Gumballs and Murder (Candy Store Mysteries Book 1)
Page 9
“Are you sure you are okay to go to the shop?” Zach asked again.
“I am sure. I have to confront the store sometime. I feel like I’ve been hiding away here,” Margaret said. “Besides, I’m tired of sitting around at home.”
“I get it,” said Zach. He helped her to the car.
“I’m driving,” Zach insisted. Margaret did not object. Fortunately, she had broken her left leg. Unfortunately, she had a large cast on it. They would be stopping by the doctor’s office after Margaret went to the shop. Margaret hoped the doctor would give her good news about her leg. Zach drove into town. He parked the car, and Margaret hobbled out. She held her breath. She remembered how badly damaged the shop had looked the last time she was there. She saw Patty. Patty waved and walked over.
“Let me carry your purse,” she said. Margaret handed it to her. It made hobbling about easier.
“I didn’t check the supplies at the house since they arrived,” said Margaret. “I’ve been too busy.”
Along with recuperating, Margaret had talked to Allie. Allie was not angry with Margaret; she was furious with Roger. She could not believe he murdered Dorothy. She and Margaret had talked for a while. Margaret could tell Allie was feeling a bit better when she brought over some turnovers. They were delicious. Margaret had told Allie she would stop by after her doctor’s appointment. Allie thanked her. She also told Margaret she had refused to see Roger. She would not post bail. She had practically disowned him. David had suggested Margaret reach out to Allie and Margaret was glad that she had. It was nice having a friend next door.
Margaret realized she had been holding her breath. She did not want to go inside the shop. It was like a part of her had been shattered.
“Are you ready?” Patty asked.
Margaret sighed. “Okay.” She walked toward the building. When she got to the door she gasped. The window was fixed.
“Who did that?” she asked Patty.
“You’ll see,” Patty replied.
Margaret opened the door. The store was immaculate. The jars and shelving had been replaced, and the jars were full of colorful candy.
“Surprise,” someone yelled.
Margaret looked around. Everyone was there—Stacy, Simone, David, and even Mr. Stewart. Greg and Frankie were also there, and so was Kyle. It was a shock. Zach brought over a chair.
“How? Wait, what? Who did this?” Margaret asked.
“We all did, Mom,” said Zach.
“Where did the candy come from?” she asked.
“From the house,” said Zach. “I brought it over yesterday. Greg and Frankie helped me.”
“I had no idea! And who fixed the door and the counters?” she asked.
“That would be us,” said David and Kyle. David came over and put his arm around Margaret. “Kyle knows how to install windows and he has a friend who is a glazier. They came by and replaced all the broken glass. I came over and helped them.”
“All of the jars are hand blown by my friend,” said Kyle.
“This is all wonderful! Unbelievable! Except—how am I going to pay for all of this?” Margaret asked.
“Don’t worry, we have you covered,” said Mr. Stewart. “I know your insurance agent, and I told him to put a rush on the estimate. He did and Patty and I made up the difference.”
“I cannot accept that,” said Margaret.
“Yes, you can, and you will,” said Mr. Stewart. “I want you here, and I will do anything to make that happen.”
“How can I ever repay you?” Margaret asked.
“Well, you could live up to your store’s name and sell me candies for a nickel.” Mr. Stewart smiled.
“You’ve got it,” said Margaret, surprising everyone. They all laughed.
“After I talked to the insurance agent I talked to everyone here,” said Patty. “Stacy and Simone took care of the initial clean-up with Zach. David and Kyle took care of the window, counters, and jars. And Greg and Frankie helped Zach polish the floor and restock the candy.”
“This is too much for me to handle,” said Margaret, on the verge of tears.
“Here, have some tea,” said Stacy, giving her a glass. Margaret took a sip and looked around the shop.
“Thank you all. I have the best friends in the world,” she said. Everyone came over and hugged her, and David gave her a kiss.
“Okay, everyone, let’s leave Margaret alone for a bit,” suggested Patty. She turned to Margaret. “Call Zach when you are ready to go; we will be over at the café.”
“Thanks, Patty,” she said.
David gave Margaret’s shoulder a squeeze and followed everyone else out the door. Margaret looked around at the shop. This is all mine, she thought. And then it occurred to her. She was finally home.
Dear Reader,
Hi there. Thank you for reading.
I hope you’ll leave a review and/or rating at the retail website where you purchased it, I appreciate you and your feedback.
Thanks again,
Wendy Meadows
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About the Author
Wendy Meadows is an emerging author of cozy mysteries. She lives in “The Granite State” with her husband, two sons, two cats and lovable Labradoodle.
When she isn’t working on her stories she likes to tend to her flowers, relax with her pets and play video games with her family.
Get in Touch with Wendy
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Also by Wendy Meadows
Maple Hills Cozy Mystery Series
Nether Edge Mystery Series
Chocolate Cozy Mystery Series
Alaska Cozy Mystery Series
Sweet Peach Bakery Cozy Series
Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Series
Candy Shop Mysteries