Christmas Chocolate Murder Read online

  Christmas Chocolate Murder

  A Maple Hills Cozy Mystery #9

  Wendy Meadows

  Copyright © 2017 by Wendy Meadows

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

  Printed in the United States of America

  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

  Thanks for reading

  Be the First to Know

  About the Author

  Also by Wendy Meadows

  Chapter One

  It was a beautiful day in Maple Hills. The snow was falling gently as the townspeople bustled around preparing for Christmas. Nikki was in her chocolate shop preparing another batch of peppermint bark for the holiday orders. Her assistants, Lidia and Tori, were taking care of customers at the counter.

  “Do you want your fudge wrapped for Christmas?” Tori asked Mrs. Jones.

  “Yes, please,” Mrs. Jones replied. “Another five gifts checked off my holiday shopping list.”

  Tori took the boxes to the back. “At this rate, we’ll be out of candy by noon,” she said to Nikki with a frantic look in her eye.

  Nikki smiled. “I’ve already made a few more trays of peppermint bark. I’ll also have some gingerbread fudge and vanilla cream candies ready soon. We have enough of everything else right now,” Nikki reassured her frazzled employee. It was the time of year when customers were happy, but short-tempered. Nikki told Tori to take a break. “I’ll wrap those and give them to Mrs. Jones.” Tori thanked her and sat down. The poor girl had been on her feet since the store had opened that morning.

  Nikki took the boxes to the front of the shop. It was full of customers trying to get their Christmas shopping done. Some had placed their orders earlier in the week, which was helpful to Nikki. The shop was decorated like a gingerbread house. Large candy canes stood guard at the door. Hawk had helped Nikki with the décor. As always, she was thankful that he was around and willing to help her.

  Just then the door opened, and Hawk walked in. He looked around at the crowded shop and whistled.

  “You haven’t sold out of your chocolate yet?”

  Nikki smiled, happy to see him. “No, but I could use some help with these boxes.”

  Hawk helped with the heavy lifting. Afterwards, Nikki told him to go in the back and get a peppermint stick as his reward.

  “You don’t have to tell me twice,” Hawk replied as he hurried towards the back.

  “While you’re back there, could you bring some of the trays out that Tori is preparing?”

  Hawk grinned and laughed. “I knew there was a catch.”

  Nikki smiled. She was glad Hawk had shown up when he did. The customers were wearing them out today. She looked over at Lidia who was looking a bit peaked. Nikki told her to go in the back and rest for a bit with Tori.

  “I’m okay,” Lidia assured Nikki while ringing up a customer’s order. “Please come back and see us again, soon!” she called to Mrs. Jones who was just leaving the shop.

  Mrs. Jones smiled and waved to Lidia and Nikki. “Thank you for the lovely chocolates!” she called back.

  The snow was still falling, and the cloud cover made it feel like early evening. Nikki checked her watch. Lidia saw her and jokingly told her it was just ten minutes since the last time she had checked it. Nikki smiled and turned to help the next customer.

  I hope he gets here before the snow piles up, she thought thinking about Seth, her son. He was coming home from college for Christmas break. She smiled and passed out some more chocolates. Nikki checked her inventory and turned around to go to the kitchen.

  “Oops!” Nikki cried. She nearly ran into Hawk, but he sidestepped just in time. He’d avoided a chocolate catastrophe. “Good reflexes,” Nikki laughed.

  “I need them out on the street,” Hawk said as he placed the chocolates on the counter. Hawk was the local detective and Nikki’s crime-solving partner. Nikki watched as he deftly avoided Lidia and the returning Tori. At 5’ 11’’ Hawk was one tall glass of water, but he deftly worked his way around to Nikki.

  “Do you have time to break for lunch?” he asked.

  Before Nikki could protest, Tori and Lidia said yes, and pushed her out from behind the counter. Nikki shrugged and told Hawk that her schedule just cleared up. She looked around the bustling shop and decided she could use some lunch and a much-needed break. She went into the back of the chocolate shop and found the hat and scarf Hawk had given her last week. It was a warm addition to her short, white winter coat. In Atlanta the winters had been milder, and she hadn’t needed all the winter accessories a Vermont winter required. She pulled on her gloves and grabbed her purse.

  “I’m ready to go if you are,” she called to Hawk. Hawk appeared and opened the back door. He offered her his arm, and she took it willingly. Nikki was still getting used to the ice that hid beneath the snow. She shuffled beside Hawk as they carefully made their way to the diner down the street.

  “Good afternoon,” Gus, the owner, greeted them. Gus was a sweet father of four. He had lived with his wife in Maple Hills his entire life. Gus had taken over the diner from his father, who could still be found in a booth drinking coffee and chatting with his friends.

  “Where’s your dad?” Hawk asked.

  Gus pointed to a booth in the back. Nikki and Hawk went over to say hello. An older gentleman sat in the booth, sipping at his coffee. He greeted them and shook their hands warmly. Nikki and Hawk found a nearby booth and settled in. The waitress came, and they placed their orders.

  “Anything happening?” Frank, a gentleman seated in a nearby booth, asked Hawk. Frank was always hoping for some excitement whenever he saw Hawk and Nikki together. Nikki ducked her head. Hawk put his hand on hers and she relaxed. Some of the townspeople were a little wary about Nikki. She couldn’t blame them. Ever since she had moved to Maple Hills it seemed that trouble seemed to follow her.

  “Nothing today,” Hawk answered, thanking their waitress for the coffee.

  “I saw your dad this morning,” Frank said. “He said the same thing.”

  “Then it must be true,” replied Hawk. Hawk’s father was the local sheriff. He was a friend to Nikki. He understood that Nikki did not bring any trouble with her. In fact, she helped solve the problems.

  “What time is Seth getting here?” Hawk asked.

  “Well, his flight should have landed by now. I figure he should be here in about an hour or so.”

  Hawk’s eyes twinkled. Nikki was very happy that he and Seth got along. Seth needed a good male role model in his life. His father had left them high and dry in Atlanta before they moved to Vermont. Nikki was looking forward to sharing her Christmas traditions with her son and Hawk this year.

  “Why are you smiling like that? You look like a cat that’s swallowed a canary.”

  Hawk did not reply, but smiled into his coffee cup.

  “Here is your food,” the server said, setting plates in front of them.

  Nikki looked up at the sound of the male voice
and gasped. Seth stood over her holding her lunch. He smiled and put the plate down in front of her. She got up and hugged him.

  “How did you pull that off?” she demanded. Seth’s roommate put the other plate down by Hawk.“You must be Brian,” Nikki suggested as she held out her hand.

  “Yes ma’am,” Brian replied, shaking her hand firmly.

  “Why don’t you two sit on down?” Hawk replied. He moved Nikki’s plate beside him. She moved and sat next to him. The boys sat across the booth. The waitress brought them their own plates of food.

  “How did you get here so early?” Nikki asked.

  “Well, I called Hawk last week and told him we’d be driving instead. I told him not to tell you. I wanted it to be a surprise.” Seth grinned from ear-to-ear. “It is not easy pulling something over on you,” he said.

  Nikki agreed and looked at Brian. He was a clean-cut, blond, young man. He ducked his head while he ate his cheeseburger. Seth warned her that Brian was shy, so she left him alone. His parents were in Europe, and he would have been alone for Christmas, but Nikki had told Seth to bring him home.

  “Did you come by cab?” Nikki asked.

  “No,” said Seth between bites of his sandwich. “Brian drove us.”

  Nikki looked concerned, but Seth reassured her. “Brian lives in New York; he’s used to driving in this weather.”

  “I don’t care how long I stay here. I don’t think I will ever get used to driving on snow,” said Nikki. “Thank you for bringing him home safely.”

  “You’re welcome,” Brian smiled shyly. “I don’t mind the drive.”

  Nikki glanced at her watch. “Oh, no! I’ve been here for an hour. Tori and Lidia must be swamped.” She stood up and told the boys to come to the store. “I can give you some dessert.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice,” Seth laughed. Brian thanked Nikki and reached for his wallet.

  “What are you doing?” Nikki demanded.

  “I thought I would pay for lunch,” Brian stuttered.

  “You are our guest. I will take care of this,” Nikki huffed. She took out her wallet and laid some money on the table. Hawk put some in for his share and the tip. Then, they all walked back to the chocolate shop.

  “Look who I found,” cried Nikki as she opened the front door. Lidia looked up and waved to Seth. Tori looked up and almost dropped the box of chocolates she was holding.

  “You’re early,” she gently chided Seth. Seth walked over to Tori and kissed her cheek. Nikki smiled, satisfied. Tori was a sweet young girl. She was perfect for Seth. They had been texting and talking ever since Thanksgiving. Nikki was glad to see that some romance was blooming.

  “This is Brian,” Seth introduced his roommate to Lidia and Tori. “He is a senior this year. He was going to stay back at the dorm and study, but I convinced him to come down to Maple Hills. His parents are in Europe, so I told him to spend Christmas with us.”

  “Hi, Brian,” Lidia and Tori said. Brian pushed back his hair and waved sheepishly.

  “I have an idea,” said Nikki, breaking the awkward silence. “Why don’t you come to dinner, Tori? You’re welcome to join us too, Lidia.”

  Tori thanked her and said she would be happy to join them. She smiled at Seth as she said this. They both turned a little red. Lidia thanked Nikki and asked if she could bring anything. “Nope. I’m covered,” Nikki told her. Nikki then turned to greet the customer who had just walked in.

  “Would you like to try our white peppermint sticks? They are only around until Christmas.”

  Chapter Two

  Nikki set the table as Hawk pulled out the biscuits. She wanted to have a good, hearty meal to make up for the cold weather. Hawk enjoyed cooking, but Nikki said she would make her famous biscuits and gravy with some ham and greens. Hawk’s mouth had watered as she had talked about it.

  “Don’t drool on those biscuits,” Nikki chided Hawk.

  “I won’t, but can I taste one?”

  “Not until we eat.”

  Tori and Seth were sitting in the living room with Brian. Nikki looked over and saw Seth holding Tori’s hand. She smiled and continued setting the table. Lidia was helping her, and she caught Nikki’s gaze.

  “You must be so happy,” Lidia said. “I know it’s been tough for Seth. Tori is a good girl. It’s almost as if they were made for one another.” Lidia put the last plate down.

  “Sit down, Lidia. I’ll get the food from the kitchen,” Nikki called as she left the dining room with a grin. The biscuits were cooked just right, and the gravy was ready. Hawk was taking the ham out to the table. Tori poked her head in, and Nikki handed her a bowl of greens. Seth came in for the biscuits, and Nikki followed him into the dining room with the gravy. They sat down and dug in.

  “Brian, you need to eat more. There is plenty of food,” Nikki reassured him.

  “I will in a minute. I have to take a breather between courses,” Brian replied as he rubbed his stomach. “I haven’t eaten this well in months.”

  “Yeah, the food at the university is awful,” Seth agreed. “I sure am glad to be home with your cooking,” he praised Nikki.

  “It can’t be that bad,” Nikki scolded him.

  “It’s not as good as this,” he reassured her.

  Nikki looked around the table. It was good to relax with family and friends this close to the holidays. The shop had been busy non-stop, and preparing for Christmas was wearing Nikki down. Times like this helped her keep her spirits and strength up. She passed around some more food. The pies were warming in the oven, and the smell of pecan wafted through the room. After dessert, Nikki was looking forward to sitting and talking to Seth. She hadn’t seen him since Thanksgiving, and she was hoping he was doing well in college. She worried about him being so far away, but he seemed to be adjusting well and loving his classes.

  As they were talking, there was a knock on the front door. Hawk raised an eyebrow and looked at Nikki.

  “Were you expecting someone?” he asked as the knocking got louder.

  “No,” said Nikki, getting up from the table. “Stay here, everyone. I’ll be right back.”

  Hawk got up with her. She appreciated him having her back. They went to the front door. Nikki looked out and saw a young woman. She had long brown hair and blue eyes. She looked to have been crying and was shivering on the porch. She had her purse and a backpack. She was dressed for the weather but looked worn out. Nikki opened the door quickly.

  “Hi,” said the young woman, shivering, “I’m . . .” she did not get any farther.

  “Susan!”

  Nikki heard Seth and turned around. He was walking quickly from the dining room. He was smiling but looked concerned. Nikki looked at him quizzically, but he did not see her. He just saw Susan.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, his face full of concern.

  “You know this young woman?” Nikki asked her son.

  “Yes, sorry, mom, this is Susan; Susan this is my mom.”

  “Oh thank God. I was hoping this was the right house,” Susan said. Nikki stepped aside, welcoming her in.

  Susan looked about the house and over her shoulder. She shivered once more. She seemed skittish and frantic. Her hands were shaking. Her breath was shallow.

  “Susan, what is wrong, honey?” Nikki asked. Susan looked like a trapped rabbit. Nikki took her coat and told her to sit by the fire. Susan sat down and put her backpack on the floor near her feet. Seth sat next to her and started rubbing her hands.

  “Bring us some hot tea,” Nikki instructed Hawk.

  “I’m on it,” he replied, stepping toward the kitchen.

  Tori had wandered in and saw Seth and Susan on the couch. She threw Nikki a look and Nikki shrugged. Seth was rubbing Susan’s shoulder, and Susan looked like she was in shock. Seth glanced up and saw Tori.

  “Tori, this is Susan, my friend from college. You remember me telling you about her.”

  Tori visibly relaxed and walked over to the sofa.

>   “Yes, it’s nice to finally put a face to the name,” she said as she sat in a chair on Susan’s other side.

  Nikki was still confused, but was happy that Tori knew about Susan. Seth was a good kid, and Nikki was sure he would not cheat on his girlfriend, but once in a while she worried about his father’s influence. It seemed his father was not that influential. Nikki glanced over to the kitchen and saw Hawk preparing the tea. Brian was sitting at the table talking to Lidia. He had told her she reminded him of his grandmother, and she had taken to him immediately. Nikki was glad that he had someone he could talk to that reminded him of his family.

  Nikki turned her attention to Susan, Seth, and Tori. She sat on the loveseat across from them.

  “What brings you out in this nasty weather?” Nikki asked.

  Hawk appeared with a tray, teapot, and five cups. He put the tray down and took a seat beside Nikki.

  Seth poured Susan and Tori some tea, and Susan relaxed a slight bit.

  “I am sorry to barge in on your family dinner,” Susan said. She seemed like she was about to cry. Tori took her hand.

  “It’s okay, sweetie,” Nikki gently responded. She looked at Susan and asked, “What is going on?”

  Susan took a deep breath and said, “I think someone is trying to hurt me.”

  Seth and Tori gasped and looked shocked. Nikki shifted slightly in her seat and took Hawk’s hand. Hawk cleared his throat.

  “What makes you think that?” Hawk asked.

  “Well, it started a few weeks ago at college. I wouldn’t tell you this, but Seth has told me over and over what a great detective you are.”

  “Thank you,” said Hawk.

  Susan blushed. “Actually I was talking about Seth’s mom.”