Chocolate-Covered Crime

by Cynthia Hickey

  As I swept and Aunt Eunice wiped dusty counters, I ran the never-ending list of questions through my mind. How could I interview my suspects again? I had absolutely no desire to visit the dentist to drill him more while I sat at the mercy of his tools of death. Edna and I didn’t run in the same social circles any more than Mason and I did. Since there were no impending funerals, I had no reason to visit the funeral parlor or have an excuse to go to Larry Bell’s farm. I’d hit a dead end and saw no path to continue.

  “Why the long face, Summer?” Aunt Eunice stacked some dry boxes near the counter.

  I explained my frustration.

  “You’ll have to get creative. Why not throw a barbecue?”

  “On what grounds?” I dumped the glass from the dustpan into the garbage. “I can’t just call up my suspect list and invite them over for hot dogs.” A mental lightbulb exploded over my head. “Your anniversary is coming up. We can throw a party and invite just about everyone.”

  Aunt Eunice pursed her lips. “The only one who might be suspicious would be Mason White. He’ll wonder why we’re inviting him. But it’s worth a try. The man probably won’t come after what happened to Renee.”

  “We’ll invite him in reciprocation of his party, and tell him the chance to get out will cheer him up.” The idea took root and grew at an alarming rate. “And since Joe is family, he’ll be there as security in case someone takes offense to our nosiness. He can’t get mad if we question people in our own home. Can he?”

  “I don’t see how. Let’s do it this weekend. You stay here and make party mints. Pink, green, and yellow ones. I’ll go home and work on the guest list after I stop at the party store to get invitations.” She clapped her hands. “This will be so much fun. We’ll have games and dancing. I’ll get Roy to call his music buddies from the lodge. Then we can head over to the warehouse store later for the food.” Aunt Eunice practically skipped out the door.

  Party mints, huh? I set aside my broom and put white chocolate on the burner to melt. They’d take me all day to make.

  Once the chocolate melted, I added flavoring and, using a funnel, made coin-sized, pastel-colored discs on wax paper. The bell over the door jangled. I lifted my head as Mason approached the counter. I propped the funnel over the pan of remaining chocolate and wiped my hands.

  “Welcome, Mason.” I pasted a smile on my face and approached him, keeping the counter safely between us. Handsome or not, the guy scared me.

  “Summer.” His gaze pierced me, raking over the redruffled apron I wore. “You’re looking. . .quite fetching.” He shook his head. “Look, all fun and games aside. I need your help.”

  “Help?” My voice squeaked.

  “I want you to find out who killed Renee.”

  Like I wasn’t trying to already? “Why me? Why don’t you go to the police? You’ve always made fun of me before.”

  He gnawed his lower lip. “It’s. . .delicate.”

  “Some people think you may have killed her. She died at your house, during your party. And delicate or not, Mason, your relationship with Renee isn’t exactly a secret.”

  He shrugged, and his lip curled into a sneer. “I’m a smart aleck, Summer. Not a murderer.”

  Yeah, well. Richard Bland, the guy I’d helped capture, and inadvertently killed a few months ago, remained fresh in my mind. He’d been a gentleman, a diamond thief, and a murderer. “Uh, I’m throwing an anniversary party for my aunt and uncle on Saturday. A lot of people will be there. Why don’t you come and snoop around?”

  He smiled. “I’ll do that.” Mason chucked me under the chin. “Save a dance for me, won’t you?” He spun around and strolled out the door.

  Puh-leese! I rubbed his touch off my face. I ought to tell Ethan so he could knock the guy out. I didn’t believe Mason was a murderer either, but I wasn’t going to remove him from my list just yet. I turned back to my candy. For someone who professed to be grieving over a loved one, Mason still found the time to flirt with me.

  Almost the end of September and I’d be getting married on April Fool’s Day. Less than seven months away, and I’d done nothing but rip out pictures of what I wanted because I’d been silly enough to hire my cousin as a wedding planner. Most people took a year or more to plan their special day. With a mystery to solve, when would I find the time?

  I sighed again as the bell announced another customer. A smile broke out when Ethan strolled through the door and back to where I worked. “Hungry?”

  “Aunt Eunice left. I can’t leave the store.”

  He bent over and kissed me. “I’m on my prep time. I’ll bring lunch to you. The usual?” I nodded. As quick as he arrived, he was gone.

  When he returned with fat, juicy hamburgers and salty French fries, I pulled a couple of stools to the packing table and filled him in on the weekend’s plans. He stared at me over his burger. “Okay. I’ll be near you the entire time. Ask all the questions you want, and I’ll be your bodyguard. Maybe I’ll catch something you don’t.”

  Never in a million years would I have thought Ethan would be my sidekick in the crime-solving business. At first, I’d pictured April, but she’d gotten wrapped up in Joe. Then Aunt Eunice just naturally filled the vacant position. I learned a few weeks ago that Ethan was much nicer to have along on a stakeout. His kisses kept me warm. “That will be wonderful.” Again, I entertained thoughts of opening a detective agency titled “Banning Investigations.”

  By the weekend, Uncle Roy had laid planks of wood across the uneven ground making a dance floor of sorts. From the trees, he strung strands of white Christmas lights. Other than that, the prevalent color was gold. Everywhere. Tables, candles, dishes, streamers. The back lawn looked as if a leprechaun had upended his treasured pot. The air cried with the tuning of musical instruments.

  “Isn’t it beautiful?” Aunt Eunice bustled past, her arms loaded with a large dish of potato salad.

  “Very bright. I need my sunglasses.”

  “Could you get Ethan to start a fire in the pit? The night might get chilly, and the guests will be arriving any time now.”

  “Okay.” I turned and went in search of my sidekick. I found him on the front porch laughing with Joe. After sending the two of them off to do Aunt Eunice’s bidding, I took Ethan’s seat on the rocking chair and watched the guests arrive.

  Townspeople, neighbors, and friends arrived in jovial moods, bearing gifts in gold or white paper. Mason sped into the yard, followed closely by a white van. From the back of the van, two men rolled an ice sculpture in the shape of two swans, their necks entwined. In spite of the man’s generous donation, I hoped it contained sparkling cider rather than champagne. Uncle Roy wouldn’t allow alcohol anywhere near his house, and his grumbling wouldn’t be helpful in keeping the guests in a good mood.

  Mason approached the porch. “May I speak with you, Summer?”

  I rose and followed him around the corner.

  “The fountain is a token of my appreciation for you helping me locate Renee’s murderer.” Mason held up a hand to stop my protests. “I realize you aren’t really a detective, but with your reputation of being in the right place at the wrong time, I have no doubt you’ll find out who’s behind this.” He grinned. “And now, I’ll go do my part and mingle.” I stared at his retreating back.

  “What is he talking about?” Joe joined me.

  “Eavesdropping, dear cousin?”

  “Yes. What have you cooked up with Mason?”

  “I’m helping him locate Renee’s killer. And, in doing so, will probably find Mae Belle’s.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Mason is a suspect.”

  “I know. And he’ll be easier to keep an eye on if he’s underfoot.” I crossed my arms. “I’m not a complete idiot.”

  “As opposed to half of one?” He grabbed my arm and dragged me farther from the house. “What does Ethan think of this scheme of yours?”

  “He’ll be by my side the entire evening.” I jerked free of his grasp.

&
nbsp; “Like he is now?”

  “There’s no need when I have such a brave officer of the law concerned with my welfare, now is there? There are close to a hundred people here. I think I’m safe enough.” Would Joe ever let me grow up?

  “It’s easier to disappear in a crowd.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Fire’s roaring, music’s playing, and I’ve got a pretty girl in my arms. What more could a guy ask for?” Ethan twirled me around the makeshift dance floor.

  “How about an end to this case so I can plan our wedding?” I glanced at the dancers around us. Uncle Roy spun Aunt Eunice, Joe waltzed with April, the good dentist, Hubert, moved with Edna, and Mason sped by with a pretty girl I hadn’t met. Others danced in a kaleidoscope of color.

  Ethan pulled me closer. “Most of the town is here. At least everyone who’d be on our guest list. We could get married now then run off to some exotic place for our honeymoon.”

  I pulled back far enough to gaze into his face. “Don’t tempt me. And I expect a honeymoon to remember.” My cheeks heated. Not that I knew a lot about what to expect. Aunt Eunice tried giving me “the talk” when I started high school, but she stammered and stuttered so much that I had to find out the facts myself, through books. And the heart- pounding, breath-stealing nature of Ethan’s kisses.

  The song ended, and the band struck up a square dance. “Let’s sit this one out. Unless you want your feet pounded to a pulp.” Ethan led me to the sparkling cider fountain. Ruby and Mabel, Aunt Eunice’s best friends, approached and held plastic champagne glasses beneath the pale amber flow.

  “Summer, there aren’t enough eligible men at this party.” Ruby raised her drink.

  “It’s an anniversary party. Not a place to pick up men.” I smiled at Ethan.

  “I know.” Ruby nodded. “That’s what church is for.”

  Ethan sputtered, spraying the area around us with his drink.

  “Really, Ethan.” Mabel frowned. “I thought your parents taught you better manners.” She wiggled a finger at me. “And you. Don’t give us any story about an anniversary party. Granted, it serves that purpose, but Eunice already told us you’re scoping out your cousin’s killer.”

  And Renee’s. Was nothing secret in this town? “Please, don’t talk about it. I don’t want this to be Mountain Shadows’ main topic of conversation for the next several weeks.”

  “Mum’s the word, right, Mabel?” Ruby raised her glass.

  “Right.” They linked arms and trotted away, chattering about the excitement of being in on a dangerous secret. I shook my head. Next thing I knew, it’d be in the local paper.

  Ethan nuzzled my neck. “Want to neck in the woods?”

  “Stop.” I pushed him away and giggled. “We’ve got to focus. This entire thing is a fiasco. I’m surprised the killer doesn’t walk up, put a gun to my head, and pull the trigger just to stop my nosing around.” Someone tapped my shoulder. I jumped and screamed. Ethan snorted.

  “Why are you so skittish? And why are you flushed? Are you getting sick?” Aunt Eunice wiped a napkin across her shining brow. “That last dance wore me out. Find any information?”

  “No.”

  “And you won’t either, hiding over here. You’ve got to mingle, girl. Ethan, pull her way from the cider and get her out there.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He wrapped his arm around my waist and led me toward the buffet table. Movement to our right caught my eye. Hubert and Edna sneaked into the shadows of the trees behind the house. She giggled up at him.

  “Let’s spy.” I tugged on Ethan’s hand. “Maybe we’ll learn something.”

  “I don’t think you want to be caught watching what those two have planned.” He popped an olive into his mouth.

  “Oh.” My face heated. “They’re sneaking off like a couple of teenagers. They’ve both got to be approaching sixty.”

  “I hope we’re that frisky when we’re sixty.” He planted a quick kiss on my lips and tickled my sides until I shrieked.

  “Still looking for clues, I see.” Aunt Eunice glared at us from across the table.

  I pulled free of Ethan’s embrace. “Stop sneaking up on me, Aunt Eunice. We can’t be obvious about our snooping. And contrary to what you believe, I’m paying attention.”

  I leaned against the table, crossed my arms, and looked over the crowd. “Hubert and Edna disappeared into the woods. Oh look, they’re coming back. That was fast. Larry Bell glares at everyone from the dessert table, and Mason doesn’t appear heartbroken as he flirts with all the pretty girls. Then there’s Lewis Anderson pretending to be attentive to his wife. Have I missed anyone on our list? Besides Sherry, that is?”

  Aunt Eunice humphed and stalked away.

  I sighed. “We probably should start up conversations with everyone. We’re not learning a thing here.”

  “No, but we’re having more fun. Where do you want to start?”

  “I don’t even know how to start.” I allowed my gaze to roam the crowd again. Larry had disappeared, the love-birds were again nestled out of sight, and Mason strolled toward us.

  “I guess we start with Mason.”

  Mason downed a glass of cider and reached for another before acknowledging our presence. “Champagne would hit the spot better.”

  “Cider doesn’t seem to be hurting you any.” I glared at him. “I thought you were distraught over Renee’s death.”

  Ethan elbowed me.

  “I am.” Mason tossed his cup in a nearby trash can. “That’s why I asked you to check around for me. I’m not doing anything but mingling.”

  “Looking for your next conquest is more like it.”

  Mason laughed. “Ethan, your girl is a real trip. But she’s barking up the wrong tree.” He leaned closer to us. “See that man over there? The one in jeans? He just arrived to the party. That’s Bill Olson, Renee’s fiancé. Seems he arrived home the day before my party. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? You might want to check him out. Renee said he was really mad. And that’s my cue to leave.” He winked and stalked away.

  I studied the man searching the dance floor. Easily Ethan’s height of six foot two inches, the biceps on Bill’s arms were as big around as my thighs. Granted I was thin, but the man was still impressive, and I had no doubt who he looked for. Ethan put a hand around my arm and guided me to Bill.

  “Bill.” Ethan held out a hand. “Good to see you home.”

  The man turned red-rimmed, hazel eyes to us. Anger radiated from him in waves so intense, I should have worn sunscreen. “Not quite the homecoming I’d envisioned.” Bill’s muscles quivered. A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Where’s the scumbag you were talking to? I’m going to kill him.”

  Ethan placed his hand on Bill’s arm. “Don’t do anything rash. Renee’s death was—”

  Bill shoved Ethan away. “Don’t tell me it was an accident! She was murdered. Plain and simple. Lured away by that slime’s silky tongue and sweet words.”

  “Bathroom,” I blurted. “Yeah. He asked where the restroom was.” Great answer, Summer. Brilliant. Another suspect just entered the mix. I felt like a hamster on a never-ending run around a stationary wheel. One watched closely by an enraged cat.

  Ethan frowned, and I transferred my attention from the exasperated man next to me back to the safer task of studying the party guests. As the night wore on, groups huddled around what desserts remained, couples danced a little closer, and my suspects moved in separate directions.

  Hubert headed to the house, apparently having lost Edna somewhere along the way. Larry had stopped glaring at the dance floor and marched toward the kitchen door. Aunt Eunice hooted with laughter at something Uncle Roy said. The band played a lively, toe-tapping tune. Behind me, Bill’s voice continued to rise. I strongly suspected the man had been drinking before he arrived.

  Aunt Eunice and Uncle Roy danced a lively jig around the dance floor. Hubert popped his head out the kitchen door, glanced around, then withdrew. Anderson had disappeared, while hi
s family huddled around the food table. Larry Bell marched from around the house, crossed his arms, glared, and leaned against the wooden siding.

  I grinned, pleased with myself. I’d managed to keep tabs on all my suspects, mostly. I sipped from the cup I still held. They’d all drifted in and out of my line of fire during the evening but were mostly accounted for. I was getting good at this.

  A woman screamed.

  Ethan grabbed my hand and dashed toward the sound. A crowd had gathered on the opposite side of Uncle Roy’s shed. A woman’s legs hung over the side of a barrel used to collect rainwater. Her head disappeared in the murky depths.

  Joe ordered everyone to step aside and did what should have been done minutes ago. He pulled the woman from the water. Edna’s pale face stared at us with bulging, lifeless eyes. A scrap of paper fluttered from the bodice of her gown.

  I reached for it and read. Ladies first.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Joe barked orders for the onlookers to move back then shouted into the cell phone he whipped from his pocket. His long strides carried him from behind the shed to the middle of the lawn. Ethan did his best to keep the crowd contained until help could arrive, Aunt Eunice clutched Uncle Roy’s arm, April plopped to the ground, and I scanned the horrified faces around me. No Mason, Bill, Hubert, or Larry. I wasn’t surprised.

  I glanced back at the paper in my hand. The words were cut from a magazine. Just like the threatening note I’d received. Ladies first? I gnawed my lip. Mae Belle and Lewis. Renee and Mason. Edna and Hubert. All couples cut down to half. All unmarried. A shiver ran down my spine. What about me and April? We were single, female, and part of a couple. Was the killer now going to concentrate on the men?

  “Edna?” Hubert called from the back porch. “Ready or not, here I come!”

  A heavy silence came over the crowd as we all turned, in sync, to where Hubert’s form was backlit by the kitchen window. Uncle Roy gently removed my aunt’s hands from his arm and made his way to where Hubert laughed. Seconds later, the man sagged sobbing into my uncle’s arms.