Page 126 of Callahan

Damn, I hope Kristy and I baked enough yesterday afternoon!

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The baked goods selection for the people at the end of the line was more limited, but there were still items available for customers when they reached the counter.

My stomach dipped when I noticed who was last: a group of girls who’d been seniors in high school when I was a freshman. They’d been the typical mean girl clique, but I’d managed to fly far enough under the radar to not experience their wrath firsthand before they graduated.

When I noticed Shawn’s ex-girlfriend, Molly Daugherty, among them, I had a feeling that was going to change.

While technically I’d never done anything to her—she and Shawn had broken up before they’d even headed to college, to hear Granny O’Brien tell it, the two had still been destined to be together. That is, until I came along and ruined everything.

Shawn never once gave me the impression he was hung up on Molly, but I had no idea what her take on the situation was. There had to be a basis for Granny’s conviction the two were going to get married someday.

Molly approached the display case and wrinkled her nose as she asked me, “Is this it?”

“It is, I’m sorry. We’ve had quite the crowd today.”

“Yeah, we know.” She turned to her two friends in disgust. “You had me wait in line forthis?”

“There’s usually a bigger selection,” Brenda Rasmussen replied in a placating tone. “But I’ve never had anything bad here.”

“Me neither,” said Patty Perdomo.

Both Patty and Brenda worked at the credit union, and I’d chatted with them when they’d each come in separately—when they were less intimidating.

I guess Brenda and Patty’s comments were the closest thing to a compliment I was going to get from them today.

Then Brian’s deep voice said, “Try the eclairs. They’re my favorite.”

“I personally like the blueberry tarts,” Adam added.

“Hi, Brian,” Brenda waved cheerfully, while Molly looked both him and Adam up and down like they were choice selections of beef, then purred, “I guess cops getting fat from eating donuts is a myth, because it doesn’t look as if there is an ounce of fat between the two of you.”

“It’s the vest,” Brian replied as he knocked against his body armor. “It makes me look like I’m in way better shape than I really am.”

He then dismissively looked around her to see what was left in the case.

Molly turned her claws—er, attention toward Adam, and I dug my nails into my palm to keep from coming across the counter.

“What about you, handsome?”

He glanced over at me and smiled before dragging his attention back to Molly.

“I never miss an opportunity for Lainey’s baked goods. If there aren’t any tarts, I would recommend the croissants.”

Brian showed the grumpy cop persona he’d told me about the other day.

After a dramatic look at his watch, he loudly asked in an exasperated tone, “Have you ladies decided? We’re on the taxpayer’s dime here and need to get back to work soon.”

Brenda and Patty each ordered eclairs, and Molly let out a sigh that would have made Scarlett O’Hara proud when she declared, “I guess I’ll have that, too.”

I bagged their order and handed it to Marie, who was working the cash register. “Thanks for coming in, ladies.” I kept the “Bless your heart,” to myself, then turned my attention toward Brian and Adam.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from Haven Springs’ finest?”

Brian replied. “We’re here for the croissants,” then he casually added, “and to let you know we’ve arrested your stalker.”

I felt all my blood rush to my feet. “Really? Who?”

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