Goody Goody Gunshots

by Rose Pressey

  Now was the time to find out if anyone had entered the shop last night after I closed.

  “You look as if something’s wrong?” Mary Jane asked.

  “Did you come in here last night after we closed up?” I asked.

  Mary Jane frowned. “No, why do you ask?”

  Grandma Honey was taking one of the packaged Bit-o-Honey candies out of the display container.

  “Grandma Honey,” I said.

  She jumped. “I was just taking one.”

  I waved my hand. “Did you come in here last night?”

  “I like candy, but I wouldn’t go to all that trouble.” She unwrapped the candy.

  "Why do you think someone was in here?” Mary Jane asked.

  I pointed at the jar. “This jar was slightly askew.”

  Mary Jane quirked an eyebrow. “That’s it? That’s why you think someone was here?”

  I nodded. “I would have never left that jar that way.”

  “Why would someone come in here and move the jar,” Mary Jane said.

  Is anything else out of place?” Grandma Honey asked.

  “Not that I know of,” I said.

  “It’s just your mind playing tricks,” Mary Jane said.

  I sighed. “I guess so.”

  A couple seconds later and Hunter walked through the door.

  “Good morning, Hunter,” I said.

  At first, he had a strange look on his face, but then he looked at me and smiled widely. “Good morning. Ready to sell candy?”

  Mary Jane scoffed.

  I smiled back. “Yes, I’m always ready.”

  He grabbed his apron and headed toward the back of the shop. He said good morning to Grandma Honey and Mary Jane and they reluctantly returned the greeting. Nonetheless, they were still suspicious, I could tell.

  As we worked on decorating chocolate candies, Grandma Honey said, “I just don’t understand who would want Mr. Sutherland dead.”

  “Well, we don’t know what he had been doing before he was murdered. Did he owe someone money? Was he cheating with someone’s wife?”

  “What if he was really mean and he hurt someone? They could have been meaner and killed him to retaliate,” Mary Jane said.

  “He didn’t seem mean when I met him,” I said.

  “He could’ve been a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Grandma Honey said. “I suppose the delectable detective will figure it out in no time.”

  “You should offer to help,” Mary Jane said. “You know, so that you guys can work closely together on the case.”

  “I think I should stick with making candy and let him do his job.” I placed more of the icing on top of the chocolates and then set them on the new glass display case, securing the lid on top. “How does it look?”

  “Absolutely perfect,” Grandma Honey said.

  “You really have a knack for this,” Mary Jane said.

  “Oh, you guys are making me blush,” I said with a wave of my hand.

  “Well, it’s the truth,” Mary Jane said.

  Grandma Honey stepped over to me and pinched my cheek. “You just need to take the compliment.”

  Movement caught my attention outside. When I looked out the window, I saw that Heath was pacing in front of my shop. Mary Jane and Grandma Honey noticed it as well.

  “What is he doing?” Mary Jane asked.

  “He’s trying to decide if he should come in or not,” Grandma Honey said, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking.

  Actually, it did appear that way.

  “How long do you think he’s going to do that before he decides?” I asked.

  “Well, I’d give him a minute more and then I’d probably go out there and get him. Ask him exactly what he’s doing.” Grandma Honey shook her head.

  “Obviously something must be on his mind,” Mary Jane said.

  “He probably can’t stop thinking about how many cavities all of this candy will bring,” Grandma Honey said.

  We laughed. He walked past the store again, but this time he didn’t come back.

  “Well, I guess he decided not to come back this time,” I said.

  “Let’s go see where he went,” Mary Jane said.

  We hurried around the counter and headed across the space, over to the front window. We stood in front of the window with our faces practically pressed against the glass. I looked to the left where he had disappeared around the corner. There was no sign of him.

  We were peering out the window when all of a sudden, Heath popped around the corner. He looked right at us. The four of us froze—Heath on the sidewalk and Grandma Honey, Mary Jane, and me inside the shop. We were caught, or he was caught, I wasn’t sure which. I pointed at the door and motioned for him to come inside.

  “We were just looking for you,” I said when he opened the door. “We noticed you walking by.”

  “Right,” he said. “I figured you might.”

  “Is there something wrong?” I asked.

  “I wasn’t sure if I should come in and mention this or not…”

  “If something’s wrong I definitely want you to tell me about it,” I said.

  “I’m just worried, I guess. I saw the news last night, and, well, I was thinking about you.”

  He was thinking about me? That wasn’t expected.

  “It’s just that they said you saw the killer. Now I’m worried that maybe he will come back.”

  Great. Now I had caused more problems for him. He was probably already worried that I had attracted a criminal. Now it was kind of confirmed because the killer would probably come back looking for me. Things just kept getting worse.

  “Well, I’m glad that you stopped by, but really, you don’t have to worry.”

  “We’re here to help her,” Grandma Honey said with a wink.

  “If you need anything, please just let me know,” he said. “I have to get back to my patients.” He motioned with a tilt of his head.

  I nodded. “I understand, and I really appreciate that you stopped by.”

  He smiled and watched me for a moment. Then he turned and walked out of the store.

  “He is sweet,” Mary Jane said.

  “Yes, he’s a real sweetheart,” Grandma Honey said. “Too bad you’re complete opposites.”

  “Thanks for reminding me, Grandma,” I said.

  “It’s okay, Reese, opposites attract,” Mary Jane said.

  I moved back over to the counter and they followed me, still wanting to discuss the handsome dentist.

  “All joking aside though, I really do think that he was concerned for you,” Mary Jane said.

  “It’s nice to know that he was worried. He seems like a real gentleman,” Grandma Honey said. “He has that cute little smile too. Did you see the dimples on his face?”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, I noticed.”

  I knew that I was blushing now.

  “Look, her cheeks are the color of those Red Hots over there.” Mary Jane pointed.

  “Oh,” I said with a wave of my hand. “We have to get back to work.”

  “He has a good reason to worry. Since we got such a good look at the murderer,” Mary Jane said.

  “Yes, getting such a good look at the killer will make him definitely want to connect with you all. I’m worried,” Grandma Honey said.

  “We simply have to find the killer,” I said.

  A crash rang out from the back of the store.

  Grandma Honey clutched her chest. “What in the world was that?”

  We ran over to the door and looked in to find Hunter had dropped a huge pot onto the floor. He looked as if he’d seen a ghost.

  “Is everything all right, Hunter?” I asked.

  He nodded. “Yes, I guess it slipped out of my hand.”

  “That’s all right, it didn’t hurt anything.” I walked over and helped him pick up the pot and place it back on the counter.

  “Did I overhear you say that you got a good look at the killer?” he asked.

  Oh,
now I knew why he’d dropped the pan. The murder was probably bothering him. He probably realized that killer might come back. He could be caught in the crossfire.

  “Well, not really. He wore a mask. I saw his ring though. If I ever see that again I’ll know who the killer is,” I said.

  Chapter 13

  Evening was when I made the best candy. Something about that time of day soothed me. Although with everything that had been going on I was in a bit of a panic because I hadn’t had a chance to make candy. What would I do? I really couldn’t get all of this done on my own. What would customers think if I had no candy for them? That would be an epic fail on my part. Not only had a murder occurred at my front door, now I had no candy to give everyone.

  This was the business, so I had no choice but to get this done. I slipped on my apron and rolled up my sleeves. I was getting ready for candy making when I heard the door open out front. Yes, the shop was still technically open, but I wasn’t expecting customers this late. I peeked out the door and saw Heath headed my way. That huge dazzling smile on his face got me every time.

  “Hello,” I said. “Can I get you candy?”

  Okay, that was a lame comment, but he laughed, so I supposed it worked.

  “I came by to see how you’re doing.” He frowned.

  Did I look that bad? I wished I had a mirror to check my appearance. It was too late for that now though.

  I gestured over my shoulder. “I was just getting ready to make chocolates. I’ve been neglecting that because of everything that happened. I’m in a bit of a panic because of low stock.”

  “You look as if you could use some help,” he said.

  I was surprised by that comment. “Oh, I’ll be fine,” I said.

  “I could help you. I have some extra time. I’m not good in the kitchen, but just tell me what to do.”

  I needed help, so I was willing to take him up on his offer. Why not? It might offend him if I said no. “Are you sure?” I asked.

  He smiled again. “Of course, absolutely. I would love to. Though I suppose it’s bad that I’m aiding and abetting.”

  “I promise I won’t tell anyone,” I said.

  He laughed and followed me into the kitchen.

  “Okay, so what do I do first?”

  “First put on the apron,” I said, handing him the pink fabric to drape around his neck.

  He quirked an eyebrow, but then put it around his neck and tied it behind his waist. It was hard to concentrate with him standing next to me. He was so handsome and now I would be nervous. I’d probably make a bunch of mistakes. Heath was looking at me with those gorgeous, expectant eyes and momentarily I forgot why we were even in the kitchen.

  “What were we doing? Oh, yes, that’s right, we were going to make candy together. Here are the molds we’ll use.” I pulled out the pans.

  “Kind of like mixing the plaster I use,” he said.

  “Sure, but just not as tasty.”

  “No, I wouldn’t recommend eating it.”

  “That’s one of the worst parts of going to the dentist—having to put those trays of goop in your mouth. It always makes you gag and tastes horrible.”

  “Oh, it’s not that bad,” he said.

  I quirked an eyebrow.

  “Okay, it’s bad. But completely necessary,” he said.

  “I suppose,” I said, handing him a spatula.

  “What do I do now?” he asked.

  “Pour the nuts in that bowl and stir.” I pointed.

  We worked in silence for a bit. It was nice working side by side. It even felt comfortable and not awkward at all.

  “This is the first time I’ve made candy,” Heath said. “Actually, I’ve only baked once.”

  “You don’t eat cake much, I guess. I suppose that’s how you stay in such great shape.”

  He grinned. “I like to run for relaxation.”

  “You should try yoga,” I said.

  “Do you do yoga?” he asked.

  “Not nearly enough.”

  “I’ll have to give it a try. Okay, what’s next? How am I doing?”

  “Are you sure you’ve never done this before?” I asked with a smile.

  “You’re making me blush,” he said.

  Even though I had been making candy for years, that didn’t mean I didn’t make a mistake or even a mess. As I mixed chocolate, some of it splashed from the bowl and hit Heath in the face. With wide eyes I stared at Heath. “I am so sorry.”

  He touched his cheek and then licked his finger. Still he didn’t say a word. Was he mad? He picked up his wooden spoon and flicked chocolate my way. It landed on my cheek. A smile spread across his face.

  “Oh, I see how it is.” I flicked more chocolate his way.

  Then he returned fire. Our faces were covered with splashes of chocolate. Heath reached out and touched my cheek. His finger lingered for a moment and my stomach danced.

  “What in the world is going on in here?”

  I turned to see Mary Jane and Grandma Honey standing in the doorway.

  I exchanged a look with Heath. “I guess we were having a chocolate fight. Would you like to join us?”

  Grandma Honey placed her hands on her hips. “I’d rather eat my chocolate.”

  Mary Jane had a smile on her face. I supposed I was a bit embarrassed that we’d been caught. Heath was still smiling though, as if he had no regrets.

  Chapter 14

  Night surrounded me. I was at home, sitting on the sofa with a comfy blanket around me and a good romance novel in hand. As soon as I’d gotten home I’d slipped into my favorite pajamas and fuzzy socks. I had been so stressed with thinking about the murder that all I wanted to do was relax and forget about it for a while. I tried to push the thoughts of the horrific event out of my mind by thinking of candy. I had a fun idea for a window display that I was sure would attract customers.

  I took a sip from my chamomile tea and then placed the cup and saucer back onto the table next to me. Just as I picked the book back up to find out if Alexander, the hero in the novel, saved Elizabeth, his one true love, from the runaway horse, my phone rang. I sighed and placed the book down. If I’d turned the ringer off and my mother or Grandma Honey found out about it I would get a tongue-lashing like I hadn’t experienced since I left for a trip to Florida without telling them first.

  When I answered there was no one there. It must have been a dropped call. Though the ID said ‘caller unknown.’ It was probably a wrong number.

  My hand had just touched the book when the phone chimed, letting me know that I had a text message. I figured it was Mary Jane. She was the texting queen. When I looked at the screen I saw the words were from the unknown caller.

  Watch your back.

  What kind of message was that? I wasn’t sure what to do. Each time I looked at the words a shiver ran down my spine. This was no doubt not a wrong number. Not after the murder that I’d witnessed. Yes, I’d seen it take place, but the killer had to know that I hadn’t gotten a look at his face. Apparently, that wasn’t stopping him though. This was a clear message to me that he would be coming for me. I was starting to panic now. Had I remembered to lock my front door? I jumped up from the sofa and ran over to the front door. I checked the lock just to ease my mind. Whew. Thank goodness it was locked. I was safe and secure, right?

  After receiving a threatening text message, it wasn’t as if I could just go back to reading my book as if nothing had happened. I paced back and forth across the living room floor. I wasn’t sure what my next move should be. Should I contact the detective and let him know about the message? Yes, that was definitely what I should do.

  I rushed to the kitchen to grab my bag and find his phone number. I pulled out my wallet, various shades of lipsticks, and other lip balms. Did I really need that many lip products? Never mind. That wasn’t important at the moment. Finally, buried underneath a pack of spearmint gum, I found his card. Should I dial the office number, or his cell phone? It seemed kind of awkward to call
his cell phone at this hour. He probably wasn’t in the office anyway.

  Was this an emergency? No, it wasn’t that much of an emergency. I paced across the kitchen floor, trying to decide if this was an emergency or not. I could leave a message and have him call me in the morning. No, I’d call him right now just to be safe. Why was I so indecisive? I was getting on my own nerves. All right, I’d made my decision. I was going to call his cell phone. I was actually kind of terrified and I didn’t know what else to do.

  I went back into the living room, grabbed my phone, and with a shaky hand, I touched the screen numbers until it was ringing.

  “Detective Monroe,” he said when he answered.

  “Yes, Mr. Detective, or Mr. Monroe,” I said, stumbling over my words. I sounded like a complete dummy. “This is Reese Sweet from the candy shop.” I knew my voice probably sounded a bit timid and shy.

  “Yes, I recognized your voice,” he said. “What can I do for you?”

  “Well, I’m sorry to bother you at this hour.”

  “It’s no bother at all. I was just relaxing on the sofa.”

  What a coincidence. That was exactly what I’d been doing, but I guessed most people were relaxing at this hour, if they weren’t working. I shouldn’t read too much into that, like we were soulmates or something. Anyway, I felt bad for disturbing him. He was trying to relax.

  “Is there something wrong?” he asked.

  “Well, I received a text message, and I believe it was a little bit threatening.”

  “What do you mean a little bit? What did the text message say?”

  “It said that I should watch my back.” Repeating the words sent a shiver down my spine all over again.

  “What was the number on that?” he asked.

  Just the tone of his voice made me even more worried. He sounded worried, and I knew that I should be too.

  “It was an unknown caller,” I said.

  “Do you have your doors locked?”

  Okay, now he was really freaking me out. “Yes, I just checked the front door to make sure.”

  “Do you mind if I come over?” he asked.