Mini Mystery

Gwen’s chocolate cake was so irresistible, the thief couldn’t help stealing a piece…

Gwen listened to the message on her phone and sighed with exasperation. “Hi, tomorrow’s our Monday book club, so just a reminder to bring the cake. Thanks!”

She’d forgotten it was her turn this month, so when she and her family returned from church, she began making one of her famous double-chocolate fudge cakes. She was busy beating the eggs when her 10-year-old son, Mickey, wandered into the kitchen.

“Hey, is that chocolate cake, Mom?”

“It’s not for you, honey,” said Gwen firmly. “It’s for my book club tomorrow.

“But it’s my favorite!” Mickey grumbled. Sighing, he settled for stuffing a handful of gingersnaps into his mouth as he dashed outside to ride his bike.

Then five-yearold Stevie bounced in while Gwen was adding the flour.

“Mommy, you’re baking for us?” “No, it’s for my book club tomorrow.” “Well, I’m starving!” “Have a cookie.” She was pouring the smooth brown mixture into two cake pans when her husband, Andy, returned from watching their oldest son, Nathan, play in a soccer game. “They won!” he said cheerfully “The coach had some nice things to say about Nathan.” “That’s great,” she said. “Aha, is that going to be your famous double chocolate fudge cake?” Her husband had an insatiable sweet tooth. “You can’t eat it—it’s for my book club. I’ll bake another one tomorrow.” “I’ll hold you to that!” he grinned. Gwen flicked her dishtowel at him. She kept checking the oven and took the pans out just as the cake had risen perfectly. It smelled wonderful. She’d ice it after lunch. “What’s that fantastic smell? Chocolate cake?” Nathan had returned from soccer and was raiding the fridge. “You gonna frost that, Mom?”

“Yes, of course I am, but it’s not for us. It’s for my book club tomorrow,” Gwen patiently replied.

“Ah, Mom, how can you say that? Couldn’t they have just one layer and we have the other?”

“No way,” said Gwen firmly “Go and wash up, lunch will be ready in a few minutes.”

I hope my book club will appreciate how I’ve had to defend their cake against this hungry horde, she thought with a smile.

Finally, the cake was finished, covered in rich chocolate frosting. She left it on the table and went outside for some fresh air.

The first thing she saw when going back inside was that a huge slice had been cut from the cake, leaving crumbs of frosting on the table.

Furious, she called everyone into the kitchen.

“Who did this?” she stormed. “Now I’ll have to make another cake!”

“Not me, Mom, I was watching the game on TV,” claimed Nathan.

“I rode down to the mailbox to check for mail,” said Mickey. “I’m expecting a comic.”

“I was in the garage waxing the car,” said Andy. “And I would’ve appreciated some help.” He glared at Mickey.

“It wasn’t me, Mommy. I was upstairs in my room playing with my Legos.” Stevie said, but Gwen knew that angelic expression hid a lot of mischief.

Gwen looked around at their innocent faces…and she knew exactly who had snatched the slice.