"It's okay, Star," I said as I smiled. "I called Ty and asked if he would come in and help out today. He'll be here soon."
"Oh great. Another visitor," Star said as Carlos and his wife Maria approached the truck. "Keep it quick, Kara."
Carlos and his wife walked up, holding hands. They both appeared in a great mood, and Carlos wore a big smile.
"Carlos and I wanted to stop by and say thank you," Maria said. "Carlos hasn't stopped talking about how proud he was of you and your friends."
"Guilty," Carlos said, shaking his head in agreement. "Only guilty of that, just to be clear."
We all laughed.
"Now that the spot at the beach entrance is open again, you should take it back. I'm positive the other food truck owners would agree. We could take a vote," I said. Carlos deserved it.
"It's funny you should say that," Carlos replied with a mischievous look on his face. "It's already been decided."
"Really? That's great."
"I made a few calls to members of the city council. With the help of a certain city council member, it was decided that the spot was mine. The only catch was that the other food truck owners agree."
So that was why Carlos was so happy. He was finally going to regain the spot that was rightfully his. The outcome was great news.
"Congratulations, Carlos."
"Tell her what you told them," Maria said.
"I told them no. I didn't want it," Carlos said.
At first, I thought he was kidding. The only thing Carlos talked about for weeks was losing the spot. Why would he tell them no?
"Why? I don't understand," I said, confused.
"I told them that you deserved it. If the spot was mine, I wanted to give it to you," Carlos said as he handed me a sheet of paper.
I scanned over the sheet curiously. The document was full of signatures, but I couldn’t tell the purpose.
“What’s this?”
"This is a petition to grant you the spot. It's been signed by every other food truck owner in the park."
Maria interrupted, "Except for the Cover Your Buns hot dog truck, of course. The owner was a bit tied up for the moment."
"I don't know what to say," I said. "Thank you."
"I know what to say," Star said. "It's time to hire more help."
"I lost three years of my life to a crime I didn't commit. Because of you, that didn't happen again. You helped clear my name, and always gave me the benefit of the doubt during the process. It's the least I can do," Carlos said.
I don’t find myself speechless very often, but the words escaped me, and I didn’t know what to say.
"It's very sweet of you, but I thought you depended on the extra business that spot brought. You have a family to feed, and I don't want to take away from that."
"We’ll be fine," Maria said. "Carlos is getting too old to be working so hard. That's a young person's game now. Besides, the added stress was killing him. I'd rather have him around for a long time. That's more important to me than money."
Carlos put his arm around Maria, giving her a kiss on the cheek. When his lips pressed against her face, you could see the love she had for him glow through her smile. No amount of money could top that.
"Besides, I've penny pinched and saved over the last few years. The reduced workload and schedule will be nice," he said. "Plus, now you can save more money. We really want to see you open your own shop someday. I believe in my heart that cooking's what you were meant to do," Carlos said.
"And don't forget solving crimes too. She's not so bad at that," Star said.
"She certainly has a knack for that," Carlos said. "You should be able to move to the new spot sometimes next week. The city still has to clean up a few things first. But after that, it's all yours."
As soon as Carlos left, I tried to finish the last of my preparations. Before I could begin, I spotted Sam Martin marching toward my truck.
“What now?” I thought as he approached. He had a look on his face that reminded me of one my parents gave me. It was a look of anger sprinkled with a dash of disappointment. I saw that look many times growing up.
“Kara, what you did was incredibly dumb,” Sam said, scolding me like a parent would a misbehaved child. “Not only, that but it was idiotic and dangerous. What if he hurt you? Or even worse…”
“With all due respect, I did what needed to be done. John Harmon was a terrible man, but he didn’t deserve the death sentence his son dished out.”
“I’m not disagreeing with that. What you’re saying is justified.”
“So what’s the issue? Why am I on trial here for wanting to do the right thing?”
“The issue is I don’t want to see you get hurt, Kara. You’re like a daughter to me. I’ve already lost your dad. I don’t want anything happening to you. I couldn’t live with myself.”
“I never meant to upset you, but the police department ignored the evidence and turned the other way.” The frustration of the police department turning a blind-eye to the investigation bugged me. “I don’t understand why more wasn’t done.”
“The mayor cut the department’s resources and budget last month. He’s pressured me to think of the economic health of the town over an individual. It wasn’t right.”
“I understand.” With Sam being newly appointed as Chief of Police by the mayor, I couldn’t imaging the pressure involved. Mayor Roy held power over Sam. Sam followed orders, like any good subordinate would.
“With that being said, I’m very proud of you. What you did was brave and showed guts. Your father would have been proud. I’m sure of that.”
“Thank you, Sam. That means a lot.”
I felt the tears building up behind my eye lids, while I was trying to keep it together emotionally. “No more meddling from me. I’ll keep my nose out of police business from now on.”
Sam laughed. “We both know that isn’t true.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You’re your father’s daughter, and there’s no denying that. You have so much of your father in you it’s insane.”
“If you decide to play Nancy Drew again, just promise me one thing.”
“Sure. Anything you ask.”
“Be careful,” he said as he placed his hand on my shoulder. “Keep me in the loop. OK? Your father and I worked well together. I’m sure the same could be said for us.”
“I promise.”
From behind Sam’s back, he pulled a thick vanilla folder out and placed it on the counter in front of me. He took a deep breath, pushing it towards me.
“The mayor, in his infinite wisdom, ordered all unsolved case files closed. No exceptions. The department is under strict orders to cease any and all investigations on these cases. My hands are tied.”
“Is that what I think it is?”
“This is everything we have on your father’s murder. The folder contains all testimonies, evidence, witness reports, and notes regarding his case. Most of it compiled by myself.”
I couldn’t take my eyes off the case file. The folder was stuffed to the brim with papers and needed a large rubber band to keep it closed. It was obvious by its size that a lot of time and effort went into investigating it.
“I spent too much time and energy trying to solve this case for the mayor to try shutting it down. I want answers as much as you, but my hands are tied.” He leaned over closer to me and whispered, “But yours aren’t.”
I stood there motionless. My mind was crammed with hundreds of unanswered questions, mostly surrounding the circumstances of my father’s death. Now, right in front of me, was a case file, full of answers. Little did I know, the file would lead to even more questions.
“Can’t you get in trouble for this?”
“The mayor would have a hard time firing his Chief of Police for making a small mistake. I’m human, after all. If I happened to forget a case file on a counter while getting coffee, that’s a simple mistake, right?”
I smiled. “No one’s perf
ect. Mistakes happen.”
“I have to run,” he said as he backed away from the food truck. “Happy sleuthing.”
26
A sense of relief and calmness flowed through my body. Nobody could ruin the near-perfect day. My bubble popped when the mayor waddled himself over to my window.
"Seems you've been quite busy, sweetheart," Mayor Roy said as he leaned his arm against my counter.
Roy reached into his shirt pocket, pulling out a handkerchief. While winking at Star, he took the handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. To say the man was disgusting would have been putting it lightly. I imagined by just existing, he'd work up a sweat.
Star, in her effort to ignore him, turned her back and continued working. A smart move, for sure.
"Mr. Colt… I mean Roy, what can I do for you?" I asked, correcting myself in the nick of time.
"That was mighty fine detective work. It's a shame you're wasting all that talent on this silly dream of yours," he said.
I wanted to smack the smug look off his face, but I resisted. Barely.
"Don't you think it's time you stop this foolishness and regain some sense? I called in some favors to the university. Pulled some strings, if you will. You can re-enroll in August, and only be one semester behind."
"I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I—"
"Don't you worry your pretty little head off about Dusty. He forgives you and is willing to work past this silliness of the last few months.”
Roy turned around and faced two men who were waiting in line behind him. "Women, right?" The two men shrugged and tried to remain neutral by staying out of it.
"First of all, Dustin and I are never getting back together. I broke up with him for a reason."
"I was just trying to—"
"And furthermore, my business is not a silly little dream to me. I've worked hard to build this business, and it's doing well. Who cares if I don't go to law school and become a lawyer?”
“Like the world needs more lawyers,” Star said, interjecting her thoughts from the back of the truck.
"Settle down, sweetheart."
I’d had enough of his sexist and antiquated attitude at that point. “Roy, if you’re not going to order, I’m going to have to ask you to step aside. I have other customers to serve.”
“These things have a way of working themselves out in the end,” he said as he grinned. “You can work this out with Dusty in person. He’s coming back to town in a few weeks.”
As he walked off, he made sure to mumble one last insult our way. "Must be their time of the month."
Before I could process the news of Dustin returning to town, Star rushed over and pushed me playfully. “Who was that?”
“You know the mayor. Don’t be silly.”
“I’m not talking about the mayor,” she said. “I’m referring to the stranger standing in front of me. The Kara I knew would’ve never done that.”
“People change,” I replied. “Maybe it’s the new me?”
“I like it.” Star smiled as she walked over to greet the next customer in line.
“I’m not going to lie,” I said with a huge smile on my face. “It felt good.”
The old Kara would’ve let Roy run over her. He would have put her in a foul mood and ruined the rest of her day. Not today. Not anymore.
The back door to the truck opened and Star emerged from the outside, with Ty in tow behind her.
“Look who finally decided to show up,” she said as she placed her apron on.
“I got here as quick as I could,” Ty explained. “It’s been a crazy morning.”
“He’s been too busy signing autographs and kissing babies,” Star said.
Ty showed up late because everyone he encountered stopped him to discuss the incident from the night before. His heroic actions were not something common in our little town. Since news traveled fast, it wasn’t long before everyone in town knew of how awesome he was.
“The town hero, eh?” I said, teasing him.
Ty, modest by nature, tried to change the subject. He was never one to gloat or brag. The flushed look on his face displayed how nervous the attention made him.
“Be back in a second,” he said. Ty picked up a trash bag that was less than half-full. “I need to take out the trash.”
As Ty walked outside, I watched him through the window. It wasn’t a few seconds after he put the bag in the dumpster when another town member stopped to talk to him. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as I watched him recall the story. The gestures he made while telling his story were cute. I grinned feverishly.
Star glanced over my way, immediately noticing my enamored gaze out the window. When she noticed who I was looking at, she said, “That dork’s not so bad, is he?”
“No. No, he’s not.” I shook my head in agreement, but broke my gaze.
“He went from being a nerd to a bad-ass. He’s kind of sexy now.”
“He sure is,” I said. “There’s something different about him now, although I can’t put my finger on what it is.”
Star laughed. “I told you so.”
I played dumb. “Told me what?’
“That you two were more than friends.”
“Whatever,” I replied, trying to play it off and seem cool. “Go make today’s specialty drink. No more playing cupid for the day.
“Yes ma’am. Cherry limeade as usual.” Star shrugged her shoulders and walked to the back of the truck.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Ty and how he saved my life. Maybe Star was right. There may have been more to my feelings for Ty than I realized. But who knows. There was still a lot of summer left. No need to rush anything.
What started out as a rough patch in my life ended up not being so bad after all. There was no denying that I hadn’t accomplished the goals I’d originally set out for my life. Was it that big of a deal? Sure, I wasn’t married, and I didn’t have children, a six-figure job, or a fancy home. Everything I did have was not so bad. In fact, things were looking up for me.
I turned the negatives in my life around, turning them to positives. I had friends and family that were there for me, a growing business of my own, and I lived in a wonderful town. Life wasn’t so bad.
“We’re out of limes. What do you want me to do?” Star shouted. “All we have is a box full of lemons.”
I smiled and immediately thought of Grandma’s favorite quote: “When life gives you lemons…”
“Lemonade it is, then.”
Thanks for Reading
A message from Cassie…
I want to personally thank each and everyone of you who took the time to read my book. I encourage you to send any feedback you might have to me. I also appreciate any reviews left on Amazon. Also, be sure to check out my website. I will often post chapter previews and other goodies.
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Coconut Cream Confession
“What’s that?” I asked as a loud scratching sound came from the back door.
Star’s eyes lit up. “It must be Mr. Whiskers.”
Star unofficially adopted a stray tabby cat, Mr. Whiskers, who hung out around Grove Park. The orange and white fur-ball visited our truck almost daily. Star left a bowl of water and a bowl of food at the back of the truck. Star wanted to take her home. However, her mother refused to allow her to have a cat due to her allergies.
Star’s overall demeanor changed each time she encountered Mr. Whiskers. Most of the time, Star displayed a no nonsense, sassy attitude. That all changed when that cat came around. A loving and nurturing side of h
er emerged from the shadows each time Mr. Whiskers showed his furry face.
“That’s sounds odd,” Star said as we both looked at each other confused.
Mr. Whiskers often scratched gently on the door to alert Star he wanted attention or additional food. Something seemed different this time. He continued to scratch louder and louder. Instead of a soothing purr, a loud screech sounded out from behind the door.
Star walked over to the door and gave me a concerned look before opening it. As the door swung open, Mr. Whiskers shot into the truck like a bolt of lightning. He ran past Star and jumped onto the counter, while knocking two mixing bowls onto the floor.
“Get him out of here,” I yelled as I watched cupcake batter pour onto the floor. “He’s making a mess.”
“I’ll grab him,” Star replied as she tried to cat the crazed cat. “Hold still, Mr. Whiskers!”
“What’s with him today?”
Suddenly, my question was answered as the sound of barking filled the air. Before Star could close the door, a dog jumped into the truck.
The dog was none other than Mrs. Trudy Watson’s prized cocker spaniel, Pookie. His sudden appearance caused even more pandemonium as the two animals ran circles around the inside of the truck.
My jaw dropped as I watched all my prep work from that morning become a scattered mess on the floor. We both tried to stop them, but our efforts remained useless. The two animals went at it like caged UFC fighters.
“Pookie, get out here this instant,” a woman’s voice shouted out from outside the door.
I peeked out the corner of my eye to the back door. Trudy Watson stood outside, holding a leash in one hand and a cigarette in the other. She appeared as if she recently rolled out of bed as her hair was in rollers and wearing her fluffy bright pink robe.
The sound of Trudy’s harsh tone and nasally voice caused Pookie to stop dead in her tracks. Pookie looked over at Trudy and then back at Mr. Whiskers. Pookie acted hesitant at first, but the dog decided to listen to her master as she walked over to the door. The sudden distraction allowed Star to grab the cat and restrain him in her arms.
Key Lime Crime: Sunny Shores Mysteries Book 1 Page 13
