Banana Muffins & Mayhem Read Online Free PDF Page A

to Kellerton, and she would still be alive. I lured Phoebe Plymouth to her death."
    "Nobody can predict the future. You couldn't have known this would happen, right?"
    So Amy didn't think the bubbly, gentle artist could kill a person. And it wasn't like murderers or their accomplices usually fessed up to the crime when being questioned, but she figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. Just in case.
    "You're right. I never in a million years thought that she would be killed. She seemed so sweet and down-to-earth on her show. I admit, a little part of me was hoping we would hit it off and become friends. I had no idea she was so mean." Aubergine shook her head slightly as she pointed at a stack of fliers on the counter. "There is a list of what we're offering this month. Which classes would you like to register for?"
    Amy chose beginner-level calligraphy and food sketching classes then paid the deposit. Carla joined her at the counter. Macy was sound asleep. Stopping at The Inkwell had apparently been a good decision. It seemed as though the musical floorboards had put her to sleep. Or maybe she was just feeling better and had decided to catch up on the sleep she lost the night before. Her momma certainly looked like she needed a nap. Carla's shoulders slumped when Aubergine renewed the conversation about the murder.
    "Plus there's all of the bad publicity the town is getting for being the place where a TV star was murdered. I feel horrible about that. I love living and working here. And now, because I was a fangirl and had to get her to come to Kellerton, I've damaged the town's reputation."
    Carla shot Amy a bug-eyed look when Aubergine turned toward the computer again. It was either a sign to wrap up the conversation or she thought the artist, who happened to be wearing a red-and-white striped outfit reminiscent of Where's Waldo, was crazy. Carla cleared her throat. "Personally, I had never heard of Phoebe Plymouth until yesterday, and I doubt I'm alone in not being familiar with her. There are a lot of people who have no desire to watch home improvement television shows. So maybe you're overestimating her popularity and the impact her murder will have on Kellerton."
    Aubergine tilted her head to the side as she pondered Carla's comment. "You could be right. Just because I was a fan, that doesn't mean everybody else is. As a comic book store owner, I see examples of that every day. You wouldn't believe some of the arguments I've heard here. Thank you for the reminder."
    "No problem." Carla placed her hand on Amy's forearm. "I'm going to head back to my car. If I hurry home, maybe I can get in a bit of a nap before Macy wakes up. Thanks for doing the Go To Sleep walk with me today."
    "I always enjoy spending time with you." Amy trotted ahead of the stroller. "Let me get the door for you. I want to chat with Aubergine for a few more minutes though."
    Once Carla and her tiny companion were safely on their way home, Amy turned around to find the shopkeeper's husband, Chuck, had joined her behind the counter. He rubbed his wife's shoulders. A tender gesture from a huge intimidating man. His loose-fitting black hoodie made him seem even more massive. The corner of his mouth crooked up slightly when Amy returned to the counter. "Tell your friend thank you for making that point. It was good for Aubergine to hear that." He kissed the top of her head. "I hate seeing her so sad, but nothing I've said has helped cheer her up."
    Carla didn't often mince words. Her comments were straight as an arrow and sometimes just as pointy. "Carla's been my voice of reason many times. A good anchor when my thoughts are swirling down the proverbial drain." Amy knocked on the counter to get Aubergine's attention, which had returned to the computer. "I know it's difficult right now, but when the killer is found, the reason why Phoebe was killed will be revealed. You'll see it has absolutely nothing to do with you. And in the meantime, maybe you can help. Do you