Murder By Muffin (Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective 3)

I call Sarah and tell her what happened.

“I’m so sorry, Lucy, but I have to admit, I’m kind of relieved too. Maybe now things can get back to normal?” The hope in her voice makes me feel awful. Poor Sarah. The past week has been as stressful for her as it’s been for me.

But the thing is, I don’t want to get back to normal. I want to be on that show.

“At least tomorrow we can both sleep in,” Sarah says.

“Yeah, good idea,” I say before we hang up.

You know what else is a good idea?

A big fat juicy hamburger and a chocolate milkshake to wash down my misery. I call The Burger Barn and order takeout. When I get home, I’ll put on my most comfy PJs and eat in front of the TV. Maybe I’ll even catch up on America’s Most Vicious Criminals. Without Will.

The idea feels a bit traitorous. It’s the one show we always watch together, but tonight I want to be alone to lick my wounds. Just me, Paco, and my milkshake.

I pull into The Burger Barn parking lot, making sure to keep the windows rolled down. “I should be back in a few minutes,” I tell Paco. “If you’re good, maybe mommy will give you a French fry.” Paco wags his tail. I make a mental note to add fries to my order.

Carlos greets me at the door. “Lucy! How’s it going?”

“Not so great. Tara kicked me off the show.”

He looks taken aback. “She can’t do that!”

“She can and she did, but I’m not going down without a fight. I’m going to read my contract and see if I can find a way to stay in the show.”

“That woman,” he seethes. “I should go right over there and give her a piece of mind. Or better yet, drop out of the competition. Let’s see her try to do a show here in Whispering Bay without us.”

“Thanks, but that won’t do either of us any good.”

He shakes his head. “When I first found out about the show, I was pretty excited, but that stuff she was saying today? About making customers wait for tables just to create conflict? No way am I going along with that. I’m not about to ruin the reputation I’ve built up in the restaurant business for her ratings.”

Peggy, one of the servers, spots me. “Lucy! I just saw your order go through. It should be up in a few minutes.”

“Can you add an order of fries?” Then I think about how greedy Paco is. “Better yet, an extra-large order? Make sure the shake is large too. And don’t forget the whipped cream on top.” Hey, I might as well go all out here.

“Got it,” says Peggy.

“Lucy’s food is on the house,” Carlos tells her.

“Sure thing, boss.” She winks at me, then takes a tray of drinks over to a table.

“No need for the comp, but thanks,” I say, knowing full well if the situation was reversed, I’d do the same for him.

“I have to get back to the kitchen.” Carlos puts his hand on my shoulder and gives me a gentle squeeze. “What can I do to help with this Tara situation?

“Besides tossing her over a cliff?”

Carlos chuckles. “Somehow that image isn’t as gruesome as it sounds.”

“Like I said, I’m going to review my contract. And … knowing Tara, this might just all blow over. There’s every likelihood that she’ll call me tomorrow morning like I’m back on the show and nothing’s happened.”

“Let’s hope so.” But he doesn’t sound confident.

Carlos goes back to work, and while I’m waiting for my food, I let my gaze flitter over the dining room. The Burger Barn is located next to the bowling alley, and since it’s Saturday night, every table is full. It’s the usual Whispering Bay crowd. Young families, a few teenagers, some retirees. And—

I do a double take.

Travis is in one of the corner booths. And he’s not alone. There’s a very cute blonde sitting right across from him looking as if she’s completely smitten.