Mint Chocolate Chip Mysteries, Books 1-3

by Emmie Lyn

  “Really? What an odd request. Did you go?” I reached into the display case and pulled out the lemon cupcake filled with a luscious raspberry crème that she’d been eyeing and pushed it across the counter. “Try this.”

  “Oh, it looks delicious, but I really shouldn’t.” The delicate lemony aroma wafted above the cupcake. Melanie picked it up and inhaled as if the aroma might satisfy her craving. “Just a little taste,” she said. After the smallest sample, her eyes rolled up and she licked a bit of frosting off the corner of her mouth.

  “Oh. My. Scrumptiousness. This is far more heavenly than anything I’ve ever had. I’ll have to run a few extra miles on my treadmill, but it’ll be worth it. Thank you, Sunny.” She dropped a five-dollar bill on the counter.

  “So, did you find Officer Walker?” I asked, taking my time to make her change so she didn’t rush off.

  “Oh, right.” Again, with the eye roll, but this time she added a frown. “I debated going home, but I was curious and found him waiting for me right where he’d said to look. When he saw me approaching, he waved me over like I needed to hurry. He said he wanted to show me something he’d found in the woods.”

  I had no idea where this was headed but I was glad that Melanie was here and not lost in the woods with Mick. Or worse.

  “You know what the big deal was?” she asked.

  I shook my head.

  “A camera hidden in a tree. I said, so what? Ron probably likes to monitor the birds and wildlife. Mick tried to make a big deal about it. and he even had the nerve to suggest that Ron was spying on all the members of the bird group when we took hikes on his property. Ridiculous. And I told him, too. We walk around with our binoculars and look for birds. What’s spy worthy about that?” She finished the cupcake and glanced at the tray in the case.

  “Want another one to take along with you?” I shouldn’t have tempted her, but I’d learned that food was a fantastic motivator.

  She hesitated. “I shouldn’t,” she said again. “But, sure. I’ll take two more. Peter’s stopping over later. That’s my justification.” She tried to laugh off her comment, but a flush crept across her cheeks.

  “You don’t need to make an excuse because you enjoy a treat once in a while,” I said.

  “No. It’s not that. I don’t want to lead Peter along. He’s an okay guy and all, but he’s really not my type. Too serious and I don’t know… full of himself might be the kind way to say he has an over-inflated ego.” She glanced at Hitch making it obvious what type she preferred—charming and kind to go along with good looks.

  “Did you ever find that earring you lost?” I asked when I handed her the bag with her two cupcakes. Any new subject to distract her from ogling Hitch.

  “No. It’s the strangest thing.” She absent-mindedly reached for her earlobe. “It’s not anything super fancy, but they’re my favorites. See?” She turned her head and pulled her hair back so I could see her other ear with a chickadee hanging from her lobe. “I’m sure it’ll show up, but I hate it when I can’t find something. You know what I mean?”

  “Yes. So annoying. It is cute. Are they made locally?” I said. “You might be able to buy a replacement.”

  “I found them in a little shop in Misty Harbor. That’s a great idea, Sunny. Thanks. I’ll do that.”

  “Anyway,” I said now that that problem was taken care of. “If you go through that door, you’ll find Ron in the greenhouse.”

  Instead of walking away, Melanie glanced around to make sure no one was watching before she leaned over the counter so her face was right in front of mine. She whispered, “What’s with that Stacy woman who works for Ron? Every time I’ve been to his house for a bird group meeting, she stares at me. No smile, nothing. Just a stare that sends chills up and down my spine. I swear that woman would love for me to disappear and never return. She’s, how should I say it… icy cold. With all of us. No one likes her, except Ron, of course.”

  “She’s very protective of Ron,” was all I could suggest since she hit me the same way.

  “And one more thing before I go find Ron. Andy?” She paused with her eyebrows raised as if waiting for effect. “Those two, Stacy and Andy, got into it several times.”

  “What do you mean?” I wanted it spelled out exactly.

  “Some nasty arguments.”

  “About what?”

  “Stacy wanted Andy out of that barn; off the property; gone from Ron’s life.”

  “Why?”

  “She accused him of stealing from Ron.” Melanie had lowered her voice to a faint whisper. The counter dug into my waist as I stretched closer to hear her. “Stacy gave Andy an ultimatum, but she was sneaky. She never ever said anything if Ron was around.”

  Goosebumps covered my arms.

  Did Stacy murder Andy?

  27

  “So, dinner tonight, right?” Hitch said. He passed behind me, juggling containers that tilted at an impossible angle. “Don’t even think about backing out, Sunshine, or I’ll melt into a puddle of grief. Right here. Behind the counter. All over your feet, like a spilled mint chocolate chip shake.”

  I dared a glance in his direction, afraid for a moment he would spill all those containers. But I saw the mischievous glint in his eyes. “Tonight? You never made it that specific, Hitch. What about Izzy? We promised to help protect her.”

  My heart raced with this familiar banter. Familiar but filled with a fear. What if our relationship moved forward and hit a snag?

  He managed to get the containers in the fridge without dropping anything. Chopped fruit, veggies, and nuts all neatly organized for the next day before he swiveled his hip and tapped the door closed and moved in front of me.

  “Listen to yourself,” he said tenderly. He lifted my chin with his finger. “What are you so afraid of? We’re friends. That’s going well, right?”

  I nodded, not surprised that he’d sensed the hesitation hidden in my response. We’d known each other for a long time and could read each other even when we tried to keep something hidden.

  “I suppose I have two choices,” Hitch said sounding distraught. “You join me tonight and tell me all about that interesting conversation you had with Melanie or,” he lifted his brows. “I’ll have to ask her myself.”

  My mouth fell open before I saw the twinkle in his eyes. Hitch chuckled. He’d set me up, and I’d walked right into his trap.

  “We both need to eat, and I know I’ll enjoy your company.” His voice deep and irresistible. His eyes never left my face as his hands gently massaged my shoulders. “What do you say, Sunshine? Dinner, a glass or two of wine? Shakes and Cakes is closed tomorrow, so we won’t have to rush.”

  I nodded, unable to say anything and forced a swallow that dislodged the big lump stuck in my throat. “Where are we going?” My voice squeaked out the question which had a double meaning in my mind.

  “It’s a surprise.” He wiped something off my cheek with a gentle caress. “But you’ll want to get cleaned up.” His lips twitched at the edges. Hitch’s charm could make any woman’s knees tremble, but here he was, with me. I had to make this leap of faith and let go of the worry that he might break my heart again. Hitch wouldn’t do that twice, would he?

  Giggles distracted me from my worries. Izzy, holding Ron’s hand, skipped through the door from the greenhouse with Jess following behind.

  “And do you know what happened next?” she asked in breathless wonder.

  “What?” Ron asked. He turned to give Izzy his complete attention.

  “Well,” Izzy paused. “Whisker Puff curled up right between Jasper’s paws.” I held my breath. “Then she purred and butted her head on Jasper. Can you believe it?” Her face, filled with the wonder of an amazing discovery, focused her undivided attention on Ron.

  “You know what I think?” he said. “Whisker Puff is happy here. Happy that you found a safe place for her and her kittens. You made the right choice bringing them to Sunny, and I’m super proud of you, Izzy.” Ron smooth
ed his hand over Izzy’s head in a perfectly natural yet tender gesture.

  Jess, with glistening eyes filled with love, watched the unfolding scene from a few steps behind her daughter. Izzy, because of her determination to save three tabby kittens, had brought Ron and her mom back together. This girl amazed me. Her common sense and empathy showed her the way through a frightening situation like a bright star.

  But that could all vanish if the killer decided to silence her. I shuddered at that reminder.

  Tilly barged through the door, marching with determination. “All the kittens are fed, litter boxes are cleaned, and Jasper did her rounds and said good night to them.”

  “Did she count every single one?” Izzy asked as if Jasper really had this ability.

  Tilly’s hand rested on Jasper’s head—the kitty counting team. “Each and every one, and I double checked that she didn’t miss any. Izzy, did you tell Hitch and Sunny about the plan yet?”

  She jumped up and down, her braids marking each beat of her excitement. “Sunny,” she said. “Ron said we could all go to his house for the rest of Tilly’s mint chocolate chip ice cream cake. And Tilly said I could have the biggest piece because I did such a good job with the kittens today.” She swung her head around, her pigtails flying out like a carnival ride. “Right, Tilly?”

  “That’s right. And, if it’s okay with your mom, you can ride with me in my red chariot.”

  “Do horses pull it?” Izzy’s hands framed her open mouth.

  “Sadly, my chariot isn’t so lucky to have that feature. But, I can put the top down so you feel the wind on your face like it would be if horses were galloping along and pulling us.”

  Izzy put her hands together and silently pleaded with Jess. “Can I Mom? Please?”

  Jess swooped her into her arms and twirled her around. “Yes. That sounds like fun.”

  Hitch leaned close to my ear, his warm breath tickling my neck. “Want to ride with me in my chariot? We could go to the restaurant after. You know, dessert first sounds just fine.”

  How could I say no? It was time I gave Hitch a second chance. If Izzy, only ten years old, could push through her fears, so could I. I smiled at Hitch. “I’d love that.”

  He grinned like I’d just handed him a million-dollar lottery ticket.

  After a final rush to button up Shakes and Cakes for the night, Hitch dropped me off to change. He promised to return in his chariot.

  I felt like I was walking on clouds as I showered and dressed. Tonight I took extra care. I clipped the sides of my hair back, leaving the rest to flow naturally around my shoulders. I chose a creamy silk blouse and an ocean blue skirt and jacket that matched my eyes. Then, I slipped on my red dress sandals I’d saved for a special occasion. Locking the door behind me, I led Jasper down my front path. Hitch waited, looking like a million bucks in gray dress pants and a white shirt under a black suede jacket. He held the door open, waiting for me with a smile that made my heart flutter.

  After Jasper squished herself in the back of Hitch’s Camaro, I slid onto the passenger seat. We were on our way.

  “Izzy and Ron are really close,” I said. “I hate to say this, but do you think there’s even a smidgeon of a possibility that Ron killed Andy so he could get Jess back in his life? I mean, he told us all that stuff about Andy being his partner and this secret mission they were working on together, but maybe that’s all a big lie to hide the truth.”

  “No, I don’t think so. Assume Ron’s story is true. Andy stayed in the barn because of the project they were working on together. Ron isn’t stupid. He had to suspect that Andy, posing as a homeless person and staying in the barn would make Jess nervous. He wouldn’t take that risk to jeopardize their relationship if he didn’t have to. If his story is false, he could have just told Andy to leave. He didn’t have to kill him to get rid of him. Unless there’s some motive we don’t know about, I don’t see Ron as a suspect.”

  “So, you believe his story about the drugs?”

  “Yes. It makes perfect sense that a sleepy little town like Pineville would be appealing to anyone looking for a location for crime. A place where they could blend in and fly under the radar.”

  “What about all his security cameras? Wouldn’t Ron have seen any strangers coming and going?”

  “Not if they’ve been hacking into his system for a while. I think these drug dealers are much more sophisticated than just someone standing on the street corner looking for a buyer. These are the higher ups. The big fish. Much more dangerous. And, don’t forget, Ron suspects that someone in the birding group is part of the drug ring. With access to Ron’s property, which was key to their plan, it also opened the possibility of something going wrong.”

  “Great. Just what I wanted to hear.”

  “I think that Andy uncovered something important. Whatever it was, it also revealed his real identity. Maybe that rotten ladder rung was just an unfortunate accident that enabled his killer to get the upper hand.”

  And, Izzy?”

  “Izzy could be in serious danger. She might know more than she even realizes. Maybe, she blocked out something she heard, or saw something that didn’t seem important, or maybe she burrowed behind a bale of hay and blocked everything out. Whatever the case may be, if the killer finds out she was hiding in the barn—”

  “Don’t even say it. It’s too scary. We have to keep her safe without letting anyone know she was there.” The scariest memory of my life flashed through my brain triggering a cold sweat under my silk blouse.

  Hitch reached over and took my hand. “Are you okay, Sunshine? You’re as chilled as Blueberry Bay.”

  I looked out the window but didn’t pull my hand away from his. “I’ve never told anyone.”

  “Told what?”

  A memory, as if it happened the day before, streamed through my mind. “When I was Izzy’s age… ten… I was walking home, not a care in the world. A car stopped and a man got out and chased me. I cut through the neighbor’s yard and hid behind a tree.” My heart pounded as if I was being chased again.

  “What happened?” His voice gentle; his hand a comfort.

  “I flattened myself behind that tree with my eyes clamped shut. I couldn’t even breathe, but I heard him walk by. His shoes crunched on leaves and sticks as he searched for me.”

  “Oh, Sunshine. What a terrible burden to carry all these years. But, you made it home safely,” Hitch said, encouraging me to finally let go of this weight.

  “Eventually. That neighbor where I hid? It was Tilly’s house. She found me, crouched on the ground in a tight ball, a blubbering mess of tears and snot.” I wiped my nose at the memory. “She held me until I stopped sobbing and walked me home. The next day, you know what she did?” I turned and looked at Hitch.

  He shook his head.

  “She brought over a dog. Star.” I smiled at the memory. “He was brown with a mushed in face, short legs, and one ear cocked up and the other one stood out to one side. I didn’t notice any of that though because his big wet tongue swiped my face from top to bottom. I laughed and laughed, and Tilly told me years later that right then is when she knew I’d pull through the trauma.”

  A smile curled on Hitch’s mouth. “I remember Star. I thought he was as ugly as sin but the sweetest dog I’d ever met. Except for Jasper, of course.” He squeezed my hand again.

  “Star and I bonded instantly. He never left my side. I know that’s what helped me more than anything else. Izzy needs a companion, even if she doesn’t know it.”

  I spoke with a determination so fierce it scared me. “We have to protect her, Hitch.” He looked at me without argument. “Keep her safe from whoever might be lurking out there. I know in my gut that she’s in danger, Hitch. I know what that kind of terror feels like when someone is after you. I don’t want her to even know it exists.”

  It couldn’t be worse as far as I was concerned.

  28

  I managed to pull myself together before we arrived at Ron’s hous
e. Hitch eased his Camaro in next to Tilly’s VW. “Melanie had you practically climbing over the counter to hear her story. What was that all about?”

  “She told me she doesn’t like Mick.” I couldn’t help smirking. “My estimation of Melanie sky-rocketed when she spilled that news. I mean, who does like the guy?”

  Creases appeared at the edge of Hitch’s eyes, and I knew he was thrilled about this piece of gossip. Another nail in Mick’s reputation. “How did that come up?” he asked.

  “He asked her to meet him at Ron’s barn this morning. When she arrived, he’d left a message with another officer. He told her to find Mick on one of the trails heading into the woods. Kind of rude don’t you think?”

  Hitch flashed me a look. “Did she go?”

  “Yup. She wasn’t happy about it, but she told me she was curious. Anyway, he showed her a camera he’d found, one of Ron’s security cameras. Then, he accused Ron of spying on everyone.”

  Hitch glanced at me with his eyebrows raised. “Let me get this straight. Mick is upset that Ron has cameras on his own property?” He shook his head like this was by far one of Mick’s more ridiculous comments. “What did Melanie say about that?”

  “She told him Ron probably wanted to track birds or other wildlife on his land. He wasn’t spying. She said the bird group wasn’t all that interesting since they don’t do much but scan the trees looking for birds.”

  “The perfect cover to keep an eye on any activity about when and where to meet for a drug deal,” Hitch reached for the door handle, but paused. “I wonder if Mick is suspicious about drugs in Pineville. Maybe he thinks Ron’s involved. That would explain him popping up last night. He wanted to get Melanie’s opinion about the camera. We know he’s always trying to make a name for himself.”

  I didn’t make a move to get out. “That makes sense. The problem is, Mick will probably muck up the whole situation or worse, get himself shot.” I needed a break from thinking about this. “Hitch? Let’s not stay here too long tonight. I don’t even feel like any ice cream cake. Is that okay with you?”