Seasoned with Murder

By Catherine Bruns

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a delicious mystery on a cruise ship!

Full time baker and sometime sleuth Sally Muccio is excited to be traveling on her first cruise along with family and friends. Sal and coworker Josie have been hired to cater desserts for the mortuary event onboard that her father is headlining and are also looking forward to some fun and relaxation in the sun.

But the ship’s itinerary doesn’t go as planned when the body of Southern belle and galley director Sarah Leigh Walker is discovered in the freezer. To make matters worse, Sal’s nemesis, the elderly and cranky Nicoletta Gavelli, is accused of the ice-cold crime after a very public and ugly argument with the victim.

Despite Nicoletta’s sharp tongue, Sal knows the woman isn't guilty and would never refuse to help her. With the real killer still cruising the decks, Sal and Josie must work fast to track them down before Nicoletta’s last hope sinks faster than the Titanic.

*Recipes Included!*

What critics are saying:

"A fantastic cozy mystery!"
—InD'Tale Magazine

"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"
—Fresh Fiction

"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing
• Release date: Sep 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005923273

Catherine Bruns

USA Today bestselling author Catherine lives in Upstate New York with a male dominated household that consists of her very patient husband, three sons, and assorted cats and dogs. She has wanted to be a writer since the age of eight when she wrote her own version of Cinderella (fortunately Disney never sued). Catherine holds a B.A. in English and is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.

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SEASONED WITH MURDER

a Cookies & Chance mystery

by

CATHERINE BRUNS

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Copyright © 2022 by Catherine Bruns

Gemma Halliday Publishing

http://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.com

Design & background art by Janet Holmes using images under license from DepositPhotos.com.

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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CHAPTER ONE

Mike's midnight blue eyes sparkled in the bright Florida sun. I can't believe we're finally here, Sal. He lifted our one-year-old daughter, Cookie, higher on his hip and placed his other arm around my shoulders.

This feels like a dream, doesn't it? I leaned against the railing in contentment and watched the other passengers boarding the ship. We were getting ready to sail away on Seas the Moment, a cruise liner that would take us to the Caribbean, with our first stop in the Bahamas tomorrow.

The three of us were standing on the main deck, two floors below our ocean view cabin. We'd flown down to Florida from New York a day early and had spent the prior night at a local hotel in Orlando. Unlike the rest of my family, we hadn't wanted to tempt fate and chance having our flight canceled. Because of the numerous disasters I'd experienced during my thirty-two years on this earth, I'd learned how important it was to be prepared.

A whole week of relaxation and fun in the sun. Mike kissed both me and Cookie on the tops of our heads. And with my two favorite ladies. What could be better than that?

Dada. Cookie waved her doll at him, as if agreeing with his sentiment. She was thirteen months old and the spitting image of her father with black, curly hair and huge blue eyes. Unfortunately, she had my nose, but hey, no one was perfect. I was a little biased when it came to my child but still believed that she was the cutest baby I'd ever seen.

Mike rubbed his nose against hers, and they both giggled. It was a sweet moment that made my heart sing.

A piña colada is what I need to start this vacation off right. Are there waiters on duty yet? Hopeful, I turned around and scanned the deck. A man and woman in their seventies passed by, nodding and smiling at Cookie.

Sounds like a plan, but personally, I'd rather watch my gorgeous wife parade around in that new bikini I bought her for our trip. Mike gave me a sly wink. And that pink negligee too.

I leaned against him and sighed. This is so perfect.

We've needed a vacation for such a long time, Sal, Mike whispered in my ear. We're so busy that is seems like we never get any quality family time together with only you, me, and Cookie—

Yoo hoo! A familiar female voice called from below. Sal, honey!

We stared down at the gateway, and Mike never finished his sentence. My mother and father were waving up at us.

You were saying? I teased.

He shook his head and sighed. Never mind.

Hi, Cookie! It's Gammy! Mom jumped up and down, squealing and blowing kisses at her granddaughter. Cookie spotted her and began to clap her hands together in delight. She could always count on Grandma and Grandpa for a fun time.

My mother, Maria Muccio, was already attracting plenty of attention with her outfit. She might be fifty-five, but she'd been dressing like a teenager for years. Unlike me, she had the figure for it. Today Mom was wearing a scarlet-colored romper that was backless, with a plunging neckline and white bodice underneath. She'd paired it with a pair of stiletto heels the same obnoxious red color.

There they are, Mike commented. America's whackiest and most opposite couple.

I hated to admit it, but Mike spoke the truth. My mother and father were as different as coffee and pineapple juice. While my mother was obsessed with remaining young, my father had no qualms about getting old. He'd always been obsessed with death and last year had finally realized his dream of buying a funeral home.

It had taken a while, but I'd gotten used to the sight of my casual father in a well pressed suit and tie. Today was a different story, though. He had on a Mets T-shirt, khaki shorts, white tube socks, and brown sandals. Thirteen years my mother's senior, Dad compensated for the hair loss on top of his head with a weight gain around his middle.

He made funny faces at Cookie, who began to giggle hysterically and started wriggling in Mike's arms. She couldn't wait for the fun to begin.

Well, it was a nice and quiet vacation while it lasted, Mike remarked.

Oh, don't be like that, I said. Remember, we wouldn't even be on this trip if it wasn't for my father. Being the main speaker at a mortuary exposition is quite an honor for him.

Mike set Cookie down on the deck flooring, and we watched as she took a couple of steps in her new Minnie Mouse sandals. She grinned up at us and then held out her arms to her father, who lifted her back up into his muscular embrace.

Sal, you know that I love your parents. They've done more for me than my own ever did, Mike said. And they're always great about watching Cookie whenever we ask them. But they're going to drive us crazy. They can't help it. It's in their blood.

We're on this trip for free, I reminded him, because of my father. That alone is worth the trouble.

Mike gave Cookie a drink from her sippy cup. Okay, I realize we're indebted to him, but this is still a working vacation for my wife. He arranged for you and Josie to help cater the desserts. It's not like you aren't earning your keep.

I glanced down at my phone. Speaking of Josie, she just texted me to say that their plane landed. She and Rob are in an Uber on their way to the pier.

They're cutting it a little close, aren't they? Mike asked. Why didn't they fly in yesterday like us?

The ship doesn't set sail for another three hours, so they should be fine. Besides, they couldn't leave yesterday, remember? Josie was nice enough to keep the bakery open for an extra day since Rob's mom couldn't take the kids until late last night. Josie Sullivan was my best friend and the head baker at Sally's Samples, my novelty cookie shop. I was so happy that she and her husband Rob were able to join us. They need a vacation more than we do.

Thank God they decided not to bring those brats with them, Mike grunted. Their kids are monsters.

I swatted him playfully on the arm. Stop it. They're not monsters, only little boys with a lot of energy.

They're monsters who almost killed me once. Don't you remember the time we babysat them before we got married? Never again.

An elderly woman walked by and scanned Mike up and down. His face flushed with embarrassment, and I had to laugh out loud. Mike never had any trouble attracting admirers of the opposite sex between the ages of eighteen and ninety. It had stopped bothering me long ago.

The elderly woman reminded me of my own grandmother. I don't see Grandma anywhere. I surveyed the people on the gangway below. I hope Mrs. Gavelli didn't hold her up.

Mike snorted. Yeah, and that's another thing. Why is that woman coming on the cruise? Who invited her? I thought this was only for your family and Rob and Josie. Don't tell me your father got Nicoletta a free cruise too.

Not likely. You know he can't stand her. Nicoletta Gavelli had been my parents' next-door neighbor for over thirty years. She'd become related to our family when my sister, Gianna, married her grandson, Johnny. Nicoletta was very close friends with my Grandma Rosa. Talk about opposites attracting. Like everyone else in this world, Nicoletta was constantly in need of my grandmother's sound advice.

Corinne Rosa Belgacci was one in a million with a heart made of gold, while I was convinced that Nicoletta's was carved from stone. Nicoletta and I had a love-hate relationship, but then again, she did with most people.

When Nicoletta found out about the cruise, she decided that she wanted to go along as well. She's never been on one before and is afraid she won't get another chance.

Mike laughed. Give me a break. Only the good die young, so she's going to live to be at least one hundred and fifty.

Who's going to live to be a hundred and fifty? a deep voice boomed in my ear.

We looked up to see my parents beaming at us. Dad slapped Mike on the back while Mom squealed and made a beeline for Cookie.

Hi, sweetheart! Mom kissed me and Mike as she hugged Cookie close to her. Oh, how I've missed my granddaughter! It's been way too long!

Mom, you took us to the airport yesterday morning, I reminded her.

Well, it feels more like a week ago, Mom admitted.

Dad spread his arms out wide, as if he owned the place. What do you two think of the ship, huh? It's got everything you could possibly ask for. A private restaurant for adults, two swimming pools, a sauna, spa, and casino! Do I know how to take care of my family or what?

Mike gave him a doubtful look. Come on, Dom. A free trip for eleven people? There's got to be a catch to it.

Of course not. Dad puffed out his chest proudly. Sure, they have a lot of vacancies on this particular voyage, but it's probably because people can't get away at this time of year. And the owners wanted to make me happy, so there you have it. A free cruise for everybody, except Nicoletta. That old broad is paying her own way.

Speaking of Nicoletta, where is she? And what about Grandma? I asked.

My mother let Cookie play with her makeup compact. They should be here soon. They had to take a later flight than Gianna and Johnny's. Gianna texted me from the plane. They're landing in about ten minutes. As for Grandma and Nicoletta, I guess Ronald's corns were giving him problems again.

Ew. Way too much information for me. Wait a second. Ronald's coming as well?

Ronald Feathers was Mrs. Gavelli's eighty-something-year-old boyfriend. He was hard of hearing these days, which was most likely a boon for their relationship.

My father must have read my thoughts. I guess he's planning on meeting his maker soon. It sure beats listening to Nicoletta's voice all day and night.

There they are, Rob! My second family!

Josie and Rob made their way over to us. They were all smiles and dressed in shorts, T-shirts, and sandals. Josie carried a tropical looking drink in her hands, complete with an umbrella.

I glanced down at my phone. You guys look like you've been here all morning. I got a text twenty minutes ago that you were on your way here from the airport! Are you magicians, or what?

We do make fortune cookies, remember, Josie teased. As always, she looked beautiful. Her auburn hair was usually pulled back in a bun or braid at the bakery, but today it spilled around her shoulders in a thick curtain. I honestly didn't know how Josie handled everything that life threw at her. Besides being the head baker at my cookie shop, Sally's Samples, she was mom to four energetic boys between the ages of fourteen and four. At the moment though, she looked as if she didn't have a care in the world.

Rob ran a hand through his light brown hair and smiled. Sal, she sent you that text about two hours ago.

I pulled my phone out of my shorts pocket and squinted down at the screen. No way. That's impossible. The text came in at 2:25.

Mike leaned over my shoulder and looked at the phone. He's right, sweetheart. Look more closely. It says 12:25. You must have missed the one.

I told you to get glasses weeks ago, Josie reminded me. Remember when I marked down the gingerbread men the day after Christmas? I priced them at eight fifty a dozen, and then you sold them for three fifty a dozen. Someone got a deal.

But it was lack of sleep. Cookie was up all-night teething, so everything was foggy that day. There's nothing wrong with my eyesight, I protested.

Aw shucks. No worries, baby girl, my father said. It happens to all of us, even me. He snapped his fingers. I almost forgot. Miss Walker asked me to text her once you and Josie arrived. She can't wait to meet both of you.

Who's Miss Walker? Josie asked.

Don't you remember? I reached out to kiss Cookie's plump little hand, who giggled and pulled it back. She called me last week to discuss our duties onboard. She's the executive director of the kitchens—whoops, I mean galleys. I guess there's more than one on board.

Josie raised an eyebrow. I've never heard of that job title before. Don't you mean she's an executive chef?

Dad shrugged. Don't think so. Let me tell you, it sounds like a pretty important job to me. Miss Walker is responsible for everything related to the quality of the food onboard. She manages all of the staff and has to ensure things run smoothly. His jovial face broke into a wide grin. Say, that must be where the old saying comes from.

Puzzled, Josie stared at him. What old saying?

I rolled my eyes toward the sky. He means the one about a person running a tight ship. Dad had only used it about six thousand times during my life.

My father's expression turned serious. This is important, Sal. Miss Walker is counting on you to make the mortician exposition a success. She was so impressed to learn you own a cookie shop. The two of you will be supervising the staff and helping them make all kinds of desserts for the talks. Remember, dessert is the most important part of the meal.

Domenic! my mother scolded. It is not.

Well, it's near the top of the list then, Dad said. I'm guessing that Miss Walker wants to give you a tour of the galley and tell you what your duties will be tonight.

Mike's face fell. Shoot. Sal, I was hoping that we could have dinner in the private restaurant. I figured you'd have the night off.

Dad reached down to pull his socks up. No worries, son. Maybe you two can make a reservation for a late dinner. I think they serve until midnight. I'm telling you, this ship is like The Big Apple. It never sleeps.

Before I could say anything further, the screen of his phone lit up. Aha. I bet that's Miss Walker now. He studied the message. Yep. She's asked me to meet her by the pool bar. Be right back.

After he'd walked away, Josie stared with dismay at a stain on her denim shorts. Darn, I was hoping to freshen up before meeting her. She frowned at Rob. I hadn't planned on my husband spilling his drink on me.

Now, don't you lovebirds start fighting, I teased.

Rob slung an arm around Josie's shoulders. I admit it's all my fault, honey, but Sal's right. We shouldn't fight. Let's save that for when we're back home with the kids.

A smile ticked up at the corners of Josie's mouth.

We've never had a real honeymoon before, Rob said. For the first time since we got married, we have an entire week all to ourselves. Let's enjoy it. Who knows when we'll get another chance again?

You're right. Josie gave him a peck on the cheek, which surprised me. She was rarely affectionate in public. When we get to the Bahamas, remind me to buy your mother something extra special. Anyone who watches our kids for an entire week deserves an award.

That's the truth, Mike muttered.

I glanced across the pool and spotted my father walking in our direction. He was holding a strawberry daiquiri in each hand. A well-rounded woman had her arm linked through his. She was holding an iced tea and listening intently to whatever Dad was saying.

He handed one of the daiquiris to my mother. Sal and Josie, may I present Sarah Leigh Walker, executive director of Seas the Moment's galleys.

Sarah Leigh acknowledged both of us with a pleasant smile. Her bright red hair, which appeared to be dyed, was worn on top of her head in the beehive hairstyle that had been popular about fifty years ago. She had a pale complexion covered with a thick layer of foundation and pink rouge. Her blue eyes were decorated with a bright blue shade of eyeliner, and she wore a thick coat of red gloss over her wide lips. She appeared to be in her forties, but it was difficult to tell under all the makeup.

Sarah Leigh held out her hand to me. Her acrylic fingernails were so long that it was obvious she didn't do much work in the kitchen. Hello, Sally and Josie. My goodness, it's so nice to meet y'all.

It's nice to meet you too, Miss Walker, Josie said.

Sarah Leigh shook her head at my friend. Oh no, honey child. That's so formal. Please call me Sarah Leigh. She raised her glass in the air. Let's propose a toast to our special week of working together. Oh, y'all need your own glasses of sweet tea. It's our favorite drink in the South.

Were you born there? I asked.

She gave a low giggle. Yes, ma'am. Born and raised in Alabama. I live in California part of the time—when I'm not cruising, that is. The woman's long lashes fluttered as she scanned Mike up and down appreciatively. She was practically undressing him with her eyes. My, my. Is this fine specimen yours, Sally?

The word specimen gave me pause. Um, Sarah Leigh, this is my husband, Mike Donovan. And that gentleman is Josie's husband, Rob. I pointed at my mother. Maria Muccio, my mother, and my daughter, Cookie.

Oh my, y'all are such a fine-looking group, Sarah Leigh crooned in that sugary sweet voice of hers. Dang it, I'm so glad you're all along for this trip.

How did you wind up in California? Josie