Trouble and Treats (A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Book 6) Read Online Free PDF Page B

yard sale. She wondered if he knew then what he intended to do. Did he plan it out beforehand? Or was her murder a spur of the moment decision?
    “Hey Ally, don’t worry. I’m going to have a chat with him,” Luke said.
    “How can you do that without opening an investigation?”
    “I’ll say that someone mentioned that he had a confrontation with his ex-wife at the yard sale and that I am following up on it.”
    “Do you think you can get away with that?” Charlotte frowned.
    “I can get away with some things as long as I’m careful. There’s nothing wrong with a friendly conversation.”
    “Fair enough.” Charlotte nodded. “I just hope that it will lead to something more.”
    “I can assure you if he confesses to anything he’ll be taken care of right away. I still need to consider this an accident, but it’s worthwhile to see if he says anything to make me think otherwise.”
    “All right, I should probably head home. The shop is going to be hopping in the morning. Ally, you don’t have to come in if you don’t want to.”
    “No, I want to. I’ll be there.” She hugged her grandmother. “I’ll see you then.”
    “Goodnight, sweetheart.” Charlotte kissed Ally’s cheek. On her way out she patted Arnold’s head and made kissing noises and then stroked Peaches’ back as she wound through her legs.
    “I should go, too. I’ll walk you out, Charlotte.” Luke met Ally’s eyes. “Are you going to be okay by yourself?”
    “That’s a silly question, Luke. I’m always okay by myself.”
    “But it never hurts to have company!” Charlotte called out before she stepped out the door. Luke met Ally’s eyes one last time, then followed after Charlotte.
    Ally smiled to herself as she closed the door behind them. She could pretend to be insulted, but Luke’s concern meant a lot to her. As soon as she was alone the exhaustion hit her like a brick. She barely made it to her bedroom before she had to collapse. She curled up in her bed and stared at the patterns of moonlight on the wall. Her entire body felt heavy, too heavy. She thought about getting up and taking a shower, but she couldn’t bring herself to crawl out from under the covers. As if she sensed her restlessness, Peaches jumped up into the bed with her. She rubbed her furry cheek along Ally’s and purred.
    “Thank you, Peaches. It’s been a rough day.” She pulled the cat close and stroked her back. As she fell asleep she thought about the events of the day.

Chapter Five
     
    When Ally opened her eyes she felt as if she hadn’t slept at all. Yet the sun was up and the clock showed that she was actually running late. She had a quick shower, dressed and took care of the pets, then headed out to the shop. When she arrived she was relieved to smell freshly baked muffins waiting for her.
    “I’m here, Mee-Maw, sorry I’m running a little late.”
    “Don’t be sorry, sweetheart. You had a big day yesterday. Just come try one of these chocolate muffins.”
    “If I must.” Ally sighed and grinned at the same time. “They smell so good. Did you add something new?”
    “Just a hint of cinnamon. I know it sounds strange with chocolate, but it just gives it a little zing. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.” Charlotte handed her a muffin.
    Ally took a small piece off the top. “Yum! It’s delicious.”
    The bell over the door chimed and Mrs. Cale, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Bing filed inside. Each had a solemn look on their face.
    “Good morning, ladies.” Ally turned to face them and offered a small smile.
    “Good morning.” Mrs. Bing sighed and slouched down in a chair at the counter.
    “Coffee?” Charlotte patted Mrs. Bing’s hand.
    “Yes, please.”
    Ally slid the sampler tray towards the three women. “Help yourselves, ladies, we all need some comfort food today.”
    “Yes.” Mrs. White looked at the tray deciding which one to choose. “Though I’m sure going to need a lot of those to comfort me.” She popped a