Chestnuts, Camping and Culprits Read online

  Chestnuts, Camping and Culprits

  A Nuts About Nuts 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

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Ginger Chestnut Cookie Recipe

  Also by Cindy Bell

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2019 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

  The subtle clacking of nuts spilling against the bottom of the barrel made Kerri Gale smile. Her muscles relaxed as she set the empty package to the side and ran her fingertips through the shells that piled to the brim of the barrel. The scent of the nuts filled her senses. Ever since she’d opened Nuts about Nuts, her favorite task was refilling the barrels. The simplicity of it, combined with the refreshing smells, always left her in a peaceful state of mind. Perhaps it was that, or her impending camping trip, that made her smile spread even wider than normal.

  “You look positively giddy over there.” Natalie grinned as she pulled her curly, red hair back into a ponytail. Sunlight spilled through the wide window behind her and illuminated the golden highlights that crowned her head.

  “And you look gorgeous.” Kerri sighed as she drank in the sight of her friend, from her unruly mane, to the deep dimples in her cheeks, Natalie embodied the idea of a warm summer day to her.

  “You’re nuts. I mean, you’ve been sniffing those nuts far too often, they’ve gone to your head, seriously.” Natalie laughed as she slapped her ample hips. “There’s nothing gorgeous about me.”

  “You’re wrong, Nat.” Kerri crossed her slender arms as she stared at her friend who refused to see her own beauty. “But I do enjoy sniffing the nuts.” She giggled as she walked around the barrel to join Natalie at the front counter of the shop. “I can’t help it. They smell delicious.”

  “Your friend thinks so, too.” Natalie tipped her head in the direction of an open window. A small squirrel perched on the windowsill, easily identified by Kerri, because of the black stripe down his back.

  “Ah, you want snacks, do you?” Kerri grinned, then scooped up a handful of nuts. “Don’t leave the shells by the front door this time.” She slid the screen in the window to the side and piled the nuts on the windowsill beside the squirrel. He gazed at her with his round, dark eyes as his body trembled. He didn’t bolt. He’d become too eager for the nuts to be skittish. “That’s it for today, no more begging.” She met his eyes and raised an eyebrow. “I mean it.”

  He shook his fluffy tail twice, then pounced on the nuts.

  “He’s so cute.” Natalie cooed, a few steps behind Kerri. “I don’t know how you don’t take him home to snuggle.”

  “He does turn up at my house. But I can’t even imagine what he would do if I ever let him inside the house.” Kerri laughed as she slid the screen back into place. “Besides, Cashew would get jealous.” She referred to her Yorkshire Terrier.

  “I see. How do you think she’s going to like camping?” Natalie leaned against the counter.

  “She should be okay, as long as she can keep her curious nose from leading her off into disaster.” Kerri took a step back and swept her gaze around the shop, noticing the newest assortment of gifts from around the world that lined the shelves, as well as the nuts and exotic treats that had become favorites of the residents of Cascade Grove, named for its multitude of natural waterfalls nestled in endless woods. “I have to say it’s going to be strange for me to be away from this place for so long. Are you sure your mom doesn’t mind giving you up for the weekend?”

  “Not at all.” Natalie smiled and picked up a box from behind the counter. “I think she needs a break from me. Ever since her knee surgery, I’ve been waiting on her hand and foot, but she doesn’t seem to like it.”

  “I doubt my grandfather would either.” Kerri shook her head at the thought of George not being totally mobile. “He’d probably insist on crawling across the floor to get whatever he needed.”

  “Ugh, isn’t it awful?” Natalie clucked her tongue. “She knows I’m only trying to help.”

  “I thought it would be nice for my grandfather to have the house to himself this weekend, but he insisted on joining me instead.” Kerri’s jaw clenched briefly. “I’m not exactly sure what he’s planning, but I know he’s planning something.”

  “Uh oh.” Natalie laughed and ran a utility knife across the top of the box. “You’ll have to keep me up to date on what’s going on out there. Steve really isn’t going with you? It seems like a nice opportunity for romance.”

  “No, definitely not. He’s behind on some work and honestly, he didn’t offer.” Kerri shrugged, but just the thought of Steve brought a smile to her lips. He was gorgeous, with wavy, black hair and a muscular frame. But what really attracted her to him was his kindness. “I guess he’s not the outdoorsy type.”

  “Maybe not.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot.” Kerri smiled as she went behind the counter and grabbed a plate of cookies. “Ginger chestnut cookies.” She held out the plate to Natalie.

  “Chestnut.” Natalie scrunched up her nose. “I told you, I don’t like chestnuts.”

  “Just give them a try.” Kerri pushed the plate closer to her. “They aren’t too sweet.”

  “Okay.” Natalie smiled as she reluctantly picked up a cookie. “Just a bite.” She bit off a tiny piece of crunchy cookie. As she ate, she nodded in approval as her eyes widened. “These are good.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Are you sure they have chestnuts in them?” Natalie asked before she had another bite.

  “Positive.”

  “Okay, you win. Ginger chestnut cookies are delicious.” Natalie smiled as two customers stepped through the door. “Welcome to Nuts about Nuts, if you have any questions please feel free to ask.”

  “Thanks.” The woman, who looked to be in her mid-twenties, as Kerri was, tugged on the end of her blonde braid and returned her smile. Kerri noticed red paint scattered across her hand and wondered whether she might be an artist. She looked the type, relaxed, and happy, as if she created the world around her. Her male companion of about the same age, hung back a few steps and shot a brief glance in Kerri’s direction, before his attention was drawn to a shelf full of gifts.

  Curious about his interest, Kerri watched him out of the corner of her eye. She noticed him trace his fingerti
ps along a South African flower puzzle. Carved from wood, each of the petals fit together perfectly to create a stunning flower. She drifted over in his direction, while Natalie discussed a few of the nut options with his companion.

  “Are you interested in this?” Kerri smiled as she paused beside him.

  “It’s pretty.” He glanced at her, then looked back at the flower.

  “It’s commonly given as an engagement gift in the region where I purchased it from. When you take the petals apart, there’s a small compartment inside just big enough for a ring, or a small jewel. Of course, you don’t have to put anything inside, or it could be something simple.” Kerri eyed the colored tips of the petals and released a contented sigh. “It’s one of my favorites. I love the mystery of it.”

  “I’ll take it.” His sharp, brown eyes darted in the direction of the woman speaking to Natalie. “Do you think you could wrap it up for me without her seeing?”

  “Absolutely.” Kerri winked at him, then carried one of the sealed boxes beneath the display flower over to the counter. She packaged it up carefully, entered the price in the cash register, then returned to him for payment. She passed the small package to him as he handed over some cash. When she returned with his change, his friend had just finished her own purchase.

  “You didn’t find anything, Colin?” Her icy blue eyes settled on him.

  “Not this time.” He slid his hand into his pocket to hide the gift inside.

  “You can share my chestnuts with me. We just need to roast them on the fire.” She smiled. “I haven’t had them in ages, I love the smell.”

  “Thanks.” Colin nodded. “Are you ready to go, Pam?”

  “Sure.” She glanced back at Kerri and Natalie. “Thanks again. I’m sure we’ll be back.”

  “Glad to have you.” Kerri waved to them as they left the shop. “What a sweet couple.”

  “Do you think so?” Natalie tilted her head to the side as she watched them through the large, front window. “I didn’t realize they were a couple.”

  “Oh, trust me.” Kerri smiled. “They are.”

  Chapter 2

  Kerri rolled down the windows in her car as she drove towards her house. She’d only been in Cascade Grove for a short time, but she’d fallen in love with its lush foliage, out-of-the-way atmosphere, and friendly residents. After she finished school, she’d decided to educate herself in another way. As she passed by a flag that hung from one of the local churches, her thoughts filled with memories of the many countries she’d visited throughout her life. Each had its own traditions, culture, and beauty. But when she’d happened upon Cascade Grove, it possessed the one thing that none of those other places did. It felt instantly like home. She’d found a small house by the edge of the woods, and it truly felt like happily ever after to her.

  Kerri turned into the driveway and caught sight of her grandfather’s jeep. His presence in her life had been a surprise, but now she couldn’t imagine it any other way. She parked and hopped out of the car. When she stepped through the door of the two-bedroom house, she found her grandfather in the living room.

  “I thought you were coming home earlier?” He smiled, as Cashew bounded over to greet Kerri. She bent down and patted Cashew.

  “We had some last-minute customers come in just before I planned to leave.” Kerri stretched her arms above her head and yawned. Then bent down to pick the excited dog up. “I am so ready for some relaxation in the woods.”

  “I’m sure you’ll get some of that.” George lifted a large backpack from behind the couch. “I’ll just put this in the jeep.”

  “Grandpa, that pack is huge. We’re only going for a short trip.” Kerri stared at him as he slung the pack on his back. It spread the width of his broad shoulders and stretched from the base of his neck to his waist.

  “Oh, you can never be too prepared. Besides, I have some things I’d like to work with you on while we’re out there.” George flashed her a smile that was meant to be charming, she could tell from the tilt of his head and the glow in his eyes.

  “Grandpa, this is supposed to be a peaceful trip.” Kerri crossed her arms as she studied him. “None of your lessons.”

  “You’re getting rusty.” His smile faded some as he settled his gaze on her. “It’s time to brush up on some of your survival skills.”

  “See, this is why I planned to go alone.” Kerri shook her head as she walked past him. Despite the seriousness in his tone, she brushed off his words. It was true that lately she hadn’t been practicing her fighting skills as much, and it had been some time since she’d needed to survive anything, but that was a good thing in her mind. As a retired spy, her grandfather was always aware of his surroundings, perhaps too aware. “If I didn’t learn all I needed during the summers I spent with you growing up, then I’m just not meant to know it.” She headed for her bedroom to grab her bag and a few last-minute items.

  “Kerri.” George called after her but remained in the living room.

  As Kerri shoved a few extra pairs of socks in her bag, her thoughts filled with the lessons he would teach her. She didn’t know it at the time, but he was training her in the family business, which to her surprise was the spy business. He’d taught her an assortment of survival skills, as well as fighting skills, and how to read people. She didn’t always pay attention. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and noticed the tension in her expression.

  “No way, Kerri, you’re not going to get all fired up over this. You’re going to have your relaxing weekend no matter what.” She tucked her dark brown hair into a ponytail, picked up her bag, and headed back out into the living room. “All right, Grandpa, I’m ready for my peaceful trip, what you and your backpack do is your business.” Kerri cast him a wink as she walked past him and right out into the driveway. Cashew trotted along behind her, eager to join in on whatever they had planned. Kerri popped open the back door of the jeep and Cashew jumped inside.

  George followed after them, pausing only to lock the door, then climbed into the driver’s seat.

  “Listen, Kerri, I know you have your life all set up here. I know it seems nice, and safe, but I can’t tell you enough times that with your father still active, and my history you can—”

  “I can never be too prepared.” Kerri flashed him a smile as she buckled her seat belt. “I know, I know. But this weekend, I am prepared to relax. I have some good tunes to listen to, some new toys to share with Cashew, and several hours of absolutely nothing to do. I can’t wait to check out some waterfalls, do a little hiking and—” She paused, then closed her eyes and smiled. “I guess I’m already filling my time up with things to do.”

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s a family trait.” George grinned as he backed the jeep out of the driveway.

  “It’s just been so busy with the shop. I’m glad it’s so popular but keeping everything running smoothly has been a bit more challenging than I expected.” Kerri rested her head back against the seat and gazed out at the leafy trees and dark green bushes that they passed. The colors in Cascade Grove seemed more vibrant to her, than in any other place she had lived. Secretly, she harbored the notion that the place might be just a little magical.

  “It is important to slow down, take some time away from everything.” George turned on to the road that led up the side of the mountain. “I’m sure that having me along wasn’t part of the plan. But I haven’t had much time with you either. You’ve been so busy with Steve.” He raised an eyebrow as he cast a glance in her direction.

  “Always digging for information, aren’t you?” Kerri smiled as she continued to look through the window. “Steve is just as busy as I am. We haven’t had that much time together, really. But the time we have spent together, has been nice. He’s a genuinely good guy, Grandpa.”

  “I’m not saying he’s not. He seems like a good guy.” George shrugged and turned down a narrower road that led to the campgrounds. “You’re still young though, there’s plenty of time for set
tling down.”

  “No one is settling down.” Kerri shook her head as she turned to look at him. “We’re just getting to know each other. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with settling down. I didn’t exactly have roots growing up, and I’d like to plant some here.”

  “I can understand that.” George rubbed one hand along his chin as he eased the jeep onto a dirt road that wound a bit higher, then ended at their campsite. “But you have plenty of life to live.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Kerri popped her door open, and Cashew bolted right out of the jeep. “Hey, not too far!” She jumped out after her.

  As George unpacked their supplies, Kerri began to set up her tent. Humidity weighed the warm air down. It stuck to her skin as she worked the poles through the clasps on the outside of the tent. In the distance she could hear the subtle roar of a nearby waterfall. It still thrilled her to know that there were so many so close to her. Cashew darted around the campground, sniffing everything in sight. She managed to get the tent up, just as Cashew broke into a flurry of barks and yelps. She stared at the bushes along the edge of their campground, and the trees that grew thick behind it.

  “What is it, Cashew?” Kerri wiped her hands on her jeans and peered through the leaves.

  Chapter 3

  “What’s that dog into now?” George rested his hands on his hips as he squinted into the tree line.

  “I’m not sure, but I’m going to find out.” Kerri walked carefully towards Cashew, as she didn’t want to spook her into running into the trees or frighten whatever she’d found. As she drew closer to the trees, she was able to pick out the shadow and outline of a figure. It wasn’t an animal that had Cashew’s attention, it was a person. “Hello there?” She reached down and scooped Cashew up into her arms, prepared to protect her if needed.