Chocolate Fudge Murder: A Frosted Love Cozy Mystery - Book 20 (A Frosted Love Cozy Mysteries)

by Summer Prescott

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  Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Copyright 2015 by Maven Publishing & Summer Prescott Books - All rights reserved.

  All rights Reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means such as printing, scanning, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 1

  “I’m thinking that I should probably prepared two turkeys and two hams for our Thanksgiving feast,” petite, blonde Melissa Gladstone-Beckett tapped her pen against her teeth as she sat in her cupcake shop planning with best friends Echo and Kel.

  “I’m thinking you’re asking the wrong person about animal products,” Echo, her carefree redheaded friend raised her eyebrows.

  “Oh goodness, don’t even get me started on how worried that I am that our one vegan guest, besides you, won’t have enough to eat,” Missy worried. She and her husband, Detective Chas Beckett had purchased the Beach House Bed and Breakfast, along with Cupcakes in Paradise, several months ago, and were having a large Thanksgiving dinner for friends, family and guests at the inn. One of the guests was vegan, as was former Californian, Echo, and Missy had been perplexed as to what to make to accommodate them.

  “No worries, I’ll help you with that part,” her friend assured her with an indulgent chuckle.

  “I’d be happy to do the taste-testing for the desserts, their mutual friend, and Echo’s boss, Phillip “Kel” Kellerman piped up. Kel was a very successful local artist, and Echo was his Gallery Manager in the afternoons and Missy’s right-hand girl during the mornings.

  “How very generous of you,” Missy observed dryly.

  “Just trying to help,” he pouted, pretending to be hurt. The 60-something gent came by every morning to have coffee and cupcakes with Missy and Echo and bring them up to speed on all that was happening in their small town of Calgon, Florida. As gossips went, he’d put any busybody old maid to shame, and loved a good mystery when he could find or manufacture one.

  “Oh, don’t you worry, Mister. We are going to put you to work,” she promised, her Louisiana accent exaggerated for effect.

  “On that note, I think I’ll be taking my leave,” Kel popped the last bite of chocolate caramel cupcake into his mouth and stood to go.

  “Don’t forget your phone call from Japan at ten this morning,” Echo called out as he headed to the door, receiving a jaunty wave and appreciative grin in return.

  When she was certain that the door had closed firmly behind the artist, she turned to Missy with a concerned look on her face. “Did you already invite Carla?” she asked, making a face.

  Missy and Echo had been best friends since they owned shops across the street from each other in the small town of Dellville, Louisiana, before Missy moved to Florida. Missy’s new friend and decorator, Carla, deeply resented the fact that the carefree Californian had relocated to Florida as well. Carla was a new widow, who had lost her only son to murder a few months previous to Echo’s arrival, and had leaned on Missy’s shoulder more than once through her transition to single life.

  “Yes, I invited her,” Missy gave her friend a disapproving glance. “You two can just put aside your differences in the spirit of the holiday,” she arched an eyebrow.

  “Hey, I’m the one who has made every effort to be cordial, but she attacks me at every turn,” the redhead reminded her. “I know how much work you’re putting into this event, and I’d hate for her to show up intoxicated and ruin it the way that she did at Kel’s last show.”

  Missy sighed, not having thought of that possibility. There had been a couple of occasions in recent months, where friends had needed to put Carla into a cab after she embarrassed herself. She hadn’t talked to the decorator about it, figuring that the self-medicating was temporary and would resolve itself. As much as she hated to admit it, her friend had brought up a potentially valid point.

  “I’ll talk to her about it. I just have to figure out a way to bring it up that won’t offend her.”

  “If she gets offended and decides not to show up, problem solved,” Echo shrugged.

  Missy gave her a withering look, and she held up her hands innocently. “I’m just saying…”

  “Echo Willis, you’re one of the kindest, most compassionate people I know. Can’t you just try to befriend Carla? She could really use the support.”

  “I’ll continue to try, but I’m not making any promises,” the Californian sighed. “If she’s in a mood, I’ll just avoid her,” she promised. “She’s still hitting on Kel like nobody’s business, you know.”

  Missy grinned and shook her head. “Thankfully, Kel can handle himself quite well as I recall.”

  “Yes, he can. It’s Carla “handling” him that I’m worried about,” Echo frowned.

  “Jealous, are we?” Missy teased.

  “No,” she protested a bit too vehemently. “I just don’t want the poor guy to be uncomfortable,” she looked away.

  “Well, how sweet of you to be so concerned,” she persisted with an impish grin.

  “I’m just precious like that,” Echo fired back, cheeky. “Now where are the vegan Salted Caramel cupcakes?” she changed the subject.

  Chapter 2

  The guests had begun arriving at the Beach House on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The Lieberman family had rented out the entire Inn for their family celebration, partly because the matriarch, a sweet little white-haired woman nicknamed “Dolly,” was having her 92nd birthday the day after the holiday. Her son, Samuel, had notified Missy of the event, and requested that a surprise party be set up. Thrilled to be in on the sweet secret, Missy was planning a spectacular event which included an elaborate birthday cake, decorations and an orchestral trio.

  She was on hand to greet the Liebermans as they trickled in – some of them coming in from states as far away as Oregon and Alaska, glad to be spending time in the Florida sunshine. Dolly was utterly delightful, and Samuel, along with his wife Sasha, clearly doted on the frail-looking elderly woman, helping her with her bags, and taking her arm when she insisted on walking up the stairs rather than using the lift.

  Sam’s brother Paul was a rather quiet man with a bushy mustache that made him look rather like a walrus. He had courtly manners and was short and stout, where his brother was tall and fit. He was alone, and had requested a room in the oppos
ite wing from the rest of the family so that he would have plenty of quiet time in which to relax and unwind. The party was rounded out by the grown children of Sam and Sasha, and their significant others. Only close family members were staying at the Inn, but friends and more distant relatives would be attending the birthday celebration.

  Once all of the guests had been given the tour and settled into their rooms, Missy noticed that Maggie was looking a bit weary.

  “Are you okay, sweetie?” she asked, concerned.

  The innkeeper smiled faintly. “I’m fine, just a little more tired than usual for some reason,” she shrugged.

  “Well, then, you go ahead and take a nap or read a book or something,” Missy insisted. “Spencer and I can handle afternoon tea for the guests.”

  “Oh, that’s really not necessary,” Maggie protested.

  “Nonsense,” the compassionate owner replied, shooing her toward her quarters. “I’ve got this. It’ll give me a chance to get to know the guests better. I’ll invite Kel and Echo to come and help me entertain, don’t you worry about a thing.”

  Seeing that resistance was indeed futile, the innkeeper smiled and headed toward her room, seeming to move a bit more slowly than usual.

  After making certain that Maggie wasn’t going to sneak back into the kitchen to prepare for tea, Missy texted Spencer, the young, handsome Marine veteran that Maggie had hired to help out with anything and everything at the Inn and cupcake shop. The whip-smart young man had become an incredible asset in the short time that he’d been with them, fixing all manner of things, serving at afternoon teas and events, bartending during receptions, and driving the guest shuttle. His can-do attitude and willingness to help was something that they’d all appreciated and had come to depend upon.

  “Hey, Mrs. Beckett, what’s up?” Spencer suddenly appeared in the kitchen, moments after she’d texted him.

  “Wow, that was fast,” Missy remarked with a grin.

  “Yeah, I was just outside the door, skimming the pool, so I figured it’d be easier to come in and see you rather than just text,” the Marine flashed his dimples and shrugged.

  “Great – I’m glad you did, actually. Maggie is resting in her room, so I’ll need your help with afternoon tea. I can prepare all of the food if you can hold down the fort at Cupcakes in Paradise, then, when the prep is all done, I’ll need you to come over and set up and serve. By then, it’ll be time to close the shop anyway, and I’ll be here to mingle and keep an eye on things,” she explained.

  “Sounds good. Should I give Sarah a call to see if she can come help out with serving at tea?” he asked.

  Missy nodded. “The more, the merrier. If she’s available, have her come on out.”

  Sarah who was a few years younger than Spencer, was Echo’s temporary roommate, and had been rescued from drowning in the ocean by the Marine a few weeks earlier. She’d lost both parents, but was doing a remarkable job of surviving on her own, with the help and support of her new friends. Missy suspected that Spencer had a bit of a crush on the young woman, but knew that he was more than respectful of her current emotional vulnerability.

  “Cool. I’ll text her and then head over to the shop so that Miss Willis can get to the art gallery,” he nodded, glancing at his watch. The young Marine somehow kept on top of the schedules, habits and preferences of all of the key people in his life. It was uncanny at times, but they’d just accepted it as one of his many quirky yet admirable attributes.

  “Thanks, Spence, you’re a lifesaver, as usual.”

  “I try my best ma’am,” he grinned, heading for the door.

  Chapter 3

  Tea at the Inn was going well, with much laughter, and plenty of eating, drinking and mingling. Kel and Echo were circulating among the guests, as was Missy, and for some reason, Carla had shown up as well. Under Missy’s watchful eye, Echo intentionally avoided the decorator, and thankfully, she didn’t appear to be inebriated.

  “What keeps you busy during the day?” Kel asked the quiet, walrus-like Paul, after introducing himself.

  “I’m the proprietor of a used and rare book store,” was the reply, which launched the two gentleman into a discussion of their favorite literature, authors and playwrights. Echo and Missy watched with great interest as Carla approached the duo and began flirting outrageously with both men, actually making the reticent Paul smile and blush slightly.

  “Who would have thought that Barracuda would be the one to bring out the shy uncle,” Echo mused cattily.

  “Retract your claws, darlin,” Missy teased, relieved that the quiet man was finally having a good time. “You should go over and meet him at some point, he’s your fellow vegan.”

  “Really?” Echo was surprised. “I would’ve thought it was the rail-thin daughter,” she nodded at Sam and Sasha’s slightly snooty youngest child.

  “People surprise me all the time,” Missy remarked. “Things apparently are not always as they seem.”

  **

  “I can’t sleep,” Missy sighed, throwing back the covers.

  “It’s a holiday,” Chas mumbled, eyes closed. “You’re supposed to sleep in.”

  “Not when I have to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for eighteen people,” she reminded him, her stress level starting to show.

  “C’mere,” he beckoned, holding his arms open. She snuggled into his embrace, her mind racing with tasks to accomplish.

  “What have you always told me is the most important part of a holiday celebration?” he asked, kissing the top of her head.

  “Being with friends and family,” she replied automatically.

  “Then, think about this for a minute. You’re going to be with your family and friends. The guests at the Inn are going to be with their family. You can either waste that opportunity by running around like a crazy woman, obsessing over details that no one else will notice or remember, OR, you can do your best in a relaxed manner that allows you to enjoy your guests and allows your guests to enjoy you,” he reminded her gently.

  Missy visibly relaxed, realizing that once again, her loving husband knew exactly what to say to restore her balance and get her to focus on the things that are most important. “You’re right,” she sighed with relief, tilting her face up to his for a kiss. “This is why you’re the most amazing hubby ever,” she grinned. “I’m going to make coffee. Want some?”

  “Heck no,” Chas chuckled. “Just because you can’t sleep doesn’t mean that I can’t.”

  He ducked as she swung playfully at him with a pillow.

  “Fine, then I won’t wake you when the freshly baked pastries come out of the oven,” she threatened.

  “Mmhmm…” he muttered, turning over.

  Missy made herself some coffee, came back to the room where Chas was still snoring softly, and got ready for her day, knowing that the earlier she got to the kitchen, the more comfortable she’d be. When she opened the door that led from the Owner’s Wing to the main part of the Inn, she could already smell the tantalizing aroma of pies baking, and was glad to see that things were apparently happening right on schedule. Entering the kitchen, she was more than a bit surprised to see Spencer chopping vegetables and Sarah, Echo’s roommate, whipping fresh cream.

  “Good morning, ma’am,” the Marine smiled at his boss. “Happy Thanksgiving!”

  “Happy Thanksgiving, Spence, Sarah,” Missy smiled, confused. “Where’s Maggie this morning?” The two young people exchanged a look.

  “She called me early. Apparently she had the flu,” Spencer said ruefully. “So I called Sarah, had Miss Maggie text me the instructions as to what she wanted me to do when, and here we are.”

  Missy’s blood pressure started to skyrocket, then she took a deep breath as Chas’s words from earlier this morning came back to her.

  “Okay, then,” she nodded bravely. “What’s the plan?”

  The early brunch was being catered, so all Missy, Spencer and Sarah had to worry about was preparing for Thanksgiving dinner. Echo would b
e over soon to begin working on the vegan dishes that she and Paul would share, and, at some point after the festivities, Missy had to bake the elaborate cake that she had planned for Dolly’s birthday the next day. Kel, ever the social butterfly, would be present at all three events, and Carla was coming for dinner along with three other guests that Chas had invited, whom Missy assumed were single coworkers from the police department.

  Mindful of her husband’s admonition to focus on the joy of being with loved ones, Missy chattered and laughed with Spencer, Sarah and Echo as they worked together to present a feast that their guests would love. The day passed quickly, and before they knew it, Spencer was lighting the candles on the dining table, which had been formally dressed in the finest linens, china and silver.

  When everyone was seated, with Chas at the head of the table on one end, and Dolly at the other, Missy noticed that there were three seats in a row across from her that were conspicuously empty.

  “Sweetheart,” she addressed her husband. “Who are we expecting?” she asked, looking pointedly at the three empty places. Policemen were usually quite prompt.

  “I…well…you see,” Chas began, before Echo interrupted him.

  “Hey Chas, can you please pass the olives?” she blurted, out of the blue, drawing puzzled looks from the other guests.

  “Of course,” he replied, relieved. Just then the doorbell rang. “Darling, could you go get that?” the detective asked, rising from his chair. “I have to go check on something,” he said mysteriously.

  Missy frowned briefly, wondering at her husband’s strange behavior, but then headed for the front door, not even noticing that Echo and Chas trailed behind her.

  She opened the door and promptly burst into tears at the sight of Ben, Cheryl and little Cammie, who was now a toddler. Ben and Cheryl had been the managers of her cupcake shops in Louisiana, and were like the son and daughter she’d never had.

  “Gamma!” Cammie exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Missy’s legs, while Ben and Cheryl moved in for a tear-filled group hug.