Murder Is a Piece of Cake by Elaine Viets Page A

Amelia,” she said, and handed Harry to her.
    “Aw, Mom, he didn’t mean it.”
    “He didn’t mean to get caught,” Josie said. “A little time in your bathroom will help
     him remember his manners. We only have one stick of butter left.”
    “Couldn’t you just cut off the chunk he licked?” Amelia asked.
    “He licked the whole top of the stick. He cleans himself with that tongue and I don’t
     care for his brand of toilet paper.”
    “Ew, Mom, you’re gross,” Amelia said.
    “Not as gross as your cat,” Josie said.
    Josie expected that remark to trigger another sulk. Instead, Amelia shrugged and carried
     Harry off to his temporary prison in her purple bathroom. Then the two sat down to
     Amelia’s dinner.
    “Your chicken and dumplings tastes even better than it smells,” Josie said. “There’s
     a reason why they call it comfort food.” She was ladling herself a second helping
     when her cell rang. She checked the display and said, “It’s Ted. Maybe he can still
     join us for dinner.”
    She opened her phone. By the way Ted said her name, Josie knew he wasn’t calling with
     good news. “What’s wrong? Did Audrey die?”
    “She came through her surgery just fine,” he said. “I hope I also removed her taste
     for ribbons. I was getting ready to lock up and leave when I saw Molly’s Beetle in
     our parking lot again. I’m here by myself.”
    “Did you call the police?” Josie asked.
    “After the way they laughed at me this morning?” Ted said. “What good would that do?”
    “Can she get in the clinic?”
    “No, I locked the doors after Kathy left an hour ago. I can see Molly’s VW parked
     next to my Mustang. It’s right under the security light.”
    “Is she getting out of her car?” Josie asked.
    “No, she’s sitting in the front seat, watching the door.”
    “Stay right there,” Josie said. “I’ll come get you and walk you to your car. Then
     you can follow me to my house. Amelia’s made chicken and dumplings.”
    “I can’t wait,” Ted said. “Her dumplings are the best.”
    “I agree,” Josie said. “Amelia’s dumplings are the best.”
    Amelia grinned.
    “And I can’t wait to get to the clinic and give bridezilla a piece of my mind.”
    “What if Molly attacks you?” Ted said. “She’s crazy.”
    “I’m armed,” Josie said.
    “You don’t have a gun, do you?” Ted asked.
    “No, I’ve got that pepper spray you gave me for protection,” she said. “Stops rabid
     dogs and berserk brides. I’m on my way.”
    She punched her phone shut. “Did you hear that, Amelia? The stalker bride is lurking
     in Ted’s lot. I’m picking up Ted and telling that nut bar to leave my man alone.”
    “By yourself?” Amelia asked. “Shouldn’t you take Grandma? Or me?”
    “I can handle her,” Josie said. “I’ll have Ted with me. Just keep the chicken and
     dumplings warm, and we’ll be right back.”
    Josie combed her thick brown hair, slashed on fresh lipstick, and dragged on a clean
     white blouse, wondering why she was dressing up to confront a stalker. Because I’m
     meeting Ted, she decided. And I want Molly to see he’s mine.
    She ran out into the warm October night and wished the weather would be as good on
     their wedding day. Too bad St. Louis weather was as unpredictable as Amelia’s moods.
    The clinic was only three minutes away, a practical cube embedded in a parking lot.
     The lot was deserted except for Ted’s ’68 Mustang and Molly’s Beetle, bronzed by the
     security lights.
    She saw Ted’s tall, muscular frame outlined in the clinic doorway. Josie parked on
     the other side of Ted’s tangerine car. She glanced at Molly sitting upright in her
     Bug, eyes aimed at the clinic door. Ted was outside, already locking the door and
     setting the alarm.
    Josie ran straight to him and gave him a fierce kiss, making sure Molly could see
     them. They walked hand in hand to Ted’s Mustang.
    “I’ll follow you back to my flat as soon as I