A Shot of Bitterness (Candy Store Mysteries Book 2)
Author: Meadows, Wendy
Date: 2018-05-01
Publisher: Majestic Owl Publishing LLC
Rights: Copyright 2018 Wendy Meadows. All rights reserved.

A Shot of Bitterness

Candy Shop Mysteries #2

Wendy Meadows

Copyright © 2018 by Wendy Meadows

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Thanks for reading

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About the Author

Also by Wendy Meadows

Chapter 1

Margaret opened her eyes. The sun was streaming through her window. She stretched and looked at the clock. Nine a.m.? Margaret panicked. She was supposed to be at the store by now. How could I have overslept? She pulled on a short-sleeved shirt and capris, ran a comb through her hair, and rushed downstairs. Zach was already gone. Margaret had gotten her son his own car after the candy shop had taken off. She wanted him to be able to go out with his friends as well as help her at work. Margaret poured some coffee into a thermos and ran outside to her car, fishing her keys out of her purse.

“Hello!” Margaret heard behind her.

“Hello, Kyle,” said Margaret, waving. Kyle was her handsome neighbor across the street. He liked to keep to himself, but he was a very nice person. His dog, Stryker, was walking beside him. Kyle had trained Stryker so well that he didn’t need a leash when they went for a walk.

Margaret and Kyle had become close friends after Margaret had helped prove that Kyle had not murdered their mutual neighbor. The woman who had been murdered was a neighborhood busybody. She had wanted things just so and stuck her nose where it didn’t belong—not that that meant she deserved to be killed, but Margaret had to admit that the neighborhood seemed calmer and friendlier since the woman had died.

“It’s late for you to be going to work. Is everything okay?” asked Kyle while crossing the street to her car. Margaret appreciated that she didn’t have to yell a response to him.

“Yes, everything is fine,” Margaret replied while opening her car door. “I just overslept.”

“Oh, were you up late partying?” Kyle joked.

“Oh yeah, I was up until ten sitting on my sofa watching television. I have to watch those late nights,” Margaret joked back. They laughed.

“Well, I have to get to work. It was nice running into you,” Margaret said while patting Stryker on the head. She got into her car.

“It was good to see you, too,” said Kyle, shutting the car door for Margaret. She rolled her window down.

“Drive safe,” Kyle said.

“Will do,” said Margaret. She put the car in reverse and backed down the driveway. On the way to the store, she used the car’s controls to listen to her voicemail through her speakers. There was one message from Patty.

“Hi, Margaret, I won’t be in the store today. I have to go to the doctor’s office. I’ll call you later.”

Margaret grew concerned. Patty was one of her employees. Well into her seventies, Patty was sweet and very helpful. Margaret hoped she was okay. Margaret told her Bluetooth to call Zach. There was no answer, so Margaret continued to drive to the store. When she got there, the store was open, and Zach was already helping a customer. Margaret breathed a sigh of relief and walked to the back room. She put on her apron and went to the front of the store. The customer said thank you to Zach, waved to Margaret, and left.

“Good morning,” said Zach with a wink.

“Good morning,” said Margaret, smiling. “I can’t believe I got up so late.”

“Yeah, you’re usually the one waking me up,” Zach replied.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” asked Margaret.

“I let you sleep in because you’ve been working so hard. I knew I could get the store open and running this morning, and I figured you could use the extra rest,” Zach said.

“I appreciate the thought,” said Margaret. “But next time could you text me or leave me a note? I almost had a heart attack running around this morning.”

Zach laughed. “Sure, sorry about that,” he said. “Did you get Patty’s message?”

“Yes, what is going on? I tried to call you, but you didn’t answer.”

“I was helping a customer. Patty’s cat had to be taken to the vet.”

Margaret laughed. Zach looked at her.

“From her message I thought she was going to the hospital. I’m sorry her cat is ill, but at least Patty is fine.”

“Yeah, she’s fine, but she is worried about her cat. She’s taking the day off and will be back tomorrow,” said Zach.

“Okay. I’ll call her later and see how her cat is doing.”

Margaret checked the candy display. All of the bins were full. They had gumdrops, gumballs, toffee, sour balls, and more. The shop was a myriad of color. Margaret had wanted the place to lift people’s spirits, and it had certainly accomplished that. Everyone who came in smiled at the bright displays.

Zach closed the register and told Margaret he was going to run next door and get some drinks from the café.

“Bring me some of Stacy’s sweet tea, please,” she asked Zach.

“Will do,” said Zach as he left the shop.

Stacy’s sweet tea reminded Margaret of her own tea growing up. Her mother made the best sweet tea. She still made it, but Margaret didn’t see her parents as often as she wanted to. Her mom and dad lived in an assisted care facility nearby and Margaret and Zach visited them as often as possible. With the candy shop opening, Margaret found that she was busy every day. She made a mental note to call her mother and set up a time they could come over for dinner. Family dinners were interesting. Her mother was an old hippie and her father was conservative. The conversations around the dinner table were more heated than the food some nights. Margaret smiled. At least it’s not an election year.

Zach came back into the store holding two drinks.

“Stacy says hello and asked how you were doing. She noticed you were late this morning.”

“Did you tell her you let me sleep in?” asked Margaret.

“Yep. When I told her how you were panicking she also said I should have written you a note. She was still laughing when I left.”

“Well, it wasn’t very funny at the time!” Margaret said.

The door opened and a woman walked in.

“Hello, may I help you?” asked Margaret.

“Yes, please. I’m getting some gift bags together to give to the elementary students. I was wondering how long it would take to make five hundred small gift bags, and how much it would cost.”

Margaret beamed. This would be great for her business. “Why don’t you come into the back and we can sit down and discuss the order,” she said. “Zach, would you please keep an eye out here?”

“Sure, Mom,” Zach replied.

The woman smiled and followed Margaret into the back room. Twenty minutes later, they walked back out smiling.

“We will be happy to get those together for you,” Margaret told the woman. “Thank you for thinking of our store.”

“You’re welcome. Mr. Stewart recommended you when I was having my dog groomed.”

“I’ll have to thank Mr. Stewart next time I see him,” said Margaret. Mr. Stewart owned the dog grooming business across the street from Margaret’s store. He had helped Margaret obtain a key piece of evidence to help prove that Kyle had not killed Margaret’s next door neighbor.

“I’ll be back next week to pick up the bags,” said the woman as she walked out the door.

“That will be plenty of time,” said Margaret. “We will see you then.”

“What are we doing?” asked Zach.

“We will be making five hundred goody bags for the local elementary school. She and I figured out a good price. I have to go and place the order,” Margaret said, going into the back room. She giggled to herself. This would really help get her name out to more people. She knew the order wouldn’t be difficult to fill and she had Zach and Patty to help. She called her distributor and placed the order. She was able to get some cute bags also. Her distributor mentioned they had some overstock of certain candies and offered to sell them to Margaret at a steep discount. After thinking about it, Margaret agreed. She could sell those candies at a sale price and entice customers into the shop.

Margaret went to the front of the store, and Zach told her he would be happy to help her with the big order. Margaret thanked him and mentioned the discounted candy.

“We might have to stay later a few days to get this order done,” said Margaret. “Also, I thought we could call the discounted candies a Sweet Sale. I bet our customers would like that.”

“I agree, although I think we can bag the candies for the elementary school during regular business hours,” said Zach. “We have been steady, but one of us could be working in the back on the bags while the other two man the front of the shop.”

“That makes sense,” said Margaret. “No point in staying late if we don’t have to!”

“When will the supplies be here?” asked Zach.

“Oh, my distributor said she would put a rush on the order. They should be here tomorrow morning,” said Margaret.

“Great. Patty will be back tomorrow. We can get to stuffing by midmorning,” said Zach.

With the mention of Patty, Margaret told Zach she was going to go in the back and give her a call. Margaret dialed Patty’s number.

“Hello, Patty,” said Margaret when she answered. “How is your cat?”

“Thank you for calling, Margaret. I’m sorry I had to miss work, but Mr. Whiskers was having tummy problems.”

“Oh no,” said Margaret. “Is he feeling better now?”

“Yes, the veterinarian gave him some medicine and Mr. Whiskers is sleeping soundly. I could probably come in soon if you need me.”

“That’s okay, Patty,” said Margaret. “Stay home and keep Mr. Whiskers company. We’re fine here.”

“Thank you, Margaret. I’m sure Mr. Whiskers will be happy to see me when he wakes up. I’ll be in tomorrow for sure.”

“Great. We have a big order to put together. I’ll give you details when you get here. Take care and I will see you tomorrow,” said Margaret. She hung up the phone and shook her head. Patty was a wonderful human being who saw the best in everyone and everything. Margaret wasn’t surprised that she had taken her cat to the vet for stomach problems. Patty loved her cat tremendously. Margaret knew if Patty came to work she would just be distracted. It is better she stay home today, thought Margaret. Margaret walked back to the front of the store, where Zach was cleaning one of the counters.

Just then Mr. Stewart walked in. He didn’t look happy at all.

Chapter 2

Mr. Stewart stomped over to the counter. Margaret asked what was wrong.

“Have you seen those delivery trucks outside?” Mr. Stewart asked, waving his arms toward the front of the store.

“No, I hadn’t noticed them,” said Margaret.

“I noticed them,” said Zach.

“Why are they there?” asked Margaret.

Mr. Stewart motioned her over to the window. “See that?” he asked.

Margaret saw two delivery trucks in front of Mr. Stewart’s shop. One of them was blocking Mr. Stewart’s driveway.

“They are in my way and the noise is upsetting my clients. One dog was so nervous he wouldn’t hold still. I almost cut his ear. Three of my customers called and cancelled their appointments until the trucks are gone,” said Mr. Stewart. He was very upset.

“I understand how unsettling that must be,” said Margaret. “Why don’t you come over to the counter and pick out some candies. Candy always makes things better.”

Grumbling, Mr. Stewart followed her to the counter and picked out some sour balls and gumdrops. Margaret bagged them and Mr. Stewart gave her some cash. He popped a gumdrop in his mouth and grimaced.

“Not doing the trick?” asked Margaret.

“It is not you or your candy. No amount of candy will make me feel better today.”

“I understand, Mr. Stewart. Oh, I had something nice happen today, thanks to you. I was talking to a woman today about goody bags for the elementary school. Thanks for recommending me.”

“I figured all kids love candy and you could use the business.”

“I appreciate that,” said Margaret. Just then they heard the beeping of a truck backing up. Mr. Stewart scowled.

“I need to go and check on my dogs. I’m sure they will all be howling. How are my customers supposed to get their dogs in my shop with that truck blocking my driveway?”

Margaret shook her head, sympathetic. She waved as Mr. Stewart stomped to the door. As he was leaving, a tall sandy-haired man walked in. He smiled at Margaret and Zach while he held the door for Mr. Stewart. Margaret heard Mr. Stewart grumble something as he left.

“Hello, David,” said Margaret. David Graham was a local detective. He had believed that Kyle had killed Margaret’s neighbor until Margaret had proven otherwise. David and Margaret had grown closer during the case. While David now respected Margaret’s opinions, he still didn’t want her too close to his work. Hunting down murderers was a dangerous business, and he didn’t want Margaret getting hurt.

“Hello, Margaret,” said David, walking over to the counter.

She grinned at him. “Would you like to buy some candy?”

“Maybe later,” he said. “I stopped by to see if you had time to go and have coffee at Stacy’s with me.”

“Sure,” said Margaret. She looked at Zach. “Do you think you can hold down the fort?” she asked.

“Sure, if you bring me back a patty melt,” said Zach.

Margaret laughed and agreed. David held the door for her as they left the store. Margaret heard a loud whooshing sound and some beeping. She looked across the street. There was a delivery truck leaving the vacant store next to Mr. Stewart’s pet grooming business. The other truck that had blocked his driveway was gone. Thank goodness, thought Margaret.

“I wonder what is opening there,” said Margaret, pointing to the vacant store.

“Let’s go over there and find out,” suggested David. They walked across the street and looked into the windows of the vacant store. Boxes lined the wall and it looked like someone had been clearing off the old counters.

“Hello,” said a voice behind Margaret and David. Margaret jumped a bit and turned around. A tall man was standing behind them. He was wearing a suit and holding two cups and had apparently just come outside.

“Would you like a sample?” he asked.

“What is it?” asked David.

“It is a sample of my coffee. My name is Scott Freeman. I’m going to be opening a coffee shop.”

“Wow, that sounds great,” said Margaret. “I’m Margaret Nichols. I own the candy store across the street.”

“I noticed your store when I was looking at this property. That is a great name for a candy store,” said Scott. “Makes it sound like everything’s a nickel.”

Margaret rolled her eyes and David chuckled. It never failed. She had named the store Nichols’ Candies, and everyone joked about it.

Scott smiled, and David held his hand out.

“I’m David Graham,” he said, shaking Scott’s hand.

“Do you own a business downtown too?” asked Scott.

“No. I’m a police detective.”

“It is nice to meet you,” said Scott. “Don’t take offense, but I hope I never have to call you. I would prefer to know you as a customer only. How do you like the coffee?”

“It tastes wonderful,” said Margaret. “When do you think you will open?”

“Hopefully soon,” Scott said. “I have some people coming in to install some more counters. After that, I just have to get everything set up.”

“Good luck,” said Margaret. “I hope everything goes smoothly.”

“Well, it was nice meeting you,” said David. “Thank you for the samples. Margaret and I were just on the way to the café.”

Margaret and David waved as they turned to walk back across the street to the café.

“He seems nice,” said Margaret.

“Yes, he does. Good coffee, too,” said David.

“It really was. It will be nice having a coffee shop in town. Let’s just hope Mr. Stewart can put up with the trucks for a couple more days.”

“Oh, I thought he looked mad when I saw him at your shop.”

“Yeah, he was complaining about the noise the trucks were making. He said it was scaring the dogs. He almost cut a dog’s ear,” replied Margaret.

“That would not have been good for business,” said David. “I can understand why he’s upset.”

“Well, maybe he’ll like the business once the big trucks leave,” said Margaret.

“I hope so,” said David as they got to the café. Stacy waved them to a seat and walked over.

“How are you two today?” she asked.

“We’re fine,” said Margaret. “How are you?”

“I’m good. I saw you talking to the man who is renting the vacant storefront across the street.”

“Yes, have you met him?” asked Margaret.

“Not yet. He hasn’t come in here to eat yet. Some of my regulars haven’t been here, either. They say they can’t find parking with the trucks in the way.”

“Give him time,” said Margaret. “His name is Scott. He seems like a nice guy.”

“If you say so,” said Stacy, but she had a sour look on her face. “What can I get you?”

“We’ll take a pot of coffee and two mugs,” said David.

“Oh, and I need a to-go order for Zach,” said Margaret.

“Let me guess. He wants a patty melt,” said Stacy.

David and Margaret laughed.

“He says yours are the best he has ever tasted,” said Margaret.

“I agree with that,” said David. Stacy laughed and went to get their coffee. David and Margaret talked about the new business.

“I think it’s good that this town is getting so many new storefronts,” said David. “So often you see small towns get smaller and smaller, and businesses leave, and then there’s no one left. Glad this town is thriving.”

“Yeah, me too. We don’t want too many vacancies,” said Margaret.

Stacy came by with the coffee. “Let me know when you want me to make Zach’s patty melt,” Stacy said. “I want it to be nice and hot for him.”

“I will,” said Margaret. Margaret told David about the elementary school order.

“It sounds like you’ll be busy,” said David. “Would you like some help?”

“We should be fine, but I know where to reach you if I need you.”

They talked for a while longer and Margaret asked Stacy to make Zach’s lunch.

“Oh, did I tell you I ran into Kyle today?” asked Margaret. She thought she saw David cringe but figured it must have been the way he was sitting. He moved a bit and smiled.

“What did he want?” asked David.

“He’s been helping me around the house. Sometimes I need an extra set of hands and he is right across the street. I’m glad he’s nearby to help me.”

“You know, you can call me if you need a hand,” suggested David.

“I appreciate that. If I can’t get Kyle I will give you a call,” Margaret answered. She talked about some herbs she had planted. She loved to garden. It was one of her many hobbies that she could pull off. She enjoyed baking, but Zach had let her know more than once that what she made was not necessarily fit for consumption.

“Anytime you need me, I’ll be there,” David replied. Margaret thanked him. Stacy brought over the patty melt and a soda for Zach, and David paid for the food and coffee over Margaret’s protests.

“You paid last time, remember?” asked David. Margaret did remember and she thanked him. Before they left, Stacy brought over a bag.

“This is for you and Zach,” she said.

“What is it?” asked Margaret.

“I’m trying out pecan pies. I wanted your opinion so I wrapped some up for you.”

“Thank you. I know Zach will be thrilled,” said Margaret.

“Let me know what you think,” Stacy said. “I was thinking about putting them on the menu permanently.”

Margaret said she and Zach would give it a try. After walking Margaret back to the candy shop, David waved goodbye and went to his car.

Zach was organizing the candy in the display cases. He looked up when Margaret walked in.

“Did you bring my patty melt?” he asked.

“Yes, and Stacy threw in some pecan pie. She wants us to try it and let her know how it tastes.”

“Oh, cool,” said Zach taking the bags from Margaret and going into the back room.

“Did we have any customers while I was gone?” asked Margaret.

“A few. Some of them were complaining about the trucks and the loud noises across the street.”

“David and I stopped by the empty store. It was bought by a man named Scott Freeman. He’s going to open up a coffee shop,” said Margaret. “He gave David and me samples of his coffee. They were pretty good.”

“That sounds cool. This town needs a good coffee shop,” said Zach. He got quiet while he ate his sandwich.

Margaret looked out and saw one of the trucks pulling up in front Mr. Stewart’s grooming business. Uh-oh, she thought, but then the truck pulled out and left. Margaret breathed a sigh of relief. At five Margaret and Zach closed the store. Zach said he was going to the beach to meet some friends. Margaret told him to be safe and then drove home. Pulling into her driveway, she saw Kyle walking Stryker. She waved to him and went inside to see what she could make for dinner.

Chapter 3

The next morning Margaret got up early. She ate breakfast and had two cups of coffee. This time Margaret let Zach sleep in. She left him a note telling him to take it easy and be at work by lunch time. When Margaret went to her car she looked across the street. Kyle was sitting on his porch reading a newspaper. Margaret called out a hello and drove to the store. She was expecting her delivery that morning. When she got into town she noticed the lights were on at the coffee shop. The counters were in place and it looked like Scott was moving right along with getting his new store open on time. Margaret went to her own store but didn’t open the shop right away. She was going to set up a Sweet Sale promotion first using the extra candy she received. She moved some of the candy off the countertop and set up some signs she had printed at home the night before.

Margaret decided to run over to the coffee shop and see if Scott would give her another sample cup of coffee before her delivery arrived. She walked across the street. The front door was open and she stepped inside. It was quiet. Margaret called out Scott’s name but there was no answer. She walked over to the counter and noticed none of the machines were running.

That’s odd, she thought, but then figured maybe he was going to be too busy to give out samples today. She walked around the counter and stopped. She drew in a quick breath. Scott Freeman was lying on the floor. He looked dead. She gingerly stepped forward and knelt down to feel his pulse. Nothing. Margaret pulled her cell phone from her pocket and called 911, and then she called David. David and the police officers arrived on the scene at the same time. David told Margaret to go back to the candy shop.

“I’ll question you there in a few minutes,” David said to her. She agreed and walked back to her store. As she was opening the door her delivery came. The driver unloaded the candies and supplies and Margaret signed for them. She sat down in the back room of her store and breathed deeply. It wasn’t the first time she had seen a dead body, but it didn’t get any easier. David walked in she went back to the front. He gave her a hug.

“So, what happened?” asked David.

“I don’t know,” said Margaret. “When I got here all of the lights were on. I thought Scott might have decided to open early or that I could at least get a cup of coffee from him. I stepped inside but I noticed the coffee makers weren’t turned on. I called for Scott but he didn’t answer. I looked behind the counter and saw him lying there. I checked his pulse and then called nine-one-one and you. Is he dead?”

“Yes, he is,” said David. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

“I’ll be okay. What did you find out?” Margaret asked.

“Not too much yet. No blood on the scene, no obvious sign of foul play. We sent samples to the lab. I’m hoping to get the results later today. Do you need some help with those boxes?” he asked, pointing to the back room.

“No thank you,” said Margaret, noticing the diversion. “The delivery driver put them where I can reach them. I’m going to be setting up the elementary school goody bags back there. Also I bought some extra candies and I will be having a Sweet Sale today and tomorrow. I’m also thinking about a surprise soon.”

“What surprise?” asked David.

“Well, if I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise,” Margaret replied, smiling.

“You know, I’m trained in interrogation methods,” said David, stepping closer to her.

Margaret laughed. “You won’t get me to talk,” she said.

David chuckled too. “I’m glad you’re laughing,” said David.

“Well, I still have a business to run,” said Margaret. “I hope you find out what happened to Scott soon.”

“I’ll let you know what we find out,” David promised. He left and Margaret went to the back of the store. She separated the boxes into goody bag items and Sweet Sale items. She was just about to put the Sweet Sale candy out when she heard the door open. It was Patty.

“Good morning,” said Margaret. “How is Mr. Whiskers today?”

“He is much better, thank you. I’m glad I got him to the veterinarian right away. The medicine seemed to help. Thank you for giving me the day off. I was exhausted from all that running around.”

“I understand,” said Margaret. “I’m just glad that Mr. Whiskers is okay.”

“Did you see all the police cars outside?” asked Patty.

“Yes,” said Margaret. “Unfortunately, I know why they’re there.” Margaret explained what had happened that morning.

Patty gasped. “That is awful. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I was just setting up a sale. I got a good deal on some candies and we will have a Sweet Sale until they are sold out. I’m also putting together five hundred goody bags for the elementary school. They need to be done in a few days. Would you mind taking the front of the store today? After I set up the Sweet Sale I will be in the back assembling the bags. Zach will be here around lunch time.”

“I will be fine up front,” said Patty. “I’m going to go to Stacy’s for some coffee first. Would you like some?”

Margaret realized in all the drama she had forgotten to get some coffee. She thanked Patty and said yes. While Patty was gone Margaret set up the display. She had some chocolate-covered toffees and some assorted jellies. As she was working, she remembered Stacy’s pecan pie. That gave her an idea. She had mentioned a surprise to David but hadn’t been sure exactly what it would be. Now she thought she knew.

Patty returned with the coffee and Margaret explained the details of the Sweet Sale.

“All of these candies are half price,” said Margaret. “Also, check some of our stock. If they are getting near the posted expiration date, please include them in the sale.”

“Okay,” said Patty. “Will you be restocking the sale candy?” she asked. “Some of the customers might ask.”

“Tell them I’m making room for something special,” said Margaret.

When Patty looked at her questioningly, Margaret just smiled.

“I will fill you in later. Right now I have to fill these bags with deliciousness,” said Margaret, going into the back of the store.

Margaret set up the bags. She worked all morning and got a quarter of them filled. Zach came in at lunch time. He appeared in the back with a bag from Stacy’s shop.

“I brought you a cheeseburger,” he told Margaret.

“Wonderful, I’m starving,” she said. She cleared a small spot on the table and Zach sat down with her to eat. Margaret filled him in on what had happened that morning. She told him David would be by later with more information.

“How are the bags coming?” asked Zach.

“I’m about a fourth of the way done,” said Margaret.

“Nice. I like the Sweet Sale,” said Zach. “Should definitely bring in more customers.”

“Oh, that reminds me, take these out for the sale when you are done eating,” said Margaret as she pointed to a small pile of candy boxes. “We don’t have much candy about to expire, thanks to our customers. We do have a few, though.”

“Patty said you aren’t replacing these,” said Zach.

“Yep,” said Margaret. “I’m making something special.”

“What do you mean making?” he asked with a look of mock horror.

“Oh, stop. It’s a surprise. I will show you later,” said Margaret. Zach grinned and ate his patty melt.

“Did you have fun at the beach last night?” asked Margaret.

“Yeah, I met up with some friends. We had a good time,” said Zach.

Margaret was glad that Zach had made friends. She had been anxious when she moved him out of his childhood home. Her ex-husband was the cause of the move and Margaret hoped that Zach was happy to be living by the beach now. He seemed happy and he had told her he was glad they had moved away. Margaret still worried about him, but he seemed to be adjusting well to the move.

They finished their lunch and Zach took the candy up front. He gave it to Patty and then came back to help Margaret with the goody bags. Margaret heard the front door open. She heard Patty tell someone she was in the back, and a second later David appeared around the corner.

“I wanted to stop by and let you know we got the lab results,” said David. “I knew you’d be bugging me about them so I figured I might as well tell you.”

Margaret grinned. “Aw, that was nice of you. What did they find?” She set down the bag of candy she had been holding.

“It seems that Scott was poisoned,” said David.

“Poisoned? He was murdered? That’s awful,” said Margaret. “Will you be leading the investigation?”

“Yes, but before you ask, I don’t want your help. Remember what happened last time?”

Margaret did remember. During the last investigation into her neighbor’s death Margaret had ended up with a concussion and a broken leg. She had gotten the cast off recently and walked with a slight limp, which the doctor said would go away soon. In spite of this, Margaret was still intrigued by this case. She had discovered the body, after all.

“Okay, I will sit this one out on the sidelines,” Margaret said. But I will help whenever I can, she thought.

“Hey, Zach. I’m counting on you to keep your mom occupied at the store,” said David. “I don’t want her getting hurt again.”

“She’s my mom. I have to listen to her if I want to keep my job. And my car,” Zach joked.

“You also want to keep your mom safe. So try to keep her occupied,” said David.

“I’m standing right here,” said Margaret with a mock frown.

“Yes, and I want you to stay here,” said David.

“Yes sir,” said Margaret, saluting him.

David rolled his eyes. “I have to get back over to the precinct. I need to organize the investigation.”

“Okay,” said Margaret. “While you’re out and about let people know about my Sweet Sale. I’m clearing some candies out to make room for that surprise I mentioned.”

“Good, that will keep you busy.” David smiled. “I’ll be sure to let everyone know so they stop by the store. Between that and the goody bags you should have plenty on your plate.” David said good-bye and left the back room. Margaret heard him talking to Patty before he left the store.

“Okay, now that he is gone, we have to figure out who killed Scott,” she said to Zach.

Zach gaped at her. “Mom, you just told David you would stay out of his investigation.”

“Am I at the precinct? No. I’m in my store. What I do here is my business. Now, start packing these bags. I want to get them done today. While we’re packing I can think about the case. See, I kept my promise.”

Zach shook his head and started filling up the bags. Margaret helped and they kept at it until early evening, not wanting to stop until the job was finished.

“That’s it,” said Margaret, putting the last candy in the last bag. “I’m glad to get these done. I’ll call the school tomorrow and have someone come out and pick up the bags. Between the bags and my Sweet Sale we should be getting our name out and about. After this we should be getting more customers into the store. And with my surprise, we should be keeping them.”

“Are you going to tell me what the surprise is now?” asked Zach.

“Nope, but I will show you soon,” Margaret replied.

Patty had closed the front of the store at five. Zach left, saying he would pick dinner up on the way home. Margaret shut down the store and drove home. On the way she stopped at the grocery store and picked up some ingredients. She smiled as she paid for the items. Zach will be surprised, she thought as she left the grocery store and drove home. That night, after Zach went to bed, Margaret got out the ingredients she had bought from the grocery store. She lined them up on the counter and went to work measuring and mixing. She put the finished product in her refrigerator and went to sleep.

Chapter 4

The next morning Margaret got up early and turned on the coffeepot. She tiptoed around and had some breakfast and coffee. She left the pot on for Zach and left the house without waking him. She took what she had made the night before into work and stuck them in the refrigerator in the back. After Margaret dusted the counters and got the store ready to open, Zach arrived.

“Where were you this morning?” he asked. “I got up and you were gone. Thanks for making me coffee before you left.”

“I had to bring something in to work. It’s the surprise I was telling you about. Wait until Patty gets here and I will show you,” Margaret replied with a smile.

Zach shook his head and got the register ready.

“Would you like me to open the store?” he asked.

“Sure,” said Margaret. “Patty should be here any minute. I need to call the school about the bags.”

“Okay,” said Zach, turning the Open sign around. Margaret went to the back to make the phone call.

“Hello, this is Margaret Nichols from Nichols’ Candies. I have the goody bags ready for the school,” Margaret told the receptionist.

“Thank you, that was fast,” the receptionist replied.

“Yes. I had some helpers,” said Margaret. “Will someone be able to pick up the bags today?”

“Just a minute,” the receptionist replied.

While she was waiting Margaret thought about Scott Freeman. She had told David she would not get involved, but she wanted to help. The receptionist came back on the line.

“The woman you dealt with is out sick. I don’t think we can come and get them today,” the she said.

“No problem,” replied Margaret. “I will bring them to you.”

“Oh, that would be great,” said the receptionist.

“I can deliver them around lunchtime, will that be okay?” said Margaret.

“That would be perfect,” said the receptionist.

Margaret hung up and then looked at the boxes of bags she had in the back room. There were a lot of boxes, but she felt confident that they would fit in her little yellow Mazda, which was a five-door hatchback. It might be a little crowded, but she’d make it work. She went back to the front of the store. As she was entering from the back room Patty arrived. She apologized for being late.

“No problem, Patty,” said Margaret. “Zach and I had it covered. Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Mr. Whiskers got out and I had to chase him and bring him back inside before I left. He’s an indoor cat,” said Patty. “I would have worried all day if I left him loose.”

Margaret smiled, imagining the older woman chasing the cat.

“I heard a few people talking about your Sweet Sale at the post office this morning,” Patty said. “Word is getting out. Have you heard anything else from David?”

“Not today. I guess he’s busy running his investigation.”

“So what are you going to do?” asked Patty.

“I’m not sure yet. I thought I would stop by the Freeman house and pay my condolences to Scott’s wife. David mentioned Scott was married. I have to go to the elementary school and her house is right around the corner. I found their address on my map app earlier,” Margaret said.

Patty and Zach looked at her with raised eyebrows.

“What?” asked Margaret. “I’m just going to say how sorry I am for her loss.”

“Sure you are,” said Zach, winking at Patty. Patty and Margaret laughed.

“Hey,” said Zach. “Patty is here now. What is your surprise?”

Before Margaret could answer a customer walked in.

“Is this where the Sweet Sale is?” he asked. Zach told him it was and showed the customer the candy. Margaret took this opportunity to duck into the back room. She pulled the surprise out of the refrigerator and put it on some plates. When Zach was done with the customer Margaret called him and Patty into the back.

“Well, you have been waiting patiently. I have something I want to show you. Promise me you won’t judge it until you try it,” Margaret said, pulling the plates out from behind her.

Patty and Zach gasped. On the plates before them were stunning-looking pralines. They were a pecan candy that Zach had grown up eating.

“Those look gorgeous,” said Patty. “Where did you get them?”

“I made them,” Margaret confided just as Zach was about to taste one.

“You made these?” he asked, putting the candy back on the plate untasted.

“Yes,” said Margaret. “Come on. Try one.”

Zach hesitated. He picked up the candy and smelled it. “It smells good,” he said. He tasted the candy. His eyes lit up and he smiled.

“This is delicious,” he exclaimed.

“Really?” asked Margaret.

“Yes, really,” Zach said. “I love this. You really made it?”

“Yes,” said Margaret. “I made them after you went to bed. I thought I would try some homemade candies in the shop. When Stacy gave me the pecan pie I remembered the pralines we used to eat. I grabbed the ingredients and whipped them up. There is no baking involved, so I figured there was a chance these would turn out right. I’m glad you like them.”

“These are wonderful,” chimed in Patty. “Your customers will love them.”

Margaret was thrilled. She had been thinking for a while now about incorporating homemade candy into the store. With the stove and refrigerator in the back of her store she could make them right there. That would save some shipping costs. Margaret would still keep the smaller candies. She was hoping to replace some of the gourmet candies for her own.

Just then she heard the front door open. Margaret went out and helped the customer. Zach and Patty stayed in the back enjoying their candies.

David walked in a moment later and Margaret was surprised to see him.

“I thought you would be busy investigating Scott Freeman’s death,” she said.

“I had a few minutes and I thought I would stop in. Are you keeping busy?”

“Yes,” said Margaret. “I have the sale going on and a surprise soon.”

“What is the surprise?” asked David.

“I’m not telling you,” said Margaret. “You can find out when the rest of my customers do.”

“Is that because I asked you not to investigate the Freeman murder?” David asked.

“Maybe,” said Margaret coyly.

“Well, you understand why I don’t want you involved.”

“Because I’m not officially part of the police department,” said Margaret, rolling her eyes.

“That is one reason, but the biggest reason is because I don’t want you to get hurt. Remember when you stuck your nose in last time?” David asked. “You ended up with a concussion and a broken leg.”

“I was right though,” Margaret countered.

“Yes, you were and you were almost killed,” David said.

“That is a bit of an exaggeration,” Margaret said.

“No it isn’t,” insisted David. “If anything happened to you because you were investigating one of my cases I would never forgive myself.”

“I’m a grown woman, not a china doll,” Margaret retorted.

“Look, can we agree to disagree on this point for right now?” asked David. “I don’t want to get into another fight.”

Margaret didn’t want to fight with David either. She agreed to drop it for now. But she took David’s warning as a challenge. She would continue to investigate the murder.

“Would you like some candy?” she asked.

“I thought you’d never ask,” said David, laughing. Margaret smiled. Zach and Patty came in from the back while Margaret got David’s order together.

“Since we are dropping that issue will you tell me the surprise?” David asked.

“I will tell you later today,” Margaret said. “I have an errand to run right now.”

“Where are you going?” asked David, looking suspicious.

“To the grocery store,” said Margaret.

Zach and Patty looked at each other. David narrowed his eyes.

“Be careful,” David finally said.

“I think I’m safe buying groceries,” Margaret said. She said goodbye to David and he left the store.

“Buying groceries?” Zach asked.

“I was not lying. I will be buying groceries after stopping by Mrs. Freeman’s house.”

“And dropping off the bags,” said Patty.

“Yes. Okay, maybe I didn’t tell him everything but I’m a grown woman. I don’t appreciate him treating me like a child.”

“I understand,” said Patty. “When he gets an idea in his head he is like a dog with a bone. Have you heard from any of the other shopkeepers about Scott Freeman? I think a community is like a family. We should all be watching out for one another.”

“Or we should be getting together and not let outsiders in,” said Mr. Stewart.

Patty and Margaret jumped.

“I didn’t hear the door,” said Margaret.

“You were busy talking. I think this community is fine as it is. Too many outsiders bring trouble.”

“I’m an outsider,” said Margaret.

“No, you are part of this community,” said Mr. Stewart. “You earned your way into our hearts.”

“Aw, thanks,” Margaret said and then asked if he needed anything.

“I’ll take some of the Sweet Sale candy,” said Mr. Stewart. While Zach bagged some up, Mr. Stewart said to Margaret, “Oh, and if you need any help with your investigation let me know.” Mr. Stewart paid Zach and turned toward the door.

“What investigation?” asked Margaret.

“I know you,” said Mr. Stewart. “I’m sure you will be trying to figure out who murdered Scott Freeman. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything to David.”

Margaret’s mouth dropped open in mock shock. “Why on earth do you think I will be investigating this murder?”

“Because that is what you do,” said Mr. Stewart, smiling as he walked out the door.

Patty laughed and Zach grinned. Margaret chuckled as she shook her head.

“I need to get those bags to the school. Will you help me load the car?” Margaret asked Zach.

The candy barely fit in the car. The trunk was full to the brim with boxes and the back seat and front passenger’s seat were covered with them. Margaret had to drive with one box on her lap.

Zach laughed. “Be careful,” he said as Margaret pulled out.

“I will,” said Margaret. She drove carefully to the school, and when she arrived, the receptionist called some teachers to help Margaret unload the car. When they were done, the receptionist handed Margaret a check.

“Thank you so much for the goody bags,” she said. “We gave you a bonus for having them done so quickly.”

“Thank you so much,” said Margaret. “I appreciate that.” Back in the car, she looked at the check and grinned. “This will help pay for the pralines,” she murmured as she pulled out of the parking lot.

A few minutes later Margaret was pulling into Mrs. Freeman’s driveway. She got out of the car and walked to the door. Margaret introduced herself when Mrs. Freeman opened the door. Mrs. Freeman was a pretty woman, and except for eyes that were slightly red, she didn’t appear too grief-stricken.

“I’m Leah Freeman. Come in,” she said, and Margaret walked inside. The house was neat and attractive. There were pictures on the wall and the furniture looked new.

“You have a beautiful house,” said Margaret.

“Thank you,” said Leah. “I have been trying to keep it in order, but it has been difficult. People have been stopping by to offer their condolences and I have been on the phone with the police quite a bit.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” said Margaret.

“Oh wait—you’re Margaret,” Leah said as though something just dawned on her. “You were the person who found him, right?”

“Yes, I was. I didn’t realize he had been murdered. I was hoping to talk to you about him. I was thinking of looking into the case.”

“Oh, are you a detective?” asked Leah.

“More of a private investigator,” Margaret hedged.

“I could certainly use your help,” said Leah. “The police apparently don’t have any leads yet.”

“I would be happy to help look into things,” said Margaret, beaming.

“You’re hired,” said Leah.

Margaret’s breath caught. Was Mrs. Freeman really offering to pay her to look into her husband’s murder? Was that even legal? She wasn’t officially a private investigator, after all.

“You should know,” Margaret said, “that I’m not exactly licensed. It’s more of a hobby. I couldn’t take your money. I don’t even know if I’d be allowed.”

Leah thought for a minute. “What about if I hired you as a consultant, not a private investigator? Would that be all right? I’m just not sure the police in such a small town have what it takes to solve this case.”

“A consultant?” Margaret hesitated. Surely that would be okay, right? Then she looked at Leah Freeman. “It’s a deal.”

Chapter 5

Leah offered Margaret a seat and asked if she wanted coffee.

“I’d love some,” Margaret said, and Leah walked into her kitchen.

Margaret couldn’t believe her luck. Not only was she going to be able to poke around into the murder. She was going to be paid to do so. Leah came back with two mugs of coffee. She set them down on the coffee table along with some cream and sugar. Margaret thanked her and thought for a minute.

“What was your husband like, Mrs. Freeman?” she asked.

“You can call me Leah,” said Mrs. Freeman. “Mrs. Freeman seems so formal.”

“Okay, Leah,” said Margaret. “Can you tell me about your husband?”

Leah drew in her breath before replying. “Well, he was a workaholic for sure. He was always in his coffee shop. Some nights he would stay there overnight.”

“Was this his first business?” asked Margaret, remembering the long hours she had put in to opening her candy shop.

“No. Scott and I travel up and down the East Coast. He would open a store in one location and hire a manager to run it while we went on to the next store.”

“Were they all coffee shops?” asked Margaret.

“Yes,” said Leah. “He had established himself with his buyers. They were giving him great rates on the coffee. His shops are still in business. I’m sure if you traveled to some of the other small towns on the coast you’d see them.”

“That’s great,” said Margaret. “I know it is difficult opening a new business.”

“Scott just had that talent,” said Leah. “He knew what people wanted and he knew how to give it to them. I didn’t see much of him when he was opening a store but he always came home eventually.”

“On the night he was killed was he working?” asked Margaret.

“Yes. He had stayed in the shop all night. He was determined to get this one up and running in record time. He worked very hard to make it a successful opening.” Leah stopped and looked out the window. “Even though I didn’t see him much I knew he loved me. He told me he was working toward an early retirement. He said he wanted to retire to a beach community and buy a small house by the ocean. Then we could stop moving around all the time.”

“That sounds lovely,” said Margaret.

Leah pulled out a tissue and blew her nose. “Now that dream is gone. Would you please help me find out who murdered him?” she asked. “I still can’t believe he’s really gone.”

“I will do my best,” said Margaret. She got up and Leah rose too. Leah walked her to the door.

“Thank you for helping me,” said Leah. “I feel much better now.”

Margaret told her she was happy to help and then walked to her car. She called Zach at the store.

“I’m going to get some groceries and run to the bank. Do you need anything?”

“No,” said Zach. “I’m okay. Stacy stopped by and I told her how much we liked the pie.”

“Thank you,” said Margaret. “I meant to stop by there but I got busy with everything. I appreciate you passing on the kind words.”

Margaret drove to the store and bought the ingredients for more pralines. She returned to the candy store and Zach helped her unload her bags.

“I’m going to be making some pralines for the shop right now,” said Margaret.

“Do you need any help?” asked Patty.

“I don’t think so,” Margaret replied. “The other batch came out just fine. Fingers crossed that this one does too.”

“I’m sure they will be delicious,” Patty said. “How did the meeting with Mrs. Freeman go?”

Zach looked up, waiting for Margaret’s answer.

“It was better than good,” Margaret said.

“Oh really? What happened?” asked Zach.

“She hired me as her private investigator,” said Margaret beaming.

“But you aren’t a private investigator,” said Zach, confused.

“I know, and I told that to Leah—that’s Mrs. Freeman’s name—but she said she’d hire me as a consultant. She’s paying me to investigate Scott’s death.”

“No matter what you call it, you’d still be acting like a private investigator,” Patty said. “What did David say about this?”

“He doesn’t know and I don’t want to tell him just yet. I’ll let him know when the time is right,” promised Margaret.

“Just make sure this doesn’t come between you,” warned Patty.

“Right,” said Margaret. She started putting the groceries away. The bell from the front door sounded and Patty left to help the customer.

Zach looked at his mother.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m trying to solve this poor man’s murder,” said Margaret, hesitating. “Are you okay with me taking on this case?”

“Sure,” said Zach. “I guess. Just be careful. If anything happens to you . . .”

“I’ll be fine,” Margaret reassured him with a hug. “I promise I’ll be careful. I don’t want anything happening to me either.”

Zach laughed and Margaret let him go. She pulled out a mixing bowl to start on the pralines while Zach went back to the front of the store to help Patty with the customers. Margaret smiled as she worked. Things are coming together, she thought. She mixed the pralines with the warmed confection and put them on baking sheets to cool. Then she went to the front of the store and helped Patty and Zach.

Word had gotten out about her candy sale and the store was packed. The customers were drawn in by the sale but they bought regular-priced candy too, which was what Margaret had hoped for. She relaxed a bit and helped them figure out which candy they wanted. When the customers thinned after a while, Zach suggested he and Patty go over to Stacy’s café for lunch. Margaret agreed to watch the store and asked Zach to bring her back a salad. She went back to check on her pralines. They were coming along nicely.

Around closing time Margaret asked Patty and Zach to try out her new batch of pralines.

“These are just as good as the first ones,” said Patty.

“They are delicious,” said Zach. “When are we going to sell them?”

Margaret looked at the Sweet Sale merchandise. The sale had been a hit and most of the candies were gone.

“How about we bag up the rest of the Sweet Sale candies and sell them to people by the prepackaged bagful?” Margaret suggested. “That will clear up some room for the pralines.”

“Good idea,” said Patty.

“I think I still have some bags left from the elementary school project,” said Margaret. “Let me get them from the back.”

All three of them worked together to bag up the remaining candy. Margaret put the remaining candy into a bowl on a small table by the front door. She thought they might sell quicker to children and that table was right on their level. She also asked Zach to run a bag over to Mr. Stewart. Margaret appreciated him backing her on the investigation. When Zach left with the candy, Patty moved the sign to Closed and Margaret counted the register money.

Zach appeared a few minutes later. “Mr. Stewart said thank you for the candy,” he said. “Did you want to go to the beach for a bit before we go home?”

“Sure,” said Margaret. She loved walking on the beach, but because of her broken leg she hadn’t been able to go there as much as she would have liked. Patty said good night and Margaret and Zach walked down to the beach. The ocean was calm and the tide was low. Zach and Margaret walked along the water. The ocean helped to soothe Margaret and she took off her shoes. She went barefoot into the water, and Zach laughed when Margaret gasped at the cold water. She splashed him and he splashed her back. They laughed and walked back to the shop.

Margaret checked her pralines. They were ready to go into the refrigerator. She put them in and closed the shop, and she and Zach headed home. When they got there Kyle was outside mowing her lawn. He shut the mower off when Margaret got out of the car.

“What are you doing? “Margaret asked him.

“Well, it looked like your lawn needed to be mowed. I wasn’t sure how late you would be so I thought I would surprise you.”

“Thank you,” said Margaret. “I was going to have Zach do that tomorrow. It was very thoughtful of you.”

“I was cutting mine and I had the time. I’m happy to help out,” Kyle told her.

“Well shoot,” Zach joked. “I was really looking forward to mowing. Now what will I do with my evening tomorrow?” Kyle and Margaret laughed.

“Did I hear correctly? Did you find that guy’s body yesterday?” asked Kyle.

“Yes, I did,” said Margaret. “I called David right away. His name was Scott Freeman. Looks like he was murdered.”

“Oh no,” said Kyle. “What happened?”

“David thinks he was poisoned. He doesn’t have any leads yet but he’s working on them.”

“So is Mom,” said Zach.

“What are you talking about?” asked Kyle.

“Well, I might have gone to Mrs. Freeman’s and she might have hired me as a consultant to look into the murder.”

“What does David think about this?” asked Kyle.

Why was that always the first thing people asked her? Margaret sighed. “He doesn’t know yet. I will let him know in the next day or two,” said Margaret.

“How’s he going to take it?” asked Kyle.

“I’m not sure,” said Margaret. “He’s already voiced his concern about me working on this case. I appreciate his concern but I can take care of myself.”

“Don’t get me wrong when I say this, but David does have a point,” said Kyle.

“Really? Why do you think that?” asked Margaret.

“Like I said, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate everything you did for me on the last case. I’m just concerned for your safety. Last time you were threatened and ended up in the hospital. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”

“I understand,” said Margaret. “I’ll be especially careful this time.”

“Be sure you are,” said Kyle. “But I still don’t like it,” he added as he started the mower back up.

Margaret went inside. She understood why Kyle and David were worried, but she could take care of herself. She opened the refrigerator and found some turkey and cheese. She made sandwiches for dinner. Zach came downstairs after changing his clothes.

“Do you want me to invite Kyle in for dinner?” he asked.

“Sure. I thought we would sit out back at the picnic table,” Margaret said. “Go ahead and let him know he is welcome to join us.”

Zach went out the front door and Margaret took the sandwiches out back. She also brought out the sweet tea and some condiments. Zach showed up with plates and some pickles.

“Kyle said he would be over in a minute. He wants to get a quick shower.”

“Okay,” said Margaret. She and Zach sat and talked for a bit until Kyle showed up.

“These sandwiches are delicious,” said Kyle after they’d started eating.

“I’m glad you like them,” said Margaret. “Thank you again for mowing the lawn.”

“You’re welcome. Like I said, I had just got done mowing mine. So what are you going to do for Mrs. Freeman?”

“I’m not sure yet. I will have to see what David has uncovered and then I can work from there.”

“Are you sure he’ll be okay with you working for Mrs. Freeman?” asked Kyle.

“I suppose so,” said Margaret. “He doesn’t really have a choice. She did hire me.”

Just then Margaret saw some lights in her driveway. Zach got up and went inside the house.

“Speak of the devil,” Zach said when he came back out. David was following him. David saw Kyle sitting at the table and narrowed his eyes.

“I see you already have company,” David said.

“Don’t be silly,’ said Margaret. “It’s just Kyle. He mowed my lawn today so I invited him for dinner. Come over and have something to eat.”

David moved forward reluctantly and sat next to Margaret. She poured him a cup of tea and Zach gave him the plate of sandwiches.

“I just wanted to stop by and check on you,” said David to Margaret. “I was hoping to talk to you alone.”

Kyle took the hint and got up. “I have to get going anyway,” he said. “I need to walk Stryker.”

“Are you sure?” asked Margaret. “I have some ice cream in the freezer for dessert.”

“That sounds good, but I do need to keep Stryker on his schedule. It was nice to see you, David,” Kyle said.

“You too,” said David, but he didn’t sound like he meant it.

“Thank you for the sandwiches,” Kyle said to Margaret.

“Thank you for mowing the lawn,” said Margaret. Kyle left and Zach went inside to get some ice cream. Margaret and David were sitting alone on the bench.

“He mowed your lawn?” asked David.

“Yes. Zach and I came home and Kyle was almost done. He is so sweet to do these things for me. I didn’t even ask him to do it,” Margaret replied.

“I guess that was nice of him. What does he expect in return?” asked David.

Margaret was taken aback. “He doesn’t ask me for anything,” she said. “Once in a while Zach goes over and helps Kyle with some things. He’s doing it out of the kindness of his heart.”

David shifted in his seat and changed the subject. “We don’t have any new leads on the case,” he said. “I know you were about to ask me.”

“Do you want my help?” asked Margaret hopefully. If David said yes it would be easier to explain how she was helping Leah Freeman.

“No. Let the trained officers do their job,” David replied. Margaret sighed.

“Hey, Mom,” Zach called from the kitchen window. “Do you guys want any ice cream?”

“Sure,” said Margaret. “We’ll take some.” She noticed David had finished his sandwich.

“Listen,” she said, “there is something I have to tell you. I’m not sure how you will react but I think it is better if you hear it from me.”

“What is that?” asked David.

“Well, I stopped by Mrs. Freeman’s house today to offer my condolences,” Margaret started.

“That’s nice,” said David. “I figure she can use all the support she can get.”

“I agree,” said Margaret. “That is why I offered my help.”

David frowned. “What can a candy store owner do to help Mrs. Freeman?”

“A candy store owner cannot do too much. A private investigator, on the other hand, can help tremendously,” said Margaret.

“Oh? Did you recommend a private investigator to Mrs. Freeman?” asked David.

“Well, not quite,” said Margaret.

David looked at her. His frown deepened.

“What exactly are you saying?” he asked.

“I’m saying that Mrs. Freeman has hired me to look into her husband’s murder,” said Margaret. “Just as a consultant.”

David turned pale and then he turned red.

“What you mean is she hired you as a private investigator. Call it what it is. I told you to keep out of this case,” he said angrily.

“And I told you I’m a grown woman, not a child,” Margaret retorted.

“What do I have to do to stop you from putting your life in danger?” David snapped. “Do I have to arrest you?”

“Now you’re just being silly,” said Margaret. “I’m not breaking any laws. Leah Freeman knows I’m not a licensed PI, so she’s paying me as a consultant.”

David shook his head and got up.

“I have to leave,” he said.

“What about your ice cream?” asked Margaret.

“Tell Zach he can have it,” said David as he stormed away.

Margaret was flabbergasted. She had figured he wouldn’t take the news well but she had hoped they could at least discuss it. Zach walked out with the ice cream.

“Where’d David go?” he asked Margaret.

“Well, I told him the news and he didn’t take it well,” she replied.

“It will be okay, Mom,” Zach reassured her.

“I hope so,” said Margaret, picking up her spoon for the ice cream. “Thank you for scooping this. I’m sorry David left so quickly.”

“That’s okay. More for me,” said Zach, smiling. They both laughed and enjoyed their cool dessert.

Chapter 6

The next morning Margaret got dressed and went downstairs. She could hear Zach moving around in his room so she started a pot of coffee. She was thinking about what she would make for breakfast when she heard a knock at the door. She moved forward cautiously and looked out the window. There were beautiful mums at her eye level. Margaret smiled and opened the door. She was surprised to find David holding the plant.

“Good morning,” David said a bit sheepishly.

“Well, good morning to you,” said Margaret. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

“I know. I was a jerk,” he said. “I came by to apologize. When I saw Kyle sitting with you I got a little jealous, so I was already in a mood.”

“Really?” said Margaret. “You were jealous?”

“Maybe a little,” said David. “I brought you a potted plant. I was going to get you some cut flowers but I thought you would like this better.”

“I do,” said Margaret. “I can plant these out front. They will really perk up the front of the house.”

“I was a real jerk yesterday. I hope you can forgive me,” said David. “I went back home last night and thought about what you had said. You were right. I was coddling you. I wouldn’t want anyone to do that to me so I can only imagine how it felt when I did it to you. You are a sweet person and I’m glad we are getting to know one another. Is there any way you can forgive me?”

Margaret smiled and took the plant.

“Come on in and sit down in the kitchen. There is coffee and I was about to make pancakes,” Margaret said. “I forgive you. I would rather not fight. It takes a strong man to admit when he is wrong.”

David smiled and followed Margaret into the kitchen. As she was pouring him some coffee, David offered to make breakfast.

“After yesterday it’s the least I can do,” he said.

“Thank you,” said Margaret. “I’m sure your pancakes will be better than mine.”

“Did someone say pancakes?” Zach asked as he bounded down the stairs. He stopped when he saw David.

“Good morning, Zach,” said Margaret. “David stopped by to apologize for last night. He was offering to make pancakes.”

“Cool,” said Zach, helping himself to a cup of coffee.

“Okay,” said David, rubbing his hands together. “You guys just sit down and I will take care of you.”

I could get used to this, thought Margaret. She smiled as David walked around the kitchen pulling flour and sugar down from the shelves. He mixed everything together and beat in some eggs.

“Do you have any blueberries?” he asked Margaret.

“I sure do,” she said. Zach had bought some the other day from a roadside stand. Margaret had been eating them with cream but the thought of blueberry pancakes made her mouth water. “In the refrigerator in the fruit drawer.”

David put the blueberries in the pancake mix and started cooking. A few minutes later there was a big stack of pancakes on a serving plate. Zach got out the maple syrup and butter. A little while later they were all enjoying the pancakes. When they were done Zach cleared the table and Margaret got up to wash the dishes.

“Let me help you with that,” said David.

“That’s okay. You cooked,” replied Margaret.

“I want to help,” David insisted. “You wash and I’ll dry. Where are your dishtowels?” Margaret pointed at a drawer. David pulled out a towel and started drying. Margaret enjoyed being close to David. She giggled whenever his shaggy hair would cover his eyes and he would flip it back. Once in a while they would bump hips. Margaret didn’t mind that one bit.

When they finished with the dishes, David grabbed Margaret’s hands.

“Again, I’m sorry about yesterday. I will say that I worry about you. I can’t help that. I want you to be safe and happy,” David said.

Margaret kissed him on the cheek. “I understand. I will be safe and I’m always happy. Especially when someone makes me breakfast,” she teased. “I appreciate your apology and I look forward to working with you on this case.”

David shook his head and blew out a breath. “Okay,” he said. “It’s apparent you’re going to do this whether I want you to or not. So I might as well keep you close so I can keep an eye on you. Why don’t we meet for lunch and we can go over what I have found?”

“Wonderful,” Margaret said. She looked at the clock.

“Oh wow, time has flown. We have to get to the store before Patty wonders what has happened to us.”

“Yeah, I have to get back to my office. Lunch at Stacy’s?” David asked.

“Sounds like a plan,” she replied. David left and Margaret and Zach decided to go in to work together.

“Glad you got that figured out,” Zach said to his mom. “David is a nice guy. I’m glad he came over this morning.”

Margaret grinned. “I am too.”

They drove into town and found Patty waiting by the door. Margaret and Zach got out and Margaret opened the front door. They walked in and Patty asked if they would be setting up the pralines that day. Margaret hesitated. Yes, she wanted to expand her business into homemade candies, but she worried if her candies were good enough.

“Let’s wait until tomorrow,” she said. “The pralines will have an extra day to harden.”

“Okay, boss,” said Patty. She and Zach opened up the shop and Margaret went into the back room. She decided to make another round of pralines while waiting for lunch with David. Not for the first time, Margaret wondered if their relationship could be more than friendship. David’s jealousy of Kyle suggested he was interested in her that way. And they had kissed a few times. She wasn’t sure if she was ready but she was willing to feel out the prospect. She gathered the ingredients and started mixing up the pralines.

Margaret finished the pralines around noon. She took off her apron and went to the front of the store. Zach told her that they had sold out of the Sweet Sale candy.

“Great!” said Margaret.

Just then the door opened. It was David.

“I thought I would stop by and see the surprise,” said David.

“I forgot I told you about that,” said Margaret. “I decided to put it off for a day.”

David stepped closer to her. “Well, can I have a hint?” he asked, smiling and looking into her eyes.

Margaret felt her breath catch. “I’ll do you one better,” she said. “How about a taste?”

David’s eyes lit up. “Sure. You know I love your candy.”

“Okay, wait here,” said Margaret. She went back to the kitchen. She pulled out the pralines from the day before and put one on a plate. She took it out to David.

“Here,” she said, “try this.”

David looked at the plate. “Where’s the wrapper?” he asked.

“It didn’t come with a wrapper,” Margaret said. David picked up the praline. He bit in.

“Well, what do you think?” asked Margaret.

“Mmm! It’s incredible,” said David.

“You mean that?” asked Margaret.

“Yes. It just melts in my mouth. Who made this?” asked David.

“I did,” Margaret admitted.

“I thought you said she couldn’t bake,” David said, turning to Zach.

Zach laughed. “She can’t,” he replied. “Pralines aren’t baked.”

Margaret and David laughed too.

“You really like it?” she asked.

“This is one of the best pralines I have tasted. Scout’s honor,” David said.

Margaret smiled. “Good. Now I feel better about selling them,” she replied.

“I think that is a great idea,” said David. “I’m sure they’ll be a hit.”

“Are you ready for lunch?” Margaret asked.

“Sure,” said David. Zach took the plate and Margaret and David walked to the café.

“Good afternoon,” said Stacy. “Have a seat anywhere.”

David and Margaret took a corner table, where they sat and talked for a while. When their lunch came Margaret asked about the case.

“We still don’t have any leads,” said David.

“I could ask around and see if I come up with anything.”

“I would appreciate that,” said David. “Since I know you’ll do it anyway.”

They both reached for the napkin dispenser at the same time. Margaret’s hand touched David’s. She felt a spark. Looking at him, she was sure he felt it too.

“So I was thinking,” said David.

“Yes?” asked Margaret.

“I thought it might be nice to go out together sometime,” he said.

“Just us alone?” asked Margaret.

“Yes,” said David.

“Like a date?” she asked.

“Just like a date,” said David.

Margaret’s heart soared. She was about to say yes when she thought of Zach.

“I would love to but I’m not sure how Zach would feel about me dating,” she explained to David.

“Well, let’s ask him,” said David. “If he’s not comfortable with the idea we can still have lunch once in a while.”

“Absolutely,” agreed Margaret.

After lunch, they went back to the candy shop. There were no customers inside. Patty told them that Zach was in the back room getting ready to restock the shelves. Margaret and David walked back together.

“Hey, Zach,” said Margaret. “Could you sit down a minute? I have something I want to ask you.”

Zach sat down. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“David and I have been talking, and well, we’re getting closer and we were wondering how you would feel if we started dating.”

“Does that mean I’ll have blueberry pancakes more often?” Zach teased. Margaret and David laughed.

“Seriously, Zach, I don’t want to do anything that would upset you,” said Margaret.

“It’s fine, Mom. I just want you to be happy,” said Zach. Turning to David, he glared and said, “Be nice to my mom and keep her happy and we won’t have any problems.”

David laughed and promised to make Margaret happy. Margaret grinned at both of them. Things were indeed looking up.

Chapter 7

The next day Margaret decided to feature her pralines at the store. Patty created a beautiful display, and Zach suggested they take samples to the other businesses.

“They could help spread the word,” he said.

“Great idea,” said Margaret. “Let’s do it. I might also get some information about Scott Freeman’s death.” She and Zach packed up some pralines and started walking around to the local businesses.

Their first stop was Mr. Stewart’s dog grooming business. Margaret and Zach opened the front door. No one was at the front desk but they heard Mr. Stewart say he would be right with them. Margaret looked around the store. Mr. Stewart sold grooming supplies and other animal-related goods. Margaret laughed at the bow display.

“Laugh all you want,” said Mr. Stewart, appearing from the back. “Those bows pay my rent.”

Margaret smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Stewart. Zach and I stopped by to offer you a special sample.”

“What is it?” asked Mr. Stewart.

“Homemade pralines,” said Margaret.

Mr. Stewart smiled. “I love pralines. Who made them?”

“I did,” said Margaret.

“Good for you,” said Mr. Stewart. He took a bite of the sample that Zach offered him. His eyes widened.

“This is delicious,” he said.

“I’m glad you like them,” said Margaret. “We’ll be selling them at the store from now on.”

“What a wonderful idea,” said Mr. Stewart. “I think our customers will appreciate the homemade touch.”

“I think so too,” said Margaret. “I appreciate your vote of confidence. Please pass along the word.”

“I surely will,” said Mr. Stewart. “Now, how is the investigation coming along?”

“Leah Freeman hired me to look into her husband’s murder.”

“Outstanding,” said Mr. Stewart. “If there is anything I can do, please let me know.”

“Actually, I did have a few questions for you,” said Margaret.

“Fire away,” said Mr. Stewart.

“What did you think of Scott Freeman?” asked Margaret.

“Well, I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but he was a complete jerk,” said Mr. Stewart. “You know his trucks blocked my driveway. He could easily have parked them a little further up the street but refused every time I asked him. I also cannot stand the smell of coffee. We shared a dumpster and it has been reeking of stale coffee. I hate that smell and he knew it. I asked him to double bag the grinds but he refused. I dreaded what it would smell like when the place opened.”

“I understand how that could be thought of as hostile,” said Margaret.

“Hostile is a good word for him. And inconsiderate,” said Mr. Stewart. Just then the door opened and a woman walked in with her Chihuahua.

“Good morning, Mrs. Smith,” said Mr. Stewart. “I will be right with you. Was there anything else?” he asked Margaret.

“No, thank you. I’m glad you liked the pralines,” she said.

“Pralines?” asked Mrs. Smith. “I love pralines.”

“You should stop by Margaret’s candy shop while I take care of Chichi,” said Mr. Stewart. “The pralines are homemade and are delicious.”

“I will be sure to do that,” said Mrs. Smith.

Margaret and Zach thanked Mr. Stewart and left. They dropped some samples off at other stores and Margaret continued with her questions. People’s opinions about Scott Freeman varied, and most didn’t know him all that well. Margaret was going to stop in the antiques store but the owner, her friend Simone, was talking to someone.

“Let’s go to Stacy’s café next,” suggested Zach. They walked into the café, and Margaret said hello to Stacy.

“How is everything going?” asked Stacy.

“Great. I brought some samples for you to try,” said Margaret. “We are hoping if you like them you will spread the word.”

“How sweet and courteous,” said Stacy. “What are the samples?”

Zach pulled out a praline and handed it to her.

“Your pecan pies gave me the idea,” said Margaret. “I remembered the pralines my mom used to make. I found her recipe and made some myself.”

“This is delicious,” said Stacy. “I will definitely send some customers your way. Even though these are competition with my pecan pie,” she joked.

Margaret laughed. “Thank you. Did you hear that I’m working on the Freeman case?”

“No,” said Stacy. “How does David feel about that?”

“We argued for a bit but then he came around,” said Margaret.

“That’s good,” said Stacy. “You two work well together.”

Margaret blushed. “Could I ask you a few questions?” she asked Stacy.

“Sure,” said Stacy. “We’re not busy at the moment. Let’s sit over here and you can fire away.”

Margaret and Zach joined Stacy at a corner table.

“Did you know Scott Freeman very well?” asked Margaret.

“Not really. He never came in here to eat,” said Stacy.

“What did you think of him?” asked Margaret.

“Frankly, I thought he was a snake,” said Stacy. “He didn’t even have his store open and he was already trying to steal my customers. I saw him approach them before they entered my café. They went to his place and he gave them samples and discounts on his items. I lost quite a lot of business that way. I also saw him change the prices on my chalkboard outside, if you can believe that. Made everything more expensive. He only did it once, but I could not figure out why people were not coming in that day. Finally someone told me they saw him do it, and when I confronted him he denied it even though I noticed chalk next to one of his coffee pots!”

“Wow, that is rotten,” Margaret agreed.

“I’m finally getting my customers back. I hate to say it but I’m glad he’s gone. I feel bad for his wife though,” said Stacy.

“I talked to her yesterday. I think she’s still in shock,” said Margaret.

“I’m not surprised. Anyway, I hope your pralines take off,” said Stacy. “Will you be making other candies?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” said Margaret. “It depends on how the pralines sell.”

“Well, good luck,” said Stacy. A couple walked in. Stacy greeted them and told them to be seated.

“Was there anything else you needed?” Stacy asked Margaret.

“No, you answered my questions. I’m sorry you had such problems with him. Unbelievable that he did that to your chalkboard!”

“I know, I couldn’t believe it myself!” said Stacy. “Will I see you later for lunch?”

“Probably,” said Margaret. “Definitely,” Zach said. Stacy smiled. They walked out and Margaret looked in the antiques shop window. Simone was done with her customer, so Margaret and Zach walked in.

“Hello, Margaret,” Simone greeted her with a smile and a hug. “How is your leg doing?”

“Much better,” said Margaret. “Thank you.”

“I’m so glad. It hurt me to see you gimping around.”

Margaret smiled. Simone was dressed in her standard flowing dress and wide-brimmed hat.

“I heard you found that Scott Freeman guy. What nasty business,” said Simone.

“It was,” said Margaret. “One good thing came out of it though. His wife asked me to look into his murder.”

“Oh-ho! That must be driving David insane,” said Simone.

“We worked it out,” said Margaret, laughing.

“What can I do for you today?” asked Simone.

“We stopped by to drop off a sample of our new pralines,” said Margaret. “I’m thinking about starting a line of homemade candies in the store.”

“That is a wonderful idea,” said Simone.

“Thank you,” replied Margaret. “Would you like to try some?”

“I would,” said Simone. Zach offered her a piece. Simone popped it into her mouth.

“Oh, now this is delicious. The sweetness and pecans pop in my mouth,” she said. “I will have to stop by and pick some up.”

“I’m glad you like them,” said Margaret. “If you could recommend them to your customers I would appreciate it.”

“I would be delighted to,” said Simone.

“I was also wondering if you could answer a few questions about Scott Freeman,” said Margaret.

“Certainly. What would you like to know?”

“How well did you know him?”

“Oh, pretty well,” said Simone. “He would offer me samples of my favorite coffee every morning. He always said hello. I thought it was wonderful that he was moving into the neighborhood.”

“I heard that he could be a jerk,” said Margaret.

“I heard that too, but thought it was strange because he was always nice to me. I was sorry to hear that he had been murdered. Do you have any leads yet?” she asked. Simone, Stacy, and Mr. Stewart had all banded together to help Margaret solve her last murder, so Margaret wasn’t surprised that Simone was curious about this one.

“Not yet, but I will keep you in the loop,” Margaret said. “We have to go and keep handing out samples.”

“Ciao,” said Simone. Margaret grinned. Simone was eccentric, and Margaret loved her. Margaret and Zach left and walked over to the bakery. The bakery was owned by Allen Harris. When Margaret and Zach walked in both he and his wife, Allie, were there.

“Good morning, Margaret,” said Allen. “Can I interest you in a doughnut?”

“No thank you, but I’m sure Zach will want one,” Margaret replied, smiling.

“Duh,” Zach said with a smirk. He picked out some pastries and Allen wrapped them up.

“We stopped by to give you a sample of our new pralines,” said Margaret. “I’m expanding into homemade candies and I wanted your opinion.” Zach pulled out a praline, and Allen took a bite.

“This is delicious,” he said. “Allie, come on out and taste this.”

Allie, Allen Harris’s wife, had been in a punk rock band when she and Allen met. When they fell in love, she decided to settle down and become a confectioner. She made all the delicious goodies in the bakery while Allen did the selling and accounting.

“Hi, Margaret,” Allie said. Her lipstick was so red it was almost black, a little reminder of her punk days, Margaret guessed. Allen handed her a piece of the praline. She took a bite. Margaret held her breath. Allie could bake. She served up sweet goodness every day. Margaret valued her opinion.

“This is wonderful,” Allie said sincerely.

Margaret smiled. “I’m glad you like them,” she said. “I value your opinion.”

Then Margaret asked, “Did you two hear about Scott Freeman?”

“Yes, and good riddance,” said Allen.

“Why do you say that?” asked Margaret.

“Because of him I was losing business. He told people my coffee was instant. It is not but it is also not a specialty coffee. Don’t like that he’s dead, but I’m glad he’s gone. Now maybe I will get my customers back.”

“I don’t know, honey,” said Allie. “I thought he was okay. It’s good for this town to have new businesses. It might affect us for a while but our business would have picked back up again.”

“I’m glad you are so optimistic,” said Allen. “I’m just glad he’s gone.”

“Maybe we’ll get a better business with a nicer owner next time,” Margaret said.

“I sure hope so,” said Allen.

“Well, we have to get back to the shop,” said Margaret.

“Have a nice afternoon,” said Allen. “I will be sure to recommend these pralines to my customers. I think they’ll love them.”

“Thank you, and I will continue recommending your pastries to my customers,” assured Margaret.

“It’s a deal,” said Allen, waving goodbye.

When Zach and Margaret arrived back at the candy shop, Patty said the pralines were already selling well.

“Everyone loves them,” she exclaimed.

“Great!” said Margaret. She glanced out of the candy store window and noticed Scott Freeman’s car sitting in the alley. She also noticed David’s truck.

“I’m going across the street,” Margaret said to Zach and Patty. “I will have my cell phone if you need me.”

Chapter 8

As Margaret walked across the street, she realized she hadn’t had a chance to search the coffee shop for clues. Having Scott Freeman’s car here was a bonus. Margaret decided to hit the coffee shop first. She checked the back door by the car. It was unlocked. She went inside. The door led to the back kitchen. Margaret heard a clicking noise and stopped.

“Good lord, Margaret, do you want to be shot?” David snapped. He put down his gun.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded.

“I was checking out Scott Freeman’s car and shop for clues,” said Margaret.

“Breaking and entering is illegal,” said David.

“I didn’t break and enter,” countered Margaret. “The back door was unlocked.”

David blew out a frustrated breath. “I suppose we should work together now that you’re in here,” he said.

Margaret nudged him. “Thanks, partner.” She started looking around the store. There was nothing suspicious in the kitchen. When they went to the front they found a string of threatening notes behind the counter.

“Whoa. These are definitely clues,” said Margaret. She and David read them. Most were of the generic “Leave town and don’t come back” variety. David placed them in an evidence bag.

“Hey, what is that?” asked Margaret, pointing at the back wall. In a corner of the wall was a small smudge. David took a look. He used gloves to wipe a bit off the wall. He smelled it. Margaret wrinkled her nose. David stuck his glove under her nose.

“Chocolate,” said Margaret. “It is in a weird place though.”

“Yes it is,” said David, taking a swab and putting it in a bag.

“You know, I was thinking,” said Margaret. “Most poison murders are committed by women.”

David looked at her. “Now how do you know that?”

“That’s what all the murder mystery books say. It makes sense though.”

“Maybe, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re looking for a female killer.”

“Just saying,” Margaret said.

They walked around the store but didn’t find anything else.

“Let’s go check out the car,” David suggested.

“Okay,” said Margaret. She followed him out to the alley. Margaret glanced over by the dumpsters and saw something on the ground.

“Come over here,” she said. David followed her, and Margaret pointed to the ground. There was a boot print. It was partially obscured but it had sand on it. David took pictures and a sample. They walked toward the car.

“What is this?” asked David, looking into the car from the driver’s side. Margaret looked over his shoulder. Along the windshield were some more notes. They appeared to be written by the same person. David collected these too. Margaret checked out the interior of the car, including the glove box. There was nothing else to be found. David checked the trunk but it was filled with boxes of coffee bags.

“I was going to stop by Leah Freeman’s and have a look around. Would you like to join me?” asked David.

“Sure,” said Margaret happily.

“I figure I might as well invite you since you would probably go there on your own anyway,” David said.

Margaret smiled. He’s learning.

“Let me go back to the candy shop and let them know what I’m doing,” said Margaret.

“Do you have any more of those pralines?” David asked.

“Of course,” said Margaret.

“I’ll walk with you then,” said David. Margaret laughed.

Inside the candy shop, Margaret told Patty and Zach that she and David would be over at Leah Freeman’s.

“Working together, I see?” asked Patty. She grinned as Margaret and David both turned slightly red.

“Yes, I suppose we are,” said David, smiling at Patty.

“Good,” she said. “The pralines are on me then.” Margaret laughed and David thanked Patty.

“You can take it out of my check,” Patty said to Margaret.

“I will,” Margaret threatened jokingly.

Margaret and David said goodbye. David offered a praline to Margaret as they were walking to her car. She hit him on the arm.

“What? Can’t I offer you some delicious candy?” he asked.

“I made that delicious candy,” she said.

“I know. That’s what makes it extra special,” David said. He held the passenger side door open and Margaret climbed into his truck. David went to the driver’s side and got in.

“Country music?” he asked. Margaret laughed. They had listened to country music on their first stakeout together at her place.

“Sounds perfect,” said Margaret as David started the truck. They headed toward Leah Freeman’s place. The weather was nice and the sky was clear. Margaret felt a thrill inside from the investigation and working with David. She was glad they were finally on the same page. They pulled up to the Freeman house and got out of the truck. They went to the front door, and David knocked. Leah Freeman answered.

“Mrs. Freeman, I’d like to have a look inside your house,” said David. “I don’t have a search warrant but I can get one if necessary.”

Leah stepped back to let them in. “You don’t need a search warrant, Detective. I’m happy to let you look wherever you need to.”

“Okay,” said David. “Thanks for your cooperation.”

“As long as my private investigator goes with you,” said Mrs. Freeman.

Margaret chuckled. David turned slightly red.

“We were going to do this together anyway,” murmured Margaret. David coughed.

“Of course, Mrs. Freeman,” he replied. David and Margaret entered the house. They started in the back kitchen and made their way to the front room. They didn’t find anything suspicious. They went upstairs. By the stairwell Margaret signaled to David. He stopped and she pointed at something hanging off a nail on the stairwell. It was a piece of fabric.

“Looks like it was ripped off of something,” said Margaret.

“I agree,” said David. “Probably nothing, but let’s take it,” he added, bagging the evidence. They continued to search the house but didn’t find anything else. They thanked Mrs. Freeman for letting them look around. When she asked David if he had found anything he said he would let her know soon.

“We don’t have much to go on just yet but as soon as we have some leads I will let you know,” Margaret said. Leah Freeman thanked her and walked them to the door. They said goodbye and got into David’s truck. David turned to Margaret.

“Thank you for not telling her about the evidence,” he said.

“Just because she hired me doesn’t take her name off the list of suspects,” Margaret replied.

“Impressive,” said David. “You should have gone to the police academy. You would have made a great detective.”

“Who needs the academy? I’m a good private investigator,” she laughed.

“Consultant,” David corrected her, and Margaret rolled her eyes.

“I’m going to the precinct to give them this evidence,” said David as he dropped Margaret off at the candy store. “I’m glad you came along with me.”

“So am I,” said Margaret.

“So, about that date?” David asked.

“Let’s wait until this is solved,” said Margaret. “I don’t want anything else on my mind when we go out.”

“Good point,” said David. “I’ll call you later and let you know if anything pans out with this evidence.”

“Thanks,” said Margaret. “I wanted to let you know that I’m going to talk to Zach tonight about us dating. I know he said it was fine but now he has had some time to think about it. I want to make sure we are on the same page.”

“I agree,” said David. “I want you both to be happy.”

Margaret was glad he understood. She told him he could meet them on the beach later that night, and David said he would try to make it. Margaret got out of the truck and went into the shop. Patty and Zach were taking care of customers, and Margaret realized it was almost five. After Patty was done with her customer Margaret told her she could go home.

“Zach and I will close the store,” she said.

“Okay,” said Patty. “See you tomorrow.”

“How about we get something from the café and go to the beach to eat? We could watch the sunset,” Margaret suggested, and Zach agreed.

Margaret turned the sign to Closed and she and Zach walked across the street to the café.

Chapter 9

Zach and Margaret went into Stacy’s café. Margaret looked around. Stacy was busy and her café had a small line of customers. Margaret was glad to see her business hopping.

“Be with you in a minute,” Stacy said when she saw them.

“Take your time,” said Margaret. She knew the beach wouldn’t be crowded. Most of the tourists went to the boardwalk in the evening. Margaret loved walking on the beach at night. It was quiet and she occasionally saw ghost crabs.

“Do you want to wait by the counter?” asked Zach.

“Sure,” said Margaret. There were two empty stools and Margaret and Zach sat down. A cup of coffee and a soda appeared in front of them.

“I’ll get your order in a minute,” said Stacy, smiling. Margaret appreciated the coffee. She and Zach waited for Stacy to get back.

“Do you know what you want?” asked Stacy when she returned.

“I will have a BLT,” said Margaret. “We would like this to go, please.”

“And I will have the chicken pot pie,” said Zach.

Stacy stopped.

“What, no patty melt?” she asked Zach.

“I thought I would try something else,” he said.

Stacy walked away shaking her head. Margaret and Zach heard her yell to the cook.

“Cancel the patty melt,” Stacy said. Margaret and Zach laughed. They waited for a few minutes and Stacy came back with their food in boxes.

“I hope the cook wasn’t too far along on the patty melt,” said Margaret.

“Nope, he had just pulled the bread out. You are full of surprises.” Stacy smiled at Zach.

“We’re going to eat dinner on the beach and watch the sunset. Do you want to join us later?”

“I would love to but it depends how busy I am. I enjoy the customers but I do want to get out of the café eventually,” said Stacy.

Margaret laughed. “Whatever works for you. We will be on the beach at the end of Main Street.”

“Thank you. If I can escape I will meet you there,” said Stacy.

“Hope you can join us,” said Margaret as she and Zach walked out the door. Zach was carrying the bag of food and his soda. Margaret carried her coffee. They reached the beach in a few minutes.

“Oh shoot, I forgot a blanket,” said Margaret.

“I’ll get it,” said Zach.

Margaret thanked him and handed him the car keys. There was a bench on the boardwalk and Margaret sat down with the food. She watched the waves and let her mind wander. She had to admit that she was concerned about dating again. She didn’t want to make the same mistake she made when she married Zach’s father. He had turned into a mean bully. Margaret was glad to have escaped from his house. She was also glad her parents lived nearby. She could live by the beach and hang out with them. She was also glad that Zach was making friends. He needed a support group that was not just his mother. Margaret was his biggest cheerleader but he needed to find support other places too. Just then a seagull landed on the bench. Margaret looked at it and laughed. It squawked.

“You aren’t getting any of my food,” Margaret told the bird. “Come back later and I’ll see if there is any left over.” As if understanding her, the seagull flew away.

“Talking to birds now?” asked Zach. He appeared with the blanket. He spread it on the sand, and they sat down and pulled out the food. A few people strolled by enjoying the beach. After a few minutes Margaret stopped eating.

“Are you happy here, Zach?” she asked.

“I am,” said Zach.

“Do you miss your father?” Margaret asked.

“Sometimes, but then I remember what a jerk he was and I’m fine,” said Zach.

“I’m glad you’re happy here. He was a jerk and I’m glad we got away from him,” said Margaret.

“So am I,” said Zach. They ate for a while.

“Are you happy, Mom?” Zach asked then.

“I am,” said Margaret. “I’m happy to be with you. I’m also thrilled to be running my own business. It makes me feel independent and competent. I’m glad Mrs. Freeman hired me to look into her husband’s death. Who knows? Maybe I will get my private investigator’s license eventually. That would be unexpected.”

“But are you really happy?” asked Zach.

“Yes,” said Margaret. “Why?’

“I worry that you might be lonely,” said Zach.

“Lonely? How could I be lonely? I have you and Patty and a whole bunch of other friends. I also don’t have time to be lonely. I’m too busy at work.”

“But even though you are busy I’m sure you would like some company. I’m not talking about me or your friends,” said Zach. “I think David really likes you.”

Margaret waved him off. She looked at the waves. I hope he does, she thought. The seagull came back.

“Okay, bird, you can have my crusts.” Margaret and Zach fed the seagull. The bird was soon joined by some of his friends. Margaret looked out on the water and saw a couple of people sand surfing. They had flat boards that they stood on and skimmed over the shallow water. Most of the time they stayed up but once in a while they slipped off the board and came crashing down laughing. Margaret enjoyed watching them enjoying the water. Margaret remembered when her parents would take her to the beach. She would body surf on the waves for hours. She remembered watching Zach do that when he was little. He loved the water just as much as she did.

“Mom, I want you to know that I want you to be happy. I don’t want you always working too much or hanging around with me too much,” said Zach.

“I love my job and I love hanging out with you,” said Margaret.

“I know,” said Zach. “I just think it would be really cool if you and David started dating.” Margaret looked at him.

“I won’t pressure you or anything, Ma. Just know that you don’t have to worry about me. I’m a big boy now. And I just want to make sure that you’re happy.”

Margaret smiled. “How’d you get to be such a great kid?” she said as she gave him a hug.

They sat on the blanket waiting for the sunset. The gulls swooped overhead. The surfers gave up and went back to their beach blanket. They had started a fire on the beach. Margaret smelled hot dogs and sausages cooking. She remembered one summer night that she and Zach had built a bonfire on the sand. They had gone fishing earlier that day and they cooked the fish on the open fire that night. It was one of the best meals she had ever eaten.

“Are you thinking about the fire we had on the beach?” asked Zach.

“Yes,” said Margaret, glad he remembered it too.

“That was a cool day,” said Zach. He looked at the campfire and smiled. “Maybe we could do that again soon.”

“That sounds like a plan,” answered Margaret. She looked out on the ocean and got lost in her thoughts for a moment.

“Is there room on that blanket for one more?” a male voice asked.

Margaret turned around. It was David. She and Zach smiled.

“Absolutely,” she said, patting the blanket next to her. David sat down. He had brought along some pastries from the bakery and some sweet tea.

“I hope you like these,” he said. He handed Zach and Margaret a pastry each.

“Delicious,” said Zach with his mouth full.

“Thank you,” said Margaret. They sat and ate while the sun went down. The red colored the sky, and various shades of orange and yellow blended into the horizon. When it was dark they finally gathered up everything go home. As they were walking away from the beach Zach called to Margaret. She turned around.

“Look, Mom,” Zach said, “there are ghost crabs.” He pointed at the sand. Margaret saw the white crabs scuttling toward the water. She and David laughed.

“You’re welcome to join us at the house,” Margaret said to David. “I can fill you in on what I heard around town this morning.”

“Okay,” he said.

“Why don’t you two ride together,” suggested Zach. “I’ll drive your car home, Mom.”

Margaret agreed and she and David walked over to his truck. He helped her in.

“Thanks. I’m still recuperating from that break,” she said.

“Happy to help,” David replied. They drove to Margaret’s house and Kyle was sitting on his porch. They all waved.

David and Margaret joined Zach inside.

“I’m going to go upstairs and watch some television,” Zach said. “I was with Mom this morning and I know what you’re going to talk about.”

“Okay,” said Margaret. “Good night.” Zach said goodnight and went to his room. Margaret and David sat on the couch in the living room. Margaret told him about what she had learned around town that morning.

“So some people hated Scott Freeman and some thought he was a nice guy. I guess we can add more suspects to the list.”

“Who?” asked Margaret.

“Mr. Stewart and Stacy are now on my list,” said David. “Allen Harris is too.”

“But they’re my friends. I really don’t think they’re capable of murder,” Margaret protested.

“I know they are your friends but we have to keep an open mind with this investigation.”

“I understand,” said Margaret. “Has anything come back from the lab yet?”

“Not yet,” said David. “I’m expecting a call by tomorrow morning.”

“Okay,” said Margaret. “Will you let me know what you find out?”

“I will. By the way, how did the talk go tonight?”

“It went very well. Zach wants me to be happy. He gave me his blessing to start dating. He even had an opinion on who I should date first.”

“Oh really?” asked David. “Who might that be?”

“Well, it is someone who has already expressed an interest in going on a date with me,” said Margaret.

“Who? Kyle?” asked David.

“No, silly. You,” said Margaret. David smiled and blushed a little.

“Well, we will have to make sure you are happy soon then,” said David, kissing Margaret on the cheek. She felt tingly.

“I have to run. I’ll call you in the morning when I hear anything about the case.”

“Thank you,” said Margaret. She walked David to the door and said goodnight. She went into the kitchen and let herself feel thrilled. Even though she was a little nervous about putting herself out there again she felt safe when she was with David. That was the most important thing.

Chapter 10

The next morning, Margaret went onto her front porch. Kyle was with his dog across the street. He saw Margaret and came over.

“How’s the case going?” he asked. “I saw David was here. I was surprised when he waved to me. I don’t think he likes me very much.”

“Oh, that’s not true at all,” Margaret said, not telling him about David’s jealousy. “Anyway, he had a change of heart. He accepts that I’ll be working on this case.”

“That’s good,” said Kyle. “I’m glad he is accepting of what you want to do and are capable of doing.”

“Thank you,” said Margaret. “I’m glad too.”

Zach came outside. “Has Mom given you any pralines yet?” he asked Kyle.

“No,” said Kyle. “What pralines?”

“Hold on and I’ll get them,” said Zach. Zach ran inside and came back with a praline. He handed it to Kyle.

“Yum, this is good,” said Kyle. “Who made it?”

“I did,” said Margaret.

Kyle grinned. “I knew you had it in you. This is delicious.”

“Thank you. I’m trying to sell them at the store,” Margaret said.

“What do you mean trying?” Zach said. “The first batch she made sold out in a day.”

Margaret blushed.

“That is wonderful,” said Kyle, smiling at Margaret.

“Yeah, I’m happy,” she said.

“I’m glad to hear that,” said Kyle. “So have you gotten any leads yet?”

“Not yet. David and I found some things at Scott’s shop, his car, and his house, but there is nothing tying anyone to the scene.”

“That’s too bad. Are your instincts telling you anything?”

“Not yet,” said Margaret.

“It will happen,” said Kyle. “If it wasn’t for your instincts I could be in jail charged with murder right now.”

“I’m sure everything would have worked out in the end,” said Margaret.

“I’m not,” said Kyle. “I owe you a lot for clearing my name.”

“No you don’t. That’s what friends do for each other,” said Margaret.

“You’re right,” said Kyle. “I like your new mums.”

“Thank you,” said Margaret. “David gave those to me.”

“Not cut flowers? Smart man,” Kyle said.

“Very smart,” Margaret agreed with a grin.

“If you need anything just let me know,” said Kyle. “I’m here to help you.”

“I appreciate that,” said Margaret. “Zach and I have to get to work. I will see you later on?”

“You can count on that,” said Kyle.

Margaret and Zach went back inside and had breakfast, then drove to work in separate cars. Margaret had asked Zach to open the store. She told him the next batch of pralines should be ready and asked him to put them out. Margaret had to run to the store.

“I’ll be at the shop in about half an hour,” she told Zach before he left.

Margaret decided to go to a store outside of town. Their prices were better and she needed to make a few more batches of pralines. Margaret could not believe how quickly her homemade candy had taken off. As she drove she thought about other sweets she could offer in the store. Her mother had made some funky chocolates at Halloween when Margaret was growing up. She remembered the “spiders” that were made from simple ingredients and the buckeyes that Margaret loved. Margaret decided to stop by the assisted care facility. It had been a while since she’d visited her mom and dad. Margaret called Zach on the car phone and let him know she was going to be later than she thought.

Margaret pulled into the parking lot. She got out and walked down the path to her parents’ house. Her parents had a little bungalow, and a nurse stopped by a few times a day. If anything were to occur healthwise there was a fully staffed medical facility just around the corner. Margaret was glad they were there. She didn’t have to worry about anything happening to them while they were in their bungalow. She knocked on the door and heard her mother tell her to come in. Margaret opened the door and said hello to her parents. She filled them in on what was happening in her life. When she talked about being hired to look into a murder, her mother beamed, while her father scowled.

“I’m so happy for you, dear,” said her mother. “And you are making my sweets, too?”

“Yes I am,” said Margaret.

“That is wonderful. Isn’t that wonderful?” Margaret’s mother asked her father.

“I don’t think it’s wonderful. You should keep the detecting to the police. What do you know about solving crimes?” he answered brusquely.

“Now dear,” said Margaret’s mother. “Just because Margaret is a woman doesn’t mean that she can’t be a private investigator. Women have good instincts. She will be a fine investigator.”

Margaret smiled, thinking about what Kyle had said that morning.

Before she left, her mother gave Margaret her recipe book.

“This is where I keep my sweet recipes,” said her mother. “I’m sure you will find some good one in there for your store.”

Margaret thanked her mother and said goodbye to her parents. She walked back to the car and before she started driving she looked through the recipe book. The recipes brought back some old memories of holidays and fun times. She smiled and picked out another recipe to try, then drove to the store and got the ingredients. By the time she got to the candy shop it was eleven.

“Did you have fun at Grandma and Grandpa’s house?” asked Zach.

“I did,” said Margaret. She hadn’t worried about showing up without Zach. Ever since he had gotten his own car Zach visited his grandparents once a week. Margaret pulled out the cookbook.

“Look what Grandma gave me,” she said.

Zach smiled. He had enjoyed his grandmother’s cooking his whole life. He knew what a treasure trove was hidden between the covers of that book. He paged through and then showed it to Patty. Patty was impressed.

“What will you be making next?” asked Zach.

“Buckeyes,” said Margaret. Buckeyes were a chocolate and peanut butter treat. Margaret had eaten them by the handful when she was a young girl.

“We can sell them by the bagful,” said Zach.

“That was just what I was thinking,” said Margaret. “However, I won’t be able to sell any if I don’t get to making them,” she said.

“Right,” Zach said as he helped Margaret put the groceries in the back of the shop.

“If I keep this up I will have to start buying in bulk,” Margaret said.

“I can look around online and fine a good bulk store,” said Zach. “I might find one that sells to cooks at a discount.”

“Great idea,” Margaret said. Then she got to work on her pralines and her buckeyes. While she was cooking she thought of her friends. Many of them hadn’t liked Scott, but did they have it in them to murder him? Margaret didn’t think so. She did realize she had to keep an open mind like David had suggested. That’s what a good investigator did. She finished up the pralines and started on the buckeyes.

Margaret mixed the peanut butter and other ingredients together. She melted the chocolate on the stovetop. Zach came back and helped her dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate. She thanked him and then they heard Patty calling. Zach went out to give her a hand while Margaret finished up the buckeyes. Margaret stepped into the front of the shop and was shocked to see how busy it was. Many of the customers were there for her pralines. Others wanted candy.

“My daughter goes to the elementary school,” one woman explained to Margaret. “When she brought her goody bag home her older brother said that was the best thing the elementary school had ever given out. He insisted we come over so he could get his own goody bag.”

“So glad to hear that!” Margaret replied. She was glad the goody bags were a success.

“These pralines remind me of my grandmother’s,” a young woman said to Patty. “In fact, they are better than hers. Don’t tell her though. I know you know her.”

Patty laughed. “I won’t say a thing,” she promised while ringing up the young woman. Patty caught Margaret’s eye and the women smiled at each other. Margaret was thrilled that people were liking her homemade candy.

“Can I help you?” she asked a man who had walked into the shop.

“Yes, please,” he said. “My friend Simone told me I had to try out your pralines.”

“They are right over here.” Margaret showed him the display. It was running low but there were still some left.

“I’ll take a pound,” said the man. “I’m sure if I go back to my office with just one praline my receptionist will send me back for more.” He laughed. Margaret boxed the pralines and rang the man up.

“Let everyone know about the pralines. We will have buckeyes tomorrow also,” said Margaret.

“Buckeyes? Those are my favorite,” said the man. “I will be back tomorrow for sure.”

“Thanks,” said Margaret, handing him his box of pralines. She stepped back and looked around. Most of the customers had left and those who were still there were being taken care of. Margaret went into the back to check on her buckeyes. They were firming up nicely. She put them back into the refrigerator. If I could only solve the case. That would make this a gold star week, she thought as she went back into the shop. She counted the money in the register and decided to make a deposit before going home that night. She told Zach and Patty it was time to close the store. It was five and the customers had dwindled away. Margaret looked at the case and was shocked to see the pralines were gone again.

“That’s two days in a row,” said Patty. “You’re on a roll.”

“It looks like it,” said Margaret. She cleaned out the case and Zach and Patty mopped and dusted. After they were done, Zach told Margaret he was meeting some friends. She told him that was fine and then she closed the shop. She offered Patty a ride home but Patty said her husband was picking her up.

“We’re going out to eat,” said Patty.

“Good for you,” said Margaret. “Have fun.” Margaret got into her car and drove home after stopping by the bank. The weather had held and she thought about doing some weeding in her yard. People generally didn’t like to weed but for Margaret it was a meditative experience. She drove up to her house and waved to Kyle. He was just getting back from walking Stryker. He waved back and Margaret walked to her front door. She opened the mailbox and pulled out the mail. She started to sort through it when she screamed and dropped it. Kyle came running over.

“What’s wrong?” he asked Margaret.

“That,” said Margaret, pointing to the paper on top of the pile. Kyle bent to pick it up.

“Don’t touch it!” said Margaret.

“Why not?” asked Kyle. Margaret told him it was a threat to her life. She told Kyle that she and David had found similar notes at the crime scene.

“I’ll call nine-one-one and you can call David,” said Kyle, getting out his phone. Margaret quickly dialed David’s number. He answered and she told him what was going on.

“Did you call the police?” he asked.

“Kyle did,” said Margaret, waiting for his response.

“Good,” said David. “I’m glad he’s there.”

Margaret was happily surprised.

“Wait there. I’ll be right over,” said David, and he hung up the phone.

Chapter 11

When David got to her house Margaret was sitting on a chair on her porch. Kyle was with her. He had gotten her some sweet tea. There were policemen milling around, and David recognized some lab guys.

“Are you okay?” David asked Margaret.

“I am. It was just a shock to find that note. I dropped it as soon as I saw it.”

“That is good. The lab guys might be able to find some prints. Let me take a look at the note,” he told one of the lab crew. The tech gave him the note, which was in an evidence bag. David looked at it.

Don’t investigate Scott Freeman’s murder any more. Leah Freeman did it. If you continue to investigate you will be hurt.

“Did you read this?” David asked Margaret. She nodded.

“Take this to the lab and dust for prints, pronto,” ordered David.

The lab guys were dusting her mailbox and doorknob. Margaret was glad they were being thorough. David thanked Kyle for being there for Margaret. Kyle excused himself and said he had to get back home to check on Stryker.

David took Margaret’s hand and led her inside.

“Did you call Zach?” he asked.

“No,” said Margaret “I didn’t want to scare him.”

“I’ll do it. He should know about this.” David called Zach and told him what was happening. David reassured Zach that Margaret was okay.

“So, this is exactly what I was worried about,” said David. He was not scolding. He just sounded concerned.

“Whoever did this knows where you live,” said David.

“It’s easy to find out where I live,” said Margaret. “Anyone can look it up on the internet.”

“That’s true. I still want to post a car out on your street. I want to make sure someone is watching you all the time,” said David.

“I appreciate that,” said Margaret, sitting on the sofa in the living room. “I don’t think it’s necessary but I won’t turn you down.”

“Well, I think it is necessary and the offer stands,” said David. Margaret agreed. She was concerned about Zach. What would have happened if he had been home when this was dropped off? she wondered. She shivered.

“Do you need a blanket?” asked David.

“I’m okay,” said Margaret. “Will you be looking into Leah Freeman?”

“No. I think this was a diversion to make us look where the killer isn’t,” said David.

“Well, I would think you would want to question her,” said Margaret.

“I think she has been through enough. Her husband just died. Let her have some space,” said David.

“Okay,” said Margaret, but she was hurt that he just brushed her off. He got her another glass of sweet tea. Zach appeared several minutes later, looking worried.

“I’m okay,” said Margaret as he hugged her. “It was just some threatening mail. No one was hurt.”

“I’m glad you’re okay, Mom,” said Zach.

“I will keep a marked car on this street all day and night until this case is solved,” said David.

“Thank you,” said Zach.

“I really do appreciate you looking out for me,” said Margaret. By this time the officers had left.

“Would you like some dinner?” asked David.

“Sure,” said Margaret.

“Stay right there.” David went into the kitchen, and thirty minutes later he appeared with pasta mixed with garlic, olive oil, and vegetables.

“This tastes wonderful,” said Margaret. David grinned.

After dinner Zach and David cleaned up. David looked outside and saw the patrol car. He went out and talked to the officers.

“Those are Officers Davis and Smith,” he told Margaret when he came back inside. “They will be here all night. If you see or hear anything suspicious call them,” said David picking up Margaret’s phone and inputting the number. He also gave the number to Zach.

“Thank you for everything you have done,” said Margaret.

“You’re welcome,” said David, sitting next to her.

“I think I’m getting tired,” Margaret said.

“I’m sure you are,” said David. “I will let you guys get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“You don’t have to stop by,” said Margaret.

“Then who would make the pancakes?” David teased. Margaret and Zach laughed. David left and Margaret went upstairs and crawled into bed.

Chapter 12

The next morning, true to his word, David showed up and made pancakes. Margaret woke up to the smell of coffee. She got out of bed and got dressed. She walked downstairs to see Zach and David sitting at the table.

“Good morning,” said David.

“Good morning,” said Margaret, ruffling Zach’s hair. “The coffee smells wonderful.”

“Wait until you taste the pancakes,” said Zach. Margaret sat down and helped herself to some blueberry pancakes.

“How did you sleep?” asked David.

“Pretty good,” said Margaret. “I heard a noise but it was nothing.”

“I talked to the cops in the car. They said it was a quiet night.”

“I slept really well,” said Zach.

“I’m glad to hear that,” said Margaret.

“Do you need a ride to work?” asked David.

“No thank you. I would prefer to drive. I don’t want whoever did this to know that I was shaken,” said Margaret.

“I understand,” said David, getting up to leave. “Just remember, the patrol car will be here even if you aren’t.”

“I really appreciate that,” said Margaret. “I’ll let Kyle know so he is aware of the situation.”

“I already did,” said David. “He was walking his dog when I got here. I filled him in.”

“Good,” said Margaret. She was glad that David felt more comfortable around Kyle. They were both important people in her life. She was glad to have some strong male figures around for Zach to look up to.

“I will stop by the shop around noon,” David said. “I want to make sure you are okay.”

“Okay,” said Margaret. David left and Zach did the dishes. After he was done Margaret got in her car. Zach was just about to pull out in his own car when Margaret rolled down her passenger window. Zach rolled his window down.

“I’m going to make a stop before I go to work,” she said. “If you need me just call me.”

“If you need me just call,” said Zach. “I had a feeling you were glad David didn’t stay too long.”

“Yes. I want to stop by Mrs. Freeman’s house. I need to ask her a few questions. I will be fine,” reassured Margaret.

“I know you will,” Zach.

Margaret pulled out and drove to Leah Freeman’s house. Leah’s car wasn’t in the driveway. Margaret considered going back to the candy shop but hesitated. Something didn’t feel right. Margaret got out of her car and walked to the front door. It was partially opened.

“Leah?” Margaret called as she carefully pushed the door open. Margaret was shocked to see that most of the furniture was gone. She looked around. No one was home. She didn’t hear any noises. Margaret walked in and went upstairs. The bed and sofa were gone along with the television. She skipped out, Margaret thought.

Margaret decided to poke around some more since Leah Freeman was obviously gone. She looked in the guest room and walked back downstairs. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for. Margaret was in the living room when she heard a noise. She started to turn around when she felt something on the back of her head. There was intense pain and then the lights went out. The last feeling Margaret had was the sensation of falling.

Chapter 13

Margaret woke up to someone shaking her arm. She had a splitting headache. She opened her eyes and saw Leah Freeman. Margaret started to shriek but Leah put her hand on Margaret’s mouth. Leah looked scared and shook her head. Margaret calmed down. If Leah Freeman had wanted her dead she would not have woken her up.

“What are you doing here?” asked Margaret.

“This is my house. What are you doing here?” asked Leah.

“I was checking out a lead when I got hit on the head,” said Margaret.

“Who hit you?” asked Leah.

“You mean it wasn’t you?” asked Margaret. “Whoever it was, they could still be in the house.”

Leah looked frightened. Margaret sat up. Her head was killing her but she knew they had to get out of there. She stood up and she and Leah tiptoed through the house. Margaret thought she heard a noise in the kitchen. She put her finger to her lips and they stopped. Margaret didn’t hear anything but they started walking faster. They made it out the front door and sprinted toward Margaret’s car.

Margaret felt woozy but she knew she had to get them to safety. She gunned the car and they drove to a diner the next town over. Margaret wondered if the adrenaline was keeping her from passing out. She checked the rear window the whole way and was sure they were not followed. She got out of the car and she and Leah went into the diner. Margaret didn’t call David just yet. She wanted to talk to Leah alone. A waitress came over and they ordered coffee. Margaret looked out the window until the waitress came back with the coffee. She didn’t see anything suspicious.

“Why was your house empty?” asked Margaret. “Were you running away?”

“No! I just needed to get out,” said Leah. “I was getting tired of being by myself. I wanted to be with my family so I left. I took some things with me last night and came back to get the rest of my stuff today. Don’t worry, I was going to pay you. I was going to call you later today and let you know I was moving. I could not stand being in that house anymore.”

Margaret felt a twinge when Leah spoke those last nine words. She sipped on her coffee the waitress had brought over.

“Do you mind if I ask you something personal?” asked Margaret. “First I will tell you something about my life. My husband was mean. He was a bully. It got so bad that I left him one night. Zach and I got out and never looked back. The last thing I said was that I had to get out of the house.”

Leah Freeman sipped her coffee. Her eyes filled with tears. She wiped them with a napkin. She looked out the diner window and turned to Margaret.

“I have never told anyone this before,” Leah started. “My husband was abusive. He was always talking down to me. He told me how ugly I was and how I could never do anything right. Everything I did he criticized. He threatened to slap me once when I accidentally dropped a plate of food. It was his fault but he blamed me. My life was awful. I was shocked when he died but I wasn’t sad. I needed a clean break and decided to move out of the house. I thought I could get a new start somewhere else.”

“I understand where you’re coming from,” said Margaret. “Did he do anything else?”

“Well, I should have told you this before but I was too embarrassed. I know Scott was having an affair. He smelled like perfume one night and later when I was doing his laundry I saw a dark red lipstick stain on his collar,” said Leah. “Like really dark red. I noticed these things but I figured it was my fault. I could never live up to his expectations. I thought I was ugly. I know better now but then I just kept my mouth shut. Also the night that he died he told me he would be out late. I didn’t think anything of it. He used to stay out late all the time when he was opening a store. And well—I’m not sure why I did what I did. Maybe it was the lipstick stain. Anyway, I asked him when he would be home. He yelled at me to mind my own business. He shoved me against the upstairs banister so hard it knocked a nail loose and tore my dress. I put my hands up by my face and he laughed at me. He stormed out. I never saw him again.”

Margaret sympathized with Leah Freeman. Margaret’s husband had said similar things to her when they were together. Margaret too had believed the lies. Until she didn’t. Then she ran with Zach.

“Do you have any idea who he would have been cheating with?” asked Margaret.

Leah looked away. “I don’t know. I searched his pockets for clues but I never found any. Also—well, never mind.”

“No, please tell me,” Margaret said.

“It’s nothing,” Leah said, but she didn’t meet Margaret’s eyes. Margaret had a strong feeling she was hiding something.

Margaret thought about the chocolate stain she and David had found in Scott’s coffee shop. She thought about some other clues and started to piece things together.

“Do you have a safe place you can go to?” asked Margaret.

“Yes,” said Leah. “I’m staying with my sister, Janie, until I can find another house. If you need to leave she can pick me up.”

“Where does your sister live?” asked Margaret.

“Only about twenty minutes from here,” said Leah.

“I can wait for her to get here but I think it would be better if I just drove home. Would you mind calling her?” asked Margaret. After Leah called her sister, the two women talked together until she arrived.

“Are you okay?” Janie asked Leah when she came inside.

“Yes, I am, but my private investigator is not,” she said. “She got hit over the head trying to figure out what happened to Scott.”

“Oh my goodness,” said Janie. “Do we need to get you to a hospital?”

“I’ll be okay,” said Margaret. “Just take Leah home. I’m leaving to go back to my house. It’s not that far away.”

“Thank you for waiting with my sister,” Janie told Margaret.

“I was happy to. I just want her to be safe.”

Margaret got up and paid the bill. Her head was pounding and she knew she had to go home. She called Zach and asked him to meet her there. Margaret hugged Leah goodbye. She left and drove to her house.

Chapter 14

Margaret drove home carefully, although she probably shouldn’t have been behind the wheel. She was dizzy but maintained consciousness. When she got home Zach met her in the driveway. Margaret let him help her into the house. She noticed the police officers get on the radio. She figured David would hear about her soon. Right now she just wanted to talk to Zach.

“Could you please call David and tell him I’m all right?” Margaret asked Zach. “I promise I will go to his office in a little while. I just want to sit down with an ice bag and some aspirin.

Zach agreed and called David, telling him about Margaret’s bump on the head. Zach promised David he would call him if he needed him.

“He is not happy but he said to take some aspirin,” said Zach.

“Good idea,” Margaret said wryly. She sat down on the sofa and Zach brought her an ice bag, some aspirin, and some sweet tea. Margaret took the aspirin and put the ice bag on the back of her head.

“At least it’s not bleeding,” she said to Zach.

“What happened exactly?” Zach asked her. Margaret told him about going to Leah Freeman’s house. She told him what Leah had said at the diner. She left out some of the parts about her husband but she did tell Zach that Leah told her she thought Scott was cheating on her.

“What made her think that?” asked Scott.

“There was dark red lipstick on her collar and she smelled perfume on him when he got home one night,” Margaret explained, again wondering what Leah was hiding from her.

“Why didn’t she confront him?” asked Zach.

“That was not an option,” said Margaret. Zach understood.

“Did she have any idea who he was sleeping with?” asked Zach.

“She says she didn’t,” said Margaret, “but I do.”

“Who?” asked Zach.

“David and I found some chocolate smeared on the coffee shop wall. When I saw it I figured that it was from one of Scott’s pastries he was serving at the coffee shop. Now I think it was from somewhere else.”

“Where?” asked Zach.

“I think it was from the Harrises’ bakery. What if Allie Harris was having an affair with Scott Freeman? What if she decided to kill him?” Margaret said. “Remember, Allie was defending Scott Freeman the morning we went over to the bakery. That seemed odd since her husband hated him. He said they were losing business because of Scott Freeman’s coffee shop. If that were the case, Allie should have been upset with Scott too. But she wasn’t.”

“We should go and talk to David,” said Zach. “Do you think you can get up?”

“Yes, my headache is much better. Thank you,” Margaret replied. She started to get up and immediately felt dizzy.

“Could you help me up?” she asked Zach.

“Sure,” said Zach. He helped her off the sofa and to the car. Margaret gave him her keys.

“You drive, but let’s take my car,” she said. Zach didn’t argue. He helped Margaret into the passenger seat and ran around to the driver’s side. He hopped in but before he could start the engine Kyle appeared.

“Is everything all right?” Kyle asked Margaret.

“Yes,” said Margaret. I think I may have solved the case.”

“That is wonderful,” said Kyle.

“We need to get to David’s office,” said Zach.

“Go ahead,” said Kyle. “And let me know what happens.” Margaret promised to tell him, and Zach gunned the engine. He was careful on the turns but made it to the precinct in record time. While Zach was helping Margaret out of the car, David appeared and helped her inside.

“I told the officers to call me if you left,” said David. “I’m glad you came here.” Margaret was glad too. David helped her to his office.

“Now, what is going on?”

Margaret and Zach filled David in on what had happened that morning. David was initially angry with Margaret for going over to the Freeman house alone, but his anger grew into concern when he heard the rest of the story.

“We think Allie Harris and maybe her husband, Allen, have something to do with Scott’s death,” Margaret said. “Leah said the lipstick stain she found was really dark red, just like the color Allie had on when we talked to her. The chocolate on the wall could have come from their bakery. The fabric piece was from Leah’s dress. It caught on the banister when Scott shoved her. He shoved her because she asked him what time he would be home that night.”

“What a jerk,” said David. “I agree that Allen and Allie Harris look suspicious. We need to bring them in for questioning. But before we do, how is your head?”

“I’m not dizzy anymore,” said Margaret.

“That’s good. You and Zach can wait here while I go and talk to the Harrises,” said David.

“I want to go with you. I’m fine!” she insisted when David started to protest.

David, Margaret, and Zach got into the car. Zach refused to let his mother go without him.

David parked by the bakery. He tried once again to keep Margaret in the car.

“Not on your life,” she said. David looked at Zach and he shrugged in reply.

“That’s odd,” said Margaret. “Their Closed sign is on the door. They should still be open.”

“Maybe they forgot to flip it,” said Zach. “I’ve done that before.”

Margaret agreed that was a possibility. She got out of the car and Zach followed her. David took the lead and walked up to the store. He tried to push the door open, and it wouldn’t move. It was locked. Margaret peered inside. She didn’t see anyone behind the counter, but when she moved her head she could see into the kitchen.

“We have to get in there,” she told David. “Allen has a knife to Allie’s throat.”

Chapter 15

David wasted no time. He grabbed his gun and turned it around. He used the gun to break the glass around the door and opened the lock. He put his gun back in the holster and walked in slowly. Margaret and Zach followed him inside.

“Whatever you think is wrong I’m sure we can work something out,” said David to Allen, holding up his hands. David didn’t want to give Allen any reason to hurt Allie. “Put down the knife.”

“No,” said Allen. “She has been cheating on me. I’m tired of being cheated on.”

“I have not cheated on you,” said Allie. They bickered back and forth for a moment. At times Allen waved the knife by Allie’s face. At other times he had the knife pointed at her jugular.

“Allen, put the knife down. We can talk about this civilly once you have done that. If you don’t remove the knife from her throat I will have to pull my gun out. It will all go downhill from there,” David explained calmly. He put his hand on his gun. Allen saw this. He hesitated, and then he growled and put the knife down. David moved the knife out of Allen’s reach and put him in handcuffs. Margaret went over to Allie. Allie hugged Margaret and thanked David.

“Not so fast,” said David. “We came over here to question the two of you. Let’s take a ride to the station.” David called for backup and after officers arrived on the scene they took Allen and Allie in to the station.

“It’s time for you to get back to work,” Margaret told Zach. “I’m going with David to the station.”

“Are you?” asked David. “May I remind you that you aren’t a police officer?”

“Here we go again,” said Margaret. “You wouldn’t have even known to arrest them if it hadn’t been for me. The least you could do is let me tag along.”

“Fine,” said David. Margaret told Zach she would call as soon as they knew anything. Zach walked back to the candy shop and Margaret climbed into David’s truck. They went to the station.

“You know the one-sided glass? You can stay on the one side while I question them. Please be quiet,” David told Margaret.

“I will,” she agreed, happy to be able to witness the questioning firsthand. David showed her where to stand. He questioned Allie first; husband and wife were in separate rooms.

“Why did Allen have a knife to your throat?” David asked.

“You heard him. He thought I was cheating on him,” she answered.

“Were you?” asked David.

“No,” Allie said. “I love Allen. I would never cheat on him.”

“Okay,” said David. “I’ll be right back.” David left and went to the room where Allen was being kept.

“Allen, why do you think Allie was cheating on you?” asked David.

“Well, I saw Scott Freeman ogling her one day. She didn’t seem to care. Then when I heard him propositioning her, Allie said no but it was not a firm no,” said Allen. “I knew something was going to happen sooner or later.”

“Why didn’t you confront her then?” asked David.

“They hadn’t slept together yet. I didn’t want to confront her until I had some evidence. I sent notes to Scott Freeman threatening him. I told him to leave my wife alone. He ignored me. I caught him talking to Allie outside his coffee shop. Allie stayed at the bakery late that night. I stopped by to see if she needed any help. That’s when I saw them together,” said Allen, starting to cry.

“Allie and Scott Freeman?” asked David.

“Yes,” said Allen.

“What did you do?” asked David.

“I went over to Leah Freeman’s house right away. I told her what I had seen. I asked her to confront her husband but she refused. It was like she didn’t care. I told her if she didn’t do anything I would,” said Allen.

So that’s what Leah was keeping hidden, Margaret thought as she listened. Leah knew Allie was the one Scott Freeman was having the affair with. Margaret wondered why Leah didn’t just tell her that.

“So what did you do?” coaxed David.

“I went to the coffee shop and put some rat poison in his coffee. It wasn’t enough to alter the taste but I figured it was enough to get him out of the way,” said Allen.

“So you admit to killing Scott Freeman,” said David.

“Yes I do. I didn’t want it to come to that but when I saw them together my mind went mad. Leah Freeman was letting him run around with other women. I could not believe it. I thought if I killed him it would be over. He would be gone and Allie and I would be back to the way we were. That didn’t happen. Every time I looked at Allie I saw them together. I hadn’t asked Allie about that night but finally I had to. I had to know why she cheated on me,” said Allen.

“And that is when we found you?” asked David.

“Yes,” said Allen. “I still don’t know why she cheated on me but I do know I never want to see her again.”

“I don’t think that will be a problem where you are going,” said David. He looked at the officer in the room. “Book him.”

Margaret watched all this play out from the other side of the glass. It was hard to keep quiet when Allen admitted to killing Scott. I was right, Margaret thought. Maybe the killer wasn’t a woman like I first thought but I figured it out. She jumped once and then settled down. Margaret left the room with the mirror and went to David’s office to wait for him. David came in a while later.

“So he did it?” asked Margaret.

“Yes, he did. I talked to Allie again and told her what Allen had said. She broke down and admitted to being with Scott Freeman. She didn’t want to admit it to Allen because she was sure that Allen would have killed her. I told her to go home and get some rest. Allen will be tried soon and I’m sure he will be going to jail for a long time,” said David.

“Good,” said Margaret. “It’s too bad he took matters into his own hands.”

“Yes, it is. Vengeance is never a good option,” said David.

“So are you going to say it?” asked Margaret.

“Say what?” asked David.

“That you could not have done this without me,” Margaret said.

“That is true. You were a big help in this investigation. Maybe I will start coming to you every time I have a difficult case,” David said.

Margaret beamed.

“Now don’t get too excited,” David continued. “This won’t be anything official since you aren’t officially deputized.”

“I’ll take it,” said Margaret, smiling.

Margaret went back to the store. Mr. Stewart, Stacy, and Simone were there with Zach and Patty. They all cheered when she walked inside.

“How are you, darling?” asked Simone.

“How does it feel to solve the crime?” asked Mr. Stewart.

“Does your head hurt?” asked Stacy. “Let me get you some ice.” Stacy went to the back and returned with some ice cubes in a baggie. Margaret held it to her head.

“So who did it?” asked Zach.

“It was Allen Harris,” said Margaret.

“Allen Harris?” said Patty. “He seemed so nice. I loved his pastries.”

“Well, if truth be told it was Allie who made the pastries. Allen just sold them and did the business accounting. He turned out to be not as sweet as we thought,” said Margaret. “Although he did have a reason to be mad.”

“What is going to happen to him?” asked Mr. Stewart.

“He will be going to jail for a long time,” said Margaret. Her phone rang. “Excuse me, I have to get this,” Margaret told the others. She went in the back and answered the phone. It was Leah Freeman.

“I just heard they apprehended the person that killed my husband,” said Leah. “Was it the woman he was sleeping with?”

“No,” said Margaret, “it was her husband. Why didn’t you tell me Allen Harris confronted you about Scott’s affair with his wife?”

“I’m not sure,” Leah said. “Probably because I was ashamed. I had knowledge of his affair and I decided not to do anything about it. It was cowardly of me.”

“Your husband was abusive. It’s understandable you were scared to confront him.”

“Thank you for saying that. So Allen Harris killed my husband,” Leah said. “He told me he was going to do something but I never dreamed he was capable of murder. Anyway, I sent you your check today. You should be receiving it in a day or two. We had not discussed salary but I hope it is enough to compensate you for your time,” said Leah.

“I’m sure it will be more than enough,” said Margaret. She thanked Leah and hung up the phone. The money was nice, but the feeling of success was even nicer.

* * *

A couple of weeks later Margaret took a tray of pralines out of the shop. She put them on one of the long tables set up in the road. Stacy and Mr. Stewart had organized a block party. The whole street was blocked off and the stores had set up tables outside their shops. Mr. Stewart had doggie shampoo, conditioner, and brushes. Margaret noticed he also had his bows on the table. Stacy had brought out a large container of hot chocolate. She also had pecan pie. The deli owner had some sandwiches and Simone laid out some antiques on her table.

Margaret looked down the street. Allie had some pastries on her table. There were not that many people buying them but Margaret was glad to see Allie out and about. Allen was in jail. He was denied bail mostly because Allie stood up to him and told the judge he had held her at knifepoint. Margaret admired that. She wished Allie hadn’t slept with Scott, but she understood the need to feel safe—although it was ironic that Allie had felt safe with a man like Scott. That was all behind them now and Margaret hoped Allie’s business would pick up. She was making beautiful cakes and pies with a punk twist.

Margaret reached her table and put down the tray of pralines. She also had a tray of buckeyes and some individually wrapped candy she had bagged for the party. Leah Freeman’s check had arrived in the mail. Margaret was glad she had been sitting down when she opened it. Not only did the check cover two months’ rent, but there was enough left over to buy plenty of supplies for more homemade candy. And even though she wasn’t licensed, Margaret felt like a real private investigator now that she’d been paid for her work.

“Hot stuff behind you,” said Zach.

Margaret moved as Zach brought out a large coffee urn. Margaret had brewed the coffee in the store and they used extension cords to serve it with her candies. Margaret had talked to Stacy about serving coffee. Stacy didn’t mind. She was serving sweet tea with her pecan pie.

“Are you going to stick around?” Margaret asked Zach.

“Do you mind if I hang out with my friends for a bit?” Zach replied.

“Sure,” said Margaret. “Just be sure to get back when we are done. I will need some help putting these trays and the coffee urn away.” Zach agreed and Margaret watched him leave. He met with his friends and they walked toward the beach.

Margaret remembered the boot print with the sand in it. At his trial, Allen had admitted to pacing on the beach before poisoning Scott. He’d also sent Margaret the threatening note. Margaret had wondered about that, and David had called her and let her know. Margaret had to be at the store on the day of the trial to get the supplies for her chocolate. The boxes had taken over the kitchen and it had taken her most of the day to organize them. She’d spent the rest of the day at the beach listening to the waves and relaxing. Sitting on the beach helped Margaret to cleanse her mind of all the bad things that had happened.

Margaret heard someone cough. She turned around and saw a line of customers. She sold some of her bags of candy to a couple of kids. Some adults came by and bought some pralines and coffee. She sold a bag of buckeyes and some coffee to a passerby. Margaret was enjoying herself. The block was united. The storefront across the street was still vacant but there had been whispers about someone opening something there in the next few months. Margaret hoped they would have better luck.

She looked around and watched the other store owners mingling with the customers. The ocean breeze blew in and kept the humidity at bay. Near the end of the night, when Margaret was about to call Zach, someone stopped by her table. Her back was turned but she heard someone ask about the coffee.

“Sure, I would be happy to get you a cup,” Margaret said, turning around. It was David. Margaret smiled.

“Are you enjoying the night out?” David asked Margaret.

“Yes, I am,” she replied. “I made some new friends and had some new customers. This was a great idea that Stacy and Mr. Stewart had.”

“It was,” said David. “So—I have been meaning to ask you something.”

“What is that?” asked Margaret.

“Would you be free for dinner sometime next week?” David asked.

“Why, are you asking me on a date?” Margaret asked.

“Yes I am,” said David. “If you recall, you agreed to go out with me once the case was over.”

“I do recall that,” said Margaret. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “And since the case is over—yes, I would love to go out to dinner with you.”

Dear Reader,

Hi there. Thank you for reading.

I hope you’ll leave a review and/or rating at the retail website where you purchased it, I appreciate you and your feedback.

Thanks again,

Wendy Meadows

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About the Author

Wendy Meadows is an emerging author of cozy mysteries. She lives in “The Granite State” with her husband, two sons, two cats and lovable Labradoodle.

When she isn’t working on her stories she likes to tend to her flowers, relax with her pets and play video games with her family.

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