Picnics, Pies and Lies Read online

  Picnics, Pies and Lies

  A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery

  Cindy Bell

  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

  About the Author

  Also by Cindy Bell

  Chocolate Pie Recipe

  Copyright © 2018 Cindy Bell

  All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

  All trademarks and brands referred to in this book are for illustrative purposes only, are the property of their respective owners and not affiliated with this publication in any way. Any trademarks are being used without permission, and the publication of the trademark is not authorized by, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owner.

  Chapter 1

  Charlotte Sweet gazed out her window at the bustle of activity down below. Being a few stories up gave her a bird’s eye view of the community around her. At first, she thought she might have a difficult time getting used to being removed from the larger community that surrounded Freely Lakes. But the retirement village proved to be similar to a small town surrounded by a larger town. She’d gotten to know just about all of her neighbors. Today they had a chance to get together and enjoy the beautiful weather. Although it was chillier than expected, and a bit overcast it was meant to become a sunny day. She couldn’t wait to share the chocolates from the shop she owned, and that she now ran with her granddaughter.

  Charlotte grabbed her purse and tucked her keys inside it. After she locked the door she turned to smile at a friend as he walked down the hall.

  “Hi there, Benny, how are you today?”

  “Better now that I’ve seen your beautiful face.” He grinned as he paused beside her. “Are you headed to the picnic?”

  “Yes, I am. Will you be there?” Charlotte felt a buzz of excitement carry through her. One of the best parts of living in their small town was all of the community activities. The people of the town had banded together to create a fundraising picnic. The funds would be used to revitalize the waterfront.

  “I plan to of course. It’s a good cause. I can’t wait for the boardwalk to be restored. I miss my walks in the moonlight, and so do the ladies.” He winked.

  “I’m sure they do.” She laughed. “See you later, Benny.” Charlotte continued past him down the hallway. She had one more stop to make before she could meet her granddaughter, Ally, at the chocolate shop. She drove out of Freely Lakes, over the border of the small country town of Blue River, then continued into the neighboring town of Freely. She continued to an area of Freely where although the houses were fairly modest, the properties were quite large. Some of them were impeccably maintained by expensive lawn services. She pulled into the driveway of one of the smaller properties, then walked up to the front door which was decorated with a delicate wreath. It featured locally harvested twigs and vines, complemented by imitation flowers and apples. Although she knew they weren’t real, they certainly looked real. She always admired Anita’s creations. When she knocked, the door swung open. Her heart skipped a beat.

  “Anita?” Charlotte peered through the door with concern. “Are you home?” Instantly she worried that something might have happened to her.

  “Just a second!” Anita’s voice drifted through the house to greet her. When she arrived at the door her hair was half up in curlers. “Sorry, Charlotte. I have an appointment today and I forgot that you were coming over for the trays. Come on in, I’ll get them for you.”

  “It must be an important appointment.” Charlotte stepped inside. “I’ve never seen you in curls.”

  “It is, but really I just thought I’d try out something new. You know it’s so easy to get stuck in a certain hairstyle at our age, and I like to liven things up.” She stepped into the kitchen and retrieved two large red and white checkered trays. “These will do, won’t they?”

  “Oh, they’re perfect! Everything we have at the shop is so bland and traditional. I was afraid that our trays would clash with the picnic theme. I’m so glad you had these.” Charlotte took the trays from her. “I promise to bring them back right after.”

  “Oh, there’s no rush. I won’t be using them until the Fourth of July when I help out in the bake sale. I like to put my flag cupcakes on them.”

  “Mm, those cupcakes.” Charlotte salivated just thinking about them. “I can’t wait! Too bad there won’t be any at the picnic today.”

  “I know, I hate to miss it, especially when your chocolates are going to be there, but I’ve had this appointment scheduled for a while, before they announced the date of the picnic. I just hope everyone has a great time.” She fluffed the side of her hair that was free from the curlers.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t hold you up. Thanks again, Anita, and good luck at your appointment.”

  “You’re welcome, I can’t wait to hear all about it. Do you think they’ll still have the canoes on the water? It’s supposed to be much chillier than they thought.”

  “Perhaps a few brave souls will venture out.” Charlotte smiled as she headed for the door. “You know how the young ones are.”

  “Certainly!”

  Charlotte pulled the door closed behind her, then headed for the car. She enjoyed walking around town instead of driving, but Anita lived too far away to walk, so she had borrowed Ally’s car. The more active she remained, the longer she hoped she would feel so full of energy. At times it still came as a shock to her that she was old enough to live in a retirement community. She felt as if she was still in her thirties, like her granddaughter. A glimpse in the mirror reminded her she wasn’t, but it didn’t change how she felt inside. As she neared the car she wondered how she would get the door open. Luckily, she spotted a familiar face on the sidewalk.

  “Sasha! Can you get the door for me, please?” Charlotte hurried forward, still juggling the large trays in her arms.

  “Sure.” Sasha smiled as she held open the door. She was new to the area, but they’d become friends fast. She adored the chocolate shop and had purchased quite a few of the wooden carvings from the shelves. The ones for sale were created by Ally’s boyfriend, Luke, who was quite skilled at woodworking. “Are you headed off to the picnic?”

  “Yes, I am. You will be attending, I hope?”

  “Yes, I will. I’m going to run the pie eating contest.” Sasha grinned. “That’s something I never thought I would do.”

  “Uh oh, that might get messy! I’m supplying some of the pies!” Charlotte laughed as she waved to her friend. She pulled out of the driveway and headed for the shop. The delivery van was already pulled up to the side door to be loaded. Charlotte pulled up beside it and stepped out of the car.

  “Hi, Mee-Maw!” Ally smiled at her as she walked around the van. “Let me help you with those.” She hurried over when she saw her grandmother struggle to balance the trays.

  “Thanks.” Charlotte sighed
with relief.

  “Oh wow, Mee-Maw, you were right, these are perfect.” Ally opened the rear door of the van and set them inside. There were several boxes of chocolates and pies stacked up in the van. “Everybody’s ready to go. I have to say I’m really looking forward to this.”

  “Everybody?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow as she followed Ally to the front of the van. When she opened the passenger side door, a pink snout jutted out to sniff her. “Arnold!” She laughed and let him nuzzle her hands. “I didn’t know you were planning on bringing him.”

  “The weather is nice enough, and he needs some exercise and fresh air. So does his unruly counterpart.” She tipped her head towards the cat curled up in her carrier in the middle of the bench seat. Peaches flicked her ear, but didn’t open her eyes. “I was afraid to leave her at home, she’s been getting into everything. I think she’s bored. I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t been giving her enough attention.”

  “Sweetie, you could pet that cat night and day and she still wouldn’t have enough attention.” Charlotte clucked her tongue as she climbed into the passenger seat. “I’m glad you brought them along, I miss spending time with them.” She patted Arnold’s head as he settled between her feet. It was a bit uncomfortable, but she didn’t mind. On the way to Blue River Park, where the picnic was being held, Charlotte and Ally discussed the affairs of Charlotte’s Chocolate Heaven.

  “Business is going well, but I still think it would be good to come up with a few new chocolates. We haven’t come up with some new flavors for a while. If we get stuck in a rut then we’re missing opportunities.”

  “I agree, but remember the disaster of the banana caramel?” Charlotte frowned. “People like what they like, and they’re not always open to new things.”

  “True, but all it takes is that one perfect taste and we’ll have another hit on our hands!”

  * * *

  When Charlotte and Ally pulled up to the park, there were already several cars in the parking lot. Many vendors were setting up their tables close to the river, while others were just unloading.

  “Wow, I thought we might be the first ones here, but I was wrong.” Ally stepped out of the van and started pulling out two tables from the back of it.

  “Hey there, want some help?” A familiar voice brought a smile to her lips.

  “Thanks, Josh.” She stepped aside as he grabbed one of the tables.

  “Frankie, can you help me out?” He waved to his friend. “Grab this other table.”

  “Sure.” Frank nodded to Ally. “How are things this morning?”

  “Going well so far, and much better now. Thanks for the help.”

  “No problem.” He stared at her for a moment. “Luke isn’t around?”

  “No, he’s on shift today. A detective’s work never ends.” She shrugged as she grabbed two folding chairs from the back of the van.

  “So I hear.” Frank followed after Josh with the table. Ally was more friendly with Josh than Frank. Frank was relatively new to town and although he had never been anything but polite to her, he often looked disgruntled and tended to look at her in ways that made her a little uncomfortable. Josh on the other hand was very kind, and generally in good spirits. He was always quick to help anyone who might need it.

  “Are you two entering the canoe race?” She caught up with them as they set up the tables.

  “Yes, we’ve signed up. I’m not sure anyone else will, though. Too bad it’s not going to get much warmer today.” He gazed over at the water. “Hopefully, we’ll have some kind of competition, right Frankie?”

  “Right.” Frank nodded. “I wouldn’t want to be the only one to beat you. You might take it personally.”

  “Ha, ha!” Josh threw a good-natured punch at Frank’s shoulder. “We’ll just see about that, won’t we?”

  “Would you boys like some chocolates?” Charlotte walked over with a box.

  “No thanks, maybe after the race. I have to be at my best, or this one is going to claim the victory.” Josh chuckled as he walked off with Frank.

  One by one they unloaded the boxes of chocolates. Once they were out of the van, Ally began to arrange them on the trays Anita loaned them.

  “Did Anita say why she couldn’t make it today?” Ally added another row of chocolates.

  “She said she had an important appointment. But if I know her the way I think I do, she’ll be back in time for a little fun. She never misses a party.” Charlotte paused as a flicker of grief caught in her throat. “At least, before Karen passed away.”

  “How long has it been now?”

  “A little over five years I think. It was a great loss for all of Blue River. Karen was so active in so many charities, and she hosted many of the social events. It’s hard not to think about her on days like this.” Charlotte gazed out at the river for a moment, then brought a smile to her lips. “I’m sure if she were here, she’d be having a great time.”

  “I’m sure she would.” Ally smiled in return. She had a vague recollection of Karen, but hadn’t known her that well. Her family became more active in the community after Ally had moved away for college. When Ally returned, Karen had already passed away after a long battle with illness.

  “Ladies! I’m so glad that you’ve arrived!” Mrs. Bing walked towards them and beamed from beneath a large, floppy hat. On the top of the hat a tiny, red bird perched, with a sprig of flowers in its beak. “I can’t wait to taste some of those chocolates!”

  “Don’t worry we brought plenty of your favorite.” Charlotte directed her to the tray that contained them. “And Mrs. White’s, and Mrs. Cale’s.”

  “Oh good, they’re at the preserves table right now. Mrs. White brought some of her famous peach preserves to donate.”

  “It’s so wonderful that the three of you came up with this idea. I really am amazed by how much you ladies do for this community.” Charlotte shooed Arnold away from the table just as he attempted to sniff Mrs. Bing’s ankle.

  “Well, someone has to.” Mrs. Bing huffed. “Ever since Karen McArtle passed away, no one has done anything like this. The least we can do is honor her memory by brightening things up around here. Having the boardwalk, some pavilions, and maybe a new park for the children, would really make a difference.”

  “Yes, it would.” Ally waved to Mrs. White and Mrs. Cale as they walked towards the table. “If there’s anything we can do to help, just let us know.”

  “You’re already doing so much by supplying your delicious wares. I’m sure they will be a big money maker for the fundraiser.” Mrs. Bing popped a chocolate in her mouth.

  “If you don’t eat all of them first.” Mrs. Cale playfully swatted at Mrs. Bing’s hand as she reached for another chocolate.

  “Oh hush, I’ve only had one.” Mrs. Bing snatched up the chocolate.

  “Ladies! Please!” Mrs. White cleared her throat, then fluffed her thin-brimmed white hat. “We must think of the fundraiser.”

  “Don’t worry, Mrs. White, we brought plenty.” Ally pointed to another group of chocolates. “There’s the milk hazelnut you like.”

  “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have a few.” Mrs. White smiled. “We’re going to burn off so much energy today. I’m judging the archery contest, and Mrs. Cale is going to monitor the relay race. Mrs. Bing is in charge of the scavenger hunt for the kids. It’s going to be a fantastic day.”

  “Yes, it is.” Charlotte eyed Arnold as he started to dig. “Watch that pig, Ally!”

  “Arnold!” Ally sighed as she tugged at his leash. “Behave, will you?”

  “It’s nice that you brought them out to enjoy the day. I’ll never understand what possessed you to take in a pig, Charlotte, but he is by far the cutest pig that I have ever seen.” Mrs. White patted his back as he slipped past her.

  “Oh, and he is part of our scavenger hunt!” Mrs. Bing giggled. “The children have to find him, and learn his name. Not that most of them don’t already know it. I hope you don’t mind. I just couldn’t p
ass it up.”

  “Absolutely not. It will bring more foot traffic to our tables, and Arnold loves kids.”

  “Oops, we’d better get going, the contests are going to begin soon.” Mrs. Bing took one last chocolate then headed for the edge of the park.

  “Are they still holding the canoe race?” Ally peered towards the river. “Luke really wanted to be part of it, but he couldn’t get the time off work.”

  “They’re still having it, but as of now we only have three entries. It’s chillier on the water.” Mrs. White waved to them before she walked away.

  “Thanks for the candy!” Mrs. Cale dabbed at the chocolate on her lips with a napkin. “I’ll be back for more!”

  “See you then.” Ally grinned. Once they were out of earshot she turned towards her grandmother. “You were right about making extra. Those three might just wipe out a whole tray.”

  “It’s all right.” Charlotte smiled. “We can’t buy better advertising. They tell everyone they know about the shop, and they draw customers in all of the time.”

  “Very true.” Ally grinned.

  Chapter 2

  “The archery contest is starting!” The shout was loud enough to be heard over the crowd of people. Ally guessed it had to be Bob from the car lot doing the shouting. His voice was so loud that he could often be heard three streets over.

  “How exciting.” Charlotte elbowed her granddaughter in the side. “I just hope they’re sober.”

  “Me, too.” Ally laughed as she gazed in the direction of the section of the park being used as the archery range. “I hope they’ve taken all of the proper precautions.”