Chocolate Caramels and Conmen (A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series Book 12)

by Cindy Bell

  “Hi everyone.” Ally smiled as she rested a hand on Mrs. White’s shoulder. “How are you doing this afternoon?”

  “We’re still recovering.” Mrs. Bing sighed as she waved her napkin in front of her. “It’s just so difficult to accept that such a tragedy could occur in our special little town.”

  “Yes, it is.” Mrs. White nodded as she glanced up at Ally. “It’s one thing to have an accident now and then, but a murder?” She clucked her tongue. “We simply can’t let that rest.”

  “I’m sure the Mainbry police will have it solved in no time.” Ally did her best to sound convincing. She didn’t want to spread the seeds of doubt that had formed in her mind.

  “Mainbry?” Mrs. Cale rolled her eyes. “Mainbry PD couldn’t find a lost kitten up a tree in front of their police station.”

  “That’s firemen, dear,” Mrs. Bing whispered.

  “What? No, it’s policemen, too.” Mrs. Cale frowned.

  “She’s right, it’s firemen,” Mrs. White spoke with confidence.

  “What does it matter?” Mrs. Cale threw her hands up into the air. “A man was murdered! Murdered!”

  “Oh, Bunny, try not to get so upset. You shouldn’t let it get to you so much.” Mr. Michaelson stroked her hand gently. “Just try to breathe.”

  “He’s right, Mrs. Cale. This is all disturbing, but it is just one event. Our town is still safe.” Ally settled in a chair beside Mrs. Bing.

  “Is it?” Mrs. White shook her head and sighed. “It’s not like it used to be, that’s for sure. I’m not sure what to think of it anymore, to be honest.”

  “It’s important to keep in mind that these men were from out of town. It’s very likely that whoever committed the murder was also from out of town.” Ally glanced between them as concern grew within her. She didn’t want any of them to be too stressed.

  “But we can’t know that for sure.” Mrs. Bing pursed her lips. “Until the killer is found, none of us are safe.”

  “And poor Mr. Michaelson is getting a terrible impression of our town.” Mrs. Cale sighed. “That’s the worst part of all of this. He’s even thinking about moving on, aren’t you, Mr. Michaelson?”

  “Harold, it’s Harold.” He smiled as he winked at her. “And that has always been a possibility. I’m just not sure that this is the right place for me.” He swept his gaze along the street, then looked back towards the others at the table. “It’s a nice enough place, that’s for sure. But there are other places. You know that, don’t you?” He focused in on Mrs. Cale. “Any place can be magical when you’re with the right person.”

  “And what does that mean exactly?” Mrs. Bing eyed him with a stern expression.

  “All I’m saying is that none of us, not one of us, is stuck in this place. The world is large and wide, and there is no time like the present to go exploring.”

  “She’s not going anywhere.” Mrs. Bing’s voice grew even more tense. “She has a life here with us, and she is perfectly happy here, aren’t you?” She met Mrs. Cale’s eyes.

  “Of course, I am.” Mrs. Cale laughed. “Now, who is the one getting upset?”

  “Listen, there’s no reason to worry. I’m sure that the motive behind the killing will be revealed soon. This wasn’t just some random act. I believe he was targeted.” Ally grimaced at the thought.

  “How gruesome.” Mrs. Bing pursed her lips and stared hard at the table. “I wonder if it could have been that awful Paluo.”

  “Paluo? What do you mean?” Ally looked around the table at the others.

  “Oh, I don’t think he would do anything like that. He’s terrible, but murder?” Mrs. White shook her head.

  “It’s possible though, isn’t it?” Mrs. Cale looked at Ally. “He runs the new restaurant just outside of town, not far from the motel. Paluo’s.”

  “Oh, that’s right, I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why would you think that he might have done it? They probably didn’t even know each other.”

  “Not personally, no.” Mrs. White leaned forward across the table. “But they had a bit of a run-in. Well, a big run-in, the other night.”

  “What run-in?” Ally looked between their four faces. “Were you all there?”

  “No, just me.” Mrs. Cale looked at her hands.

  “Oh, I see.” Ally held back a smile at the way Mrs. Cale’s cheeks reddened. She must have been embarrassed to be eating alone. A moment later she refocused on the revelation. “So, there was some kind of incident while you were there?”

  “Quite an incident, apparently.” Harold nodded as he placed his hand over Mrs. Cale’s. “I’m sorry you had to witness something like that, my delicate flower.”

  A snort from Mrs. Bing was met with a sharp look from Mrs. White.

  “What exactly happened?” Ally looked into Mrs. Cale’s eyes. “I’d like to hear every detail.”

  “Well, those two salesmen were there, and Marcus was making a fool of himself over the waitress. He was flirting, and harassing her, and drinking which only made him louder. I wasn’t the only one to notice, everyone at the restaurant started to complain.”

  “Apparently, his friend tried to quieten him down.” Mrs. Bing nodded. “But Marcus just wouldn’t stop. Then the owner of the restaurant came out, Paluo himself. He asked the men politely to leave, but Marcus wouldn’t have it. He kept getting angrier, and finally Paluo shoved him out the door.”

  “Yes, but Marcus kept screaming about how he was going to ruin Paluo and that soon his restaurant would be shut down.” Mrs. Cale frowned as she looked at Ally. “It was just awful.”

  “Wow, I didn’t hear anything about that. I’m glad you told me. I had no idea.” Ally shook her head.

  “The next day I saw Paluo having lunch at the truck stop café.” Mrs. Bing looked at Ally. “He was eating alone. Why would he eat at the café if he owns a restaurant?”

  “People like to try different food.” Mrs. White nodded.

  “Maybe he wanted to check out the competition.” Ally looked in the direction her grandmother had walked off in. “I should catch up with Mee-Maw.”

  “Oh yes, do tell her that we would love to have lunch sometime. Oh, and by the way, I wish the shop wasn’t closed today.” Mrs. White sighed. “I really wish you would open seven days a week. These two were quite upset when we couldn’t get chocolates today.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. We will be back open first thing in the morning.” Ally smiled. “With lots of samples.”

  “Great!” Mrs. Bing clapped her hands.

  As Ally walked away from the table she heard all three women begin to discuss the murder again.

  When Ally caught up with her grandmother, she had stopped at the local pet store and bought Arnold some treats. As Arnold crunched between them, Ally filled her grandmother in on the conversation she’d had with their three friends.

  “Interesting. I never heard a word about that either. Marcus’ murder must have drowned out the old gossip. Maybe we should stop by the restaurant and speak to the owner?”

  “Yes, I think that’s a great idea. Honestly, I’m a little hungry, we could do lunch.” Ally glanced down at Arnold. “If this little piggy can mind his manners.”

  “He calmed down as soon as we were away from the deli. I think he’s so used to Mrs. Bing smuggling him treats that he got overjoyed at the sight of her. Isn’t that right?” She patted the pig’s head. “But I think we should take him home first just the same. The restaurant is too far to walk to.”

  As they walked, Ally thought over the events of the last few days. “I really wish that I trusted your instincts and I didn’t accept the trial for the vacuum.” She looked over at her grandmother as they walked back towards the cottage. “My instincts have certainly been off lately.” She frowned.

  “We all miss things sometimes, Ally. You were just trying to be kind, I know that.” She smiled as she studied her granddaughter. “You know what, you probably made his
day better. He was probably thrilled to have made a potential sale after being shot down around town. No matter who he was, or who his partner really is, you did something that made his day better, and that’s great when you think about it.”

  “You always know how to make me feel better, Mee-Maw.” She slung her arm around her shoulders. “I have to be the luckiest person in the world.”

  “Well, that’s true.” Charlotte grinned. “I should know, there are only two of us.”

  After they dropped Arnold off at the cottage the two drove in Ally’s car to Paluo’s. When Ally pulled into the parking lot she noticed that most of it was empty.

  “It’s lunch time. It seems a little strange that there aren’t many customers.”

  “Yes, it does.” Charlotte stepped out of the car, and Ally followed after her. As Charlotte paused at the front door she noticed that there was a sign taped to the inside. ‘Closed For Maintenance’. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at Ally.

  “There’s someone inside.” Ally peered through the clear doors. “I have an idea, Mee-Maw, just play along.”

  “Okay, what do you want me to do?”

  “Just stand over there a bit, and shoot me a few dirty looks now and then.” Ally winked at her, then knocked on the door. She wondered for a moment if anyone would even come to the door. Then she saw a shadow head in her direction. The man that walked up to the door was tall, fit, and had jet black hair slicked back from his forehead. He wore an unpleasant frown as he opened the door about an inch.

  “What is it?”

  “Hi, my name is Ally.” She flashed him the brightest smile she could muster. As far as she could tell she had never seen him before, and thought she might be able to convince him that her story was true.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ally, I am Paluo.” He offered her his hand.

  “Thanks for speaking to me.” She shook his hand, then cringed. “I’m so sorry to bother you. I just had to take a chance, and I know it’s going to sound crazy, but this is the last place I can look, and I just feel so terrible.”

  “What is this all about?” He looked past her at Charlotte, then refocused on Ally.

  “You see, I was in your restaurant on opening night.” She swallowed hard as she wondered if he would see right through her story. A story she had heard her grandmother use before. “And while I was here, I lost my ring.”

  “Your ring? How?” He narrowed his eyes.

  “I always take it off when I wash my hands. It’s very important to me. It belonged to my grandmother’s grandmother. My grandmother passed it down to me just a few weeks ago and I’ve been very careful about keeping it clean. But the problem is, I must have left it on the back of the sink. I haven’t seen it since. I checked the taxi I rode in after, and I’ve already searched everywhere at the house. It wasn’t until today that it occurred to me that I must have taken it off here.” She sighed and met his eyes. “I really hope you have it here.”

  “I’m sorry, but I didn’t find any ring.” He eyed her with a slow shake of his head. “You must not have left it here.”

  “Oh, but I’m sure I did.” She bit into her bottom lip. “Do you think you could let me take a quick look around? Maybe it was knocked off the sink, or maybe I dropped it somewhere else in the restaurant. Please? You’re my last hope.”

  “I’m sure it isn’t here, but if it will make you feel better, then fine.” He stepped aside to allow her into the restaurant. Ally turned back and waved to Charlotte.

  As soon as Ally was inside the restaurant she felt the tension around her. There were a few other people inside, who looked like they might work in the kitchen due to their aprons. However, none of them greeted her, and when Paluo walked towards them, they shrunk back.

  “I want this place sparkling, didn’t I make that clear?” He snarled at them.

  Charlotte trailed after Ally and did her best to take in everything she saw around her. There were several tables and chairs clustered near the front. She noticed that the decor was classic, but with enough fancy touches to make it feel more upscale.

  Ally headed straight for the bathroom so that Paluo wouldn’t get suspicious. She tipped her head towards her grandmother, then in the direction of the staff, who were still being berated by Paluo.

  Charlotte nodded and lingered close by so that she could hear what was said.

  “I don’t want to see a single crumb on the floor, a single dish out of place, do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.” All three responded at the same time.

  “Make sure you stick to your breaks! You especially, Rod. I don’t pay you to smoke, I pay you to wash dishes.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Ally scanned the bathroom, then stepped back out and joined her grandmother.

  “This guy is a pain,” Charlotte mumbled. “I bet if we can get the staff alone we’ll find out what happened that night.”

  “I’ll keep Paluo busy, see if you can talk to any of them.” Ally walked towards Paluo as he finally released his staff.

  “Excuse me?” She braced herself as she waited for him to turn towards her. When he did, his sharp tone was gone, and a light smile played on his lips.

  “Did you find your ring?”

  “No, not yet. Unfortunately. Was the same crew working that night?” She glanced towards their retreating backs.

  “Yes, the same every night. I only have an extra dishwasher and waitress on the weekends, but I hired them after the grand opening.” He slid his hands into his pockets. “I know it’s disappointing, but I’m afraid you’re going to have to accept that your ring is not here.”

  “I suppose you’re right. I’m sorry to have bothered you. Oh, and I heard about that horrible fight that happened here. Are you doing okay after that?” She searched his eyes.

  “It wasn’t a fight, just a disruptive customer. I put him out, and that was the end of it.” He jumped at a clattering sound that emerged from the kitchen. “What is going on back there? I’m coming to find out!” His voice raised with each word he spoke. When he looked back at Ally, he spoke in a calmer tone. “I’m very sorry, but I have things to attend to today. Good luck with your search for your ring.” He turned and stalked towards the kitchen.

  She was relieved to see her grandmother sneak out the other door. But as she approached, Ally noticed something else. A coat rack, tucked near the rear of the restaurant, and on it was a hat and jacket that made her heart skip a beat. It took her a few seconds to realize why, but once she did, she grabbed her grandmother’s hand.

  “Mee-Maw, we need to get out of here!”

  Chapter 9

  Once Charlotte and Ally were in the car, Ally paused to take a breath.

  “Ally, what is it?” Charlotte grasped her hand and tried to meet her eyes. “What has you so spooked?”

  “Paluo. I know it was him, Mee-Maw.” She frowned as she recalled the way the man barreled past her in front of the shop, with no regard for her safety.

  “What do you mean? You think he’s the murderer?” Charlotte looked back towards the restaurant. “He certainly has a temper. None of the staff would breathe a word against him. I think they’re terrified.”

  “I’m not sure if he’s the murderer, but I know that he was outside the shop on the night that Marcus Carse died. It was just at closing, Luke was there with me. I had to stop him from chasing after the guy.” Her eyes widened as she realized what that meant. “Oh my, Mee-Maw, what if he was on his way to kill Marcus? What if I stopped Luke from catching him, when he was out to commit a murder? If I hadn’t stopped him, he might have stopped him, and Marcus might still be alive.”

  “Slow down, Ally, you’re jumping ahead of yourself quite a bit. You don’t know for sure that it was him, first of all. I’m sure more than one person owns a jacket and hat like that. Besides, what would he be doing on foot on our side of town? His restaurant is quite far from the shop.” Charlotte shook her head. “I don’t think an angry confrontation in a restaurant would
be enough to make him hunt Marcus down and kill him. Then again, I don’t know anything about Paluo.”

  “Me either. And you may be right, Mee-Maw, but I know that he was up to something. It wasn’t as if he was running from someone, it was more like he was so angry he had to go fast. Like he was running to something. I don’t know how to explain it better than that.” She frowned. “Maybe he decided to go after Marcus.”

  “I don’t know, it seems like a strange reason to kill someone. But, I suppose it is possible. Let’s get home, Ally, we can have lunch there and try to sort through this information.” She shivered. “I can tell you I will never eat at that restaurant. It might be clean, but the tension is so thick in that place you could cut it with a knife.”

  “I agree. He seems to rule with an iron fist.” She turned the car on and was about to back up when she noticed three figures headed for the restaurant. She stared in the rearview mirror for a moment, then turned fully to take a look through the back window. “Mee-Maw, is that who I think it is?”

  Charlotte craned her neck to see through the back window.

  “It sure looks like Mrs. Bing, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Cale.” She watched as they walked up to the front door of the restaurant. “What do you think they’re doing here?”

  “Maybe hoping to have lunch.” Ally started to roll back out of the parking space.

  “But they just had lunch at the deli.” Charlotte pursed her lips and watched as the three women were greeted by Paluo at the door.

  “Then I bet they’re here for the same reason we were. Oh Mee-Maw, I think they’re going to try to get into the middle of all of this. Should we stop them?” She watched through the window.

  “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem this time, it looks like he’s not opening the door again.”

  The three women walked back down the sidewalk, each one snapping and fussing at the other.