “A couple?” I laughed. “Are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?”

  “When we make love, you won’t be drunk, hungry or tired. I want your full attention when we’re together for the first time.”

  That shut me up.

  The rest of the evening was perfect; great food, drinks and there was even an older man going from table-to-table singing Italian songs.

  Anderson helped me into my car at the bakery. “I would ask if you would like to come over to my place for a nightcap, but you look exhausted.”

  “I am, but it’s the best kind of tired. Can I have a raincheck?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll come by the bakery tomorrow and see how you’re doing?”

  “That sounds great. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Thank you, Anderson.”

  He leaned into the car and pressed his warm lips to mine. “You are welcome, my beautiful Marjorie.”

  I drove home on a high, not caused by alcohol, but happiness.

  EVEN VEGA’S FOUL MOOD when I got home, didn’t diminish my euphoria. I heated chicken noodle soup and made a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches.

  “Soup aga
in? Who do I complain to around here to get a decent meal!” he yelled.

  “I know for a fact that I am a good cook.” I spooned soup into his mouth, and this time he made no attempt to spit or spill it.

  “I guess that was harsh, but my ass hurts from sitting on it all day and I’m fucking bored. All I do is stare at the walls. If you untie my hands, I could read a book or something.”

  Kelli had told me Vega hated to read. Couldn’t he come up with a better lie? “I was thinking, how would you like some exercise? If you promise to behave, you can have an hour each night to do whatever you want—with my stun gun’s supervision of course. You can even take a shower and dress yourself.” That would take a huge burden off me. “And I have a TV I can bring down to keep you entertained. Of course, you’ll remain tied up when I’m gone, so you will only be able to watch one channel, but that’s better than staring at the walls, right?”

  “I guess...And while you’re being so generous, I could use a haircut and shave too.”

  “Sure. I can do that, but for tonight you’ll have to settle for a radio. What kind of music do you like?”

  “Country western of course.”

  Of course.

  After he passed out, I went upstairs and fell fast asleep with Oscar pressed against my side.

  Chapter Six

  I WAS IN SUCH GOOD spirits the next morning, I made Vega French toast slathered in maple syrup and butter, and scrambled eggs. “Hi, Sunshine. How are you doing this morning?”

  Vega grumbled something derogatory.

  “I’m going to ignore that comment, but don’t repeat it or you won’t get this wonderful breakfast.”

  “What is it?” he grumbled.

  “A smorgasbord fit for a king.”

  “Let me go and I can get my own food,” Vega demanded.

  “I thought after last night you’d be in a better mood. I guess not. Now open up so I can get to work.”

  “This is America, you can’t keep a person in your basement. It’s not legal!” he shouted.

  “And beating your wife is?” I shot back. That shut him up until he was done eating.

  “Marjorie?”

  “Yes, Vega.”

  “I want you to know that I’ve learned my lesson. I will never hurt Kelli again.” He smiled. I think he was trying to look sincere, but he just looked evil.

  “Really?” I raised my eyebrows.

  “Yes. And I promise to leave town and never come back...” he slurred, the drug taking effect. “You have my word...”

  “That would be wonderful, but I don’t think I can trust you.” I patted his hand. “Now, you be a good boy and go to sleep.”

  I PARKED IN THE BACK lot, grabbed my tote, and opened the door to the bakery and then once inside, locked it behind me. There was a bouquet of colorful wildflowers on the counter. The flowers were from Anderson, and the note said, “Have a great day, superwoman.”

  What a great way to start the day.

  I could hear the lively chatter from the front of the bakery. As I put my tote away, my cell phone rang. It was Anderson. “Hi, there,” I said cheerfully.

  “Hi, honey. How is the best pie baker in the state doing?”

  My heart skipped a beat when I heard his voice. “Great. And thank you for the lovely flowers, they made my day.”

  “I’m glad you like them, but they’re not as pretty as you.” He paused for a moment. “I’m really sorry, but I have some bad news.”

  “What? Are you okay?” I sat down hard on one of the stools.

  “No. No, it’s not about me. Eloise Snyder was found dead late yesterday.”

  “Oh my God. That’s awful. What happened?” I chewed on my bottom lip.

  “Her car was found over an embankment near Spring Lake. The authorities are limiting the details on her death until the toxicology reports come back, but I wanted you to hear it from me, not from someone else.”

  “Was there another car involved? Was anyone else hurt?”

  “No. it was just Eloise. I told Sheriff Bixby that you spoke to her yesterday before she left. He’s trying to put together a timeline of her whereabouts. He’s going to call you.”

  “Okay...I didn’t know her very well. Did she have a husband or family in the area?”

  “No. The sheriff said she was divorced with two kids in college. That’s all I know right now.”

  “Thank you for letting me know.” Eloise wasn’t a nice person, but I hadn’t wanted her to die.

  “Do you think you might feel like having dinner with me tonight?” Anderson asked.

  “Can I have a raincheck? I’m a little shaken up.”

  “You bet. Call me later if you just want to talk,” he said.

  “I will. Bye.” I hung up feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness. Her poor kids.

  The bakery staff, Suzie, April, and Josephine, all rushed into the backroom as I hung up the phone.

  “You are the greatest ever!” They all cheered and hugged me. “We knew you would win the blue ribbon, but Best in Show? You are incredible. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing with new orders,” Suzie squealed in delight.

  I took a bow and they giggled. “I couldn’t have done it without you guys. I’m going to take each and every one of you out to lunch. We might not all go at once, but I’ll make sure each of you gets the proper recognition too.”

  “That sounds great,” Suzie said. All three gave me one last hug before they went back to work.

  FOR A COUPLE HOURS, I mixed dry and wet ingredients and made at least twenty pies. My cell phone rang as I checked the time left on a tray of blueberry pies in the oven. Without looking at the caller ID I answered. “Hello.”

  “Hi, Marjorie. This is Sheriff Bixby.”

  “Hi, Sheriff. How are you?” I had gone to school with Bixby’s two sons and his wife. His wife visited the bakery at least once a week. She was secretly addicted to my raspberry chiffon pie.

  “Good. Good. Have you heard from Anderson today?” He had always been blunt and straight to the point.

  “He called and told me about Eloise Snyder. That’s just terrible news.”

  “Yes, it is. Anderson mentioned you talked to Eloise yesterday. Could you come by the office? I have a few questions for you.”

  “Sure. When do you want me there?” I was not looking forward to that meeting. Should I mention what Eloise had been up to with the contestants?

  “Well... If you could come by in the next hour or so that would be appreciated,” he replied.

  “I can be there within thirty minutes. I just have to take my pies out of the oven.” The timer had fifteen minutes left on it.

  “My dear wife sure loves those raspberry chiffon pies...” his voice trailed off.

  I knew a hint when I heard one. “I’d be happy to bring one to the station. You could surprise her tonight,” I offered.

  “That would be splendid. Thank you, Marjorie. You are so thoughtful.”

  I ARRIVED AT THE SHERRIFF’S office a half hour later and walked up to the counter. “Hi, Cora. I’m here to see Sherriff Bixby.

  “Hi, Marjorie. Go on back. He’s expecting you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Bixby was sitting behind his desk. He stood when I popped my head into his office. “Come on in, Marjorie and have a seat. Would you like coffee or a soda?”

  “No. Thank you.” I sat down and handed over the box with the pie in it. “Tell Mrs. Bixby I hope she enjoys it.”

  “We both will.” He reached for his wallet. “What do I owe you?”

  “Its six dollars, but Mrs. Bixby can take care of it when she stops by next time.”

  “Wonderful.” He sat down and opened a file on his desk. “Now, Anderson said you talked with Eloise around noon, is that right?”

  I nodded and fidgeted with my purse strap. “Yes. That sounds about right.”

  “How did she seem? Was she feeling okay?” He looked up from his notes.

  “She took a couple pills from her purse and
swallowed them. When nothing more came out of her coffee mug, she said she needed a refill and headed in the direction of the parking lot. I might have smelled alcohol on her breath.”

  “Interesting... It looks like you were the last one to see her leave.” Sheriff Bixby made another note in the file. He caught me staring at it. “I know. It would save me time just to type the information into a computer, but I’m old school and I don’t want to change my ways. Cora types it up when I’m done.”

  “Can you tell me what happened? Anderson didn’t have any details.” I sat forward on the edge of the chair.

  “She died from head trauma and had a combination of prescription drugs and alcohol in her system. It was a miracle she didn’t kill someone besides herself before driving off the road.”

  “That’s horrible.” My stomach tied in knots. “I should have asked if she was okay. Maybe she would still be alive if I had shown more concern for her well-being.”

  “Now, don’t you feel bad for Eloise, that wasn’t her first offense. When she lived in the state of Oregon she ran a red light and hit a young girl crossing the street. Eloise’s blood alcohol level was barely legal. It was her first offense with no jail time, two thousand dollar fine, and one-year license suspension. She got off easy. The little girl wasn’t so lucky, she will never walk again.”

  “That poor little girl.”

  He leaned forward in his chair. “I have to ask you one more question and as hard as it might be, I want you to be honest with your answer.”

  “I will.” I nodded nervously.

  “Was Eloise blackmailing you?” He sat perfectly still, waiting for my answer.

  I started with Eloise’s message about the recipe and ended with her needing to refill her coffee cup.

  “The recipe part jibes with the other statements I’ve collected. Is there anything else you can tell me?”

  “No. Nothing...” I thought for a minute. “Is there going to be a service? She wasn’t a very nice person, but she deserves that.”