Killer Breakfast Specials (A Sage and Dash Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Molly Dox

Chapter 1
     
    Rosie Sage sent Coral Blossom on her way with a bag full of goodies. She’d made a couple extra batches of blueberry muffins to send to the nursing home as a special treat. They were looking at ways to tie the community together with a sign of good will, and looking to grow bonds. The small town had once been busy and thriving, but lean times and less businesses meant they had to stick together.
    Coral opened the bag and took a deep breath. “They smell great, Rosie. Thanks again for thinking of the residents.”
    “I’m glad I can do something to spread a little cheer. Besides, half of the staff of Hickory Creek finds their way in here at one time or another. I’ll send a box of cupcakes over later this week as a thanks to the employees.”
    “You’re a dear,” Coral answered, and then headed out to her car. She’d already taken a trip to her car to place a couple of bags with Rosie’s help. The residents would love the extra treats.
    ***
    Coral’s white nursing shoes squeaked on the freshly-bleached, tiled floors. As she made her way down one of the side wings, she heard Mrs. Masters yelling at her son.
    “I know what you did,” she shouted, her voice accusing him of the worst. “You won’t get away with it.”
    As Coral rounded the corner, she saw poor, sweet Mr. Jones scowling at the woman. She was convinced he was her son, Owen. It didn’t matter that Mr. Jones told her otherwise.
    “Mrs. Masters,” Coral interrupted. “This is Mr. Jones. Your son will be here later. You’re in the wrong room again, dear. Let me take you back.”
    The look of relief on Mr. Jones’s face said it all.
    Once the nurse had escorted the angry woman back to her own space, Coral made her way to see Mr. Jones. She held up a bag and smiled. “I’ve got something special for you here.”
    Mr. Jones sat up taller. “What is it?”
    “A freshly baked muffin from The Nook. It’s blueberry, your favorite.” She took the muffin and napkin out of the bag and placed it on the patient’s rolling table. She slid it closer so it was easier for him to reach. “How are you this fine morning?”
    He was always such a pleasant, happy man, even in his condition. A smile slipped over his eighty-year-old lips. “I’m doing okay, Coral. You sure are looking fine today. If I was forty or fifty years younger…”
    “I’d be the first in line,” she answered with a smile. “I’ve got a few more people to share with. I’ll check on you later. Enjoy your treat.”
    “I certainly will,” he answered with a mouth full of muffin.

Chapter 2
     
    Libby Sage slid a tray of cookies into the oven. Freshly baked goods were always a hit at The Breakfast Nook, commonly referred to by locals as The Nook. The kitchen smelled like a grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, full of goodness and sweets.
    A few of the locals were there for lunch, and the gossip was lively.
    Alyssa was saying her good-byes. She’d gotten a job in Florida. Her relocation would kick in shortly, now that her body had healed from the accident. A new person at the post office was like a knife in Rosie’s heart. It was hard to see her best friend move away, but Alyssa needed change.
    Patsy and Viola were rambling on about knitting, cards, and the latest Game of Thrones twist. Still planning their retirement, they were pretty sure Arizona was where they’d end up. Their husbands might have other plans, but the women figured there was plenty of time to convince them that the western state would be a perfect place to settle.
    ***
    When the news came in, everybody stopped what they were doing.
    There was an untimely death at the Hickory Creek Nursing Facility, the local nursing home. Of course, Myrtle was the one to bring the news. Gloria wasn’t far behind.
    “Mr. Jones, sure he was old, but he wasn’t ready to kick the bucket,” she started, always so tactful. “I mean, that man is dead as a doornail, and he’s not coming back. Eighty-years