Page 3 of In the Shadows (The Club)
"Is that why the daily special sign is already up?"
"Yep."
Lisa finished tying off her apron and reached for a pair of hot pads, already in work mode and focused on pulling out the rest of the bread. "Someday you're going to have to give yourself a break," she griped.
Vivian agreed with a smile, mind drifting as they both focused on the tasks at hand. Lisa's suggestion was finally a viable one. Business was solid and Vivian's life was shaping up. To be honest, she wouldn't have been manically prepping for the day ahead, except she'd gotten another letter. It had been waiting for her at the back door, slipped in place just above the lock.
The sight of the simple white envelope, unsigned, had sent her digging in her purse for pepper spray. Once she'd calmed down and reminded herself to breathe, it was clear there was no one hanging around. At some point she was going to have to get some security cameras installed. Then she could find out if the person leaving these letters really was a threat or not.
Apprehension prickled in her gut. When phrases like "I'll love feeling your heart beat in my hand" and "Nothing will be able to keep us apart" kept appearing, it was probably a good sign that the writer's intentions weren't positive.
The phone rang at 4:30. Lisa answered, but quickly turned to Vivian. "It's Yvette."
She took the phone in time to hear a raspy, "Vivian–"
She grimaced and held the phone away from her ear as a dry hacking emanated from the other speaker. "Yvette, what's wrong with you?"
"I took Clark trick-or-treating last night and wasn't feeling too good when I went to bed. I woke up this morning with a cough and a fever. There's no way I can come in."
"No, no, of course not! Stay home. I'll find someone else," Vivian assured her.
"I'm so sorry, Viv. I know how busy today can get."
"Yvette, honey, please don't worry. Is John back?"
"He got back from the conference yesterday morning."
"Good. Let him take care of Clark and you focus on getting better. Go back to bed. We'll be fine here."
"Thank you, Vivian. I'm sorry," Yvette croaked.
Vivian hung up and gave Lisa a dazzling smile. "Well, do you want the kitchen or the front?"
"Can't you call Mariah?"
"She already requested today off."
"Natalie?"
"She's already coming in at two."
"Doug?"
Vivian wrinkled her nose. "I fired Doug two weeks ago because he could never get here before ten. We're it until Natalie gets here."
"I'll take kitchen then. I know how much you love working the counter," Lisa teased.
Vivian quickly ran Lisa through the day's list and headed out front. In the darkness of the morning, a surge of possessive pride welled up. She loved her bakery and all the hard work it stood for. The street lamps outside threw glittering light over all the glass, from the pane windows to the counter that displayed the baked goods she cooked every day. She hummed to herself and took down chairs from the tables, appreciating the way the rich red cushions offset the stainless steel and wood tables she'd had custom built by a friend.
She rechecked the coffee bar and headed behind the counter. With Lisa's help, they filled the case to brimming with a wide variety of delicious treats, most of them local favorites. She got the coffee brewing, filling the carafes as it finished, and glanced at the clock. About time to open. The regulars would be showing up any time.
Like clockwork, Mr. Di Pasqua waited near the door at 5:45. He smiled at her when she unlocked the front door for him and held it open. The tapping of his cane on the tiles was a familiar sound that continued to reminder her all was right with the world.
"The usual, Mr. Di Pasqua?"
"Please."
Vivian smiled as he hobbled his way toward his usual table. Every day, the same routine. A cup of coffee, black. A cornetto, filled with a light custard. A napkin and a smile.
