Murderous Muffins by Lois Lavrisa Page A

out, “Have you seen the arsenal of poisons she has under the sink? I bet that muffin plate found outside of Phong’s room was laced with toxins. I’m just saying there is foul play.”
    That night, I’d seen the plate on the floor outside of Mr. Phong’s room. I’d brought it into his room when I’d gone looking for him. How did Frank know that plate had been on the exterior of the room? Maybe Frank had seen it when he’d gotten home.
    Lily huffed. “Miss Bezu is innocent.”
    Although I’d hoped that Lily meant that to sound as a statement, her voice rose at the end, indicating a question.
    “I didn’t hurt anyone. Nor could I,” I said.
    Frank shot his eyes at me. “Right.”
    Lily tiptoed and whispered in Frank’s ear.
    Frank sighed, “I’m sorry, Miss Bezu. Lily said, I mean, I know I was out of line for thinking you killed the illegal immigrant.”
    Lilly struck his arm.
    Frank continued, “I mean, Mr. Phong.”
    “Apology accepted. No harm done.” Picking up a kitchen towel, I dried a wet spot on the counter.
    “We’ll catch you later.” Lily grabbed Frank’s hand and walked away.
    I only caught glimpses of Frank being saccharin sweet when he interacted with Lily. I just wished that he could spread that amiability to others as well.
    A moment later, Xavier entered the kitchen.
    Even though something about him seemed duplicitous to me, bordering on uncomfortable, above all, the good manners instilled in me as a child never faltered. “There’s coffee if you want some.” I pulled a mug out of the cupboard and handed it to him.
    Xavier poured himself a cup and then leaned back on the counter. “Are you well?”
    I filled the thermal carafe with the rest of the coffee, then tightened the lid. “Fine. Thank you for asking.”
    “Even though we don’t know each other very well, I’d like to help you if you need any assistance.” Xavier took a sip from his mug.
    I’d noticed when I first met him, but now, talking with him, I was convinced that English was not his first language. His accent was becoming more pronounced.
    “That’s mighty kind of you. But I assure you, I don’t need your help.” I was slightly suspicious of his offer to help.
    Xavier shifted his stance. “Did you have to sell it?”
    I stopped filling the empty coffeepot with soapy water. “Huh?”
    “Your necklace. I saw you had it on when I ran into you outside of the pawnshop, and now you don’t.”
    My hand flew to my neck. Sorrow washed over me as I felt my unadorned collarbone where, for years, the silky-smooth pearls had resided. I was overcome by a deep hollowness, as I knew they were gone for good. There was no way that I’d be able to pay the pawnshop loan in thirty days.
    Xavier’s head lowered. “I’m sorry. The look on your face is my answer.”
    “What look?” How dare he think he knew me? But then again, I didn’t have a poker face. Still, that did not give him a right to intrude into my personal life.
    Xavier’s phone buzzed as he set his cup in the sink. He grabbed the phone and said, “Excuse me,” and left the room.
    Humph. He acted as if he knew me, like we were old friends. As if I would ever rely on him for anything. I’d managed just fine by myself. Although sometimes I thought about Cat and Andrew, and how they were always there for each other. It might be nice to rely on someone.
    “I had to come back.” Cat entered the kitchen. “I’m convinced that Xavier is the killer.”
    “Whoa, there,” I whispered as I placed a hand on her arm. “He’s still here.”
    “He’s on the front porch talking on the phone.” Cat guided me through the back door. “Let’s go on the back porch.”
    I followed her outside.
    Cat darted her eyes around and lowered her voice. “Listen, Bezu, I was at work, and, well, I just couldn’t think of anything else besides the ring at Jack’s Pawn Shop. Seeing Xavier outside of the store and then seeing the ring in the display case. It’s too much of