Page 60 of High Value Target

She led him down to a street that contained a bunch of places, all associated with weddings and events. “They call this street Wedding Row. They’ve got everything you need right on this street. Pull in here.” Grady turned into the diagonal spot in front of a bakery with a pink and white striped awning. “Wilson’s has the best cakes. Come on.”

This time, she didn’t wait for him to come around and open her door. Instead, she met him up on the sidewalk.

He paused. “You sure about this? It looks expensive.”

“Isn’t your mother worth it?”

“You’re right. How do I know what to order?”

She held her hand out. “Come on, this won’t hurt a bit. Let me do all the talking.” She led him inside and to the counter, grinning.

“Good morning. Welcome to Wilson’s. How may I help you?”

“Good morning. We need a birthday cake.”

“What date do you need it?” The girl picked up an order form.

“I need it today. Right now.”

“Now? Um, let me see what we have.”

“Is Miss Ruth working today?” Tinsley asked.

“She’s in the back.”

“Can I talk to her, please?”

“Sure. I’ll get her.” The girl disappeared through a swinging door.

Grady looked at the display case of fancy bakery cookies. “Maybe I could just bring her some of those cookies.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re getting her a cake.”

“But they don’t have any ready, and the grocery store has plenty sitting in a case, all ready to go.”

“Shush. They’ll have one for us. Don’t worry.”

A moment later, a heavy-set woman with bright blue hair came out, wiping her hands on her apron. “Tinsley Wyatt. Why I haven’t seen you since your parents’ anniversary last year. How are you?”

“Fine, Ruth. My friend here is in desperate need of a birthday cake for his mother. He was going to get her a store-bought cake from the grocery store, if you can believe it. And for his own sweet mother. I just couldn’t allow it. So here we are.”

She gave Grady a look. “Grocery store cake? We can’t let you do that. No, sir. Now I’ve got a few made up in the back. Does she like strawberry? Italian Cream? Chocolate Mousse? How about Black Forest Royal? Or maybe my four-layer chocolate drip cake?”

“Um…”

Tinsley smiled. “I think he’s a little overwhelmed.”

“Mama grew up in Alabama. She has simple taste. I’m sure whatever you think is best will be fine.”

“Fine? This cake can’t just be fine. These cakes are magnificent.” Ruth snapped her fingers. “Oh. I know. I think I’ve got one red velvet left.”

Grady pointed at her. “That’s the one. Red velvet. Mama loves those.”

“I’ll box it up. What’s her name?”

“Ellen.”

A few minutes later, Grady carried the pink box tied with a string.

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