Bacon Caramel Murder Read online

  “But nothing happened on Halloween last year.”

  “He thinks that pretending about scary things still invites memories of those murders back into the public mind, or something along those lines. I don’t remember his exact words.”

  “I mean, I don’t have a problem with a harvest party, I just don’t see the point.”

  “He’s a new principal. He’s young. He’s going to do things the way he sees fit,” Franks stated.

  “I was hoping they were going to ask me to cater again,” Sonja sighed, folding her arms.

  “Maybe they still will,” Frank offered his opinion.

  Sonja rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. I love autumn, but it’s not the same as celebrating Halloween.”

  “Think of it this way. Now you can do whatever you want on Halloween, maybe even cater a different event. Principal Heins isn’t shutting down Halloween all over town. He’s just a middle school administrator. He doesn’t have that kind of power.”

  Sonja knew it was the truth, but still couldn’t help being angry on behalf of the many students who would miss out. She had grown close to a few of them since she started running the game nights at the diner.

  “The point is, Sonj’, someone left a note with that little prank at the school.”

  “The mask in the closet?”

  He nodded.

  “What did the note say?”

  “Don’t cancel the school’s annual Halloween party or else!” Frank said, holding up the note in question.

  Sonja couldn’t help but let out a little laugh. “Is he serious? I’m telling you, it’s just kids who did it. They’re mad about the Halloween party, and this is their way of protesting.”

  Frank set the sign down. “I completely agree, but I’ll look into the names Heins mentioned just to make him happy. It’s my job to check all the angles and make sure he feels safe, even if this is nothing more than a childish prank.”

  “Well, I hope you get it all figured out,” Sonja said, standing up from the chair and slipping her purse back over her shoulder. “I’ve got to get into the diner and help Alison with the breakfast rush.”

  Frank furrowed his brow as he thought. “You know, that school is pretty old, right?”

  Sonja looked up at the ceiling, trying to remember the history. “It was built in the forties or fifties, I think.”

  “That’s what I thought.”

  “What are you saying? I should turn it into a haunted house?” Sonja joked.

  “Not really, no. I’m just saying, maybe for the sake of Principal Heins, you could just do a walkthrough or something.”

  “What, you mean for ghosts or something?” Sonja was shocked. Not many people knew it, but Sonja was naturally clairvoyant and could communicate with the dead. Frank was usually so against anything involving the supernatural. “It was a mask with a threatening note, Frank. I hardly think this calls for a paranormal investigation. Besides, I thought you were uncomfortable with me trying to contact ghosts.”

  He grunted pridefully. “I am, believe me, but if I can clear all possible aspects and avenues, I’ll feel more comfortable telling Heins that this was a child’s prank.”

  Sonja placed a hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow. “You don’t seriously think that a ghost put that mask in the closet.” She tried to reiterate the fact that this was just a prank.

  “No, I don’t. I’m just saying, based on other weird things that have happened in this town, and with it being close to Halloween, it won’t hurt to check. Showing up at the school for a second and getting a . . . vibration, or whatever, won’t take that much effort, will it?”

  Sonja sighed. “I suppose not, I’m just surprised you’re asking, is all.” While Sonja was bewildered by this request, she liked that Frank was trying to embrace the reality of the supernatural in his own way.

  “Hey, I don’t know that much about ghosts, but I want to cover my bases, just in case. I don’t want a repeat of Halloween two years ago.”

  “I doubt there are any witches stealing children this time around,” Sonja reassured him.

  “Do this favor for me and I’ll make sure we do something really special for Halloween. How does that sound?”

  Sonja couldn’t help but half-smile at this proposition. Halloween had never been Frank’s favorite holiday, but she wouldn’t turn down an offer like that. “I’m holding you to it,” she pointed at him, as she walked out the door.

  CHAPTER 2

  * * *

  Climbing back into her van, Sonja continued her drive into work. It was while she was passing over Topper Street that she spotted three familiar young boys standing on the corner.

  Pulling the van along the curb, Sonja rolled down her window. “Good morning, boys.” Sam, Dillion, and Brian were all regulars at Sonja’s Friday game nights. Considering it was already six-forty-five and school started at seven, she was concerned about their presence here on the corner.

  Instantly, upon seeing the familiar catering van and hearing the diner owner’s voice, the boys stiffened. The slight paling in their cheeks was a sure sign that they’d been caught at something they weren’t supposed to be doing.

  “M-Ms. Reed. How are you?” Dillion, the blonde-haired boy wearing a Japanese anime branded t-shirt asked, trying to force a smile.

  “Oh, I’m just fine, Dillion. Just fine.” She put on her best smile, attempting to address the issue of the boys’ absence from school as gently as possible.

  “That’s good to hear,” Sam, the dark-haired boy noted with a forced smile. He wore a backpack with a saucer-style spaceship from a popular TV show on it. His old green wool jacket was tattered from wear and one of the large buttons on the front was missing. Sonja knew the boy’s family didn’t have a lot of money and often relied on thrift shop buys for clothing.

  “Now, boys, if I remember correctly, today is a school day,” she pointed out.

  They were all silent, their forced smiles melting as the averted their eyes from Sonja’s scornful gaze.

  “Am I right?” she pressed.

  Sam chewed his lips a moment, not wanting to respond. Dillion continued looking away, hoping not to be the one to have to address the issue.

  Finally, Brian, the chubby brown-haired boy with glasses answered. “Yes. It’s true, Ms. Reed.”

  “And, if I’m not mistaken, school has already started?”

  Sam groaned, gripping the straps of his backpack. “Fiiine. You caught us, Ms. Reed.”

  “Yeah, we’re ditching,” Dillion proclaimed, as if confessing their crime would convince Sonja to just leave them alone. He put his nose up in the air, punctuating his declaration.

  “I see.” Shifting in her seat, she leaned further toward the window. “Well, unfortunately, boys, I’m going to have to insist you go to school this morning.”

  There was a round of wordless complaints all around, all the boys shuffling their feet in protest.

  “Now, don’t act like that. You’re all good boys, and I wouldn’t want to have to call your parents and tell them about this.”

  “Please don’t call our parents,” Brian begged, his face turning a sickly color as he clasped his hands together in a pleaded motion.

  “I promise I won’t if you head to school right now.”

  “But we can’t,” Dillion declared, standing up straight and puffing out his chest like an animal trying to declare its dominance.

  “And why is that?” she asked, still somewhat surprised at the trio’s actions. After all, she’d known the boys for a few years now, and they were all generally well-behaved.

  “We’re in protest, that’s why,” Dillion answered, balling his hands into fists.

  “In protest of what, exactly?”

  “We want our Halloween party back,” Sam jumped in, making his own declaration and stomping a foot to emphasize the point.

  Now things were becoming clearer. Sonja only nodded in response. “I completely understand.”

  “Then you agree
with us?” Dillion asked.

  “You guys know better than anyone how much I love Halloween.”

  “Exactly. Then you know why we’re doing this!”

  Sonja paused, carefully formulating her next response. “While I know you must be frustrated about the Halloween party being canceled, I’m not sure ditching your classes is the right way to go about this.”

  “But, Ms. Reed. It isn’t fair,” Dillion yelled.

  “I know it isn’t, but it’s not like you’re not getting a party at all. The principal is holding a Harvest Festival. I’m sure that will be a lot of fun.”

  “That isn’t the same thing. The drama club won’t even be able to put on their Haunted House.”

  “I’m well aware. Still.”

  “My mom says the principal is an idiot. She’s just as mad about them canceling this party as we are.”

  “And she agrees that ditching school is the right answer?” Sonja pressed.

  Dillion looked away again, knowing he couldn’t answer her directly.

  “I thought so.”

  Sam jumped in again. “No, you don’t get it, Ms. Reed. This is my little brother’s first year in middle school. He’s been looking forward to attending the Halloween party for two years now. He’s really upset about the whole thing, and my mom is angry.”

  Sonja gave a slight nod. She remembered how protective Sam’s mother was. Tanya Sander could easily make an official complaint to the school board that her boys were missing out on a yearly tradition. Sam was in eighth grade this year, which meant his brother was in sixth grade and entering middle school for the first time. “I see. I know she must be very worried, but neglecting your education isn’t the right answer here. You’re only hurting yourselves.”

  Dillion’s jaw dropped open, as if he were about to protest, but no sound came out as he realized he didn’t have a good argument for her. She was right. “What the heck are we supposed to do? We can’t just sit around.”

  “You know, boys, sometimes life isn’t very fair.”

  “Now you sound like my dad,” Dillion sighed.

  “However, maybe I can speak to the principal about it, myself.”

  “You will?” all three boys asked in unison, their faces lighting up.

  “I won’t make any promises, but I’ll at least talk to him.”

  “Oh, thank you,” Sam cried.

  “However, I’ll only do it on one condition. You all have to head right off to school this instant.”

  “We will,” Sam exclaimed, clapping his hands.

  Sonja paused, smiling. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Now, I’ve got to get into work.”

  “See you later, Ms. Reed,” the boys said, waving as she drove off.

  CHAPTER 3

  * * *

  Walking into the front door of the diner, Sonja instantly spotted her best friend and coworker Alison Sorenson sitting at one of the booths. She appeared to be sharing a cup of coffee with a woman Sonja didn’t recognize. The stranger was petite, barely filling the seat. Two or three more people could have squeezed into the booth next to her. A professional gray blouse with black pants offset the stranger’s garish coral pink nail polish and vibrant red lipstick. Curly locks of brown hair were expertly held up atop her head in a messy bun.

  “Oh, Sonja. You’re finally here,” Ally exclaimed, waving her over to the booth. There was a third cup coffee in an empty spot, presumably waiting for Sonja to arrive.

  Walking over, she stood beside the table without sitting down yet, adjusting her purse on her shoulder. “What’s up?”

  “This is Donna Tankered from the middle school. She’s the head of the Harvest Festival Committee.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Sonja said, holding out her hand in greeting.

  “Sit down with us, dear,” Donna insisted as she gave a dainty shake, barely grasping Sonja’s hand with her manicured fingers.

  “Thank you. That shade of nail polish is beautiful by the way.”

  Donna held up her hand and examined her fingernails. “Yes, it’s one of my favorites, but I honestly change the color nearly every day. The men seem to prefer red, of course.”

  “I can see that.”

  “Either way, makeup is my little selfish indulgence.”

  Sonja smiled, taking a seat. “We ladies have to treat ourselves, sometimes.”

  “Go ahead and tell Sonja what you were telling me,” Ally urged the woman, wanting to get into the meat of the conversation.

  “I was just getting around to discussing the possibility of your establishment catering our event this Friday. I do hope we aren’t asking too last minute.”

  “Of course, not,” Sonja informed her.

  “I poured you coffee,” Ally whispered, pointing at the familiar mug with a pumpkin printed on the side.

  “Thanks a million. I didn’t make myself any this morning.” Sipping from the mug, she leaned forward. “Mrs. Tankered, I assume you’re new to the committee this year?”

  “It’s simply Miss., I’m not married.”

  “My apologies,” Sonja offered, understanding the desire to be called miss.

  “Don’t worry about it. Just call me Donna, dear.”

  “Very well. Donna, you’re the new committee head?”

  “I am. I was hired on by the school board and am assigned to social activities and events in the district. Thus, I’m heading up this year’s committee. Of course, we also have parents on the committee as well, as they often take a special interest in these types of functions.”

  “That makes complete sense.”

  “Changing the Halloween party into a Harvest Festival meant moving the date.”

  Sonj decided that now was a good a time as any to do a little digging on the issue of this change. “And, why exactly did you choose to move the date?”

  “A good question. It was at the request of Principal Heins. While I agree with him that it’s a marvelous idea, it does mean he is putting me on the spot to get everything gathered together for this event three weeks ahead of our normal schedule.”

  “He was just hired this year, am I correct?”

  “Absolutely. He was previously an administrator at the public schools in the Denver area. He was looking for something a little quieter.”

  “And he requested the removal of the Halloween party?”

  “Last month, as a matter-of-fact. It was all sort of last minute. He found out about some of the things that had occurred in this town over the last two years, you know with the murders and all, and felt it was in the best interest of the students not to concentrate on the morbid or macabre this season.”

  In many ways, she had to agree with the principal on this point. The murders had been horrifying. Still, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that Halloween was all about making those frightening things more easily digestible. It was a time to face your fears and have some fun with it.

  “We’d been discussing the budget in the weeks since Principal Heins request. He approved our numbers just last night, which is why I’m only able to inform you about it now. I do hope that’s okay.”

  “It’s no problem at all. It’s only Tuesday after all.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, dear.” Donna lifted her purse up onto the table and began rifling through the pockets.

  “You said the festival is on Friday, correct?”

  “It is indeed,” she replied, pulling out an envelope with the school district’s information printed in raised lettering.

  “We’ve catered events on shorter time frames than this, so it should be no issue.”

  “We also catered the Halloween party the last two years and have a good idea about how to throw a menu together quickly,” Alison chimed in happily.

  “The committee is aware of this fact and we had hoped the price we had set for the last two years would be okay.”

  “I’m sure that’ll work out well,” Sonja agreed, already organizing possible food items and waffle dishes in her mind.
>
  “Fantastic.” Producing an authorized printed check from the school from the envelope, she slid it across the table for Sonja to examine.

  “This looks to be in order.”

  “I’ll go ahead and grab one of our contracts from the office,” Ally offered, having Sonja stand up so she could get out of the booth and head to the back of the diner.

  Sonja took a seat again.

  “If you don’t mind, Ms. Reed, I do have a few special requests to make as per the committee’s discussion.”

  “Go ahead and lay it on me. And you can call me Sonja, by the way.”

  Donna smiled. “Fantastic.”

  “So, what does the committee have to say?”

  “Well, considering we’re trying to move away from the Halloween theme this year, I was hoping to impress upon you the importance of providing desserts that don’t come off as specifically Halloween themed. Does that make sense?”

  “I think it does,” Sonja agreed, disappointed she wouldn’t be able to decorate her mini waffles with grinning jack-o’-lantern faces again.

  “That means no witches, bats, vampires, zombies, jack-o’-lanterns, the works.”

  “Makes sense.” Even if she didn’t wholly agree, it wasn’t her place to judge the customer’s wishes. She was still happy to help cater the middle school event.

  “I thought so.”

  “What about orange and black?”

  “That’s quite all right. I’d say think in the terms of autumn leaves, acorns, cornucopias, that sort of thing. I firmly believe we can still have a wonderful and festive time without our school being filled with all of that horrible scary stuff.”

  Sonja, unable to hold back her curiosity anymore, asked the burning question on her mind. “You agree with the principal that having a Halloween themed party is a bad idea?”

  “Oh, absolutely I agree with him. We wouldn’t want to influence our students toward violence, now would we?”

  “And cartoon witches and zombies are a concern?” Sonja pressed, still unsure of this whole deal.

  At this point Donna’s genial demeanor deflated slightly, her mouth straightening and her eyebrows lowering toward one another. “My dear, I whole heartedly believe these things are a bad influence on young and impressionable minds. If the principal and I, as well as the rest of the committee, can in some way decrease the exposure these students have with these things, then all the better I say.”