“Is everything all right?”
“I—” I wondered whether to launch into the whole story. I didn’t have much time. Besides, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go around telling people my fiancé was in the slammer. A big part of me expected—hoped,anyway—that Carlos would stumble across some huge hole in the case, the SFPD would apologize profusely, and Sailor would be home in time for dinner.
“A friend’s in trouble,” I said simply.
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” she said.
“Me, too. Thanks. Oh, Lucille,” I said as something else occurred to me. “Maya mentioned that Renee Baker had dropped by the other day?”
“The cupcake lady? Yes, she did.”
“Could I ask what she was looking for?”
“She wanted to know if we would be available to do some alterations for her.”
“Really? That’s... odd.”
Lucille’s brows rose and she smiled. “Lucille’s Loft is the best, after all. Why wouldn’t she come to us?”
“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that!” I blushed.
She chuckled. “I know. Renee’s cupcake shop is across town, so why would she come all the way here? She mentioned she was in the neighborhood visiting a friend who’d placed a big order for an upcoming event.”
“Did she say who?”
Lucille gave me an searching look. “Are you sure everything’s all right, Lily?”
“There’s... Not really, no. Sailor was arrested last night.”
“Sailor? Is he all right?”
It didn’t escape my notice that Lucille didn’t even ask what Sailor had been accused of. He had fans. It did my heart good.
“I think so. I’m on my way to visit him.”
“And you think Renee’s somehow involved? Thecupcakelady?”
“Not really. I’m just... Things are off-kilter right now, so I’m keeping an open mind.”
Maya didn’t share a lot of the details of my life with her mother, and that was probably best. I doubted Lucille would be on board with the whole witchcraft thing. She was open-minded and openhearted, but she was an active member of her local Baptist church—and in any case, my brand of witchy was a little tough for most people to swallow.
“Did you happen to notice anything odd about Renee’s visit? Did she ask anything, do anything in particular, that struck you as”—I couldn’t think of a more apt word— “odd?”
Lucille shook her head. “I’m sorry, Lily. Nothing comes to mind. She admired our collection of fabrics, asked about prices, and then left us with a lovely basket of assorted baked goods.”
“Did you eat them?” I demanded, a strident note in my voice.
“Sorry I can’t offer you any—they didn’t last long.” Lucille laughed and patted her stomach. “I know I shouldn’t, but I had a meat pasty for lunch, andtwocupcakes for dessert, and enjoyed them thoroughly.”
“And you’re feeling all right?”
“Lily... what is goingon?”
I had debated whether to tell my friends and acquaintances that Renee was bad news. To all external appearances, she was simply a bakery owner whose intricately iced cupcakes had become wildly popular, and whose baked goods were in high demand all over the city. How did I tell people Renee might well be involved in some sort of supernatural battle for the soul of San Francisco? And that her cupcakes might, or might not, be suspect?
“Nothing, Lucille,” I said with a shake of my head. “I’m sure it’s nothing. I’m just jumpy, and worried about Sailor. But if Renee comes back, would you let me know?”
She nodded, her soft brown eyes gazing at me intently. “Of course. Please give Sailor my love, and let me know if there’s anything at all I can do. I have a niece who works for the sheriff’s office. I’d be happy to make a call if you need a personal contact.”
