A Shot of Bitterness (Candy Store Mysteries Book 2)

by Wendy Meadows

  “What? Can’t I offer you some delicious candy?” he asked.

  “I made that delicious candy,” she said.

  “I know. That’s what makes it extra special,” David said. He held the passenger side door open and Margaret climbed into his truck. David went to the driver’s side and got in.

  “Country music?” he asked. Margaret laughed. They had listened to country music on their first stakeout together at her place.

  “Sounds perfect,” said Margaret as David started the truck. They headed toward Leah Freeman’s place. The weather was nice and the sky was clear. Margaret felt a thrill inside from the investigation and working with David. She was glad they were finally on the same page. They pulled up to the Freeman house and got out of the truck. They went to the front door, and David knocked. Leah Freeman answered.

  “Mrs. Freeman, I’d like to have a look inside your house,” said David. “I don’t have a search warrant but I can get one if necessary.”

  Leah stepped back to let them in. “You don’t need a search warrant, Detective. I’m happy to let you look wherever you need to.”

  “Okay,” said David. “Thanks for your cooperation.”

  “As long as my private investigator goes with you,” said Mrs. Freeman.

  Margaret chuckled. David turned slightly red.

  “We were going to do this together anyway,” murmured Margaret. David coughed.

  “Of course, Mrs. Freeman,” he replied. David and Margaret entered the house. They started in the back kitchen and made their way to the front room. They didn’t find anything suspicious. They went upstairs. By the stairwell Margaret signaled to David. He stopped and she pointed at something hanging off a nail on the stairwell. It was a piece of fabric.

  “Looks like it was ripped off of something,” said Margaret.

  “I agree,” said David. “Probably nothing, but let’s take it,” he added, bagging the evidence. They continued to search the house but didn’t find anything else. They thanked Mrs. Freeman for letting them look around. When she asked David if he had found anything he said he would let her know soon.

  “We don’t have much to go on just yet but as soon as we have some leads I will let you know,” Margaret said. Leah Freeman thanked her and walked them to the door. They said goodbye and got into David’s truck. David turned to Margaret.

  “Thank you for not telling her about the evidence,” he said.

  “Just because she hired me doesn’t take her name off the list of suspects,” Margaret replied.

  “Impressive,” said David. “You should have gone to the police academy. You would have made a great detective.”

  “Who needs the academy? I’m a good private investigator,” she laughed.

  “Consultant,” David corrected her, and Margaret rolled her eyes.

  “I’m going to the precinct to give them this evidence,” said David as he dropped Margaret off at the candy store. “I’m glad you came along with me.”

  “So am I,” said Margaret.

  “So, about that date?” David asked.

  “Let’s wait until this is solved,” said Margaret. “I don’t want anything else on my mind when we go out.”

  “Good point,” said David. “I’ll call you later and let you know if anything pans out with this evidence.”

  “Thanks,” said Margaret. “I wanted to let you know that I’m going to talk to Zach tonight about us dating. I know he said it was fine but now he has had some time to think about it. I want to make sure we are on the same page.”

  “I agree,” said David. “I want you both to be happy.”

  Margaret was glad he understood. She told him he could meet them on the beach later that night, and David said he would try to make it. Margaret got out of the truck and went into the shop. Patty and Zach were taking care of customers, and Margaret realized it was almost five. After Patty was done with her customer Margaret told her she could go home.

  “Zach and I will close the store,” she said.

  “Okay,” said Patty. “See you tomorrow.”

  “How about we get something from the café and go to the beach to eat? We could watch the sunset,” Margaret suggested, and Zach agreed.

  Margaret turned the sign to Closed and she and Zach walked across the street to the café.

  CHAPTER 9

  Z ach and Margaret went into Stacy’s café. Margaret looked around. Stacy was busy and her café had a small line of customers. Margaret was glad to see her business hopping.

  “Be with you in a minute,” Stacy said when she saw them.

  “Take your time,” said Margaret. She knew the beach wouldn’t be crowded. Most of the tourists went to the boardwalk in the evening. Margaret loved walking on the beach at night. It was quiet and she occasionally saw ghost crabs.

  “Do you want to wait by the counter?” asked Zach.

  “Sure,” said Margaret. There were two empty stools and Margaret and Zach sat down. A cup of coffee and a soda appeared in front of them.

  “I’ll get your order in a minute,” said Stacy, smiling. Margaret appreciated the coffee. She and Zach waited for Stacy to get back.

  “Do you know what you want?” asked Stacy when she returned.

  “I will have a BLT,” said Margaret. “We would like this to go, please.”

  “And I will have the chicken pot pie,” said Zach.

  Stacy stopped.

  “What, no patty melt?” she asked Zach.

  “I thought I would try something else,” he said.

  Stacy walked away shaking her head. Margaret and Zach heard her yell to the cook.

  “Cancel the patty melt,” Stacy said. Margaret and Zach laughed. They waited for a few minutes and Stacy came back with their food in boxes.

  “I hope the cook wasn’t too far along on the patty melt,” said Margaret.

  “Nope, he had just pulled the bread out. You are full of surprises.” Stacy smiled at Zach.

  “We’re going to eat dinner on the beach and watch the sunset. Do you want to join us later?”

  “I would love to but it depends how busy I am. I enjoy the customers but I do want to get out of the café eventually,” said Stacy.

  Margaret laughed. “Whatever works for you. We will be on the beach at the end of Main Street.”

  “Thank you. If I can escape I will meet you there,” said Stacy.

  “Hope you can join us,” said Margaret as she and Zach walked out the door. Zach was carrying the bag of food and his soda. Margaret carried her coffee. They reached the beach in a few minutes.

  “Oh shoot, I forgot a blanket,” said Margaret.

  “I’ll get it,” said Zach.

  Margaret thanked him and handed him the car keys. There was a bench on the boardwalk and Margaret sat down with the food. She watched the waves and let her mind wander. She had to admit that she was concerned about dating again. She didn’t want to make the same mistake she made when she married Zach’s father. He had turned into a mean bully. Margaret was glad to have escaped from his house. She was also glad her parents lived nearby. She could live by the beach and hang out with them. She was also glad that Zach was making friends. He needed a support group that was not just his mother. Margaret was his biggest cheerleader but he needed to find support other places too. Just then a seagull landed on the bench. Margaret looked at it and laughed. It squawked.

  “You aren’t getting any of my food,” Margaret told the bird. “Come back later and I’ll see if there is any left over.” As if understanding her, the seagull flew away.

  “Talking to birds now?” asked Zach. He appeared with the blanket. He spread it on the sand, and they sat down and pulled out the food. A few people strolled by enjoying the beach. After a few minutes Margaret stopped eating.

  “Are you happy here, Zach?” she asked.

  “I am,” said Zach.

  “Do you miss your father?” Margaret asked.

  “Sometimes, but then I remember what a jerk he was and I’m fine,�
�� said Zach.

  “I’m glad you’re happy here. He was a jerk and I’m glad we got away from him,” said Margaret.

  “So am I,” said Zach. They ate for a while.

  “Are you happy, Mom?” Zach asked then.

  “I am,” said Margaret. “I’m happy to be with you. I’m also thrilled to be running my own business. It makes me feel independent and competent. I’m glad Mrs. Freeman hired me to look into her husband’s death. Who knows? Maybe I will get my private investigator’s license eventually. That would be unexpected.”

  “But are you really happy?” asked Zach.

  “Yes,” said Margaret. “Why?’

  “I worry that you might be lonely,” said Zach.

  “Lonely? How could I be lonely? I have you and Patty and a whole bunch of other friends. I also don’t have time to be lonely. I’m too busy at work.”

  “But even though you are busy I’m sure you would like some company. I’m not talking about me or your friends,” said Zach. “I think David really likes you.”

  Margaret waved him off. She looked at the waves. I hope he does, she thought. The seagull came back.

  “Okay, bird, you can have my crusts.” Margaret and Zach fed the seagull. The bird was soon joined by some of his friends. Margaret looked out on the water and saw a couple of people sand surfing. They had flat boards that they stood on and skimmed over the shallow water. Most of the time they stayed up but once in a while they slipped off the board and came crashing down laughing. Margaret enjoyed watching them enjoying the water. Margaret remembered when her parents would take her to the beach. She would body surf on the waves for hours. She remembered watching Zach do that when he was little. He loved the water just as much as she did.

  “Mom, I want you to know that I want you to be happy. I don’t want you always working too much or hanging around with me too much,” said Zach.

  “I love my job and I love hanging out with you,” said Margaret.

  “I know,” said Zach. “I just think it would be really cool if you and David started dating.” Margaret looked at him.

  “I won’t pressure you or anything, Ma. Just know that you don’t have to worry about me. I’m a big boy now. And I just want to make sure that you’re happy.”

  Margaret smiled. “How’d you get to be such a great kid?” she said as she gave him a hug.

  They sat on the blanket waiting for the sunset. The gulls swooped overhead. The surfers gave up and went back to their beach blanket. They had started a fire on the beach. Margaret smelled hot dogs and sausages cooking. She remembered one summer night that she and Zach had built a bonfire on the sand. They had gone fishing earlier that day and they cooked the fish on the open fire that night. It was one of the best meals she had ever eaten.

  “Are you thinking about the fire we had on the beach?” asked Zach.

  “Yes,” said Margaret, glad he remembered it too.

  “That was a cool day,” said Zach. He looked at the campfire and smiled. “Maybe we could do that again soon.”

  “That sounds like a plan,” answered Margaret. She looked out on the ocean and got lost in her thoughts for a moment.

  “Is there room on that blanket for one more?” a male voice asked.

  Margaret turned around. It was David. She and Zach smiled.

  “Absolutely,” she said, patting the blanket next to her. David sat down. He had brought along some pastries from the bakery and some sweet tea.

  “I hope you like these,” he said. He handed Zach and Margaret a pastry each.

  “Delicious,” said Zach with his mouth full.

  “Thank you,” said Margaret. They sat and ate while the sun went down. The red colored the sky, and various shades of orange and yellow blended into the horizon. When it was dark they finally gathered up everything go home. As they were walking away from the beach Zach called to Margaret. She turned around.

  “Look, Mom,” Zach said, “there are ghost crabs.” He pointed at the sand. Margaret saw the white crabs scuttling toward the water. She and David laughed.

  “You’re welcome to join us at the house,” Margaret said to David. “I can fill you in on what I heard around town this morning.”

  “Okay,” he said.

  “Why don’t you two ride together,” suggested Zach. “I’ll drive your car home, Mom.”

  Margaret agreed and she and David walked over to his truck. He helped her in.

  “Thanks. I’m still recuperating from that break,” she said.

  “Happy to help,” David replied. They drove to Margaret’s house and Kyle was sitting on his porch. They all waved.

  David and Margaret joined Zach inside.

  “I’m going to go upstairs and watch some television,” Zach said. “I was with Mom this morning and I know what you’re going to talk about.”

  “Okay,” said Margaret. “Good night.” Zach said goodnight and went to his room. Margaret and David sat on the couch in the living room. Margaret told him about what she had learned around town that morning.

  “So some people hated Scott Freeman and some thought he was a nice guy. I guess we can add more suspects to the list.”

  “Who?” asked Margaret.

  “Mr. Stewart and Stacy are now on my list,” said David. “Allen Harris is too.”

  “But they’re my friends. I really don’t think they’re capable of murder,” Margaret protested.

  “I know they are your friends but we have to keep an open mind with this investigation.”

  “I understand,” said Margaret. “Has anything come back from the lab yet?”

  “Not yet,” said David. “I’m expecting a call by tomorrow morning.”

  “Okay,” said Margaret. “Will you let me know what you find out?”

  “I will. By the way, how did the talk go tonight?”

  “It went very well. Zach wants me to be happy. He gave me his blessing to start dating. He even had an opinion on who I should date first.”

  “Oh really?” asked David. “Who might that be?”

  “Well, it is someone who has already expressed an interest in going on a date with me,” said Margaret.

  “Who? Kyle?” asked David.

  “No, silly. You,” said Margaret. David smiled and blushed a little.

  “Well, we will have to make sure you are happy soon then,” said David, kissing Margaret on the cheek. She felt tingly.

  “I have to run. I’ll call you in the morning when I hear anything about the case.”

  “Thank you,” said Margaret. She walked David to the door and said goodnight. She went into the kitchen and let herself feel thrilled. Even though she was a little nervous about putting herself out there again she felt safe when she was with David. That was the most important thing.

  CHAPTER 10

  T he next morning, Margaret went onto her front porch. Kyle was with his dog across the street. He saw Margaret and came over.

  “How’s the case going?” he asked. “I saw David was here. I was surprised when he waved to me. I don’t think he likes me very much.”

  “Oh, that’s not true at all,” Margaret said, not telling him about David’s jealousy. “Anyway, he had a change of heart. He accepts that I’ll be working on this case.”

  “That’s good,” said Kyle. “I’m glad he is accepting of what you want to do and are capable of doing.”

  “Thank you,” said Margaret. “I’m glad too.”

  Zach came outside. “Has Mom given you any pralines yet?” he asked Kyle.

  “No,” said Kyle. “What pralines?”

  “Hold on and I’ll get them,” said Zach. Zach ran inside and came back with a praline. He handed it to Kyle.

  “Yum, this is good,” said Kyle. “Who made it?”

  “I did,” said Margaret.

  Kyle grinned. “I knew you had it in you. This is delicious.”

  “Thank you. I’m trying to sell them at the store,” Margaret said.

  “What do you mean trying?” Zach sai
d. “The first batch she made sold out in a day.”

  Margaret blushed.

  “That is wonderful,” said Kyle, smiling at Margaret.

  “Yeah, I’m happy,” she said.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” said Kyle. “So have you gotten any leads yet?”

  “Not yet. David and I found some things at Scott’s shop, his car, and his house, but there is nothing tying anyone to the scene.”

  “That’s too bad. Are your instincts telling you anything?”

  “Not yet,” said Margaret.

  “It will happen,” said Kyle. “If it wasn’t for your instincts I could be in jail charged with murder right now.”

  “I’m sure everything would have worked out in the end,” said Margaret.

  “I’m not,” said Kyle. “I owe you a lot for clearing my name.”

  “No you don’t. That’s what friends do for each other,” said Margaret.

  “You’re right,” said Kyle. “I like your new mums.”

  “Thank you,” said Margaret. “David gave those to me.”

  “Not cut flowers? Smart man,” Kyle said.

  “Very smart,” Margaret agreed with a grin.

  “If you need anything just let me know,” said Kyle. “I’m here to help you.”

  “I appreciate that,” said Margaret. “Zach and I have to get to work. I will see you later on?”

  “You can count on that,” said Kyle.

  Margaret and Zach went back inside and had breakfast, then drove to work in separate cars. Margaret had asked Zach to open the store. She told him the next batch of pralines should be ready and asked him to put them out. Margaret had to run to the store.

  “I’ll be at the shop in about half an hour,” she told Zach before he left.

  Margaret decided to go to a store outside of town. Their prices were better and she needed to make a few more batches of pralines. Margaret could not believe how quickly her homemade candy had taken off. As she drove she thought about other sweets she could offer in the store. Her mother had made some funky chocolates at Halloween when Margaret was growing up. She remembered the “spiders” that were made from simple ingredients and the buckeyes that Margaret loved. Margaret decided to stop by the assisted care facility. It had been a while since she’d visited her mom and dad. Margaret called Zach on the car phone and let him know she was going to be later than she thought.