Candy Cane Murder (Hannah Swensen #9.5)(26)

“We need to ask you about Cyril Murphy,” Hannah said, taking charge. “Did you know that Wayne promised Cyril he’d use Shamrock Limo Service for weddings booked through your department, and he reneged on his promise?”

“Wayne said it was all a giant misunderstanding, and I know he talked to Larry about it.”

“Larry?” Hannah asked.

“Larry Helms. He’s been Wayne’s lawyer for years.”

Hannah filed the name of the lawyer away for future reference. “It sounds like more than a misunderstanding to me. I heard they were yelling at each other.”

“I know they were yelling at each other.”

Hannah stared at him in surprise. “How do you know that?”

“I gave Wayne a ride to the garage and I was sitting in the 88

Joanne Fluke

car waiting for him. I saw the whole thing. They were yelling at each other and waving their fists. I thought I was going to have to break up a fight, but then Wayne stalked away and came back to the car.”

“Do you think there was bad blood between Cyril and Wayne?” Hannah asked.

“You mean … do I think Cyril Murphy might have killed Wayne over that limo thing?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I mean.”

Cory propped his elbows on the table and covered his eyes with his hands. It was a contemplative pose and he thought about it for a long moment. Then he lowered his hands. “It could have happened that way.”

“Okay. That’s exactly what I wanted to know.” Hannah stood up and Norman followed suit.

“So … no wedding?” Cory asked, giving a small smile.

“Not yet,” Norman answered. “But we’ll let you know when. And where.”

Hannah shot him a quick look and decided to let it go.

This wasn’t the time to discuss the risk of assuming too much.

“These are for you,” she said, producing the bag of cookies she’d earmarked for Cory. “I thought you might be able to use a little chocolate. The endorphins will make you feel better.”

Cory gave her a smile that wavered slightly. “Thanks, Hannah. That was really sweet of you. I’ll give some to Melinda.”

“That’s okay. We’ve got some for her, too.” Norman spoke up quickly. “Do you think we could drop them off?

We wouldn’t stay, of course. We know how devastating this whole thing must be for her.”

Hannah shot a quick glance at Norman. He didn’t take the lead in an interrogation often, but when he did, he was usually right.

“Yes,” she said, quickly adopting Norman’s vernacular.

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“We thought Melinda might appreciate a tangible expression of friendship and comfort.”

Cory hesitated for a long moment. “Well … I think that would be very kind of you, provided you didn’t stay too long.

She’s exhausted, you know. Poor Melinda is still suffering from the shock of losing her husband.”

“Of course, the poor dear!” Hannah said, pouring it on with both pitchers. The flowery language was difficult to master and she wished she’d taken lessons from Digger Gibson, Lake Eden’s mortician and funeral director. “Not to worry. We’ll just drop the cookies off and leave.”

“That’s fine. Thank you for being so understanding. I’ll give Melinda a call and tell her to expect you.”

! % { # 9

CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE COOKIES

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F., rack in the middle position.

Cookie Dough:

4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate (4 ounces) 11?4 cups ( 21?2 sticks, 10-ounces) chilled butter 2 cups white (granulated) sugar

2 beaten eggs (just whip them up in a glass with a fork)

2 teaspoons baking soda

1?2 teaspoon salt

1?3 cup corn syrup (I used white Karo syrup) 2 Tablespoons water

1 Tablespoon (3 teaspoons) vanilla 4 cups flour (pack it down in the cup when you measure it)

Topping:

1?4 cup white (granulated) sugar

1?4 cup finely crushed mint candy canes (about 12

mini candy canes)

Melt the butter and the chocolate squares together, mix them thoroughly, and set them on the counter to cool. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl for 3 minutes on HIGH, or in a pan over low heat on the stovetop. (I do it by microwave in a Pyrex one-quart measuring cup.) ! % { # 9

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! % { # 9

Hannah’s 1st Note: If you like a strong peppermint flavor, use 2 teaspoons of vanilla and one teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of the Tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of vanilla extract that’s called for in the recipe.

In a large bowl, combine the white sugar and the eggs.

Beat the mixture until it’s a uniform pale yellow color.

Add the baking soda and salt. Mix them in well.

Mix in the corn syrup, water, and the vanilla.

Hannah’s 2nd Note: Whenever I measure something sticky like corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey, I spray my measuring cup with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray first. Then the sticky stuff slides right out and it’s easy to wash the cup.

Add half of the flour to your bowl. (That’s 2 cups.) Mix it in. Then add the remaining flour (that’s 2 cups) and mix thoroughly.

Give the bowl a final stir by hand, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest on the counter while you spray your cookie sheets with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray and crush your candy canes.