by Cindy Bell
“What fire?” Ally’s eyes widened. “Tyler, you can’t do that. You can’t.”
“I can do anything I please. I’m getting the rest of this land no matter what it takes.” He locked eyes with Bob. “Maybe if you had just given it to me, none of this would have ever happened.”
“You’re insane, Tyler. What happened to you?” Bob took a step towards him. Ally held up her hand to stop him. She didn’t want him to risk being the first victim of the poison.
“What happened to me? Money Bob. That’s what. I have it, and I want more of it, and I will do anything to take it. Understand?”
“Yeah, I understand. You’re psychotic and a murderer, and no matter what you try to do to me, I promise you I will get revenge for my son’s death.”
Tyler chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Your son came to me, when you rejected him.”
“And my son died defending me.” Bob thrust out his chest. “What does that tell you?”
“It tells me that you’re about to join him.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a lighter. “Now, if there’s anything that any of you think you can do about this, think again. I’ve already spread the gasoline around the barn. This thing will go up in seconds. Zac and I are going to walk out of here. Aren’t we, Zac?”
Zac still held the poison as tight as possible. His hands trembled from the tension of his muscles.
“Tyler I…”
“Don’t question me, or I will lock you in here with the rest of them.”
Luke pulled his gun and pointed it at Tyler. “Put that lighter out.” His voice was fierce as he aimed the gun.
“Cute. By the time you fire a bullet, this lighter will already be hitting the ground. Who do you think is going to win here?”
“Luke, don’t.” Ally walked over to him and placed her hand on the arm that wielded the gun. “Don’t.” She spoke in a soothing tone. Luke forced himself to look away from Tyler long enough to meet Ally’s eyes.
“There’s no way out, Ally,” Luke said.
“Tyler! This is crazy!” Bob began to shout. “Help! Someone help us!”
“Scream all you want. No one is going to be out here at this time of night. You’re not getting out of this. Let’s go, Zac.” He backed up towards the door. Ally saw the opportunity to subdue at least one danger.
“Zac, put down the pesticide. If you’re holding it and it catches fire who knows what will happen.” She met his eyes. “Put it down.”
“All right.” He set the bag down on the ground. Tyler backed up to the door of the barn. It was still open just a little. He grinned at the three he left behind.
“See ya around sometime, Bob.” He flicked the lighter on again. Then a burst of air extinguished it. In the next moment Tyler cried out in pain. He grabbed the back of his head and sunk to his knees. When he collapsed Charlotte was revealed behind him. She held the flashlight high as if she might strike him again. Zac started to lunge at her, but Luke shouted to stop him.
“Don’t do it, Zac! Don’t you move!” He trained the gun between the two men. “Charlotte, get the lighter.”
Charlotte snatched the lighter up off the ground. Luke took long strides towards the two men. “Turn around and face the wall.”
“Ally, come here!” Charlotte opened her arms to her granddaughter. Ally ran straight towards her. As they embraced Arnold squealed between them. The moment that she was in her grandmother’s arms Ally felt a sense of relief.
“Everyone out. This place could go up too easy.” Luke demanded as he kept his gun on the two criminals. Tyler slowly got to his feet. “Ally, call the Mainbry police department, let them get their guys out here to handle these two.”
“Absolutely.” Ally nodded.
“Here, use mine.” Charlotte offered her cell phone. Charlotte, Ally, and Bob stepped out of the barn. Luke, Tyler, and Zac followed after. Ally contacted the police department. When she explained the situation they agreed to send out officers and the detective working the case. When Ally hung up the phone she spotted Bob near the road. He stared aimlessly into the dark. Charlotte took Arnold from Ally and took him to Ally’s car. She put him on the backseat to keep him safe. Ally walked over to Bob and touched his elbow lightly.
“Are you okay?”
“How can I be?” He stared at her with dazed eyes. “I never expected anything like this to happen.”
“You couldn’t have,” Ally said. “But the important thing is that Nigel still loved you, Bob. No matter what bad blood was between you, that bond was not broken.”
Bob shook his head. “If only I had never thrown him out, none of this would have happened.”
“You don’t know that. The only people responsible for any of this, are Tyler and Zac. Their greed would have led them to something like this eventually.”
“Maybe.” Bob wiped his eyes. “Now what do I do?”
Ally looked up the road at a car that drove down from the main house. “Well, you didn’t have just one son who believed in you, Bob. Colin does, too. Maybe the two of you can find a way to rebuild together.”
“Yes.” Bob nodded as Colin’s car pulled to a stop. Colin jumped out in the same moment that several patrol cars with flashing lights rolled up to the barn.
“What happened? Dad, are you okay? Ally?” He looked between the two as he ran up to them.
“I’m okay, son. I’m okay.” Bob opened his arms to Colin. Colin embraced him. Ally stepped away to give them their privacy. She turned just in time to see Luke look over at her. Despite the fact that they were several feet apart she could see the shine in his eyes. She braced herself for the possibility that he would be absolutely furious with her for going to Bob’s farm. He crossed the distance between them as the Mainbry police officers cuffed Zac and Tyler. When he reached her, she began to apologize.
“Luke I…”
“Sh. Don’t.” He coasted his palm down her cheek and settled it on her shoulder. “You’re not hurt?”
“Not too bad.” She studied him with some concern. Was he so angry that he didn’t want to hear any excuses?
“You should get checked out at the hospital.” He took her hand.
“No, I don’t want to go to the hospital, Luke.” She lowered her eyes. “I know you probably think I’m a complete fool.”
“No.” He caught her chin and tilted her head up once more. “I would never think that about you, Ally. You’re gutsy, brave, and a great investigator. You figured out what no one else could. Was it risky?” His jaw rippled with tension. “Yes, it was. But it was what you thought was right. I trust you, Ally, I trust your judgment. I just wish you hadn’t been in danger.”
“I’m sorry.” She smiled as she looked into his eyes. “But you still saved me.”
“I think in this case that honor goes to your grandmother.” Luke looked past Ally to Ally’s car where Charlotte stood. “I see where you get your talents from.”
“That’s the truth.” Ally laughed. He let his hand fall away, but his eyes lingered on hers.
“Ally, I’m not going to tell you what you already know. This was a big risk. But it was your choice. I can respect that. If...”
“If?” She searched his eyes.
“If you’ll dance with me.”
She glanced around at the police officers still gathered to process the scene. “Here?”
“No.” He grinned. “At the dance that we have tickets for.”
“Oh, the dance.” Ally blinked and then broke into a wide smile. “Mee-Maw told you, didn’t she?”
“Uh.” Luke shrugged. “I am a good investigator too, you know.”
“Will you have time to buy a suit?”
“I might have already bought one.”
“You thought your chances were good?”
“Pretty good.” He nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. As they walked towards Ally’s car, Ally’s heart flipped. With his arm around her she felt safe.
“Very good.” She rested her head against
his shoulder.
“It’s been quite an adventure tonight.” Charlotte rubbed her hands together. “Who wants cookies?”
“Cookies?” Luke laughed.
“Actually, that sounds wonderful.” Ally grinned. “What do you say, Luke?”
“I would, but there’s going to be a ton of paperwork to file about this. I should really be available to the detective on the case if he needs any information.”
“I understand.” Ally hugged him and then pulled away. “Thank you, Luke.”
“Always, Ally. Always.” He held her gaze for a long moment before he turned to walk back towards the police cars. “See you at the dance!” He turned back and winked at her.
“Looking forward to it.” Ally blushed. Charlotte slipped her arm around Ally’s.
“He’s quite a find, my dear.”
“Yes. He is. Isn’t he?”
“Mmhm.” Charlotte pulled her close again. “I’m so glad you’re safe. You must have been so frightened.”
“Yes, I was to be honest.” Ally frowned. “I didn’t expect anyone to find me. How did you find me?”
“You left us a trail of pig feed. Didn’t you?”
“I can’t believe you found it.” Ally shook her head. “I only left it so I could find my way back because it was getting dark. I didn’t expect you to find it.”
“I didn’t find it, but Arnold sure did.”
“That poor pig must be starving.”
“Not anymore. He gobbled up every bit on his way to you.”
“Mee-Maw, if you hadn’t shown up when you did, I don’t know what would have happened.”
“But I did, sweetie. That’s all that matters right now. So please, don’t focus on anything else.” She rubbed Ally’s shoulder. “Now let’s go, you need to get some rest before your dance. Are you sure that you don’t want to get that head checked out?”
“No, I’m fine. Just tired.”
“Well, I’ll drive you home.”
“How did you get here?”
“I hitched a ride with Luke.”
“Aha.” Ally smiled at her as she opened the passenger door of the car. “Now I know how he found out about the tickets.”
“Who me?” Charlotte grinned. When Ally climbed into the car Arnold began to snort and squeal. Ally stroked his head.
“My little hero. I promise to never let you get too hungry again, Arnold. I don’t care if you try to trip me or not. You’re a good pig.”
Arnold squealed and nuzzled her hand.
Chapter Sixteen
Ally spent the next two days at home. It took a lot to relinquish her duties to her grandmother, but she knew she needed the rest. Peaches refused to leave her side. If she was in bed, Peaches curled up next to her. If she sat on the couch, Peaches jumped right up onto her lap. Ally was grateful for the company.
Luke kept her up to date on how the case was unfolding and how both Tyler and Zac were expected to spend a long time behind bars, but she had not seen him in person. Even though she hadn’t been able to see his face, she could picture his exact expressions when he texted her. She was excited to go to the dance with him. It seemed silly to her that she had been so resistant to his advances. He was an amazing person, and she didn’t want to miss out on getting to know him better. However, when the night of the dance arrived, she didn’t hear a word from him. She tried to call to confirm he would be there, but he didn’t answer the phone. She let it go at first, but as the hours ticked by, she started to get nervous. Had he changed his mind? Had something happened to him? She dressed for the dance, but continued to wonder if she would have a date after all. When she met her grandmother at Freely Lakes Charlotte was a little surprised.
“I thought that Luke would have driven you.”
“I haven’t heard from him.” Ally lowered her eyes. “I’m not sure if he will be here.”
“I’m sure he will be. He probably got caught up on a case or something.”
“You’re absolutely right. I think I’ll just wait out front for him, so he knows where the dance is.”
“That’s a good plan.” Charlotte patted her arm. “My friend and I are going to check on the refreshments.”
“Just when do I get to meet this friend of yours?” Ally raised an eyebrow.
“Hmm, when I’m ready.” Charlotte winked at her.
“Mee-Maw! I need to make sure this guy is worthy of your attention.” Ally crossed her arms.
“Oh, that’s sweet. But I happen to think that I am the best judge of that.” She patted Ally’s arm. “Don’t worry, he’ll be here.” As Charlotte disappeared into the large gymnasium where the dance was to be held, Ally made her way out through the front door. She seemed to be waiting there for ages anxiously looking at everyone that was arriving, hoping it was Luke.
Ally was getting cold and decided she would leave, Luke obviously wasn’t going to turn up. She pulled open the door to the recreation center so she could say good-bye to her grandmother. As she was walking inside a voice from the parking lot drew her attention.
“Ally, wait!”
She turned to look at the sound of Luke’s voice. When she saw him rushing up the walkway towards her she was dazzled by how handsome he was in his suit. He straightened his tie as he slowed to a stop right in front of her. “I’m sorry I’m late.” He met her eyes. “I’m really, really, sorry.”
She smiled as she looked into his eyes. “All that matters is that you’re here now. I wasn’t sure that you would come.”
“I wouldn’t miss this for anything.” He sighed. “I was on a case, and I left my cell phone, and I didn’t have time to go back and get it because I had to pick up my suit. I should have stopped somewhere to call you, but I just really wanted to get here.” He offered her his hand. “May I have this dance?”
“Absolutely. And the one after, and the one after that.” She wrapped her arm around his.
“Well, then I guess we will have to warn the staff that we might never leave.” He winked at her and led her into the recreation building.
It wasn’t until she felt the warmth of his palm on the small of her back that she was able to relax enough to hear the music. She took his hand and expected him to leave some space between them. Instead he pulled her right up against him and looked into her eyes.
Ally looked into his eyes and realized that she was ready for her next adventure.
The End
From the Author
Thank you very much for reading ‘A Treacherous Tasty Trail’, the fourth book in the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series. If you enjoyed the book and would like to be updated when I release a new book you can sign up for email updates at http://www.cindybellbooks.com/. I will never share your email.
About the Author
Cindy Bell is the author of the cozy mystery series Chocolate Centered, Sage Gardens, Bekki the Beautician, Dune House, Heavenly Highland Inn and Wendy the Wedding Planner.
Cindy has always loved reading, but it is only recently that she has discovered her passion for writing romantic cozy mysteries. She loves walking along the beach thinking of the next adventure her characters can embark on.
You can sign up for her newsletter so you are notified of her latest releases at http://www.cindybellbooks.com.
More Books by Cindy Bell
Chocolate Centered Cozy Mysteries
The Sweet Smell of Murder
A Deadly Delicious Delivery
A Bitter Sweet Murder
Sage Gardens Cozy Mysteries
Birthdays Can Be Deadly
Money Can Be Deadly
Trust Can Be Deadly
Ties Can Be Deadly
Rocks Can Be Deadly
Jewelry Can Be Deadly
Numbers Can Be Deadly
Wendy the Wedding Planner Cozy Mysteries
Matrimony, Money and Murder
Chefs, Ceremonies and Crimes
Knives and Nuptials
Mice, Marriage and Murder
Bekki
the Beautician Cozy Mysteries
Hairspray and Homicide
A Dyed Blonde and a Dead Body
Mascara and Murder
Pageant and Poison
Conditioner and a Corpse
Mistletoe, Makeup and Murder
Hairpin, Hair Dryer and Homicide
Blush, a Bride and a Body
Shampoo and a Stiff
Cosmetics, a Cruise and a Killer
Lipstick, a Long Iron and Lifeless
Camping, Concealer and Criminals
Treated and Dyed
Dune House Cozy Mysteries
Seaside Secrets
Boats and Bad Guys
Treasured History
Hidden Hideaways
Dodgy Dealings
Suspects and Surprises
Ruffled Feathers
Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mysteries
Murdering the Roses
Dead in the Daisies
Killing the Carnations
Drowning the Daffodils
Suffocating the Sunflowers
Books, Bullets and Blooms
A Deadly Serious Gardening Contest
A Bridal Bouquet and a Body
Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
4 ounces butter
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
