A Slice Of Murder – Tabitha Barrows

“Makes sense. And if someone found out it was missing, they might go looking for it. Or try to cover their tracks.” Toni thanked her and left with a copy of the blueprint tucked into her bag. *** Later that afternoon, Toni stopped by Marconi’s to check in. Jamie was pulling a tray of garlic knots from the oven, eyes watering. “I think I just steam-cleaned my face. Smells amazing, though,” he said. “Busy day?” “Susan’s fending off a group of tourists. One of them asked if we were the place with the haunted pizza.”

Toni blinked. “What does that even mean?” He shrugged. “Town gossip’s been in overdrive since the event at the antique store.” In the corner, Mrs. Connors sat sipping her soda, reading the paper. As Toni passed her table, she looked up and said, “Langfords always knew how to protect their own.” Toni suddenly stopped. “Excuse me?” Mrs. Connors folded her paper with slow precision.

“Just something my mother used to say. Families like that don’t just lose things. They hide them.” Becoming intrigued, Toni couldn’t help herself. “Did she ever mention anything about a necklace?” A sly smile touched the older woman’s lips. “Necklace, brooch, diary… The Langford women were supposed to pass down all sorts of things. But many of the items never made it.” “What do you mean?” Mrs. Connors waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, I’m sure most of it’s just old family gossip.

My mother talked about a diary that disappeared in the thirties. A brooch that turned up after the war. But the locket?” She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “Has never been seen again.” *** That evening, Toni returned to the antique store alone. Ellie had gone home to get some rest, promising to lock her doors and keep her phone close. Toni, however, wanted to recheck the scene.

he scent of garlic, oregano, and crisping dough hung in the air like a welcome banner. Toni leaned against the counter, wiping flour from her hands as the lunch rush finally died down. Sherlock thumped his tail from his usual post near the front door, ears perked in anticipation of something accidentally being dropped in his domain.

Across the kitchen, Jamie and Rita—a couple of the staff—were finishing up the last of the midday prep. Jamie, a college student with more tattoos than sleeves, tossed a towel over his shoulder. “Boss, you need anything else before I head out?” Toni glanced toward the dining area, where two tables remained occupied with lingering customers sipping sodas and debating whether to order dessert. “Actually…

I totally forgot that Ellie’s coming to kidnap me for a bit. Would you guys mind sticking around for an hour or so until the next shift comes in?” Toni said. “I’m sorry I didn’t remember to ask you earlier.” T Chapter 1 Rita, already tying her apron back on, grinned. “Sure thing! We’ve got this. Go and have some fun.” “Yeah, no worries! You definitely don’t want Rita working the ovens,” Jamie said under his breath.

“I heard that!” Rita said, laughing. As Toni headed toward the back to wash up, Sherlock—her beloved Border Collie—followed close behind, his sleek black-and-white coat catching the light, his nails clicking softly on the tile. He sat like a statue near the mop bucket until Toni grabbed his leash and held it out for him to carry. Excitement built in him as he realized he was about to go for a walk. By the time they returned to the front, the door chimed, and Ellie stepped inside like a whirlwind of color.

Her scarf was tied at a jaunty angle, and her earrings swung like wind chimes when she talked. “Ready to hit the streets running? Good. Because I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer.” Toni, untied her apron, smiled at her best friend’s flamboyance— and loving her all the more for it. With a glint of feigned innocence and a teasing smile, she couldn’t resist. “What are we doing today?” Looking hurt in mock offense.

“You promised me antique browsing—and maybe a ridiculous teacup I’ll regret not buying.” “Well, let’s go then. Sherl…” Before she could even get his name out, Sherlock was already trotting over with his leash still in his mouth, tail wagging. “I’m not sure who has who trained,” Ellie said. Laughing, Toni and Ellie stepped into the crisp late afternoon. The sun cast long shadows over Riverton’s main street, where American flags hung lazily from lamp posts and flower boxes burst with fall-colored mums.

Wind chimes sang outside the florist’s door. The faint clatter of cutlery floated out from the diner on the corner.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

Book Information

• Unique ID: 145bbf700aed93c1
• File Extension: .pdf
• File Size: 1,237,047 bytes (1.18 MB)
• Title: –
• Author: Unknown
• Pages: 93
• Language: English (en)

Reading & Word Statistics

• Estimated Reading Time: 101.45 minutes
• Total Words: 20,290
• Total Characters: 116,630
• Average Words per Page: 218.17
• Average Characters per Page: 1254.09

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