Cupcake Overload (Cupcakes 2)

“I’ll only take a minute, I promise,” I said as I approached, mentally going through the maneuvers Bran had taught me.

“What’s up?” Tony asked, placing one hand on the door handle, as if to let me know he wasn’t going to listen to me for long.

“I was wondering if you could tell me how to get a hold of Dale.”

I kept my eyes trained on his face, waiting for his reaction, so when the anger, panic, then fear crossed it, I had a front row seat.

“What do you want him for?” he asked, his tone guarded.

“I heard he had some words with Samantha, and thought maybe he’d have some info that would help me find out who killed her.”

“The cops said that biker did it,” Tony said, pulling the door open in an attempt to get away.

I placed my hand on the door and slammed it shut.

“I’m checking all leads,” I replied, then leaned against the door “I’ve got his name, and his number, all I need to know is where he is, or what the best way to get to him is.”

Tony snorted.

“He ain’t going to tell you shit over the phone.” He looked me up and down and sneered, “And he ain’t going to tell you shit in person. Dale’s got nothing to do with Sammy, so leave it alone.”

“Let’s say I wanted to try and talk to him in person anyway,” I pressed. “Where would I find him?”

Tony sighed, then looked from me to the door, probably worried that he’d lose another job if he took any more time talking to me.

“Most nights he’s at The Stagger In.”

“Thanks, Tony,” I said with a smile, pushing back off the door and sidestepping to let him in. “I’ll be in touch … if I need anything else.”

“Just fuckin’ leave me alone,” Tony replied, sounding almost frightened, then disappeared behind the door.

I shot Amy May a text.

Can I borrow one of your wigs tonight?

Then I took off toward The Coffee Bean.

I parked outside and was walking down the street when I heard someone calling my name.

I turned to see Carmen jogging after me.

“Hey,” I called in greeting, giving her a hug when she reached me.

“Hi,” she said with a smile. “I wasn’t expecting to see you today. Not with that big hunk of man back in your bed. What are you up to?”

I chuckled, and said, “Working. Cade had to work too, or believe me, I’d be down for more make-up sex.”

“Make-up sex,” Carmen sighed wistfully. “You’re so lucky.”

“What are you doing?”

“Just taking a coffee break,” she replied, pointing at The Coffee Bean. “I’ve been at my desk all morning.”

“That’s where I’m heading too.”

“Awesome,” Carmen said, and we started walking toward the building. “So, how’s the case going?”

“That’s why I’m here,” I replied, holding open the door for her. “I’ve talked to a couple people this morning, and actually have a lead. She used to work here, so I’m going to see if anyone will talk … I’ve gotta go out tonight, though, so I need to find someone to stay with the kids. I’d ask Bea, but she probably won’t like me interfering with her case. Maybe I’ll just text Shannon.”