Wicked Whoopie Pies by Addison Moore (english novels to improve english TXT) 📕

hard street drugs at the precinct? Along with, say, some of the lighter stuff?”

“Oh yes,” He nods emphatically and the cleft in his chin seems to grow that much more prominent. “We’ve got an entire rainbow of nefarious toxins to choose from.”

Benny tugs at his leash as he lunges for the sanctuary.

“I’d better give this guy the grand tour. I’ll see you both inside.” He takes off and I look up at Everett.

“Do you think Nelson could have had access to that cocktail of drugs that killed Terri?”

“Methadone and opioids?” He winces. “I suppose it’s possible. It certainly sounds that way.”

Sergio steps into the foyer before we can expound on the fact.

“Serg,” Everett says with a smile blinking on and off his face. “You’re just in time. The party hasn’t started yet.”

Sergio looks just as dapper tonight as he did last night, and it makes me wonder if he’s making another pit stop to Leeds afterwards. An ironic thing to do right after church.

“Good to hear I’m not late.” Sergio smiles my way. “You look great, Lottie.” His gaze wanders to the oversized picture of Terri. “And there she is.” His expression darkens. “I don’t know about you, but I can feel her trying to intimidate voters just by the way she’s looking at us.” He shudders. “But she didn’t scare me then, and she doesn’t scare me now. I still can’t believe she tried to hustle hush money out of me. The nerve of some people,” he says as he continues to glower her way. “But thankfully, that’s all in the past.” He nods our way as he heads into the sanctuary.

“He’s still pretty bitter,” I whisper.

Everett cocks a brow. “A part of me wonders if it’s because she had his number.”

“You think Mangias is cooking the books?”

“Stranger things have happened. Plenty of stranger things,” he says, staring out into the sanctuary. “Excuse me for a minute, Lemon. I’ll be right back.” He takes off and I head over to snatch up one of my pistachio whoopie pies as a crowd pecks all around the dessert table.

My hand dips down just as a woman goes to snatch up the very same whoopie pie. I look up to see Clem done up to the nines with her blonde mane glossy and curled, her tan skin glowing against her coral-colored lipstick. She’s wearing an emerald green evening gown and looks like a stunner.

“Well, look at you.” I laugh as we both snatch up a whoopie pie and step over to the side. “I think I know where you’re headed after the voting is through.”

“Yup, it’s prom night. Too bad my husband can’t be my date. His shoulder is acting up again. In fact, I just picked up another prescription for him. That’s why I’m running late. Hey, you and your husband are welcome to join us for prom. You can even bring your boyfriend along if you like.” She shrugs at the thought and I laugh.

“Thanks, we’re awfully tempted.” I nod to Terri’s oversized face right next to me. “I bet she’s sorry she’s not here to see which way the vote swings.”

Clem’s expression darkens. “Don’t think less of me, Lottie. But I’m glad there won’t be any of Terri’s terror tonight. I think just about everyone here is lighter because of it.”

“Maybe,” I say as a thought comes to me. “Clem, can I ask what kinds of meds your husband is taking? I have a friend who recently hurt her shoulder as well, and I’m wondering if maybe those meds can help her out, too.” Okay, so I just spouted off a lie right here in church, but I can’t help it. Solving this case might just be worth exploding in a ball of flames over.

“Methadone primarily. But he’s on oxymorphone, too.”

“Oxymorphone… isn’t that an opioid?” I’m not entirely sure if it is or isn’t, but considering this is adding up to the exact cocktail that killed Terri, I’m willing to bet it is.

“I think it is, but don’t worry. I’m not letting an addiction set in. Tell your friend I’ve got a great doctor if she’s interested.”

“I will.” I stare at her, stunned, just as Binky floats over and hovers between the two of us.

“What’s happening, Lottie? Why are you looking at her this way? Is this the stinker that killed my Terri?”

I give a subtle nod. “She could very well be.”

“What’s that?” Clem leans an ear this way.

“Oh, Clem.” I shake my head at her. “Is that why you did it?” I say the words softly, apologetically. “Did you slip something into Terri’s coffee because you wanted to see her dead?”

“What?” She inches back. Her eyes are bulging so hard you’d think I just slapped her. And I suppose I did, verbally.

“Clem, everyone knows you were upset with Terri because she slept with your husband.”

“She never slept with Merv! She was hitting on Merv. I just wanted to make it crystal clear to her that my husband was off-limits. It’s no secret she didn’t care if a man had a ring on his finger or not. Look what happened to Miles Brogan. The woman was a pariah.”

“But you hated her. You had numerous confrontations with her right here in church. Everyone saw it.”

“Yes, you’re right on both counts.” Her lips press tightly.

“Oh goodie.” Binky does a few aerial flips. “Now that the case has been solved, I’d best stock up on whoopie pies. I plan on taking them back to my friends in paradise. I’m afraid paradise just won’t be paradise without your sweet treats, Lottie Lemon.”

Clem lets out a hard breath. “Look, she wasn’t having a full-blown affair with him. I believe my husband. But yes, I’ll admit to having a temper when it comes to other women gawking at him. I don’t like it. In fact, I’ve been seeing someone to help me control my anger issues—and my jealously issues. Lottie, the reason I had those confrontations with Terri around other people is because my therapist