Mocha mayhem, p.1
Mocha Mayhem, page 1
MOCHA MAYHEM
A SMALL TOWN CULINARY COZY MYSTERY
THE COZY CAFÉ MYSTERIES
BOOK THREE
C. A. PHIPPS
Mocha Mayhem is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
Mocha Mayhem Copyright © 2020 by C. A. Phipps
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Cover Design by http://www.StunningBookCovers.com copyright 2019
For my wonderful Beta Readers
Thank you for all your hard work, Suzanne and Bernie.
You are awesome! x
MOCHA MAYHEM
A seaside wedding—the perfect catering job for The Cozy Café.
Except for the body!
Wanting to put the café firmly on the map, Scarlett didn’t imagine things could go so horribly wrong when she took the last minute job.
Along with her sisters, she’s once more embroiled in a case where people aren’t who they say, and murder appears to be an inconvenience.
Even the sheriff struggles to get people to talk, and knowing that the culprit is in their midst keeps the risk of another murder on everyone's minds.
When money has too much power, families are in turmoil, and a close friend hides their true feelings, how will Scarlett untangle the web of lies and deceit to solve this crime?
Meanwhile, George, the cat, is unimpressed to have a visitor in the house and quite happy to let everyone know about it!
The Cozy Café mysteries are light, cozy mysteries featuring a family-focused café owner who discovers she’s a talented amateur sleuth—and a magnet for animals.
Enjoy a sweet treat recipe in every book.
The Cozy Café Series:
Sweet Saboteur
Candy Corruption
Mocha Mayhem
Berry Betrayal
Deadly Desserts
"I love Scarlett!! So many lies, twists, and turns that made this my favorite book in this series. Anxiously awaiting book 4." ~ Renee
Join my new release mailing list and pick up a free recipe book!
CONTENTS
Mocha Mayhem
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Berry Betrayal
Recipes
Mocha Cupcakes
Also by C. A. Phipps
Books by Cheryl Phipps
About the Author
CHAPTER ONE
Scarlett’s anxiety spiked as a second sugar rose slipped from her fingers to smash into fragments on the tiled floor. This cake had taken three days to make, and if she didn’t fix her mistake ASAP, the bride wouldn’t be cutting anything that looked halfway decent.
Her hometown of Cozy Hollow might not be at the forefront of sophistication, but it had everything a person needed and good old-fashioned manners in bucket loads. Twenty miles inland and south, at Harmony Beach, things were a little different. People had money and liked everyone to know about it.
The Turners were no exception. Nothing was too good for their little girl, Lexie. If the original company they’d hired to cater for the event hadn’t pulled out, Scarlett and her sisters wouldn’t have had the opportunity to help with the food or make the cake. This fact was pointed out many times.
Positive feedback from catering for the prestigious Turner/Wood wedding would undoubtedly put The Cozy Café on the map, so Scarlett took the digs at her ability with as much good grace as she could muster. The café was her passion, and therefore she would handle being talked down to for one more day.
While she managed not to drop the next rose, the family chef came into his massive pantry to check on things as he’d done repeatedly since Scarlett and her two sisters arrived that morning.
“Aren’t you finished with that yet?” The butler startled her.
“Just about. Do you think they’ll like it?”
He looked down his nose and walked around the table. “It’s acceptable.”
Scarlett pressed her lips together to keep a dose of sarcasm from escaping, but had dot say something. “I just need a few more minutes to add the finishing touches.”
He stalked out as if he wanted to give her something else, which wasn’t likely to be praise. Taking a deep breath and forcing herself to concentrate on the cake rather than the hundred other things that needed doing, Scarlett managed to get the last roses in place. She stood back and wiped her hands as someone else came through the door.
“That looks fantastic! And you look pretty cute, with that icing on your cheek.”
Grinning, she wiped the offending mess with a corner of her starched white apron. “You don’t look so shabby yourself.”
He preened, pulling at his waistcoat, which was very snug. “I’ll take that.” Sam Drake, the paramedic based in Cozy Hollow, was also part of the bridal party.
“Since you’re his best man, shouldn’t you be with the groom?”
He shrugged. “Chad’s got his brother there. They’re having a moment.”
“And you don’t do moments?” she teased.
“I wouldn’t say that.” Sam came closer and took her hands. “I’m still hoping for a moment or two with you.”
She shook her hands free. “Shhh. Not here. I’m working, unlike you.”
“One day, there will be a right time. Maybe after you’ve finished for the evening, we could meet up for a bit?”
He looked a little desperate, and Scarlett was flattered. Dating for a few months, they found it hard to factor in time together when Scarlett lived with her sisters, and Sam always seemed to be working or on call.
“It’s going to be a long day in the kitchen, and you’ve got your best man duties. They may last quite a while longer than the food.”
He frowned. “A man could be forgiven for thinking you’d changed your mind about dating me.”
“That man would be silly. I haven’t,” she promised, leaning in to kiss his cheek. He turned quickly and snuck a peck on the lips. “Sam!”
“What? I’m a paramedic. It’s my job to check that you’re breathing okay.”
Scarlett snorted. Her heart had already done several twirls at the sight of him in his navy suit and tie. Adding the crisp white shirt and paisley waistcoat—Sam was definitely swoon-worthy. Still, as much as she enjoyed it, she wouldn’t be able to concentrate if he was going to flirt with her all night.
“When you lovebirds are done, can you check the tables, Scarlett?” Olivia Greene stood in the doorway, a broad smile on her face.
Asked to do the wedding a few weeks ago, they’d also roped in their mom’s sister to help.
“I’ll be there in a minute. Sam’s helping me put the cake somewhere safe.”
Scarlett’s youngest sister, Ruby, peered over Olivia’s shoulder and giggled. “Sure, that’s the only reason he’s here.”
A tall woman came up behind Ruby, towering over her. Since Ruby was rather short, this wasn’t hard.
“I trust everything is going to plan?” Mrs. Turner was a perfectionist and very loud about it.
Poor Ruby jumped, while Scarlett somehow managed to keep a straight face.
“It is.” With a surprisingly steady hand, considering her audience, she slipped the last few flowers into place with a flourish. “The cake’s finished. Where would you like me to put it?”
Mrs. Turner pointed behind her. “There’s the kitchen office in the opposite corner. Chef won’t mind.”
Scarlett imagined that it was too bad if he did because Mrs. Turner had spoken, and she hadn’t seen one person attempt to disagree with the woman.
The others moved back into the kitchen to let Scarlett and Sam pass, carefully wheeling the cake into the office. Scarlett noticed a door to the outside. This would make getting it into the large tent easier than through the kitchen doors, which the waiters would be using.
When they returned, Mrs. Turner glared at them as though they had dawdled.
“The guests will be arriving any minute. Are the tables set?”
Scarlett nodded. “Yes. And your chef and I have the food organized. We’ll bring out the canapés whenever you like.”
“Just have them ready. My staff will do the waiting. As I’ve explained, they’re the professionals. Sam, I’m sure that Chad needs your services.”
“Sure, thing. I’ll be on my way back to Chad once I’ve checked on the groomsman.”
Seemingly unfazed by the command, Sam weathered the down-the-nose glare expertly. Scarlett also noticed that the chef kept himse lf busy with the roast meats he was cooking and didn’t join the conversation. Not that she blamed him. In the short time, she’d known Mrs. Turner, Scarlett could appreciate that the less said, the better the outcome.
An extended counter ran down the kitchen’s length, narrowing the walkway, but necessary for when it came time to set up the entrée, mains, and then dessert.
“Good luck, and I’ll see you later,” Sam waved as he followed Chad’s mother-in-law to be down the hall leading to the central part of the house.
Scarlett joined Olivia and Ruby in the main tent, where their middle sister, Violet, made last-minute adjustments to the cutlery and checked glassware.
“Top job, Vi. The settings look exactly the same as the diagram we were given.”
“Thank goodness.” Violet rolled her eyes. “Mrs. Turner’s been through here countless times and always finds something to fix.”
Scarlett shrugged. “Well, she’s paying for it. I guess she has a right.”
‘Hah! As if anyone checks that their knife and fork is so many inches from the end of the table.”
“Maybe not in our circles, but it is a thing elsewhere. Obviously, this is elsewhere,” Scarlett teased.
Her sister had no comeback, which was rare.
“Since it’s we’re done in here, can everyone help me lay out the canapés on trays, please? I’m not sure where we’ll find room to put them, but if the timing’s right they’ll go out as soon as we plate them.”
“Of course.” Olivia had been on her feet for the same amount of time and her stamina hadn’t waned. In her fifties, she was excited by the day and eager to take on any job asked of her.
Scarlett was very proud of her family and the way they’d risen to the challenge. It was a huge undertaking, no matter that there was other staff to share the burden. The last caterers undoubtedly had more experience with this kind of function, while she, her aunt and sisters, had none.
On their way back to the kitchen, Scarlett stopped to address a young waiter. “Tony, could you please check all the lower floor bathrooms to ensure the toilet tissue is plentiful and the baskets with hand towels are full?”
Unsure why Mrs. Turner thought this sort of management was part of the caterer’s job; she suspected the woman had lost even more staff recently. Scarlett was pretty sure she knew the reason why.
He saluted with a cheeky twinkle in his eye. “At once, ma’am.”
As he raced off, a couple arrived at the tent opening. They took in the interior, then walked toward the flower-draped wedding arch. Seating was arranged in a half-circle facing this and the water. Beyond this was a small dock with steps leading down to the beach.
Scarlett turned to her team. “Quick, they’re early, but we still need to offer them refreshments.”
They hurried into the kitchen, where another waiter was opening wine.
“Leo, some guests have arrived. They’re out by the arch.”
“I’ll attend to them now,” he said stiffly.
As the head waiter, he didn’t appreciate any suggestions Scarlett made and didn’t bother to hide it, unlike the chef who was somewhat grateful for their help and appeared to be trying not to resent them too much.
“Perfect. We’ll bring some canapés out for your team to hand out shortly.”
Nose in the air, Leo draped a white cloth carefully over his arm and took a tray loaded with half-filled glasses of champagne and wine outside.
Scarlett refused to let him bother her. It wasn’t her fault that the caterers pulled out of the wedding, or that no one else would consider helping on such short notice. Leo and his staff should be grateful and want to work together. If they didn’t, Mrs. Turner would have something to say.
Scarlett found the designated trays in the large pantry, while her sisters and aunt took out containers from the walk-in refrigerator. They placed bite-sized blini with cream fraise, salmon, and a sprig of dill on each tray. After a touch of seasoning, she added tiny pastries with feta, salsa, and beetroot and tomato. Small meatballs on cocktail sticks and shrimps on crostini plus two small pots of her special sauces filled the last spaces. Lastly, she garnished them with parsley and edible flowers.
“I’ll take the first one out to show Mrs. Turner. Can you make more of the same?”
The others nodded, and Scarlett went into the house, carefully balancing the tray, so nothing moved.
Raised voices came from the sitting room where Scarlett’s interview and subsequent meetings had been conducted. She hesitated. Should she interrupt or simply take the tray out to a waiter without asking? The wrath of Mrs. Turner might rain down in either scenario. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Scarlett straightened her apron and tapped on the door.
Silence. Then the clear sound of another door banging.
“Come!” Mrs. Turner’s commanding voice rang out.
Scarlett opened the door, not as composed as she might appear. Mrs. Turner sat in an expensive-looking chair that she’d used every time they’d met. Other than the two of them, the room was empty, and the French doors across the room were closed.
“You wanted to see the selection presentation of canapés before they go out.”
“Very well. Bring it here.” The woman snapped her fingers rudely.
Scarlett crossed the thick carpet and bent so that the tray would be easier to view.
“This looks acceptable. You may serve them as soon as anyone arrives.”
“A few guests are here already.”
Eyes narrowed, Mrs. Turner huffed. “How annoying. Very well. I shall be out there soon.”
Scarlett stopped herself from bowing at the clear dismissal, giving a small nod instead. Then she got out of there as fast as she could.
It nagged at her that someone had been in that room, arguing with Mrs. Turner, and she hoped it had nothing to do with her or her family. She shook her head. There was enough to do without worrying about who Mrs. Turner had upset or about what.
CHAPTER TWO
As requested, Scarlett and her team kept out of the way and let the waiters do their thing. Watching from the edge of the tent, they were ready to spring into action when the time came.
With their side of the food preparation done, they wouldn’t be required until it was time to serve the cold entree, which entailed dressing the salad and wiping down plates while the chef continued with the main.
Scarlett and her sisters had not only made the wedding cake, they’d also made the desserts. At the interview, she’d taken a selection, including a sample of flavors for the cake. Unable to choose, the bride went with a variety of mini desserts per person and a mocha flavored wedding cake. Mrs. Turner reluctantly agreed, and Scarlett went home elated.
While Lexie, the bride was sweet, her mother made everyone miserable. Scarlett tried to believe that helping to make Lexie’s day perfect would be worth every painful moment in her mother’s company. Although, it would be a lie to say she hadn’t experienced several moments when she wanted to walk away.
It wasn’t as though they were desperate for money anymore. Since having the good fortune to locate a family heirloom, and selling it for a tidy amount, things were finally looking up for them. The problem was that they’d struggled for so long, nearly losing the business their mother had not only built from scratch but had loved so much, that it was hard not to continue to work as hard as possible.
Turning down such a lucrative job had proved unthinkable but hindsight provided startling clarity and Scarlett hoped her family would forgive her for putting them in the often toxic situation.
