Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts (24 page)

“Better make that plate a big one, Mrs. Speckle,” said the Inspector, scratching his head. “In fact, I'll come and help you carry it . . . if you'd like me to.”

Mrs. Speckle scrunched her nose up under her bobble hats and thought about that. “All right then,” she said with a shrug, and waddled off. Inspector Lemone beamed. This was fast turning into the best day of his life.

Wilma spun around to face Theodore. “But how will I find whoever it is, Mr. Goodman? I don't know how to do it.”

Theodore looked down, put a hand on Wilma's back, and took a puff on his pipe. “It won't be easy,” he began, “but where do all detectives begin?”

“With clues and deductions,” answered Wilma, eyes brightening.

“Just so.” Theodore nodded, steering his young apprentice up the garden path of Clarissa Cottage. “And if anyone can do it, we can.”

“Nothing and no one stops Wilma Tenderfoot,” said Wilma with a determined nod. “The thing is, Mr. Goodman, I've got this luggage tag . . .”

Now that's the end. Or is it?

Now you can enjoy Cooper Island's favorite biscuit

Makes about 30

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest with a metal spoon or hand mixer.

3. Add the egg and use a wooden spoon or the mixer to form a lumpy batter.

4. Add the cornmeal, flour, and salt a couple of tablespoons at a time until you have a dough dry enough to roll out. You might need a bit more flour, or not quite this much.

5. Roll the dough out on a clean, floured surface until it's about ¼ inch thick. Use a small round cutter (about the size of an eggcup), or cut small squares or triangles with a knife, to make small biscuits. Then roll out any spare dough again until you use it all.

6. Place the biscuits at least an inch apart on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Allow to cool before eating—if you can wait!

8. Serve with peppermint tea or your favorite drink.

Emma Kennedy
is an award-winning theatre, movie, and television comedy acttress. She also writes for television and radio. There are two things she would like to do before she dies. 1) She would like to fly a hot-air balloon. Properly fly it, not just stare out of it like a lemon. And 2) Grow wings. That's it. She has a most excellent beagle named Poppy, who can walk like a crab. Emma's favorite word is
ramalamadingdong
. She lives in London, England.