Ganache, Goblins, and Gunshots: Witchy Bakery, #3

By Naomi Muse

Once the bakery settled down, Nova thought her life would be too. With a new baker on staff and Chief Rowan finally starting to trust her, things were looking up. But, nothing was ever easy in Temperance, RI. When his nephew is killed, local bar owner, Nico, turns to her for help. Nova can't turn him away. Her trusty dog Angelo, wouldn't let her even if she wanted to. Can they find the killer, investigate the curse on the local cops, and get the chief his ganache? Found out in the third installment of the Witch Bakery series!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naomi Muse
• Release date: Nov 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201736118

Naomi Muse

Hello Musers, I’m Naomi Muse. I see the world through magically tinted glasses. You may know them as shades, I just like to look fancy. I seek magic in everyday situations, which is why I write urban fantasy and science fiction. I believe people can overcome anything, including monsters and aliens. When I need guidance, I turn to spirituality and tarot. Sometimes, tarot even prompts a story. Join me on this wild ride through my imagination. If you want to get in contact with me (I’m friendly I promise) you can find me in the following places: My Website: http://www.catchamuse.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/catchamuse Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/catchamuse Facebook: http://facebook.com/catchamuse Instagram: http://instagram.com/catchnaomi I hope to hear from you soon! Naomi

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Things had finally settled down in the bakery. Sally was baking up a storm, and Anita had gotten so good at pastry decoration that she had moved on to cakes. Angelo had finally started to loosen up. Best of all, I got to sample all our wares before we sold them to the public. Sneak previews of new desserts were the best part of life.

Somehow, we had made it through a couple of months without any weird deaths. It was a relief, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was heading this way. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I heard the jingle of the bell over the front door. Angelo didn’t move from his sleeping spot under my desk. He flicked his ear and sighed in his sleep. That was a good sign. One more day without bad news.

I hoped that whoever our newcomer was, they would at least provide me with some distraction from my paperwork. Who knew that spreadsheets could be so dull?

I pushed back from my desk, being careful not to disturb my canine companion. When I came from the back of the store, I was pleased to see that Chief Rowan was our latest visitor. If he wasn't so officious, he could be a lot of trouble. In the best possible way. The longer I stayed in Temperance, the more attractive the chief was getting. Unfortunately, he still seemed to think I should be at the top of the suspect list anytime there was a murder. Helping solve the murders didn’t seem to help my case either.

The chief appeared to be warming up to me, but I could never really tell for sure. It's for the best that he was so short with me. Whenever he was too nice, I found myself developing a schoolgirl crush on him. I’m way too old to have a schoolgirl's anything, let alone a crush.

Chief Rowan was too busy checking out our many dessert displays to pay me too much attention. I can't blame him. I often found myself doing the very same, walking from case to case. The chief never bought anything. When I finished admiring the view, I sidled over to find out if I could be of any help.

Hey, Chief. I see your diet is over.

He turned to me in surprise. I'm not sure why. How surprised could you be to see someone in their own building?

Ms. Bell, you are right. I love to come look at this stuff. It's not that I can't eat it. It's more than I'm saving myself for that special something.

Are you looking for anything in particular?

I’ll know when I see it. You’ve been getting more elaborate with the cakes, but I haven't seen anything with ganache. I have this bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to the chocolate stuff, ganache especially.

A warm smile spread across his face. Seeing the chief smile was a welcome sight, but it was almost too much for me to take.

I wouldn't have had you pegged for a chocoholic. Interesting. The ladies come up with new menu ideas every day. Someone will make your ganache, eventually, I said, returning his kind smile.

I don't know. That might make my life too easy. Ganache and lower crime rates? I don't know what I’ve done to deserve such a good thing.

You are pretty good at your job.

Just pretty good. You think just because you come in here, meddle, and help out with a few cases --

Don't get all worked up. I was actually complimenting you. Sorry I didn’t fall at your feet, I replied, rolling my eyes.

The chief burst out laughing. I wasn’t expecting that.

I'm still not quite sure what to make of you, Miss Nova Bell.

If you need suggestions, I have a few. I'm amazing. An excellent businesswoman. Nova Bell is a pillar of the community. I can go on.

"I think I get the point. I’ll let you know if I need more