Gumballs and Murder (Candy Store Mysteries Book 1)

by Wendy Meadows

  “You don’t need an excuse to come over,” said Margaret. “It is good to see you.”

  “I like what you have done with the place,” said Mr. Stewart. “It is good to see the hardwood floors polished. The candy brightens up the interior.”

  “I am glad you like it,” said Margaret. “Would you like some candy?”

  “I liked the sample bag you gave me. What were the fruit slices?”

  “Those are candied fruits. They are in the cabinet over here. Would you like to try another sample?”

  “Yes please. I will take the yellow one. Is that a lemon slice?”

  “Yes, but it is sweet. It is candied,” Margaret explained.

  “I like it,” said Mr. Stewart, chewing. “Can I have a quarter pound of assorted candied fruits?”

  “Absolutely,” said Margaret, grabbing a box. “How is your business doing today?”

  “Oh, I am keeping busy. It helps to be the only groomer in town. Everyone brings their pets to me.”

  “That must be a fun job,” said Margaret.

  “It keeps me busy. When the dogs are happy I am happy, and so are the owners.”

  Margaret handed him the bag. “Here is your candy. Patty will take you at the register.”

  Patty looked as shocked as Mr. Stewart. He walked over, and she finished his order. They said a cordial goodbye, and Margaret smiled.

  “You were right; he does have some sweetness in him,” she said to Patty as she walked by. Patty rolled her eyes and shook her head.

  The rest of the day went smoothly, and Margaret kept busy with customers. She had hoped to see David again, but he did not stop back in. She made a mental note to call him. Maybe they could meet somewhere for coffee the next morning. Margaret was looking forward to it.

  After a few more hours, Margaret closed the store. She and Zach drove home. They talked about the customers they had waited on and about David. Zach agreed that he was a nice guy. He was glad that they were friends.

  Margaret was just turning the corner to their house when they saw police lights. Margaret had a sinking feeling in her stomach. As they got closer she saw the police car was in Kyle’s driveway. She pulled into her own driveway and jumped out of the car. She ran toward Kyle’s house but stopped when she saw Kyle come out. He was being led away in cuffs by David. David looked up and saw her. He put Kyle in a car and told the police officer to take him down to the holding cell. He walked over to Margaret.

  “How could you arrest him?” she said.

  “I think he is our guy,” said David.

  “I don’t,” said Margaret.

  “I know my instincts are right with him,” David insisted.

  “What about my instincts?” said Margaret.

  “You are not a police officer,” said David.

  “I’m not, but I have good instincts,” she said.

  “Maybe you do have good instincts, but I am in charge of this investigation, and he is my prime suspect. I have to go and book him now. We can talk about this later.” David turned and walked away.

  Margaret was in shock. Zach came up behind her and gently led her into the house.

  The next morning Margaret went over to Mary’s house. She wasn’t sure if anyone had told her about her mother’s poisoning. Since David had arrested Kyle, Margaret did not see the harm in letting Mary know.

  “Good morning,” she said when Mary opened the door. Margaret had brought over a pitcher of tea. Mary let her in. They went back to the kitchen and sat down.

  “I have some news for you,” said Margaret.

  “I know they arrested Kyle,” said Mary. “I’m glad they caught the person that did this. I never liked him. He let his dog poop on our yard. I always had to go out and clean it up. If he thought he was getting even with my mom, he was wrong. He just made more work for me.”

  “I am sorry for that. I did have some other information that the police might not have told you. Since they have arrested Kyle, I figure it is okay to let you know what they know. “

  “What is that?” asked Mary.

  “The police found traces of poison in your mother’s toxicology report. Did anyone tell you this?”

  “No, they did not. So, what then? Kyle poisoned her and then shot her? He must have hated my mother even more than I thought.”

  “I don’t know exactly what happened, Mary, but I am going to find out.”

  “I think Kyle did it. He was mean and vengeful,” said Mary.

  “Well, I saw a sweeter side to him,” said Margaret.

  “You always see the sweeter side to people,” said Mary. “You even thought my mom was nice. No one else did.”

  “I am sure others liked your mom. She could just be a bit . . . “

  “Snoopy? Nosy? I know what people thought,” said Mary.

  “I was going to say brusque,” said Margaret.

  “Yes, that works,” agreed Mary. “Thank you for talking to the police for me. I was lost for the past couple of days. I suppose I have to get her funeral arrangements taken care of.”

  “If I can help you with any of that I would be happy to,” said Margaret.

  “Thank you. Well, I have to go to work,” said Mary. “I tried to go yesterday, but I turned around and came back home. I just couldn’t go back yet.”

  “I can understand that,” said Margaret. “I hope you have a better day today.” She got up to leave.

  “Here, you can take your pitcher with you. I have one I can put the tea in,” said Mary.

  “Thank you,” said Margaret. She got her pitcher and went home.

  Margaret and Zach drove into work. She had a decent number of customers, and they kept them busy until lunch. Around noon the door opened. Margaret looked up, hoping it would be David. It was Mr. Stewart from across the street.

  “I heard they arrested your neighbor last night,” he said. Patty glared at him.

  “Yes, they did,” replied Margaret.

  “Do you think he did it?” asked Mr. Stewart.

  “No, but I don’t have any proof,” said Margaret.

  “Well, if you think he didn’t do it, I believe you,” said Mr. Stewart.

  Margaret was shocked. She had thought he didn’t like her that much.

  “Thank you,” she said. “Not to pry, but why do you believe me?”

  “Well, I have been watching you and the way you run your business. You are trustworthy and loyal. I like that in a person. If you say Kyle did not kill her, you must have a good reason for thinking that, so I believe you.”

  Margaret was thrilled.

  “So, what are you going to do about it?” asked Mr. Stewart.

  Margaret hesitated. She wasn’t sure if she should tell everyone what she did the other day.

  “You can trust them, Mom,” said Zach reading her thoughts.

  “Well, I looked around Dorothy’s place yesterday morning while Mary was not there.”

  Mr. Stewart’s eyebrows shot up but then he smiled. “Good for you,” he said.

  “I didn’t find anything though.” She didn’t tell them about Dorothy being poisoned because she wasn’t sure she should reveal that yet. She was wondering if she should have even told Mary.

  “Well, I am happy to help out,” said Mr. Stewart. “Has anyone looked at the traffic cameras you have around your neighborhood?”

  “Traffic cameras?” asked Margaret. “No one told me about cameras.”

  “Yes, they had them installed a few years ago when some people came through and vandalized a few homes,” Mr. Stewart explained.

  “No, David didn’t mention those. He seems like a good cop. I’m sure he looked at them.”

  “Well, maybe I can sneak a look when he is out of the office,” said Mr. Stewart. “I shampoo the captain’s dog every week. I bet he will let me have a look.”

  “That would be great,” said Margaret. “Could you let me know what you find?”

  “Sure. I will try to get there later today.”

  “Thank you
,” Margaret said, happy to have some help on the case. If only David would believe me like Mr. Stewart, thought Margaret.

  “I can do some poking around, too,” said Patty. “I know some of your other neighbors.”

  “This is fantastic,” said Margaret, her spirits lifting as they spoke.

  “I am not sure what I’ll find, but I will let you know,” said Patty.

  “Anything would be helpful,” said Margaret. She was glad things were moving in her direction.

  “Should we bring Stacy and Simone in on the action?” Patty asked.

  “How about we find out what we can first,” said Mr. Stewart. “If we need their help we can bring them in later.”

  “That’s a good idea,” said Margaret. She did not want news of her break-in getting around town. David might very well arrest me, he’s so intent on “doing his job,” she thought a little sarcastically.

  A customer walked in, and Zach waited on them.

  “Thank you for helping me,” Margaret said to Mr. Stewart.

  “Of course, dear,” he replied.

  The customer left, and Margaret realized it was time to close the shop. She thanked Mr. Stewart and Patty again. Margaret and Zach drove home, talking about the case in the car.

  “So, if Kyle did not do it, who do you think did?” asked Zach.

  “I have no idea,” said Margaret. “But hopefully we will find out soon.”

  “I hope so, too,” said Zach. “I like Kyle. He is quiet but friendly.”

  “I agree,” said Margaret. They pulled into the driveway.

  “I wonder if anyone is taking care of his dog,” said Zach. Just then they saw Greg, one of the young men who helped them move in, walking Kyle’s dog. Margaret laughed to herself when the dog pooped on Dorothy’s lawn.

  “Well, she is in good hands,” said Margaret. “Let’s get some dinner and go to bed. It is going to be another busy day tomorrow.”

  Chapter Eight

  Margaret woke up with renewed energy. She was determined to prove Kyle was innocent, and now she had friends to help her out. After showering and dressing, she went downstairs. She made coffee and waited for Zach to get up. If she could prove Kyle was innocent, maybe David would take her more seriously. She missed David and thought about calling him. No. He needs to call me, she thought. She heard a noise and turned around. Zach was walking down the stairs.

  “I’ll be ready to go in a few minutes,” he said. “I just need some coffee.”

  Margaret smiled and handed him a mug. Margaret’s cell phone rang.

  “It’s Patty. I wonder if she needs a ride.” Margaret answered the phone. Her smile turned to a frown, and she turned pale.

  “What’s wrong?” demanded Zach.

  “Thank you, Patty, we will be right there,” Margaret said and hung up the phone.

  “What’s going on?” asked Zach.

  “There’s been a break-in at the store.”

  “What? When?”

  “I am not sure. Patty is calling the police, and we need to get down there right now.”

  Margaret grabbed her phone and purse. Kyle gulped his coffee and followed her to the car. They quickly drove into town. When they got to the shop, Margaret flew out of her car and ran to the door. The front door window was shattered. Margaret opened the door.

  “Maybe we should wait for the police,” said Patty.

  Margaret ignored her and stepped inside. There was glass and candy strewn everywhere. Margaret carefully walked to the cash register. It had not been damaged, but there was a note beside it. Margaret picked up the note.

  Leave the murder case alone if you know what is good for you.

  Margaret gasped. She turned around to go back outside. Suddenly she felt her feet and legs flying up. She fell backward and everything went black.

  When Margaret woke up, her head hurt. It felt like someone was sticking an ice pick in the back of her skull. She opened her eyes. Zach, Patty, Mr. Stewart, Stacy, and Simone were there. They looked concerned. Zach saw her eyes open.

  “Mom. You’re at the hospital. You fell in the store and hit your head. The doctor says you may have a slight concussion. He said that your leg is broken, too.”

  Margaret tried to sit up, but it hurt her head. Patty put her hand on her shoulder.

  “Lie there and rest a bit,” she said. “You gave us quite the scare.”

  Margaret put her head back on the pillow. She looked around. Everyone was there but David. He must really be upset with me, Margaret thought. She felt depressed. Her head hurt, her leg hurt, and David had abandoned her. She sighed deeply. Suddenly she remembered.

  “What happened to the note?”

  “You mean the one threatening you?” asked Mr. Stewart.

  “Yes,” said Margaret.

  “Well, we didn’t see it at first. Everyone was worried about getting you to the hospital. I saw the note after the paramedics put you in the ambulance. I gave it to one of the policemen. I think they might be dusting it for prints.”

  “Okay,” said Margaret. She was glad that was a real memory. Her head was sore and spinning. “Am I on any pain medicine?” she asked.

  “Yes,” said Simone. “They have you on all sorts of drugs, lucky you.” Simone chuckled, and the others stared at her. “What?” Simone said.

  “Margaret, you needed some medicine because of the concussion and break,” said Stacy. “Zach was very helpful with the doctors. He let them know you were not allergic to any medicine.”

  “Thank you, Zach,” said Margaret. She felt woozy. “I am a little dizzy.”

  “That’s because of the concussion,” Stacy explained. “The doctors said you need to rest. They might keep you here for observation for the night.”

  “How long was I out?” asked Margaret.

  “It’s been about three hours,” said Mr. Stewart. “We were starting to get concerned. I am glad you finally woke up.”

  “So am I,” said Margaret.

  “Well, we had better leave Zach alone with his mother. We don’t want to crowd her right now,” said Patty.

  “Wait,” said Margaret. “Did anyone find out anything?”

  Patty, Zach, and Mr. Stewart looked at each other. Stacy and Simone asked what Margaret was talking about.

  “Well, we better bring them into the loop,” said Margaret. “With me in the hospital, I will need all the help I can get.”

  “Okay, we will fill them in. You get some rest, and we’ll come back soon. I am still waiting to hear from my source,” said Mr. Stewart. “I will let you know the minute I hear anything.”

  “Thank you,” said Margaret. She shifted her weight a bit and felt the weight of the cast on her leg.

  Zach came over to the bed and held her hand. “Everything is going to be okay, Mom,” he reassured her. “The police are trying to find out who did this.”

  “Thank you, Zach. I am just feeling a bit down. The shop is ruined, and I haven’t figured out who murdered Dorothy. I thought I was moving us somewhere safe, but I have my doubts now.”

  “We are safe, Mom. We have been through a lot with Dad, we can get through this,” said Zach. He handed her some water. She took a few sips and felt a bit better. A nurse stopped in to check her vitals. She said the doctor would be in shortly, since Margaret was awake. Margaret thanked her.

  “Are there any leads about the shop?” Margaret asked Zach.

  “No, not yet, but the police said they would be sending someone over to question you when you were feeling up to it.”

  “Maybe in an hour or so,” said a voice from the doorway. It was Margaret’s doctor. He was older and friendly.

  “I think you still need a bit of rest,” he said.

  “Is that your professional opinion?” Margaret asked.

  “Yes. Rest and fluids are a must. Your tests look good, and I think we will be able to discharge you tonight, but I want you to promise me you will take it easy. I don’t want you walking much for a day or two. That will allow the sw
elling to go down in your leg. Once the swelling is down you can walk a bit more with crutches. Do not put any weight at all on your broken leg.”

  “I won’t,” Margaret promised.

  “Do you have someone at home who can help you?”

  “This is my son, Zach. He lives with me.”

  “I am sure he will be able to help you around the house. Would you like us to send a nurse over for a couple of days to check on you?”

  “That should not be necessary. Zach will be fine. If I need someone I will call the hospital.”

  “That is fine,” said the doctor. “Now, do you want to talk to the police here, or at your home? I can stall them for a bit if you would like me to.”

  “I can talk to them here,” said Margaret.

  “Okay, well, rest for an hour or so, and then I will clear you for questioning.”

  “Thank you,” said Margaret.

  The doctor left, and Margaret told Zach to go and get himself some lunch. She just wanted to be alone for a bit.

  After Zach left, Margaret lay there and thought about the case. The note had been typed, so there was no way to trace the handwriting. Hopefully the police would pull some prints off the paper. Suddenly she stopped. She rang the nurse’s call button. A nurse appeared.

  “Would you like something, Ms. Nichols?”

  “Yes, where is my cell phone?”

  “It is right over here. Would you like me to get it for you?”

  “Yes, please.”

  The nurse handed Margaret her phone. She made a call and was smiling when she hung up. She put her head on her pillow and shut her eyes. She must have drifted off for a bit because when she woke up she saw Zach sitting beside her. She smiled and said hello.

  “You were sleeping for about an hour,” said Zach. “Hey, why are you smiling? Those pain meds must be kicking in.”

  “Nope. Well, yes, I am feeling better, but it is more than the pain medication.”

  “What is it?”

  “How long was I asleep?” Margaret asked Zach.

  “About an hour. I went to lunch, and I just got back.”

  “You will know in a few minutes.”

  “You know that drives me nuts,” he said.

  Margaret just grinned at him. A nurse walked in and told Margaret the police were here.