Page 35 of Bake the Town Red

In a matter of seconds, the cupcakes will be devoured.

Much like Gunner’s remains. The freeze dryer did a great job of getting him ready for the strays overnight. My dogs were overjoyed at the taste of the powdered flesh.

Thank God for this shop. I wouldn’t have survived otherwise.

I’m sure my parents understand. And Ian.

Tyler will, as well. He knows I kill people. Has no idea what it is exactly I do with them. His blog doesn’t say whether he hates or loves what I do.

But he’s missed me…

I guess I’ll find out soon.

Three customers choose their cupcakes one by one. Pay for their orders. Disappear into the evening.

“One Pirate’s Teeth, please.” An older lady I don’t recognize smiles at me.

The dress she’s wearing under her long black coat is a pale blue one. Her thin, gray hair is pinned in a bun at her nape.

I’m taken aback at the sight. My heart creaks one second, expands the next. A grin hikes the corners of my lips next. Tyler’s grandma is here. Perfect timing she has, this woman. No better occasion for the rise of the dead than Halloween.

“Miss?”

Miss? Notsweet girl?

Ugh. Life, you fucker. What a nastytrick to play on me.

This isn’t Mrs. Price.

Disappointment and a pang of longing crash into me. My chest caves in on itself.

Guess that’s what Tyler feels every day.

Sigh.

“Of course.” My grin returns. A fake one.

This woman seems nice. It’s cruel to look at her like a disappointment. She’s anything but.

“I’m surprised you still have one left.” She huffs a sweet, short laugh. “My granddaughter told me they could run out near closing time.”

“Sometimes, but…” I lean into the row of chocolate chip cupcakes, choosing the one that has the most frosting on top. “This one’s here. There you are.”

The woman beams at me before curling her fingers around the cupcake. Her blue eyes are curious as they inspect the white frosting. The chocolate chips I arranged in the shape of a smile with one tooth missing. At the black pirate flag I pinned at the center.

The shop is empty. There’s no line stretching behind her. Nothing in here except the lady, me, and the cobwebs, skeletons, and pumpkin decorations I hung up on every available surface.

Her awe and enthusiasm drag me away from my nightly mission. From Tyler. From everything. She marvels atmycupcake. Adores it.

Long seconds pass as she twists the cupcake back and forth in her hand, mumbling, “This is spectacular.”

My attention and glee belong to her and her alone.

Until they don’t. Until a familiar chill creeps up my spine. Making the hair at the back of my neck stand.

I sense him. Don’t have to look up to know he’s there.

A magnet pulling at my insides. A hook that’s been sunk into my mouth and pops out of my chin. One that its owner yanks on.

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