A Treacherous Tasty Trail (A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Book 4)

by Cindy Bell

  “They ate the whole tray, again.” Ally frowned.

  “Yes, they did. But they also gave you lots of information. I was just trying them out. It means more to me to have three loyal customers than it does to have a few dollars in the register.”

  “I know.” Ally smiled. “It just seems like a lot of chocolates to give away.”

  “But it’s worth it. It’s time to close up.” Charlotte walked over to the front door and turned the open sign to closed, then turned to look at Ally. “I overheard most of your conversation, what do you think?”

  “I’m not sure, Mee-Maw. Everyone seems to think that Colin clearly committed the murder, but I think that he was least likely to do it. He loved his brother, he practically raised him. Bob and Tyler had plenty of anger and resentment between them. But Nigel and Colin didn’t have that same friction. How could one argument lead to murder?”

  “I think that it’s always hard to understand murder. The thing is that Colin and his brother were at war. If what the ladies say is true, Nigel worked on the farm of a man who essentially robbed Bob.”

  “But were they really at war?” Ally wiped down the counter while Charlotte shut down the cash register. “Even though the press has portrayed them as enemies, the way Colin spoke about his brother told me that he understood his brother and forgave him. It sounds to me that the problem was more between Nigel and his father. I would expect, as Colin claimed to be doing, that he would try to mend the rift between his father and brother. However, his father was missing in action during the time of the murder and he had plenty of motive. Maybe he just couldn’t take the betrayal anymore.”

  “But you heard what Colin’s father said as we left the house. He was very angry. Maybe he found out about what Colin did. He might have been angry at his son for leaving the farm, but surely he would have been furious with Colin if he killed Nigel.”

  “True.” Ally shook her head. “But again, why would Colin kill him? It’s not like they even suffered on the farm. Nigel was replaced by Zac, who knew just as much about working the farm as Nigel. What motive did Colin have?”

  “I suppose if Colin tried to reconcile and Nigel refused that could be motive.”

  “I guess.” Ally grabbed a broom and swept the floor in the front area of the shop. “I just think that two brothers who were that close would need more than a family argument to drive them apart and result in murder.”

  “You may be right. In fact, now that you mention Zac, he may be a suspect, too. Remember you saw egg on his shoe.”

  “Yes, but his shoes were clean when I saw him today. I asked him today if there were any chickens on Bob’s farm, he said yes. Also, I don’t know what his motive would be.”

  “Maybe he was afraid that if Nigel came back into the fold he would lose his new position at the farm. Colin mentioned that Zac got a pay rise when he took over Nigel’s place. That might not have been something that he wanted to lose.”

  “That would be a terrible reason to kill someone.” Ally set the broom against the wall and looked over at her grandmother. “Supposedly, they were friends for a long time.”

  “Yes, it would, but people have been killed for much less.” Charlotte locked the cash register and joined Ally in front of the counter. “Zac might have enjoyed taking on the role of prince at Bob’s farm. What about the girlfriend? You said she could have done it, too?”

  “She had the opportunity, but I don’t know what motive. Unless she is very good at hiding it, she didn’t seem to have any feelings at all for Nigel. I just hope there’s a way to get to the bottom of all of this. And hopefully before Colin is arrested.”

  As they walked out to the car, Ally glanced back in the direction of the shop. She wondered if she would be able to maintain its reputation in the community the way Charlotte had. One thing was for sure, she had a lot to learn from her grandmother.

  Chapter Seven

  Ally drove Charlotte to Freely Lakes. It still felt strange that her grandmother did not live at the cottage with her. But that night she was relieved to have some alone time, as her mind ached with the labyrinth of the case. Nigel, a young man who barely had the opportunity to make his mark on the world, was dead, and there were a few people who could have killed him.

  After Ally had dropped off her grandmother and said goodnight she drove back to the cottage. As soon as she opened the door she was greeted by two hungry animals. Arnold had kicked his water dish over and splashed in it all across the kitchen floor. Peaches was curled up on the kitchen counter, as she did not like to get her paws wet. Ally mopped up the floor and fed them both. Then she leaned against the kitchen counter and stared out the window at the fading evening light.

  As Ally sorted through each person she had spoken to, she knew there was a problem. There were two people that she hadn’t exchanged a word with. Bob, and his wife, Linda. Considering their family history if they had no alibi for the time of the murder they were prime suspects. She pulled out her phone to call Luke and see if he had heard anything else, but before she could dial the number her phone began to ring. She smiled when she saw it was Luke.

  “I was just thinking of you,” Ally said.

  “Oh? Don’t take this the wrong way, but so was I.”

  “Why would I take that the wrong way?”

  “Because the reason I called is not exactly personal,” Luke said.

  “What is it?”

  “I was able to get some information out of one of the Mainbry detectives that is working on the case. The medical examiner found that not only was Nigel killed by a wound to his chest, most probably caused by a hay knife, he was not killed where he was found.”

  “Wow.” Ally’s eyes widened. “That means that someone moved him?”

  “Yes, it does. It makes more sense doesn’t it? How could someone have not witnessed the murder if it happened behind the booth?”

  “Sure, it does make more sense. But how could someone move a body around a busy farmer’s market without being caught?”

  “That part I’m not sure about. But at least it’s a step in the right direction.”

  “I hope so.” Ally sighed and looked back out the window. “I feel like there’s not much to go on. I really need to speak with Bob and Linda.”

  “That’s going to be tough.”

  “That’s where you come in.”

  “Why do I think I’m not going to like this?”

  “Don’t you want to spend some quality time with me, Luke?”

  “Ally, what do you have up your sleeve?”

  “Well, I know that Bob and Linda won’t speak to some random woman who runs a chocolate store. He strikes me as a very private person. Luckily for me, I know someone with a badge.”

  “Ally, I’m not working this case. I’m not allowed to. Remember?”

  “I know, and I know it would be asking a lot. But all you would have to do is introduce me as a consultant, flash your badge, and I’m sure they will comply with questioning. You wouldn’t even have to give them your name or what police department you’re with. I can’t think of another way to get in to see them. I suppose I could break in and…”

  “No.” His voice was so stern that Ally raised an eyebrow.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Ally, you can’t break into the Dean house. If you get caught you’re looking at definite jail time. These people are wealthy, even if they had some financial struggles, their reputation and history in Mainbry makes them elite. If you are caught invading their home the Mainbry police will have you behind bars in no time, and there won’t be anything that I can do to help you.”

  “I see what you’re saying.” She sighed. “What about flashing your badge.”

  “My badge is not a toy,” Luke said. “I will not risk it.”

  “All right, I understand,” Ally said. “I guess both plans have their flaws. What do you think I should do?”

  “I think that you should stay out of this.”

  “I can’t.”

/>   “You have to,” Luke said. “I’ll see what I can find out, but you need to take a step back.”

  “But Luke, I can’t let an innocent man go to jail for a crime he didn’t commit.”

  “Ally, the truth will come out, but you cannot put yourself at risk and I am not going to put my badge at risk.”

  “Of course, I don’t want you to do that.”

  “You need to stay out of this.”

  “Okay,” Ally said but she had no intention of staying out of it. She needed to find out the truth and now that she thought about it properly, she knew that she couldn’t get Luke involved. She couldn’t put Luke’s job at risk.

  “I hope you understand.”

  “Of course, Luke.” She did understand, she just needed to come up with a plan so Luke wasn’t involved.

  “Hopefully you’ll still dance with me.”

  Ally laughed. “Good night.”

  “Good night. Sleep well.”

  When he hung up the phone Ally’s mind started racing. She needed a plan to get to talk to Bob and Linda. The only thing she could come up with were chocolates and her grandmother’s charm. She just needed a way to convince her grandmother to come with her.

  Ally tossed a few things together for dinner and settled on the couch. Within moments Peaches was perched on the back of the couch with one paw on Ally’s shoulder. Though Ally didn’t have a lot of family, she certainly felt surrounded by love. She wondered if Nigel ever had the luxury of feeling that way.

  Ally closed her eyes and pictured Colin as the killer. He could have easily killed Nigel with the hay knife. Then he could have moved his brother’s body behind the stand. How was it that no one saw any of it?

  Her eyes opened as she recalled the man who ran the booth beside Nigel’s. He claimed he saw Nigel go back to the barn for eggs, but never saw him come back. Ally assumed he was lying for some reason or was mistaken, but what if he just didn’t know that he saw Nigel come back? If Nigel’s body was somehow hidden, the man in the next booth might have seen the whole thing, but the police didn’t ask the right questions. Ally grabbed her phone and called her grandmother. She picked up with the sound of laughter in the background.

  “Mee-Maw? Is someone with you?”

  “Oh, I’m just playing cards.” Her voice was warm. Ally narrowed her eyes.

  “Sorry to interrupt, I just have a couple of questions.”

  “Sure, what is it?”

  “Do you know the man who ran the booth next to Nigel’s? The man who told you Nigel went for eggs?”

  “Yes, it’s Harry. Harry Tuck. He’s been working at Mainbry Apple Orchard for years. That’s about twenty minutes from here.”

  Ally glanced at the clock. “It’s probably closed for the night.”

  “I would imagine so.”

  “Do you know him well?”

  “No, only from buying apples from the orchard. He’s a very private person. Do you think he had something to do with all of this?”

  “No, but I think he might have seen more than he knows. Thanks, Mee-Maw.”

  “Call me if you need me, Ally. I’m always here for you.”

  “I know you are. That leads me to my next question. Will you come with me to deliver some chocolates to Bob and Linda tomorrow?”

  “Okay, but I get the feeling that this isn’t a social visit.”

  “I’ll pick you up at eight and I’ll fill you in on the way.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  “What is Linda’s favorite chocolate?”

  “Milk hazelnut.”

  “Great, we have some at the shop. I’ll pick up a box of them on the way to you tomorrow.”

  “Good idea, but mix in some others in case Bob doesn’t like them. Linda always buys a variety.”

  “Okay, I’ll let you get back to your card game. Have fun!”

  “Thanks, sweetie. See you in the morning.”

  Ally hung up and called Luke back. She waited through several rings before he answered.

  “Sorry, Ally I’m in the middle of something.”

  “Okay, but real quick, do you know anything about Harry Tuck, the man who ran the booth beside Nigel’s? It was Mainbry Apple Orchard’s booth.”

  “No, sorry. I have to go we’re about to make a bust.”

  “Okay, okay sorry.” Ally hung up the phone. She couldn’t help but smile a little that Luke answered the phone at such an important moment, but she felt a little guilty that she had interrupted. She looked up Harry Tuck on the Mainbry community page. As she hoped his name and address were listed. Since she would be going with her grandmother first thing in the morning, she thought it would be a good idea to meet with Harry that night. It wasn’t too late yet, and she hoped that he would be willing to talk.

  “Peaches, I’m going to find out the truth no matter how hard I have to look.” She stroked the cat’s head and back. “Colin lost his brother, and he deserves to know why.” She gave the cat a quick peck on the cheek then grabbed her keys.

  As Ally drove towards the address she found on the community page she rehearsed what she might say to Harry. When she parked outside of a small trailer her heart dropped. The front yard was littered with trash and scrapped appliances. Although the trailer on the property was nice, it seemed to her that Harry had no interest in the upkeep of the property. She had seen this type of yard before and knew better than to assume he was lazy. The people she’d encountered with this type of mess, kept it that way because they wanted their privacy and did not like visitors. That meant that Harry was not likely to want to talk. She picked her way carefully up to the door of the trailer as the sun was almost down. When she knocked on the trailer door she heard the television inside turn off.

  “Who is it?” His hard voice made her even less hopeful.

  “Mr. Tuck?”

  “Mister?” He laughed as he opened the door. “It’s too late at night for bill collectors and pamphlets, who are you, little lady?”

  Ally was relieved that he was at least friendly, but when she took a step closer she found out why. She could smell the alcohol on him.

  “My name is Ally. I was hoping you could answer a few questions for me.”

  “Questions about what?” He gestured for her to come inside the trailer. Ally planted one hand on the door of the trailer to make sure that she would stay right where she was.

  “I’m sorry, I’m in a bit of a rush. It’s really only one question.”

  “Then shoot, girlie, I’m missing my program.” He coughed and put his hand on the door right above hers.

  “It’s about Nigel Dean.”

  “Oh, him again? People don’t let a dead man rest in this town do they?” He shook his head. “Nigel’s dead. Nothing more to it. I knew that kid was going to cause me trouble.”

  “Well, someone killed him, there’s that.”

  “I don’t know anything about that. I tried to get my booth moved away from his in fact.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I don’t like drama. I’m a simple man. I want to go to work, come home and watch my programs. That’s all. When I was at the farm signing up for my booth a little over a week ago now, I overheard this young couple arguing. I think the guy was one of Bob’s farmhands. He was with that cute dame that works in the flower shop. Anyway, they were arguing about Nigel. I guess she was dating him. But the guy told her Nigel slept with his stepmother. Then the girl got all upset. I knew that was a mess just waiting to happen. Not that it’s any of my business, but my money’s on the girl.”

  “Did you happen to see her at the farmer’s market that day?”

  “No, I didn’t. But I saw Bob’s guy there again. He walked right past Nigel’s booth. Nigel called out to him, Zac I think he called him, but Zac just kept walking.”

  “You mentioned seeing Nigel go to the barn. But his body was found behind the counter of his booth. You don’t think that’s odd?”

  “Look, like I told the detective. I’m a drinker. I was drinkin
g that day, too. I could have sworn Nigel went to the barn, and I never saw him come back, but obviously I was wrong and he did come back. Is it a crime to be drunk now?”

  Ally raised an eyebrow. “I tend to believe you weren’t that drunk.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “You were at work.”

  “So?”

  “So, I bet you don’t drink as much at work as you do at home.”

  “Well, that’s true.” He shrugged. “So what?”

  “So, can you see me standing here?”

  “Is this some kind of game?” He narrowed his eyes. “I told you, I’m missing my program.”

  “It’s not a game. I’m just making a point. The police want to claim you were too drunk to know what you saw. But I venture to guess that you are more drunk now than you were then, and you see me just fine don’t you?”

  “Sure I do.” He smiled in a lustful way that revealed he was missing a few teeth. Ally gritted her teeth against the quick fear that rushed through her. Solving a murder meant taking a few risks, but she might have miscalculated on this one. She slid her hand into her pocket and held onto her phone so at least it was close if she needed to call for help.

  “Maybe you just didn’t know that you saw Nigel come back. What about someone carrying a large bag?”

  “A large bag?” He shook his head. “No. But wait, I did see something a little odd. This guy was pushing a large wheelbarrow with a big ratty blanket in it. I thought it was strange because he pushed it straight up to the booths instead of taking it along the tractor path. I figured it was one of Tyler’s guys. I had a few customers and when I looked back he was gone. You think Nigel was in the wheelbarrow?”

  “I think it’s possible.” Ally smiled. “What about the man? Can you describe him?”

  “Not really. He wore a big hat, didn’t see his face. I did find it strange that he was wearing a jacket in the warm weather. Of course he wasn’t so lovely to look at, not like you.” He smiled at her again.

  “Thanks for your time, Mr. Tuck.”

  “Mister.” He laughed again and then slammed his door shut. As Ally hurried back to her car she wondered just who had pushed that wheelbarrow. And if Zac knew that Nigel had a girlfriend, Tracy, why hadn’t he told Ally when she had asked? Also, was Zac telling the truth about Nigel having an affair with his stepmother? If so that placed Bob and Linda right back at the top of the suspect list. She was eager to speak to them tomorrow morning.