Candy Canes & Corpses

by Abby L. Vandiver

  Madame Torres’s glass globe lit up with a display of fireworks as the words Protect Whispering Falls continued to float in the waves.

  “Here you go, Roxy.” I set the bottle down on the counter next to the cash register. “Little dabs along the neck, behind the ears, and on the soles of your feet are all you need for a relaxing honeymoon.”

  She hurried over along with Camille. They both had anxious looks on their faces as Roxy unscrewed the lid and lifted the bottle up to her nose.

  “Caramel apple,” she gushed. She lifted her chin, her eyes dancing with delight. “The night Patrick and I got married, we’d been bobbing for apples at the annual Neewollah Festival. We ate caramel apples. This is just too coincidental.”

  She dabbed a little on her wrists before she offered some to Camille.

  “That’s just for you.” I put my hand out to stop her from dabbing some on her new friend. “I’ve got just the thing for you. I bet you’d love a dash of lemon balm and that doesn’t mix well with caramel apple.”

  My heart sank when I got a whiff of lemon balm.

  “Did you say that you’re engaged?” I asked Camille to make sure my intuition was right.

  “I am.” She eagerly nodded. “We are getting married on New Year’s Eve. It’s been in the works for about a year now. My fiancé just had a small bachelor party in November and I didn’t want one. I only wanted him to bring me here, to Whispering Falls, for the shopping and the tree lighting tonight.”

  As she spoke, my heart got heavier and heavier. She truly loved this man. Her heart practically glowed with the love, but I knew there was a deep dark secret. One that was going to reveal itself.

  I watched as she picked out a bottle for the broken heart lotion I had to make for her. It was what her body was saying she needed, only she had no idea she needed it. . .yet.

  “I’m sure your wedding is going to be amazing.” I assured her, taking the red, hourglass-shaped bottle from her grip.

  “Let’s exchange phone numbers in case I ever can get Michael to visit Honey Springs,” I overheard Camille tell Roxy as I headed back behind the partition to make her potion.

  The bell over the door dinged, and as I glanced back over my shoulder, the door was closing. Roxy Bloom must’ve left, and a man shuffled into the shop.

  “There you are.” He hurried over to Camille. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

  “Oh, Michael, isn’t this the best shop ever?” She bounced on her toes.

  Michael’s eyes met mine. There was a deep sadness within them that sent a punch to my gut. He was going to break her heart and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

  “Just darling,” he muffled with sarcasm. “I think we should go home.”

  “Why? You promised me a full day in Whispering Falls.” Camille pleaded with him. “Mike?”

  I headed back to the cauldron, not only to get her a potion made fast, but to get out of the way of the discussion they were having.

  “The snow is getting heavier and it might be a while before we can make it back home.” His voice got softer. “We can make it home in time for a nice romantic dinner in front of the TV.”

  “No! Over your dead body is when I’ll leave early.” Camille’s words were followed by the slamming of the shop door.

  Chapter Three

  Roxy Bloom

  Patrick parked the car on an open spot near the Glorybee Pet Shop. There was a parking lot specifically for the Full Moon Treesort, but an arrow pointing towards a trail where we had to walk the rest of the way.

  Unsure of how long it would take us to walk the trail, Patrick took the dogs for a walk while I had roamed around a few of the shops.

  “There you are,” I greeted Patrick, Sassy, and Pepper after I’d found them on the little trail I’d taken from the shops towards the resort.

  “I swear I’ve been lost in these woods for about an hour.” I still wasn’t sure of my way around.

  “How did we not know this town was here?” Patrick let Sassy and Pepper shower me with kisses as though I’d been gone for a week before he took me into his arms. “It’s pretty amazing. There’s snow on the ground, but we aren’t freezing.”

  I tucked my arm in his elbow and let him lead me back to the Full Moon Treesort since I’d yet to see where we were staying. Sassy and Pepper ran ahead like they knew exactly where they were going.

  “Do I smell caramel apple?” Patrick nuzzled his nose in my neck, sending shivers up my spine.

  Meow, Mr. Prince Charming showed up out of nowhere.

  “Mr. Prince Charming,” I greeted him and snuggled closer to Patrick. There was an inexplicable feeling growing within me that I wanted to spend as much time with Patrick as possible. The love and happiness I was feeling was indescribable.

  “His name is Prince Charming?” Patrick laughed.

  “Mr. Prince Charming,” I corrected him. “He belongs to June Heal. The lady who owns A Charming Cure. She made a lotion just for me. It smells just like caramel apples.” I took it out of my purse and showed him the bottle. “There’s something strange about this town that I can’t quiet put my finger on.”

  “Don’t you dare go and sniff around when we are on our honeymoon,” Patrick warned, tightening his grip around me. “We only have a few days here before we head back to Honey Springs for our family Christmas. We need to relax before we have your Aunt Maxi and your mom in one room.”

  I busted out laughing, the joy in my voice bouncing around the woods and across the clearing ahead of us.

  “Patrick,” I gasped when I saw the large tree that had a house of some sort built into it.

  “That’s the Full Moon Treesort,” he said.

  We both stopped and watched Sassy and Pepper dart up the front steps of the hotel. It was the most spectacular hotel I’d ever seen.

  “We aren’t your typical bed and breakfast.” Amethyst Plum had greeted us from the large kitchen inside of the resort. She hummed happily as Patrick took a seat at the large kitchen island where she was making something that smelled so good.

  She had a long, fishtail braid and wide, black eyes that danced as she giggled at Sassy and Pepper curled up next to the large stone fireplace.

  “My resort is nestled deep within the woods behind our village. As you can see, the two story, A-frame structure is nothing but windows that overlook the most spectacular views Whispering Falls has to offer. Our rooms are scattered among the trees in the forest. Each one has a different theme and a unique view, and you get the honeymoon tree. You’re going to love it.” She peeled the dough from her hands and floured the cutting board.

  “What are you making?” I asked with great interest.

  “I’m making candy cane cookies. They are delicious.” She took half the dough and began to roll it into a thin line.

  “I have a wonderful recipe that I use at The Bean Hive for candy cane cookies.” I took pride in all of the food I cooked and baked in my coffeehouse.

  “You own a bakery?” She asked.

  “No. I own a coffeehouse where I make my own special blends. I also bake and have some food items.” I pushed my sleeves up to my elbows. “May I?” I asked.

  “I’d love that.” Amethyst happily moved out of my way.

  “Oh boy, this is going to be a while.” Patrick took his drink and headed over to one of the sofas. “I’m going to sit here and enjoy this view while you do that.”

  The large windows around the Treesort provided a perfect view of the woods and the falling snow.

  “Are those twinkling lights?” I asked as I began to incorporate the red food coloring into the dough.

  “The teenagers?” She asked.

  “Teenagers?” I took another hard look out the window. I didn’t see anything except what appeared to be lightning bugs, but I knew it was the season for them. Especially with the snow. “No, I meant the things that look like lightning bugs.”

  “Oh, dear,” she curled her lips in and mumbled. “Those.” She he
sitated. “What is the oven supposed to be on?” she asked, avoiding my question all together. “I’ll be right back.” She didn’t bother setting the oven or waiting for me to answer.

  “There are just things I can’t seem to explain,” I said to Patrick after she hurried out of the room. I walked over to the oven and looked at it. I couldn’t find the buttons to turn it on.

  “What are you talking about?” He asked over his shoulder.

  “Those lightning bugs.” I pointed to the window. He turned back around and followed my finger. It was early, but dark enough to see the bugs flying all around.

  “What lightning bugs?” He asked. “I only see snow falling.”

  The twinkling lights were suddenly gone. I looked from window to window.

  “I’m not going nuts. I swear there were lightning bugs,” my jaw dropped as the words left my mouth. I blinked a few times.

  “Lightning bugs?” Amethyst appeared out of nowhere next to the oven. The oven started. “Those amazing bugs go away around October. They’ve been long gone now.” She drummed her fingers together.

  “How did you start that oven?” I asked and looked back. There were a couple of knobs that I swear weren’t there before. The oven’s digital readout already said three-hundred and fifty. “I swear I didn’t see any knobs or buttons.”

  “Nothing special.” Amethyst had already taken the cream-colored dough and the red dough, braided them together, and had them perfectly shaped in candy cane form before I could turn back around.

  “Wow. I . . .” Now my jaw was on the floor.

  “You okay?” She asked. “I just love your recipe. These are going to be a big hit with the bed and breakfast guests.”

  “Good evening,” June Heal greeted us when she walked into the room. “I see you’ve met.”

  “Evening?” I glanced up at the clock. It was already five p.m.

  “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Amethyst grinned from ear to ear. She gestured to the windows where the woods were suddenly really dark. “June, did you see the Santa this afternoon?”

  The awkward moment between the two women didn’t go unnoticed. It was as though they were trying to tell each other something that they didn’t want me to hear.

  “You’re going to miss the tree lighting if you don’t hurry up,” June said as she took a bite out of a candy cane cookie. It was obvious she was ignoring Amethyst’s question about the Santa.

  “The cookies are ready?” I blinked a few times when I noticed the three-tiered displays were full of the baked cookies.

  “Are you feeling okay, honey?” Patrick walked over to see me. “All the baking you’ve done today must have you tired. Do you want to skip the tree lighting and just go lay down?”

  “You have been busy.” Amethyst patted my hand.

  “No. I’m fine.” I planted a smile on my face, but deep down I knew that something wasn’t right. “I’m ready to go to the tree lighting.”

  Patrick got Sassy and Pepper along with our coats. On our way out the door, I took the lotion June Heal had made me and threw it in the trash can when she and Amethyst weren’t looking.

  “Why did you throw that away?” Patrick asked on our way out of the Treesort.

  “I don’t know. I think it made me sick to my stomach. Maybe the scent was too much.” I shrugged off his question.

  If I told him that I thought this town was crazy or that there was some sort of witchery was going on, he’d think his new bride was crazy.

  “The fresh air might do you good.” He rubbed my back as we found our way back into Village.

  Colored Christmas lights were strung from lamp post to lamp post, making the town even more magical at night. Every shop was open, and the sidewalks were filled with tourists.

  The Santa was ringing his bell next to a red. . .cauldron? I had to do a double take when it was clearly not a kettle. We made our way down to where the carolers sang at the big evergreen that hadn’t been there earlier today, on the lawn of Two Sisters and A Funeral at the far end of town. There was a countdown clock next to the unlit tree. Next to the tree was a big red sleigh with the times listed for visits with Santa.

  Mr. Prince Charming beat us there. He stared at me like he was watching me.

  “Are you following me?” I bent down and asked him.

  He began to dance around my ankles, leaving fur marks on my jeans.

  “You are a funny cat.” I bent down and picked him up.

  “Welcome to our magical village of Whispering Falls. I’m Petunia Shrubwood, the President of the Village.” The woman spoke above the crowd next to a giant light switch. She had long brown hair that desperately needed a brush.

  “Is that a stick in her hair?” Patrick leaned over and asked me.

  “Is that a bird on her shoulder?” I asked him and we both laughed.

  “We will have a lot to tell people about our honeymoon over Christmas dinner.” He laughed again, making me laugh some more.

  “It’s my great honor to host you and your loved ones for what we hope to be an annual event.” Petunia continued to tell the crowd about the town. “All of our shops are open for you. We hope while you are here you will take the time to explore our village and enjoy your stay.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Camille darting in and out of the crowd like she was looking for someone.

  I waved my hands over my head.

  “Camille!” I called her name and caught her attention. My smile grew bigger and bigger as she made her way through the crowd. “Patrick, this is Camille. She is getting married.”

  “Not if I can’t find my fiancé.” There was a worried look on her face. “I’ve been looking for him since you left the shop earlier.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “Do you remember seeing a man walk into A Charming Cure when you were leaving?” she asked.

  “Yes. He had brown, longish hair.” I used my hands to show her what I meant. She nodded. “Long, blue cashmere coat?” I confirmed that my memory wasn’t gone . . yet.

  “Yes. Have you seen him since then?” she asked, with worry evident in her tone.

  “I haven’t. I’m sorry, but I can help now.” She accepted. “I’ll be back in a few. You stay here so I can find you,” I said to Patrick.

  He gave me a kiss on the lips.

  “Don’t miss the lighting. You’ve got five minutes.” He pointed to the countdown clock.

  “You go that way and I’ll go this way.” I pointed to the left for Camille and I went right.

  The crowd was getting bigger and bigger as the countdown clock ticked down. I walked on my tiptoes to see above the crowd, but I wasn’t tall enough. When I got to Santa’s sleigh, I figured I’d just step up on it and look over the crowd.

  I grabbed the reins and hoisted myself up.

  “What are you doing?” Constance Karima was standing near the back of the sleigh. Her sister was behind her, sniffing around like a dog. “You need to get down.” There was no room in her tone for negotiation.

  “I was just trying to find. . .”

  “Three, two, one!” Petunia yelled into the microphone as she pushed the big light switch to ON.

  The entire village lit up like somebody had turned on the sun. It nearly blinded me, causing me to lose my balance.

  “Get down!” Constance Karima screamed at me. “Now!”

  “Whoaaa!!” I tried to see past the spots of lights that were affecting my sight. I blinked a few times. My arms flailed around like airplane propellers before I fell right into the sleigh. “I’m so sorry,” I begged Santa to forgive me when I noticed I’d fallen on him.

  My eyes went back to normal as I started to push myself up and help out the jolly big guy. Only it wasn’t the jolly big guy.

  “Michael?” My eyes grew as I realized it was Camille fiancé with a knife stuck in his neck.

  Chapter Four

  June Heal

  Izzy, Gerald, Petunia, Faith, and I had hurried d
own to A Charming Cure to formulate a plan while the Karima sisters had thrown Michael’s body in the back of their ambulance, hauling him off to Two Sisters and a Funeral.

  “I warned you. Didn’t you listen to the paper this morning?” Faith Mortimer asked about her editorial comments in the Whispering Fall Newspaper this morning as she wrapped one arm around her waist and gnawed on a fingernail on her other hand. Her long, blonde hair was pulled up into a high ponytail. She had a black ear wrap to keep her warm, though she really wore it as an accessory. “What use is my spiritual gift if you don’t listen?” Her onyx eyes glared at me.

  “At least she’s occupied.” Gerald parted the display window curtain and peeked across the street to the Whispering Falls police station where Oscar had taken Roxy Bloom in for questioning. “Now, what are we going to do about my Santa appearance?”

  Gerald was scheduled to sit in the sleigh where Michael was murdered. Faith was going to take the photos of the children sitting on his lap after the tree lighting, but that was on hold at the moment.

  “Speaking of Santa,” I said and turned towards Izzy. “Who was the guy you hired to play Santa this morning?”

  “What?” Izzy was a crystal ball reader and her Mystic Lights shop was a cover for her spiritual gift. She lifted her hand, the crystal eye in her snake ring sparkling, and she brushed her long, blonde wavy hair around one shoulder. Her hazel eyes looked confused. “What guy?”

  “There was a guy this morning in front of Magical Moments who was dressed as Santa, ringing a bell for the red cauldron.” I blinked a few times to regain my memory. “In fact, he told me that you hired him.”

  “I did no such thing.” She drew her hand and laid it up against her black cloak on top of her heart. “The only person who is allowed to play Santa is Gerald. It was his idea and he has to do it. Gerald?”

  “Don’t look at me. This is the first I’ve heard of it.” Gerald pulled the Santa beard from his face and curled the edges of his mustache. “Petunia and I have worked hard this year to make it very memorable for little Orin.”