Page 62 of Twice Baked Risky Whiskey Cakes

Sebby nods sagely. “Being a ghost has its advantages, Lolita.”

I’ll keep that in mind.

Keegan straightens her already perfect posture. “If you’ll all excuse me, I’d like to go home now. I’ve had enough St. Patrick’s Day festivities to last a lifetime.”

“No,” Venus says firmly. “The best thing you can do is tell Detective Fox everything you just told these ladies and me. He’s around here somewhere. I saw him earlier. I’ll help you track him down.” She turns to me with an apologetic half-smile. “I’m so sorry about all of this, Lottie.”

I shake my head at her mother. “But if you didn’t do the deed”—I start— “then who did?”

Keegan shrugs with elegant dismissal. “I did hear he ran into some real legal trouble years after he ditched me. And in typical Sebastian fashion, he made sure someone else took the blame. I’d look in that direction. I heard it had something to do with a scientist he was dating at the time.” They take off before I can respond, leaving me staring after them with my jaw just about hitting the pavement.

A scientist he was dating?

Sebby floats in front of my face with his transparent tail swishing with excitement.

“Lolita! My fox senses are tingling! A scientist with a grudge is always a dangerous predator—they know all the clever ways to make things go boom!”

The members of the redheaded roundup continue to march the parade route, tossing more beads and waving to the crowd, their crimson hair blazing like warning signals in the afternoon sun. And suddenly, one particular redhead comes to mind.

And just like that, my mind is blown.

Boom, indeed.

I scan the crowd, searching for a familiar face with vivid red hair and a friendly smile that might conceal the darkest of secrets. Because sometimes the most dangerous poison comes in the sweetest package, and up until now I’ve been swallowing every single drop.

NOAH

The parade is in full swing, and it looks like a river of green flowing down Main Street.

I navigate through the crowd, sidestepping leprechaun hats and dodging the occasional flying strand of beads. The air smells like a mix of beer, corned beef, and funnel cake—not a bad combination if you ask me. But then, I’ve never been all too picky about my culinary needs.

I’m about to make my way to the bakery once again when I spot Everett a few feet away, with Evie beside him. He’s scanning the crowd, probably looking for Lottie. That woman has a knack for finding trouble even when she’s nine months pregnant with twins. Actually, make that especially when she’s nine months pregnant. It’s happened before.

I flag them down with a wave and push my way through a group of teenagers decked out in enough green to camouflage themselves in a forest.

“Noah.” Everett nods as I approach. “I was just on my way to see Lemon.”

“Uncle Noah.” Evie practically jumps onto me with a hug, looking every bit like Everett in female skin but miles better.“Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Here’s a pinch for being my favorite uncle,” she says, giving my ribs a tweak.

“Whoa,” I say, trying to deflect. “Careful now, I’m packing heat. I’d hate to have an accidental discharge. Besides, I’m wearing green. Didn’t your dad teach you the rules?”

“Dad says rules are for fools,” she shoots back with a giggle.

“Hey.” Everett inches back, looking genuinely affronted. “I’m a judge. I would never say that.”

“And I’m kidding,” she says, pinching his ribs as well. “Where’s Mom?” She looks my way as does Everett.

“At the bakery, I’m guessing. In fact, I was about to swing by the bakery stand for another donut.” I nod to Everett. “Your wife makes the most dangerous whiskey-glazed donut in three counties.”

Everett tips his head. “Let’s see if we can track her down. She promised to stay put, but you know Lemon.”

“I do, indeed,” I sigh at the fact. “That woman’s definition of ‘staying put’ includes a three-mile radius and potential suspect interviews.”

Evie bubbles out a laugh. “You two have fun with Mom and those donuts. Good luck keeping her in line. I see Grandma up ahead. I’m heading over to say hi.” She points toward the other side of the street where Eliza stands observing the festivities with her usual regal composure. She’s with her friend Glinda. They catch a glimpse of us just as her friend whispers something to Eliza before disappearing out of sight.

“I’ll catch up with you in a minute,” Everett tells her.

We watch as Evie weaves through the crowd before I place a hand on Everett’s arm. “Before we track down Lottie, I need a word with you.”

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