Hot Chocolate and Homicide Read online

  Hot Chocolate and Homicide

  A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery

  Cindy Bell

  Copyright © 2018 Cindy Bell

  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.

  Created with Vellum

  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

  Hot Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

  Also by Cindy Bell

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Soft music played through the speakers situated throughout the shop, hidden behind an assortment of wooden toys that lined the shelves. It was mood music, according to Charlotte, love songs to get people in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

  All Ally knew was that she enjoyed it. With chocolate melting, and candies cooling, she’d been busy all morning, as had her grandmother who tried to keep up with packing the candies into boxes. As soon as she began to feel a little tired a song she enjoyed came on, and she found herself wiggling her hips and humming along.

  “It is nice to have such good music playing.” Ally carried another tray of chocolates in their molds over to the refrigerator. “Do you think we’ll have enough for today?”

  “Maybe.” Charlotte’s brows were knitted as she counted the boxes she’d already put together. “Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that is hard to predict. We’ll be busy, but how busy is up in the air.”

  “I think with the new gift package we’re offering we’ll be very busy.” Ally smiled as she added some mint flavoring to the chocolate she’d melted. “It was such a good idea.”

  “I agree. I think that being able to create custom hot chocolate to complement the candy that people buy is the perfect way to lead people to a romantic night by the fire. And the temperatures outside make it even more perfect.” She turned back to face her granddaughter with a warm smile. “Honestly, even I’m starting to get into the mood to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and that hasn’t happened in decades.”

  “Oh really?” She grinned as she met her grandmother’s eyes. “What kind of plans do you have, Mee-Maw?”

  “Well.” She wiped her hands on a towel and walked over to supervise the melted chocolate. “Jeff keeps mentioning how he is going to surprise me, and give me a great Valentine’s Day. Honestly, at first I was a little apprehensive. I have been single for so long I am not used to celebrating Valentine’s Day.” She brushed her long, gray hair back behind her shoulders and tied it once more with a hair tie. “But, he’s so excited when he talks about it, now I’m rather curious.”

  “Oh, Mee-Maw you should just relax and enjoy it. It’s so nice that you get to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, and you’ll always remember your first one with him.”

  “My first one.” She raised an eyebrow. “It might be my last you know.”

  “Why would you say that?” Ally looked over at her with concern.

  “I just mean that we’re barely more than friends. I’m not sure that this is going to turn into a long-term relationship, and I’m not sure that I want it to.” She washed her hands, then walked over to the refrigerator to retrieve more chocolates to pack.

  “The future can be hard to predict.” Ally poured chocolate into a new set of molds. They were in the shapes of hearts, arrows, and lips. She thought the lips were a little strange, but the set had been quite popular the year before. “The important thing is that you enjoy yourself now. Just relax and have some fun with him. The rest will fall into place on its own, whether you like it or not.”

  “Oh really?” She grinned. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”

  “You won’t.” Ally’s eyes sparkled. “Like you always tell me, love doesn’t care about your opinion.”

  “Love is a strong word.” Charlotte’s expression softened. “I’ve only used it once before.”

  “I know, Mee-Maw.” She finished pouring the chocolate and met her grandmother in the center of the kitchen to give her a warm hug. “I know you must still miss him.”

  “I do.” She returned the hug with a subtle squeeze. “Even though I didn’t have him long, he left quite an impression on me.” She blinked back a few tears then took a deep breath. “What about you? I’m sure Luke has something special planned.”

  “Hmm. I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” She cast her gaze around the kitchen in search of another mold to use. Charlotte’s Chocolate Heaven was packed with an assortment of molds, and though only a few were meant to be used for Valentine’s Day, Ally was always looking for a new combination to surprise their customers with. Her grandmother had handed the reins of the shop over to her, though she still liked to help out in the shop. She’d been very supportive of Ally’s new ideas.

  “Why is that?” Charlotte looked over at her. “He seems like the romantic type.”

  “He is.” She bit into her bottom lip. “Most of the time. Honestly, it’s not his fault. He has to work a long shift that day, so most likely we won’t even see each other. I know how important his work is, and I know it’s not fair of me to want him all to myself, but I guess being in the middle of all of this makes me more sensitive.” She gestured to the molds that covered the table beside her.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Ally, I hope he’ll be able to spare a little time for you that day. But you’re right, his job is very important. A detective never truly gets a day off.” She stacked up some boxes to take to the front of the store.

  “I know, and we can always make plans at another time to celebrate. Which will be just as sweet.” She smiled. “Really, I’m just lucky to have him in my life at all, he’s such a good guy.”

  “Yes, he is,” Charlotte agreed. It had taken her a little time to warm up to Luke Elm. He had struck her as so serious and by the book. But as he and Ally grew closer she discovered that he was a trustworthy man, determined to find justice for those who needed it.

  As they stepped into the front of the shop, Ally walked to the front door and unlocked it. She flipped the sign over to open. The moment she did, the door swung open, and Mrs. Bing, Mrs. Cale, and Mrs. White stepped inside. The three senior ladies were regular customers of the shop, and friends of her grandmother. Ally had grown up with them, and all three were like family to her.

  “Morning ladies.” Ally smiled at them as they hurried to the counter to sample the chocolates that Charlotte had already filled the sample tray with.

  “Good morning! So glad we got here before the crowds today.” Mrs. White rolled her eyes as she fanned her chest. “Yesterday, it was so cro
wded that I found it hard to breathe in here.”

  “Yes, we were quite busy.” Charlotte smiled at her as she pushed the sample tray closer to her.

  “All of this over a silly holiday.” Mrs. Cale rolled her eyes. “Valentine’s Day, what poppycock.”

  “Poppycock?” Mrs. Bing gasped. “Love could never be poppycock.”

  “It’s certainly not something to be celebrated with candy and flowers.” Mrs. White lifted her chin with a sniff. “Kids today, know nothing about true romance.”

  “Hey, don’t knock the candy.” Ally grinned as she walked over to join them. “We want people to buy them, remember?”

  “Oh, don’t listen to them.” Mrs. Bing waved her hand through the air. “They’re just upset because they don’t have dates to the Valentine’s Day Dance at Freely Lakes. I on the other hand, do, and I can’t wait to celebrate.” She smiled sweetly at the other two.

  “I wouldn’t go to that anyway!” Mrs. Cale huffed.

  “You would, too.” Mrs. White elbowed her lightly. The three settled down a bit as they savored the flavors of the chocolates on the sample tray.

  “What is that amazing smell?” Mrs. Bing sniffed the air.

  “Ah, that’s part of our new gift package.” Ally pointed to a carafe on the back counter. “We don’t just have coffee to pair with the candy, we have hot chocolate, too. And the best part is we can flavor it to match any of the candies you like. Want a caramel cream hot chocolate?” She knew that was one of Mrs. Bing’s favorites, although most of the chocolates were.

  “Absolutely!” She clapped her hands with excitement. Soon, all three of the women were set up with a sample of the hot chocolate. Ally had asked her grandmother why the three friends rarely paid for chocolate. Her grandmother explained that one, they were like family, and two, they were the best word of mouth advertisement that she could ever invest in. And she was right. Everywhere the three women went they would speak glowingly about the chocolate shop. They’d had people come to the shop from states away, due to their recommendations.

  “Oh, this is so delicious.” Mrs. Bing smacked her lips. “I’m definitely sending Carlo in here to get this for me.”

  “Carlo, Carlo, Carlo.” Mrs. White rolled her eyes. “You don’t hear Charlotte going on and on about Jeff, do you?”

  Charlotte froze. “What about Jeff?”

  “Oh, everyone knows that you two are a serious item.” Mrs. Cale winked. “Such a cute couple. Are you going to the dance?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” Charlotte blushed slightly. She wasn’t used to feeling embarrassed and was relieved when the front door opened and a tall man in a uniform wheeled in a few crates. She hoped he would be the distraction she needed to change the subject.

  “Hi, Isaac.” Charlotte smiled at him as he rolled the cart further into the shop. “Right on time, as always.”

  “Morning Charlotte, Ally.” He nodded to them both with a warm smile. Then he shifted his gaze in the direction of the three ladies gathered close to the counter. “Mrs. Bing, Mrs. Cale, Mrs. White.” He tipped the blue cap he wore. “Good morning, to you all.”

  “Thank you, Isaac.” Mrs. White fixed her gaze on him. “How are things at Bloomdale?”

  “Oh fine, fine as they can be.” He cleared his throat, then began to unload the crates from the cart. “Should I just put these in the refrigerator for you, Ally?” He glanced over at her.

  “That would be great, thank you.” She nodded. She noticed that his hair had a bit more gray in it than it used to. He was in his late fifties, and quite fit for his age. She rarely remembered that he was actually older than her, as he lugged heavy crates and made deliveries from dawn until late in the afternoon. “And how is Mrs. Bloomdale?”

  “She’s well.” He carried the crates into the kitchen. Ally walked in front of him to hold open the door for him. As soon as he disappeared through the door, the three women in front of the counter exchanged knowing glances. Charlotte noticed them, but she didn’t think too much about it. She was used to the gossip that spread between the three. They always knew about everything that happened in town, and some things that didn’t actually happen, but they would swear did. As she sorted through more chocolates to add to the sample tray, Isaac stepped back out into the shop.

  “Oh Charlotte, these candies look delicious.” He smiled as he eyed them.

  “Please, try one.” She offered him the tray.

  “No, thank you.” He waved his hand. “I already know how good they taste. I’d like two boxes please.” He studied the boxes on the shelf behind the counter. “Almonds and toffee, and cherry cordials.”

  “Coming right up. Did you want the hot chocolates to pair with them?” She smiled. “It’s a new gift pack we’re offering. The hot chocolate will have a similar flavor to the candy. Or, of course, you could choose any other flavor you might like.”

  “You have one that will taste like cherry cordial?” His eyes widened. “Sure, I’ll take that. For both of them, I mean.”

  “Just be sure to keep the container in the fridge until you’re ready to heat it, as it’s made with real milk. It has the date on it and instructions on how to heat it.” Charlotte put together two small gift baskets with all of the speed and experience of working in the gift business for years. When she slid them over to him, she could see the light in his eyes.

  “This is great. Thanks.” He pulled out some cash as she rung the transaction up. Once the money and gift baskets had been exchanged he grabbed his cart and began to wheel it to the door. “Goodbye, ladies.” He eyed them with a slight smile before he backed out through the door. Ally stepped out of the kitchen just in time to wave to him before he disappeared through the door.

  “Did he have gift baskets?” She smiled at her grandmother.

  “Yes, he bought the hot chocolate, too. Cherry cordial, and almond and toffee. This could really be an amazing thing for the shop. It’s such a unique gift, Ally. You came up with a really great idea.” Charlotte gave her a quick pat on her shoulder.

  “I thought of it when I was putting together some breakfast for Luke. It was so cold out I wanted to send him with some hot chocolate, and I always pack him a few candies. I realized it was the perfect combination, and that it would be so much fun to customize the hot chocolate.”

  “It really is clever.” Mrs. White nodded as she plucked another chocolate from the sample tray.

  “You two just keep inventing new ways to encourage my round physique.” Mrs. Bing patted her stomach.

  “Better watch it, remember what the doctor said.” Mrs. Cale narrowed her eyes.

  “Doctor, shmoctor.” Mrs. Bing rolled her eyes. “Carlo thinks I’m lovely.”

  “You are lovely.” Ally smiled at her.

  “But you should listen to the doctor.” Charlotte wagged her finger. “We’re not getting any younger, and these bodies don’t bounce back like the youngsters.” She glanced at Ally. “This one can eat a few pounds of chocolate and never put on a pound of weight.”

  “Mee-Maw!” Ally laughed. “That isn’t true.”

  “Sure, sure.” Charlotte waved her hand. “I’m just glad Isaac bought the gift sets. I’m sure he won’t be the last.”

  “Oh, it’s so sad what’s going on at that dairy farm.” Mrs. Cale sighed.

  “What do you mean?” Charlotte rested her elbows on the counter and leaned forward. “Is something wrong at Bloomdale?”

  “Yes, there are big wigs from some giant corporation trying to buy the farm. I heard about it from Laura, and Patti confirmed it.” Mrs. Cale pursed her lips. “It’s that son-in-law of hers, you know. Gladys Bloomdale would never sell that farm. It’s been in her family for generations. But you know how the young people treat us old ladies.” She frowned.

  “Hey, that’s not true.” Ally met her eyes.

  “It may not be true of you, Ally, but to many we’re past our prime, and our opinions matter less and less with every year older we get.” Mrs. White folded her a
rms across her chest. “It’s not right, but Mrs. Cale isn’t wrong.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that you experience that.” Ally pursed her lips. It always bothered her when anyone treated her grandmother as if she wasn’t fully capable of doing whatever she pleased. But she was also guilty at times, of being overprotective of her. To be fair, her grandmother was far more overprotective of Ally. After Ally’s mother had passed away, she’d clung to her grandmother a bit more tightly, grateful to have her, and always a little fearful that she might lose her.

  “So you think the son-in-law is trying to weasel the farm out from under her?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “I can’t see Gladys falling for that. She’s sharp.”

  “Yes, she is, or at least she used to be.” Mrs. Bing piped up. “But I’ve been hearing rumors about her starting to lose her focus. Making silly mistakes. One person said she was even wandering the farm at night.”

  “See, that’s part of the problem right there.” Mrs. White put her hands on her hips as she looked at Mrs. Bing. “You shouldn’t be repeating things like that. Gladys is as healthy as a horse, and so is her mind.”

  “I’m sorry!” Mrs. Bing held up her hands. “I didn’t say it was true, it’s just what I’ve heard.” She shrugged. “Of course, I could be wrong.”

  “You are wrong.” Mrs. White’s cheeks flared bright red. “She’s a brilliant woman. Do you know she took over that farm when she was only nineteen years old? Her father died suddenly, and her older brother wasn’t interested, so it fell on her to keep that farm going. Back then, the thought of a woman, a young girl at that, taking over a farm was unheard of, she was treated very poorly. But she did it! She’s a remarkable woman, and I’ll not hear another word about her losing her faculties.”