SLAY PAIRS WITH ROSE (The Kelly's Deli Cozy Murder Mysteries Book 3) by Sophie Brent (phonics reading books .txt) 📕

and she could spend the whole day in the cottage garden battling against the army of weeds and greenfly, instead of cameras and annoying reporters who were just doing their job.

Opening the refrigerator, the first thing she saw was the boxes of fondant icing that she had so lovingly prepared only a few days ago. Her first impulse was to throw all of the fondant icing straight into the waste bin. Removing the evidence that she had worked on that stunning wedding cake and anything that came with it.

But just as she opened the boxes, she thought about Fiona and Ethan. With so many guests and visitors, Fiona’s mother might appreciate having something to give them to eat.

In an instant, Erin pulled out eggs, butter, and milk, and enough lemons to make at least twenty lemon drizzle cupcakes. It wouldn’t take long to deliver them to the Hanson house on the way to Rosa’s cottage. At least she would be doing something practical to help, instead of scrubbing her kitchen floor and re-organizing the freezer.

Forty minutes later, Erin had just pulled the second tray of beautifully risen lemon cupcakes from the oven when there was a sharp knock on the kitchen door, which startled her so much that she almost dropped the tray.

Tugging off her oven gloves, she peered out through the kitchen window, ready to ignore any cheeky reporter who had taken the initiative to turn up in person, only to see her friend Zoe standing at the door in the faint sunlight.

“You’re up early! Couldn’t sleep?” Erin smiled as she opened the back door wide and let her friend come inside.

“Hardly a wink,” Zoe replied and shrugged her shoulders. “You too? I saw the light was on in the kitchen and thought you might be awake.”

“I managed a couple of hours, but it’s so hot today I thought I would get some work done in the deli. Did you see Fiona last evening?”

Zoe shook her head. “I only popped in for half an hour and she was in her room weeping the whole time. The rest of the family are coping as best they can, but everyone is still confused and in shock.”

“Well, I know what that feels like,” Erin said as she stirred sugar and lemon juice in a small microwave bowl.  “Do you think some lemon drizzle cakes would help Fiona’s mum? It isn’t much, but she probably doesn’t want to cook right now.”

“Actually, that’s a great idea,” Zoe smiled and sat down at the kitchen table. “But that isn’t why I’m here. You, young lady, have turned off your phone, just like I have. Which makes getting in touch a tad tricky.”

Erin looked up at Zoe as she painted the lemon juice and sugar on top of the still warm cupcakes. “Do you need me to do something? I’m happy to help.”

“Have you had the radio on? I’ll take that grimace to mean yes. I’m really sorry that they got hold of your name. I can only think that it was someone who came into the deli yesterday.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Erin said. “Prisha excels at extracting the maximum amount of drama from any situation and she spoke to one reporter for twenty-five minutes yesterday. It was bound to get around one way or another.”

“Thanks,” Zoe sighed in relief. “In that case, would you mind doing me a favour? I’ve just had a text from the hotel. The police have released Emma’s room and the hotel is anxious to get it cleared today. Would you mind doing that for me? I really want to go and see Fiona this morning and be with them when the press starts knocking on their door. It might help if we have a press statement ready in advance.”

Erin stared at Zoe for a second, not quite knowing how to answer. “Oh, Zoe. I’m not sure that I’m ready to go back there yet.”

“That makes two of us.” Zoe licked her lips and pushed her sunglasses higher up into her hair. “Forget I asked.” She smiled and got to her feet. “It was a stupid idea. I’m not thinking straight this morning. Sorry, Erin. I’ll ask the hotel to do it.”

Zoe’s voice was trembling with exhaustion and emotion as she stood up and tried to smile, but her eyes were filled with sorrow. Erin had never seen her friend so absolutely pale and worn out before.

“No, wait,” Erin said. “I’ll do it. Emma might not have been the easiest person to deal with, but she deserves some respect.  I wouldn’t like a complete stranger packing up my underwear. In fact, I’ll call them right now and get it organized.”

“Really?” Zoe grinned. “That would be so helpful.”

Erin smiled and tilted her head to one side. “Consider it done. Although, I do have an ulterior motive. Do you remember that great spa day we had there for Carol’s birthday last year? Maybe I could fit in a swim in the hotel pool at the same time? It could be just what I need right now. But there’s something you can do for me in return.”

“You can ask,” Zoe coughed.

“Try one of these cupcakes whilst they are still warm. With the amount of sleep I’ve had this week, there’s a good chance I could have mixed up the wrong ingredients in the recipe. Being my taste tester is a tough job, but I think you are up to the job. Okay? I’ll get the coffee.”

Erin rolled onto her side and lifted her arms in a slow lazy crawl stroke down the length of the heated swimming pool at the Abbotsdown Hall hotel.

There was a reason that brides came to the hotel for the pre-wedding spa packages, and it had only taken one phone call to Mr. Blake to book her in for a free swim. Apparently, they had