1 Chocolate Worth Dying For Read Online Free PDF Page B

were eating finger sandwiches and talking.
    "No, nothing. Or if they do know they're not saying anything to me," Tracey said.
    An older woman Maxine had never seen before gave a bitter half-laugh. "Well, you're certainly not letting his death slow you down." A tear slipped from her eyes.
    "We've talked about this Ann," Tracey said in a tone of measured patience. "I think it's best if the children have as normal a life as possible."
    Everyone else seemed frozen in place. "I don't care," Ann said dismissively, "it's not right. My Ron deserved better."
    Her Ron? His mother maybe?
    "Ron would've felt the same way I do," Tracey said. "He always said he didn't believe in grieving for the dead. He believed in living life to the fullest. It's what he would've wanted for Lindy. In fact we'd talked about having a Willie Wonka birthday party with her before he died."
    Ann seemed to be having a hard time not breaking down completely. As Maxine put down the tray of truffles she took the opportunity to put her arm around Ann. "Here, why don't you come out with me for a minute and I'll get you a cup of tea."
    She led her out into the kitchen where she sat her down in front of a small TV. "I know it's difficult."
    Ann gave a small, strangled cry. "It's just that he was my only son."
    "I'm sure Tracey understands. She's trying to do the best she can for the children, to keep everything going…"
    Even as she uttered comforting words and made up a pot of chamomile tea for her with a few biscuits she was only too aware that she'd had the same feeling. And Ron wasn't her son.
    "The police will do everything they can to solve the case," she said soothingly.
    "The police are idiots," Ann said harshly. "I'm amazed they haven't done anything more than given a cursory interview to Tracey. Follow the money," she said darkly, "follow the money." After that cryptic comment she lapsed into silence.
    "That's what you get for dancing on his grave," Wendy said dryly as Maxine entered the small room again.
    "Enough," Nikki barked. "That woman wouldn't be happy unless we were all wearing sack cloth and ashes."
    "As usual the food is excellent," Devon said, changing the topic.
    "I'm glad you like it," Maxine said smiling. The tall, willowy brunette had a casual elegance about her that Maxine would've loved to emulate.
    "I'm giving a small party," Devon said easily to her. "Give me a call tonight. I'd love it if you could cater it."
    "Really you should come as a guest another lady chimed in. Devon's investment parties are the best."
    "The best," Sanje agreed. "I've learned so much about investing. Really, you can't afford to let your money sit in bonds or a savings account."
    Maxine shook her head. "I'm sinking everything I have into getting my chocolate business going."
    "There's never a better time to learn," Devon said warmly. "Then when you have some extra money maybe something I've said may stick with you. Anyway you can listen in while you're there. And I'll be happy to go over anything later, if you have any questions."
    Maxine agreed to at least listen, curious to see what type of party Devon would come up with. Rumour had it she was an extremely successful stockbroker in her own right. And David Matthews, her cardiac surgeon husband had to be making big bucks as well.
    "Would you mind if I took a few pictures," Maxine asked now. She'd taken some earlier before the guests had arrived but sometimes it was nice to also have pictures with the guests. If she used them for anything besides personal she'd make sure she'd check with whoever was in the picture for permission to use it. But most were only too happy to have their pictures used for promotional purposes particularly if there was some free chocolate involved.

Chapter Five
    She chopped mushrooms and added them to the simmering stock. She'd been counting on having Heath help her but he'd come down with a cold and was out for the count. Ally had come in for the day along with Marcus for the afternoon