Chocolate Heart Murder (A Maple Hills Cozy Mystery Book 11) Read online

  Nikki consulted her notes from Susan’s order, then looked around the kitchen and laid out her ingredients. Lidia had already prepared one batch of citrus fruits for candying, which meant it was now time to work on the chocolate-dipped citrus. Nikki peeled the oranges and grapefruits and divided them into wedges. She worked carefully to remove the bitter pith from each slice, thinking about Susan’s wedding and how every detail should be perfect. When Nikki was satisfied with the array of fruit slices before her, she melted white chocolate in a small copper saucepan on the stove until it turned into a glossy, tempered dip. She dipped half of the citrus fruit into the fragrant white chocolate, using a set of special dipping tools to cradle the fruit gently as she set them to dry on a sheet of wax paper. Nikki spent all morning working on the white chocolate fruits, and then switched to milk chocolate. Seth and Tori would occasionally pop in and help as they could, but the store had a steady stream of customers. Lidia remained in the back with Nikki once the milk chocolate was tempered and ready for dipping because they had to work quickly. Together they each dipped the fruits into the chocolate, steadily covering the trays, while Tori and Seth took care of the customers out front.

  Around noon, Hawk walked in the front door of the shop and greeted Seth with a big smile. Seth informed him that Nikki was in the back, and Hawk hurried to find her. He saw her dipping a piece of grapefruit in dark chocolate and came up behind her. He put his arms around her and gave her a hug.

  “How is everything coming along?” Hawk asked.

  “It is moving along,” Nikki said while placing the last fruit wedge on the tray. She tested one of the milk chocolate-dipped fruits. “These ones are done drying. Can you help me put them in the refrigerator?” she asked Hawk.

  Hawk agreed and picked up two trays and followed her to the refrigerators. They placed them in the refrigerator that was now dedicated only to the wedding job, and which was starting to look a little full. Hawk asked Nikki if she had time for lunch. Lidia, who was washing up at the sink, overheard and insisted that she go and take a break. “Besides, I have to check on the fruits I prepared yesterday and start the candying process. Plus, we are right on schedule with the preparations.” Nikki hesitated and then shrugged. Perhaps her friend was right.

  “Okay. Those chocolates need to set for a while and harden. I suppose I can start on the cakes and rice crispy squares after lunch.”

  “Good. I was hoping to get some time alone with you,” Hawk said as he held Nikki’s coat open for her. Nikki smiled up at his gentlemanly gesture as she donned her hat, scarf, and gloves. She and Hawk walked out of the shop holding hands.

  There was snow falling gently outside. It made the town sparkle. Having moved from Atlanta, Nikki was still getting used to snow. She thought it was beautiful, though. As she and Hawk strolled down the sidewalk, they looked into the shop windows, which were decorated with hearts and cupids. Nikki admired an antique roll-top desk, and Hawk looked at some antique guns displayed in the window of the town’s most popular antique shop. A glint caught Nikki’s eye, and she bent closer to the window.

  “Did you see something you like?”

  “There’s an old locket.” She looked closer, marveling that it had caught her eye amid the old glasses, antique fountain pens, and knick-knacks displayed on the desk.

  “It’s nice,” Hawk commented, following her gaze.

  “Beautiful.” The locket was pale gold with engraved flowers and a little diamond at the clasp. “It reminds me of a locket that my father gave my mother, a long time ago.”

  They continued down the street. Hawk and Nikki looked through the bookstore window and waved to the owner. Hawk asked Nikki if she wanted to stop inside, but Nikki declined with a smile.

  “I have so much to do today. If I stop in a bookstore I will not come out for two hours at least,” Nikki laughed.

  They finally reached the diner and sat in a small booth by the windows, enjoying the view of the sparkling winter landscape outside. Hawk ordered a burger and fries, and Nikki had a chicken sandwich with onion rings. As they ate their lunch, the owner came over and talked to them for a while. He asked Nikki to hold a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries for him as a surprise for his wife. Nikki agreed.

  “What’s that impish smile all about?” Hawk inquired, seeing her look.

  “What he doesn’t know is that his wife stopped in the other day and got a box for him. They will both be surprised on Valentine’s Day,” Nikki whispered across the table.

  Hawk took a sip of his coffee and shook his head at her. “You’re a regular cupid, Nikki.”

  “That’s one of the best parts of owning a chocolate shop this time of year. I get to know all the secrets people are planning for their sweethearts!”

  Nikki and Hawk sat and ate their lunch. The food was delicious and filled Nikki up. It was not heavy enough to make her tired, and Nikki was grateful for that. If she lost focus now, the chocolates would never get done. When they finished their lunch, Hawk paid the bill despite Nikki’s protests, and then they sat and finished their coffee together. Hawk watched Nikki drink and was content to sit there quietly, enjoying her company and the quiet background noise of the diner’s kitchen at work.

  It was not often Nikki found someone like Hawk. Most people liked to talk all the time, but Hawk was comfortable just sitting in quiet contemplation. Sometimes his quiet contemplation was just what Nikki needed. Nikki could feel her stress melting away while she sat with Hawk. Nikki enjoyed being with Hawk. He was a fun, sweet person. They had grown closer, and she was glad he was in her life. He had helped her out this past year with her shop, and she had even helped him solve some of his cases. This was why they were such an interesting match, she thought to herself.

  Years before, Nikki was supposed to go to the FBI Academy at Quantico but was forced to give up her place because of her ex-husband. Her father had been in the FBI, and she liked to joke that he trained her from the time she could walk. He taught her everything he knew and what she had learned from him had helped her solve crimes with Hawk. She and Hawk had even worked on some cases involving her and Seth, unfortunately. Luckily, everything had turned out fine in the end. She felt lucky to be able to share her life-long love of crime solving with this wonderful, caring man who sat across from her at the diner right now.

  It had been a quiet winter since Christmas, and Nikki was enjoying just running the shop. She and Hawk relaxed for a while longer before they walked back to the chocolate shop, hand in hand. She took comfort from his quiet strength and understanding. The snow was still falling, and some blew in around their shoulders when they opened the door of the shop.

  The shop was busy, but Tori and Seth had it under control. The customers who were waiting looked patient, and Nikki was happy for that. She was turning to say goodbye to Hawk when someone pulled her elbow. Nikki turned and saw the mayor standing in front of her. He wore heavy winter boots over his suit and a heavy coat. He smiled.

  “Nikki, I was looking for you. It is good to see you.”

  “You too, Mr. Mayor,” Nikki replied. “Would you like to sit down with us?” She looked at Hawk, and he rolled his eyes. She knew it would be better if they were together to talk to the mayor. He was a respected man, but he was also an older gentleman who could ramble at times.

  “Yes, that would be fine,” the mayor replied. Nikki, Hawk, and the mayor sat at a table in the corner. Seth had told Lidia that the mayor was there and so she had gotten some hot chocolate for him. The mayor sipped his hot chocolate and asked Nikki what she had planned for her chocolate table. Nikki described the chocolates she was making, and the mayor’s eyes lit up when she mentioned the chocolate fountain.

  “I don’t think I need to remind you how special this day is for me and my wife. My baby girl is getting married, and I want everything to be perfect. There will be many important people at the wedding, and they can make or break a person’s business. I hope your chocolates will be perfect,” the mayor said with a kn
owing look.

  “They will be,” interrupted Hawk. “Don’t forget, Nikki won the chocolate competition in December. Her chocolates are always delicious.”

  “I am sure they will be,” said the mayor. He shook their hands and left the shop. Nikki was pleasantly surprised by his short visit. I suppose he is busy getting things organized too, she thought.

  Nikki thanked Hawk again for the lunch as he left, and then returned to the kitchen. After she washed her hands and tied her apron’s strings just right, Nikki knew she was ready for the angel food cake. She prepared her baking table first, setting out flour, sugar, and salt next to a large mixing bowl and sifter, and then took out a tray of thirty-six eggs and set it down next to her electric mixer. She started sifting the dry ingredients for the angel food cake, humming under her breath as she measured and poured. Then she cracked open eggs, separating the yolks into one bowl and the whites into another, until the egg tray was nothing but shells. While the electric mixer whipped the egg whites, she prepared three Bundt pans. She lined them with parchment paper and then checked that the oven was heating correctly. The egg whites were standing up in stiff, perfect peaks when she checked the mixer, so she carefully folded the egg whites and the dry ingredients together, using two large spatulas. As a final touch, she fetched vanilla and almond extracts from her special shelf of flavorings and added them to the batter until it smelled just right. Carefully, she poured the batter into the prepared pans, and then she shook each Bundt pan a little bit, letting any bubbles rise to the surface and pop. After they were in the oven, Nikki finally gave a sigh of relief.

  Next, she planned on making the rice crispy treats. As she carried her mixing bowls to the sink, Lidia peeked through the doorway. “What is that heavenly smell?”

  “I just put in the angel food cakes,” Nikki responded. “Do we have enough chocolates for the store for the rest of the day?” Lidia assured her that they did and suggested they make some more the next day. Nikki was relieved to know she could continue her wedding prep and started gathering the ingredients for the rice crispy squares.

  “Just let me know if you need anything, Nikki,” Lidia said, and then headed back to the front of the store to help Seth and Tori.

  As the afternoon wore on, Nikki was still working in the kitchen. She kept an organized kitchen, which helped when she had large orders. She flew around preparing her ingredients and tools. The staff knew just where to put things, so Nikki did not have to waste her time looking. After she checked the cakes in the oven, Nikki melted marshmallows in a massive kettle on the stovetop and mixed in the crispy cereal. She decided she would make them heart-shaped with pink icing. She looked at her wall of cookie cutters. She had different cookie cutters for different occasions. She even had a dog biscuit-shaped one. She found a heart-shaped cookie cutter just the right size. Nikki molded the crispy treats in the heart shape, and by the time the cakes were ready to come out of the oven, the treats were nearly done. Nikki decided to ice the heart shapes when she decorated the next batch of strawberries. She took the three angel food cakes out of the oven and set them aside to cool. Just then, Lidia walked into the kitchen.

  “Hey Nikki, there is a young woman here to see you. Do you have a minute? Wow, it smells amazing in here.”

  “Thanks. I can take a break…did she say who she was?” asked Nikki, washing her hands. Lidia shook her head no. Nikki dried her hands and walked out to the front of the shop, curious.

  Lidia trailed after her. “She is sitting at the side table.”

  Nikki looked and saw a pretty, well-dressed young woman sitting by herself. She was sipping hot chocolate and looking around the store while she waited. Nikki walked over and held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Nikki.”

  The young woman shook Nikki’s hand. “Hi, I’m Becky. I am Susan’s maid of honor. Could I talk to you for a minute?” Nikki sighed inwardly but put a smile on her face. Becky was a petite blonde who seemed to be the epitome of calmness and organization. Her heels matched her skirt, and her hair was done up in an impeccable bun.

  “Sure. I am between desserts at the moment,” Nikki told her while sitting down.

  “Your chocolates look amazing,” said Becky, glancing at the display cases.

  “Thank you. We make all of them ourselves.”

  “I can tell,” said Becky approvingly.

  “Is there something I can help you with?” asked Nikki, urging Becky to get to the point.

  “Well, I actually stopped by to offer my services. Susan and I have been best friends since kindergarten. I want her wedding to be perfect, and I am willing to do anything to help make that happen, including helping you, if you need me.”

  “Oh wow, thank you. I appreciate you stopping by, but my crew and I have this under control,” replied Nikki. She wondered for a moment if Susan was still worried about the fact that her request for a chocolate table had been last-minute.

  “Okay. But if you change your mind and need anything, just let me know,” she said, handing Nikki her card. Nikki read it and put it in her apron pocket. “I really want this wedding to be perfect for Susan. She deserves the best. You can call me day or night. I am available for you.”

  “I understand. I know the whole town is pitching in to make it a dream wedding. I heard the city parks crew is getting double overtime to get the decorations in place,” replied Nikki.

  “Yes, I think that is wonderful. It is so nice to live in a small town where everyone knows you. And it helps that her dad is the mayor,” said Becky with a wink. “Well, I will let you get back to making your chocolates,” she said, getting up from the table. “Please do not hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

  Nikki assured Becky she would call her if she needed her. They got up, and Nikki smiled at her. “It is nice that Susan has such a good friend watching out for her. Please reassure her that everything is right on schedule for the chocolates to be ready for her wedding.”

  Becky smiled and waved as she left the chocolate shop. Some snow swirled in as the door closed, and Nikki went over to wipe the floor with a dishcloth tucked in her back pocket, making sure it was not too slippery. She stood up and looked out the window. Snow swirled around the park, and people were walking and enjoying themselves. The park was beginning to look magical. She laughed when she saw the mayor trying to reposition a strand of lights around the gazebo. One of the people walking by stopped and gave him a hand. Nikki smiled. It was nice to live in a quaint, small town. Everyone knew each other and was quick to lend a hand when needed. Sure, there were drawbacks, because sometimes you felt like everybody knew your business, but Nikki felt accepted and that was important to her. She wanted to feel safe and to give Seth a safe place to call home. Maple Hills provided that feeling, and it made Nikki both happy and grateful.

  She turned and assessed the customers. Tori was helping Nikki’s next-door neighbor. Seth was assisting an elderly gentleman, and Lidia was ringing up another customer’s order. Lidia looked up and caught her eye over the crowd. She smiled as if to assure Nikki that they had everything under control.

  Nikki went back into the kitchen and put away the treats she had made. She washed the dishes and set up a new batch of strawberries for customer orders. Tori and Seth appeared, as the afternoon rush had begun to calm down and it was close to closing time, so Nikki recruited them to help with the strawberries. They stood side by side and cleaned and dipped the strawberries. Nikki liked watching them work together. They were happy, and that made Nikki happy. She was glad to see her son smiling.

  Nikki left them to their work and went into the shop. Lidia had a few customers left, and Nikki helped her close up after the customers had left. Nikki put the chocolates away from the display cases, making notes on an inventory sheet as she went along. She remarked to Lidia that they would have to make quite a batch tomorrow to ensure they kept up with customer demand. Lidia nodded as she turned off the hot chocolate machine and started wiping down the counters. After putting away the choco
lates, Nikki counted the register and put the deposit in its bank bag. The bank bag always waited under the counter in the evenings. She would have Tori drop it in the night deposit on her way home.

  The front door opened, and Nikki looked up to see Hawk walk in. He shook off his coat and stomped his feet, bits of snow falling onto the mat at the front door.

  “I knew I should have locked the door sooner,” Nikki teased.

  “Good evening,” he said, bending over to kiss Nikki.

  “Your face is cold,” she teased and shooed him away.

  Hawk laughed. “Hey, how about I cook a big dinner tonight at your place? Everyone can come.”

  “That sounds perfect,” said Nikki. “Would you like to come over?” she asked Lidia.

  “Sure. I would love to,” Lidia replied. Hawk’s cooking was famous and she never missed a chance to enjoy it.

  “Let me ask Tori and Seth,” said Nikki, walking to the kitchen. She poked her head in and asked them what they were doing that night.

  “We don’t have any plans,” Seth said.

  “Well, Hawk is offering to cook, and I hate to pass up that offer,” said Nikki with a grin.

  “Count us in,” said Seth with an enthusiastic whoop. “Does he need any help?”

  “I don’t think so. Are you almost done with those orders?”

  “Yes. We just have one more tray to dip,” said Seth.

  “Thank you, that is such a big help,” said Nikki. “I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

  “Oh, Mom. We’d never leave you in the lurch,” Seth grinned, wiping his hands on his apron.

  Seth and Tori finished the strawberries not long after that, and then drove together and dropped off the deposit. Nikki followed Hawk back to her place. Lidia stopped by her house and then met them all at Nikki’s house. Hawk insisted he would cook and that they should all put their feet up. He told Nikki and the crew to relax in the den. Seth went out and retrieved some firewood from the shed and started a warm fire. Nikki sank into the sofa, and Lidia relaxed in the recliner. Seth and Tori sat in the loveseat and talked. They relaxed, watching the flickering flames and chatting happily while Hawk made dinner. As nice as it was to rest her aching feet, Nikki found it hard to sit still when someone else was cooking in her kitchen. After a while she went into the kitchen and offered to help, but Hawk assured her once again he had it under control. From the rich smells of browning meat and savory herbs with caramelized onions filling the kitchen, she had no problem believing him and went back to the den to plan the next day’s tasks with Lidia. Soon, Hawk called them to the table; they were greeted with two steaming casserole dishes and a tray of biscuits. Everyone exclaimed how delicious the dinner smelled and thanked Hawk. Hawk was a true genius in the kitchen, the kind of person who could throw something together from just a few ingredients and still feed a crowd and have them begging for more. After dinner, everyone pitched in and washed the dishes. As the night got late, Lidia went home, and Tori left too, yawning. Seth went to his room soon after he finished wiping down the last counter, giving Nikki and Hawk a wave as he disappeared down the hall.