Gumballs and Murder (Candy Store Mysteries Book 1) Read online

  Gumballs and Murder

  Candy Shop Mysteries #1

  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

  Thanks for reading

  Be the First to Know

  About the Author

  Also by Wendy Meadows

  Chapter One

  Sunlight poured onto the hardwood floors as Margaret Nichols swept up the packing materials from the boxes she and Zach had opened. It had been a busy afternoon on this glorious spring day, as they worked to get the candy shop ready for business. Everything was going well.

  “Ouch,” Zach hollered.

  Or maybe not so well, Margaret thought. She dropped her broom and dashed over to her son. “Are you okay?” she asked.

  “Yeah, just cut myself on the glass.” Zach stuck his finger in his mouth.

  “Let me see,” Margaret said. “Maybe you need stitches.”

  “Mom, I’m fine. It’s barely bleeding.”

  “Here, put this on,” Patty said, shuffling over with a Band-Aid in her hand.

  “Thanks.” He wrapped the bandage around his finger.

  “Why don’t you take a short break?” Margaret suggested.

  Margaret and Zach had recently moved to this coastal town, and Margaret was hoping to make a living selling candy in this little shop. Zach, her twenty-year-old son, was one of two employees. Patty was the other. Patty was a sprightly seventy-year-old woman who knew the town and its residents. She had helped Margaret get her licenses and permits processed promptly. Margaret was thrilled to have a local woman working with her, although Patty sure did talk a lot. And she asked a ton of questions. Questions that made it seem like she was snooping, but Margaret knew she was just being friendly.

  Margaret instructed Zach to run next door to get them some drinks from the café. When he left, Margaret lifted the glass countertop and set it on the shelf Zach had put together. She then scrubbed it until it sparkled.

  “One down, fifty more to go,” she joked.

  Patty laughed and picked up a couple of empty boxes. “I’ll run these outside to the dumpster,” she said.

  “Okay, I’ll keep going with the shelves,” Margaret replied.

  “Just be careful,” Patty warned her.

  “Absolutely. I will not give Zach a chance to laugh at me if I cut my hand too,” Margaret said.

  Patty giggled and lugged the boxes out the door.

  Margaret looked around. The shop was messy, but she had a vision. She saw a bright, welcoming space with candy jars and sweets of all kinds covering the shelves. She smiled and looked around for the next shelf box. After spotting it by the other side of the counter, she pulled it over and opened it. Just as she was about to lift out the glass, Zach came back and helped her. She thanked him and took a sip of the soda he had brought her. Patty came back and accepted the other soda.

  “I can’t believe we’re opening early next week. I don’t think I can possibly have the store ready in time,” Margaret said, looking around at the half-completed shelving.

  Zach put an arm around her shoulder. “We can do it, Mom.”

  Margaret appreciated his enthusiasm. Sometimes her son was the only reason she got out of bed. Margaret grabbed a cloth and wiped down the other shelf. Zach pulled out another piece of glass and gently set it in place.

  The door opened, and Margaret looked up. Two women and a man stood in her doorway. The women were younger. One woman was short and had an apron on, and the other was tall. The man was an older gentleman, and he had a scowl on his face. Sourpuss, Margaret thought, and she chuckled to herself.

  “Welcome to Nichols’ Candy Shop. But we’re not open just yet,” Margaret said.

  “Oh, we know that,” said the man, looking a bit put off.

  The younger woman stepped forward holding a casserole dish. She was a cute little thing with blonde hair.

  “Don’t mind him,” she said. “My name is Stacy Koontz. I own the café next door. I thought you could use some warm food.” She looked around at all the clutter, and Margaret laughed. “Your son is just the sweetest thing. He was in a few minutes ago. I thought about giving him the casserole to bring over, but I thought it would be better if we all paid you a visit and said welcome to our street.”

  “I appreciate that,” Margaret said, taking the casserole. “Let me put it over here in the back of the shop.” Stacy and the other woman followed Margaret to the back.

  “I’m Simone Peretti,” said the older woman. She was tall and slender and wore an old, wide-brimmed hat. “I run the antiques shop next to the café.” She handed Margaret a basket. Inside were paper plates, cups, and some soda. There was also a bottle of wine.

  “For later on.” Simone winked.

  Margaret smiled and thanked the women for their lovely gifts.

  “Oh, and the gentleman in front is Mr. Stewart. He runs the dog grooming business across the street. I think he’s been bitten one too many times, and that is why he is a bit surly,” joked Stacy.

  Margaret laughed. “He does seem a little grouchy.”

  “So, did you just move here?” asked Stacy.

  “Yes, we just permanently moved here late last night. I didn’t get to meet many of my neighbors yet. I bought the shop before we moved out here. We’ve been working on it for about a month now on and off, but we finally found a house we love,” replied Margaret. “I loved this town the minute I drove in. I knew this would be a great place to settle down.”

  Stacy and Simone looked at each other and laughed.

  Margaret raised her eyebrows. “What’s the joke?”

  “The last person who rented this property only stayed a month. He couldn’t stand the quiet, small-town life.”

  “Well, quiet sounds good to me,” said Margaret.

  “I was wondering something,” Simone asked. “How can you afford to sell candy for only a nickel?”

  Margaret fought the urge to roll her eyes. It was a long-standing joke between her and Patty. “I am not selling my candies for a nickel,” she replied, smiling, “I named the shop after my last name. I’m Margaret Nichols, by the way. Hopefully when people see the sign we’re putting up and that it’s not spelled like the coin, no one will be confused.”

  “Oh, of course,” said Simone. “But if you do sell any candy for a nickel, be sure to let me know. I have a sweet tooth like you can’t believe.”

  Margaret laughed and promised her she would be the first to know.

  “Let you know what?” asked Mr. Stewart. He had appeared from the front of the store.

  “When I ever sell my candy for a nickel,” said Margaret.

  “Isn’t it already a nickel? You said Nickels Candy Shop,” said Mr. Stewart. Margaret grinned and corrected his mistake.

 
“Well, if it’s not going to be a nickel, she should name it something else,” he muttered under his breath.

  Simone and Stacy giggled. Margaret just shrugged.

  “Let us know if you need any help with your shelves,” said Stacy. “We could stop by after our stores are closed and give you a hand.”

  “I think I’m okay, but I’ll call you if I decide to take you up on your offer,” replied Margaret.

  Stacy and Simone gave Margaret their business cards. Then they left with Mr. Stewart, shutting the door behind them.

  Margaret looked at Zach. She could tell he was hungry.

  “So, are we going to try this casserole?” she asked. Zach nodded and told Margaret he would spoon it out and serve it. Patty and Margaret thanked him and sat down.

  “So, while I was in the back I saw you talking to Mr. Stewart,” Margaret said to Patty. “He seems interesting.”

  “Mean is more like it,” laughed Patty. “He and I just do not get along. He’s not unfriendly—well, I guess he is—but he’s insulted me in the past. We just do not get along. We coexist in this town and that’s it. I’ve decided, though, that just because he’s mean doesn’t mean I have to be. I guess he does have a sweet side sometimes. He’s like one of those sour candy balls. You have to get through the sour to get to the sweet.”

  Margaret understood that. She always tried to see the best in people, even if they were initially not very nice. She figured there was some sweetness in everyone.

  Zach appeared with the plates, and they all enjoyed their meal. The casserole was delicious. It was a simple ham, rice, and cheese dish, but it tasted wonderful to Margaret. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was. When they were done, Zach cleaned up. It was just turning five o’clock.

  “Let’s finish this box of shelving, and then we can head home,” suggested Margaret. She had thought about staying later since there was still a lot to be done, but she knew Patty would insist on staying with them, and Margaret didn’t want the older woman working that long.

  “Sounds good to me,” said Zach. He reached down and pulled another box over. He and Margaret got into a flow, and the shelving was done sooner than she expected. After they collapsed the empty boxes and moved them to a corner, Margaret called it a night. She thanked Patty for her help and told Zach to sweep up the store.

  “I can do that,” said Patty.

  “I know you can, but so can he,” replied Margaret with a grin. “Let him do this before we go home. Do you need a ride?”

  “No, thank you. I can get home by myself,” replied Patty. Margaret knew she could, but she always offered her a ride.

  “Okay, Patty. Get home safe, and we will see you in the morning,” said Margaret.

  After putting the broom away, Zach came into the front of the store with the basket.

  “Do you want to bring home the wine?” he asked.

  “Sure,” said Margaret. “Go ahead and put it in the car.” Zach walked out, and Margaret shut and locked the front door. She was happy to have her own business and a bit proud, too. She climbed in her lemon-colored Mazda, and as they headed for home, Margaret blasted the country radio station. When they came to a stop sign, she looked out the open side window and breathed in the sea air. It was good to be back near her hometown. The salty air and open road were a nice change from the dirty, close city. She had moved to the city thinking it was a good idea, but now she knew better. This was a better place and atmosphere for Zach to live in. And, with her parents living close by, she could be sure Zach got to see them more.

  Margaret sang along with the song, glancing over at Zach. He looked tired but happy. This environment would help him flourish. Margaret looked forward to picnics on the beach with her son. She also looked forward to walking on the sand barefoot once the store was opened. She drove toward their neighborhood singing and smiling.

  Chapter Two

  Margaret and Zach lived in a made-for-television neighborhood just inside the town border, and Margaret loved it. The houses were on the small side, but all were nice, and they all had their own yard. It was quiet and peaceful. In the city, she had lived in an apartment. It had been noisy, and people were always up and moving. The closest Zach had come to a lawn in the city was the park down the street. Their house here was a small two-story with a porch they could sit on at night. Margaret was going to love sitting and sipping her tea while rocking on her porch. There were some spring flowers blooming in the front of the house. Margaret looked forward to seeing what else bloomed as they lived there.

  They pulled up into the driveway and saw two of their neighbors. Dorothy King and her daughter, Mary, were in their front yard. They waved as Margaret pulled up. Margaret and Zach walked over to say hello.

  “How are you tonight?” Margaret asked Dorothy.

  “I’m fine,” said Dorothy. “I’m glad to have another young woman in the neighborhood.”

  Margaret smiled. She supposed she was a young woman compared to Dorothy.

  “Thank you, Mrs. King,” Margaret said. “I’m glad to be here.”

  “Please, call me Dorothy,” the older woman reminded her.

  “Okay, Dorothy.” Margaret and Zach had met Dorothy that morning as they were going to the shop. She had flagged them down and introduced herself and her daughter. Mary was a little younger than Margaret.

  “I wanted to let you know about the other neighbors,” Dorothy said in a mock whisper. It was the kind of whisper older people create. They think they’re whispering, but they can be heard by everyone around.

  Margaret smiled.

  “What do I need to know?” she asked, playing along.

  “Well, there is Kyle Davidson. He is also a new neighbor. He hasn’t lived here long but it seems like he’s lived here forever. He has a dog, and he lets it poop on everyone’s lawns. I cannot believe how insensitive he is. He’s quiet, too. He doesn’t talk to anyone and keeps to himself. Kind of like a serial killer. You never know with those quiet ones. We don’t like him. Right, Mary?”

  Mary nodded.

  “Also there are Allie and Roger Callahan. They like to over decorate their house on the holidays. Every year it’s the same thing. Lights everywhere and those ugly blow-up things. I want this neighborhood to be quiet and calm. When you decorate, it breaks the flow of the neighborhood. Allie thinks she can bake, too. Her cooking is awful. I only eat it to make her feel better. And her husband! If I was married to him I would have left him by now. He is lazy, and they have too many things in their yard. Did you see what’s in the backyard? It’s an eyesore. She says she uses it for her plants but I think she built it to get on my nerves. Plants can be very messy. We do not condone messes, right, Mary?”

  Mary shrugged and nodded. Margaret wondered if Mary ever disagreed with her mother.

  “The other one you have to be careful about are the Navy guys. There are a bunch of them living in that house there. They cannot be trusted. I heard one of them swear the other day, can you believe it? Heard it right through their open window. I told Mary to stay far away from them. Young men today cannot be trusted. They hold wild parties every weekend. So loud. I have had to call the police once or twice. Right, Mary?”

  Mary sighed and nodded. Margaret smiled.

  “So, that’s the rundown. I’m sorry your house is in the middle of these wild happenings, but rest assured my place is always quiet and clean. I keep a spotless house and well-manicured yard. I am not a heathen like the rest of them.” She squinted at Zach. “You don’t throw wild parties, do you?” she asked. “You seem like a nice, quiet boy. I do not expect to have any trouble from you. If I do, though, I will not hesitate to call the police. I hope I don’t have to. You seem like a nice young lady,” she said, now looking back at Margaret. “I hope you two are quiet neighbors.”

  “We are,” Margaret assured her. “Zach usually is with me at the candy shop, and at night we turn in early.”

  “A candy shop in town? That sounds delicious. I might send Mary over to bu
y some. Where are you located?” Dorothy asked.

  “I am right next door to the café,” Margaret said.

  “I know the café. I prefer the deli. Watch out for the café owner, Stacy something or other. She is nosy. She charges too much for her food, too.”

  “I met her today. She seemed very nice. So did Simone, who runs the antiques store.”

  “Both of them are gossips,” said Dorothy. “I cannot believe how much people talk about each other nowadays. That antiques woman is odd. Be careful around them,” Dorothy warned Margaret.

  “I will,” said Margaret, hoping to placate the older woman. She doesn’t like gossips? Has she listened to herself? Margaret was careful not to roll her eyes.

  “I hope you will. You seem nice. Where is your husband?” Dorothy asked.

  Margaret was taken aback. “He’s not here. It is just Zach and me,” she said. “My ex-husband lives somewhere else.” She made sure to emphasize the ex. Margaret didn’t like talking about her past. What happened there needed to stay there, especially for Zach’s sake.

  “Oh. Well, I was married for fifty years. My husband died a few years ago, rest his soul. We made things work no matter what. Better or worse, right? People nowadays don’t have the stamina it takes to keep relationships going. You’re not loud, are you? Are you going to have men over every night?”

  “No ma’am. We are quiet, and I do not have a boyfriend,” Margaret said. “As I said, we will be busy at the candy shop.”

  “That’s right. Your business should do well here. As long as there is no noise, and you keep your house and lawn up, we will be great neighbors.”

  “Oh, I should let you know, though, our moving truck will be here tomorrow morning. I hope that won’t disturb you,” said Margaret.