Murderous Muffins by Lois Lavrisa

sir.”
    Ray raised an eyebrow. “You lived with him for almost a year.”
    “Yes.”
    “And in all that time, you neither saw nor heard anything that would indicate he had enemies? Or issues with anyone?”
    I shrugged my shoulders.
    “You may not believe this, but I want to help you. But you need to help me here. You already have some legal issues going on with running a boardinghouse without proper permits and licenses. And let’s not forget about the unpaid taxes.”
    I swallowed hard. “Yes, sir, I’m all too aware of my problems.”
    “Then do me a favor so we can both go home. Rack your memory, and let me know of anything at all that you may have noticed concerning Mr. Phong. No one has a problem-free life.”
    “Well, his cousin Joseph was very angry that Mr. Phong owed him money.” I handed him Joseph’s business card. “And he also said that Mr. Phong stole something of his, although I don’t know what that was.”
    “Anyone else who may have had a grievance with the victim?” Ray asked.
    After a pause, I said, “Another tenant, Xavier, seemed very interested in Mr. Phong. He asked a lot of questions specifically about him.”
    “Maybe he was just trying to get to know the other tenants in the house.”
    Did all men think alike? “That’s what he said, but I don’t know. Xavier was acting squirrelly. He seemed really focused on what Mr. Phong brought home from work. You may have already figured this out, but Mr. Phong, Joseph, and Xavier all work at the same place.”
    “Yes, we have. So what made you think Xavier was acting—how did you say it—squirrelly?”
    “After Mr. Phong passed, we were all in the room, and Xavier started to rummage around looking for something.”
    “Hmm.” Officer Ray picked up a pen. “Did he take anything?”
    “No, not that I saw.”
    Ray jotted something on the paper. “Anyone else you can think of who acted out of the ordinary?”
    “There’s only Lily and Frank, and there was nothing unusual. I mean, they would’ve liked him to be quiet, but that’s all. I don’t think anyone in the house had anything to do with Mr. Phong’s death. I just think it was, I don’t know, a freak accident?”
    “Got it.” Ray stood, the metal legs of his chair clattering as he shoved it away from him.
    “Are we done?” I rose, my body exhausted beyond belief.
    “For now.”
    I stretched my arms, trying to work out the tautness. Thank goodness that silliness was over. I moved toward the door and grabbed the handle.
    Ray stood behind me, his breath on my back. “Don’t leave town. You are still on our radar.”

Chapter Seven
     
    After a few hours of fitful sleep and a quick shower, I entered the kitchen to see Cat setting some biscuits on a plate. “Since the police took away your flour, sugar, baking soda, and a lot of other stuff, I had to buy a packaged mix. They’re not your famous muffins, but they’re edible.”
    A sweet smell wafted in the air. Glancing around, I saw some white powder on the cupboard handles and some on the countertop. “What’s that?”
    “They dusted for fingerprints. I cleaned up as much as I could.”
    I walked over to her. “Thanks, Cat. I’m so sorry about all that’s going on here.”
    Cat squeezed my shoulder. “I’m here for you. No matter what.”
    “I know you are. I’m just overwhelmed.” I caught her up on what had happened at the police station.
    “So they think you might be a suspect?” Cat asked.
    “Yes, can you believe that?” I huffed.
    “It is funny and so out of character, too. I mean, you had nothing to do with his death?” Cat grinned.
    “Cat, that sounded like a question rather than a statement.”
    “I’m just kidding.” Cat tapped me on the arm. “Although, you never answered my question.”
    I stammered. “Cat. My heavens. I would remember if I killed someone.”
    “Of course you would.” Cat smiled and shook her head. “I mean, I’m just saying now that I know how financially