Candy Corruption

by C A Phipps

  “Hmm. I’m sorry to hear that, and I’ll be as quick as possible. Were there other voices at any time?”

  “Just one other.”

  “Are you certain it was your husband, or could it be this other person that hurt you.”

  “I may not remember every detail, but it was definitely Jimmy who hit me. As for someone else, I know they spoke while I was in and out of consciousness, but the words are a jumble.”

  “You can’t remember anything he or the other person said about letting you go.”

  Betty rubbed her eyes. “Not about that, but I believe they mentioned money and insurance.”

  “Yours?” Nate pressed.

  Betty shook her head. “I don’t have any since I couldn’t afford the premiums. In fact, I canceled it just recently.”

  Nate raised an eyebrow. “So he could have been referring to his own insurance?”

  “Maybe. Although, I can’t think why Jimmy mentioned it since we’re divorced. Why do you think he brought it up?”

  Scarlett was lucky that she could work on autopilot because her mind was whirring at a million miles an hour. What kind of policy would Jimmy have that would involve Betty? And what if he didn’t know that Betty had canceled hers? There had to be something else he wanted.

  “There’s nothing I can pinpoint for you right now,” Nate continued. “I’ve given the okay for you to go home when you’re ready. The scene was clean of any prints, and we worked all night to make sure we hadn’t missed anything.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff. Scarlett’s organizing to have my locks changed.”

  “I was about to ask if you needed help with that.” A chair scraped the floor. “If you think of anything else, please give me a call. Any of you, and I’ll see myself out.”

  Since his last sentence was said much louder than the rest, Scarlett assumed it was directed at her. As Nate left by the kitchen door, Harvey, who owned Betty’s house, arrived.

  “Scarlett left me a message to say that you want your house locks changed, Betty?”

  “That’s right. The sooner, the better. Will it be costly?” Betty asked worriedly.

  “Don’t worry about the cost, my insurance will cover it,” he said as Scarlett came into the kitchen.

  “Thank you, Harvey. That’s so kind of you.”

  He preened a little. “Just being a good landlord. I’ve got someone who’ll do it later today. It’ll be taken care of by the time you get home. Of course, if some fudge happens to come my way. . .”

  Betty chuckled, and by the time he left, the mood was a little lighter. Scarlett went back to her cake, and Violet made cookie dough.

  Betty loaded the dishwasher, then asked: “What should I do?”

  “Since we’re on top of things today, why don’t you make some fudge?” Scarlett suggested.

  “What’s this?” Violet’s eyes lit up.

  “Betty makes heavenly fudge. When she’s up to making it in a larger quantity, I thought we could sell it in the café.”

  “Yum.” Violet licked her lips. “I love fudge.”

  Betty grinned. “It will be my pleasure to make my specialty.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Harvey dropped in the new set of keys that afternoon, and Betty handed him a small container of fudge. He went away looking very pleased with himself.

  After they shut the shop, Scarlett drove Betty home. Her house wasn’t far, but Betty looked tired and had grown more nervous as time went by. This reinforced the idea that she wanted people with her when she went inside for the first time, and Scarlett didn’t blame her.

  Without asking if they should, Violet and Scarlett walked through the house, checking and rechecking doors and windows. Betty sat at the small table, her back away from the door, and Scarlett put a hand on her shoulder. “Everything looks fine.”

  Betty waved her hand around the room. “Someone tidied up.”

  “Yes, Olivia organized that with Harvey.”

  Betty smiled. “He’s far nicer than I thought he was.”

  “Is it me, or are the men in this town changing for the better?” Violet mused.

  “That’s a good point,” Betty chuckled. “You girls have Arthur in the palm of your hands these days, and I do recall when it wasn’t always so.”

  Scarlett was pleased that Betty was comfortable enough to make a joke. “I don’t know about that, but he’s a pleasure to deal with these days.”

  “And he did give you a van.”

  Scarlett didn’t know that this was common knowledge, and she wanted to set things straight. “We’re only loaning it for now. We plan on buying our own with some of the money from the book.”

  Betty raised an eyebrow. “Hopefully, since he’s turned over a new leaf, he’ll sell it to you for a good price.”

  Not wishing to discuss what they might pay for the van with anyone but Arthur or her sisters, Scarlett changed the subject. “Did you know that a while back, Arthur asked me onto the committee?”

  Betty smiled conspiratorially. “I know. He asked me too, and I’ve been seriously thinking about it.”

  This was good news for Scarlett. If Betty took up one of the open positions, she wouldn’t have to continue making excuses to Arthur. “I hope you do. We need more caring people involved in the running of Cozy Hollow.”

  “That’s what I thought, and I wondered about the secretary’s position. When Mabel Norris died, it left a gap that I could easily fill. No disrespect to Mabel, who did a fine job.”

  Scarlett couldn’t comment on poor Mabel’s talents, while Violet wasn’t as sympathetic.

  “I’m sure you would be more popular. Plus, Olivia could do with another like-minded person,” Violet encouraged her.

  “You know I could also do the café’s accounts if you don’t have time?” Betty winked. “At friends rates, naturally.”

  “I’m happy to do the accounts,” Scarlett explained. “Thanks anyway.”

  Betty’s mouth turned down. “I’m sure you do them wonderfully too. I was merely thinking of a way to pay you back for giving me a job and being so lovely to me over the last week or so.”

  “It’s nothing. I’m sure you’d do the same, and you don’t owe us anything.”

  Betty thought on this, then grinned. “Not even more candy?”

  “Well . . .” Violet laughed. “It is pretty darn special.”

  “It sure is,” Scarlett agreed. “Now we should let you get some rest. Do you think you’ll be okay here tonight?”

  Betty took a deep breath. “I’ll be just fine. It might be a trick to get to sleep, but if I need to, I’ll leave a light on. ”

  “If you’re sure?”

  Betty nodded and walked them to the door. “Thanks for everything, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “If you need anything at all, give us a call,” Scarlett insisted. “We can be here in five minutes.”

  “I will, and don’t worry about me. Olivia’s just down the road and said she’ll call me later.”

  They said goodbye, waiting until they heard the locks click before they drove off. Harvey had been true to his word and had not only changed the locks but put large deadbolts on the doors. Hopefully, Betty would be safe, and it made Scarlett feel easier about leaving her alone.

  They collected Ruby on the way and caught her up to date with Betty. Nearly home, Violet brought up the vehicle issue. “So, we’re going to make an offer to Arthur to buy this van?”

  “It’s reliable and perfect for our needs. Although I’m not convinced Arthur wants to sell it, we should make a decent offer because it wouldn’t be right to take advantage of his change of heart toward us. No matter what Betty or other people think, we aren’t a charity case,” Scarlett said firmly.

  Ruby nodded. “As much as I can appreciate where Betty got the idea from, it wouldn’t be right to do that.”

  “I’m glad we’re in agreement.” Scarlett gave Violet a quick glance. “If I’m going to be the only one of us working in the caf�
�, I don’t want you two to think I’m going to take over everything. Any major decisions should always be unanimous, and everyone gets to have their say.”

  Violet put a hand on Scarlett’s shoulder. “And what about taking the pressure off yourself and letting Betty do the accounts?”

  “Maybe in the future. Right now, I want you to focus on what you’re going to do. With Betty back at work, you don’t even have to come in tomorrow if you want to start looking for a job or need to organize going back to school.”

  Scarlett pulled into their driveway and shut off the engine. Ruby opened the door to let the animals out, but Violet didn’t move.

  “What’s up, Vi?”

  Squeezing the bridge of her nose, Violet sighed. “I imagined it, but never truly thought this day would come. Now that it’s here—I’m a little scared.”

  Theatrically, Scarlett put a hand to her heart. “You? Scared? How is that possible?”

  Violet smacked Scarlett’s arm. “Stop that. I get scared sometimes. I just don’t like to show it, like you and Ruby.”

  “But we’re your sisters.” Scarlett smacked her back. “If we can’t share our feelings with each other, then they’ll bottle up, and that’s not good for anyone.”

  Behind the front seat, Ruby leaned between them. “There’s no reason to be scared. This is your dream, and you can do whatever you like with it.”

  “Exactly. Anything. That’s a little daunting when I’ve grumbled so much about having to work in the café. At my age, I should know what I want. You and Scarlett do.”

  Violet’s honesty hit Scarlett hard. She thought she’d understood how much giving up her plans had affected this sister and was ashamed that she hadn’t been more sympathetic. But she was proud of Ruby, who came to the rescue.

  “That’s different, Vi. Scarlett didn’t have to choose anything because she loves to bake. I love books and children, so the library was a no-brainer. Plus, I was already doing something along that line with tutoring. We just have to find your ‘thing’ and then you’ll be off and running. It’s a good thing to have choices, Vi.”

  “What she said,” Scarlett sniffed. “Look, there’s no hurry to decide just as there’s no harm if you try something and don’t like it. Do that as many times as you like, and we’ll be right behind you cheering you on.”

  Violet wiped at her eyes, and George jumped over the seat to give her a snuggle, while Bob stuck his nose in the door and barked.

  “Going back to school might be more than I can handle,” Violet managed after a while.

  Scarlett was filled with a warm bubble of happiness, despite Violet’s worry. It was nice being together like this and finding ways to make things right. “But that’s what you’re leaning towards?”

  “I think so. Just getting a degree would make me feel . . . smarter?”

  “Hah! You’re as smart as they come—and then some. You sold our book, and that’s already changing our lives.”

  “Shucks,” Violet snickered. “You two are certainly feeding my ego.”

  “Then it must be your turn to cook,” Ruby poked Violet over the seat.

  “No way. You need the exercise, kiddo.”

  Scarlett laughed as they made their way into the house. “You two can sort it out between you. I’ve got things to do.”

  “What are your plans for tonight?” Ruby asked.

  “I’m going to work out our finances, so we’ll know what we can afford to offer Arthur for the van. Then I’ll ask Dale how much it’s worth.” If that all works out, then we can put most of the balance to our bills. Does that sound reasonable?”

  “I guess that’s okay.” Ruby dropped her bag on the table, none too gently.

  “I hear a but in there, kiddo.”

  Ruby sighed. “I know you need a van for the catering and supplies, but I’ve been thinking that we should take a little of the money and get a small car as well? Something Violet and I could share?”

  Visualizing the money rapidly diminishing, Scarlett still didn’t hesitate. “If that’s what you both want, we can at least look into it.”

  Violet rubbed Bob between the ears and filled his water bowl. “It’s news to me, but why not? It wouldn’t need to cost the earth.”

  Scarlett nodded. “You two both deserve to be mobile. Let’s talk to Dale when he stops by tomorrow. We’ll ask him about the van’s worth and if he has anything in stock that would suit. Unless you want to do this yourselves?”

  Ruby grabbed a disgruntled George and cuddled him.“We do things better when we do it together.”

  Scarlett grinned at her sisters. Ruby could do nothing to hide her excitement, but for all her calm demeanor, Violet was also buzzing about having a car. “Have I told you guys recently that I love you?”

  Violet gagged. “Arrgh! Enough with all the sugar.”

  “The Grinch is back,” Ruby pealed with laughter.

  “I am not a grinch.” Violet sniffed. “One of us has to be sensible.”

  “Yeah, and that’s you for sure,” Scarlett chuckled.

  Over supper, Ruby brought up Betty being alone. “I wondered if she’d be able to stay there ever again.”

  “We got her settled, and although she was nervous, to begin with, she seemed okay by the time we left. I imagine that her ex-husband still on the loose must be praying on her mind. I know it is on mine.” Scarlett admitted.

  Violet frowned. “Maybe kidnapping her, then finding out she has no money, gave him second thoughts, and he’s left town.”

  “I hope that’s what happened.” Ruby shivered.

  Scarlett had a weird feeling about the ex. “I don’t know if that’s good or bad. Leaving town just means he can come back at any time.”

  Ruby’s fork stopped midway to her mouth. “He wouldn’t be so stupid. Would he?”

  “What he did was pretty stupid, so who knows?” Violet pushed her food around the plate.

  It was a sobering thought, and Scarlett wished she knew what the man wanted. Did he know Saul was coming to Cozy Hollow or was it a coincidence that both men arrived at a similar time? And if she was this worried, then surely Nate would have placed someone outside Betty’s house to keep her safe? Then again, Nate had been acting odd.

  With more questions than answers, this mystery was wound up like a misused maypole, and unraveling the clues was proving just as hard.

  Perhaps Nate was doing better at it? He was the professional, after all. And right then, she knew he was hiding something. But what?

  Chapter Seventeen

  Scarlett wanted to speak to Dale about a fair price for the van, but he hadn’t returned her call. She’d also left a message for Arthur asking to see him later that day.

  As luck would have it, Arthur turned not long after they’d opened the café.

  “Good morning! Your message didn’t explain much, but it did sound important, so here I am.”

  With Betty and Violet working in the kitchen, Scarlett showed Arthur to his favorite table near the door. “Just one moment, please.” She went to fetch Violet and a coffee pot. Violet also grabbed a fresh slice of apple pie.

  He grinned. “Well, thank you, ladies. What did I do to deserve this special treatment?”

  “We’d like to ask you a question but don’t want you to feel obliged to answer favorably.” Scarlett stopped talking when Dale came in and, after a friendly greeting, headed to the counter.

  Violet went behind the counter. Keeping an eye on the proceedings, she poured Dale’s coffee then bagged up a fat chicken sandwich to go.

  Arthur grinned at Scarlett. “You’d better come to the point. I’ve got a meeting with the committee soon, so I can’t stay long.”

  Scarlett sat beside him and leaned in. “If you’d be willing to part with it, we’d like to buy the van. For a fair price.”

  He put his mug back on the table and studied her thoughtfully. “I’ve seen how perfect it is for you, but I hadn’t thought about selling it.”

  “No matter.” S
carlett sat back, trying to hide her disappointment. Maybe Dale can find us one.”

  Arthur put up his hand. “Hold your horses. I haven’t said no.”

  “It’s your van. If you want or need to keep it, then that’s your business.”

  “Have you decided whether you’ll come on the committee or not?”

  Her mouth hung open for a second or two. “Are you blackmailing me?”

  “How can you suggest such a thing?” Mock horror warred with the distinct twinkle in his eyes.

  “Mr. Mayor?” she challenged.

  He shrugged. “Maybe a little. We need numbers to avoid another costly election. Would it be so awful?”

  “Probably. Listen, Betty is keen to help out. Why don’t you ask her again?”

  “Is that right? She was definite about not joining us when I asked a while back. I guess she’s changed her mind.” He raised an eyebrow. “You do know that we need two people?”

  Scarlett grimaced. “Arrgh! I’d forgotten about that.”

  He chuckled. “How about we both think about things, and when we’ve decided we can get together to iron out details?”

  Arthur may have changed for the better in most respects, but he was still wily when he wanted things his way.

  She sighed dramatically. “Fine. I’ll get back to you soon.”

  With a satisfied glint in his eye, he quickly drank his coffee and left.

  “Well?” Violet demanded as soon the door shut.

  Scarlett looked around the kitchen. “Where’s Betty?”

  “She had an errand to run.”

  Thoughtfully Scarlett wiped the counter. “It could have gone better.”

  “What a shame, but they’ll be other vans we can buy.”

  “Actually, he said we could have the van at a fair price.” Scarlett tutted. “Unfortunately, it came with a proviso.”

  Violet’s eyes narrowed. “What does he want?”

  “For me to go on the committee.”

  “He can’t force you to do that!”

  “No, he can’t,” Scarlett agreed. “The weird thing is that I’ve been wondering if it wouldn’t be a good thing. I’d be able to do more for the community, which would be nice. You know, something outside of the café?”