Wedlock Cake Murder (A Maple Hills Cozy Mystery Book 12) Read online

  “You know, Hawk is just looking out for you. Having you in protective custody will keep you safe while the others work the case,” Nikki said to the chief after a while.

  “I understand,” he replied. “Do you know what it is like to be in protective custody?”

  Nikki shook her head. She had an idea, but it had never been fully explained to her. Her ex-husband had been relocated but he was not in protective custody.

  “You cannot go anywhere or talk to anyone,” the chief explained. “You have to be cautious and avoid windows and doors. You will usually end up in some run-down motel because it is easier and cheaper to keep an eye on you. Luke’s death is my fault, and I need to be the one who helps solve his murder. I cannot do that in protective custody.” Nikki understood but she let the chief keep talking.

  “I invited Luke to the cabin. I was supposed to meet him here a couple of hours ago, but I was running late. If I had been here, he might still be alive. We were supposed to go fishing and have a relaxing weekend. I got hung up in town helping Mrs. Smith with her damaged mailbox. It turned out that Mr. Smith had backed into it. I should have let someone else handle her complaint, but she asked for me personally. If I had only been here…”

  “If you had been here you might be the one lying on the ground,” a male voice said behind them. Nikki jumped a little and turned around. It was Hawk.

  “You need to stop startling me,” Nikki scolded Hawk.

  “Did you find out the time of death?” Hawk’s father asked.

  “Forensics estimates that he died about a couple of hours ago. You would have been here when the killer was here. I am sorry Luke is dead, but I am happy you are still here,” Hawk replied. The chief looked at his son and sighed.

  “He blames himself for Luke’s death,” Nikki told Hawk. “That is a heavy burden to be carrying.”

  “I understand, Dad,” Hawk said, putting his hand on his dad’s shoulder. “I still would feel better with you in protective custody.”

  “I want to assist you on the case,” the chief insisted. “Nikki will not be able to help you, she has a wedding to plan.”

  Nikki looked up, startled. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I am helping Hawk with this case,” she replied earnestly. “No one threatens you while I am around.” The chief gave Nikki a small smile.

  “But your wedding. I want you to have the best day possible. How can you plan things and investigate this case?” Chief asked Nikki.

  “The wedding is not as important as your safety. Your life comes first, so we will figure this out,” Nikki replied. “Besides, I have people who are willing to help with the wedding plans. I will put more on them. How can I have a wedding if your life is in danger?”

  “There is not going to be a wedding?” someone asked behind Hawk. Hawk moved aside and Nikki saw Seth.

  “We may have to postpone the wedding until the killer is in custody. I don’t want to take any chances,” Nikki explained.

  “Oh, okay,” Seth said. “Hawk, forensics is almost done. They asked if you could meet them back at the station.”

  “Sure,” Hawk replied. “Let them know I will be there as soon as I convince my father to go into protective custody.”

  “Hold on, Seth,” Nikki said, as Seth turned to go. “Hawk, I have an idea that just might work.”

  “I’m listening,” Hawk said.

  “What if the chief comes to my house? It is secluded and you can position men around the perimeter. Chief can stay there and still assist us with the case. Win-win.”

  “I don’t know.” Hawk looked uncertain.

  “With the money you will be saving on motel costs, you can pay the officers overtime to watch the house,” Nikki replied.

  “It’s a good plan,” Hawk said, “except I don’t like putting you at risk. Someone is trying to kill my father. I am not happy that he will be staying at my fiancé’s house.”

  “It’s not like I can’t take care of myself,” Nikki replied.

  “I like this idea. That way I can still help with the case,” the chief said to Nikki.

  “I don’t want you working on this case. It’s too dangerous,” Hawk told his father.

  “I will stay at Nikki’s and work through the evidence you collect. I can use her computer and stay in the loop,” the chief replied.

  “I want someone with you at all times,” Hawk said. “Not just outside Nikki’s house.”

  “I can do that,” Seth said. Nikki and Hawk both balked.

  “It is too dangerous,” Nikki said.

  “You just started on the force,” Hawk added. “I will not put you at risk.”

  “I’ll be okay. I have been through training and I am ready to step up,” Seth said.

  “I think he is ready,” the chief said. “Besides, he knows the house and the surrounding area better than anyone else on the force.”

  “That is true,” Nikki conceded.

  “Okay,” Hawk agreed reluctantly. “I want two officers at the house with you at all times.”

  “Agreed,” the chief said.

  “Well then, it’s settled. Seth, tell forensics Hawk will be there soon. You and Chief ride back to my place. I will follow behind and get everyone settled in,” Nikki said.

  “Okay, but I will be staying there at night as extra security,” Hawk said.

  “I have no objections to that,” Nikki said with a grin. Hawk actually grinned back. Nikki was glad to see that. She was worried that Hawk would stress himself out. Hawk left to go to his office. Seth and the chief took off for Nikki’s house, and Nikki went back to the shop to make sure everything was closed up. The shop was closed and locked, so Nikki drove home.

  Seth and the chief were there. Seth offered to put the chief in his bedroom. Nikki thanked him and changed the sheets and made the room comfortable for the chief. Meanwhile, Tori stopped by with some food from the diner. Seth had told her what was going on. Nikki thanked her for the food and for closing the shop. Hawk appeared and they all sat down to eat. After dinner, Tori left and the chief and Seth went into the front room to watch television. Hawk helped Nikki clean up the kitchen.

  “I’m not sure where you are going to sleep tonight. The chief is in Seth’s room. Seth was going to take the couch, but I’ll ask him to let you have it,” Nikki said.

  “No, don’t do that. I can take the floor,” Hawk responded. Nikki smiled. He was such a gentleman. They finished the dishes and joined the others in the front room.

  “I think I am going to head upstairs to bed,” the chief said.

  “I am going to do a perimeter walk and make sure the deputies are at their assigned posts,” Hawk replied.

  “I can go with you,” Seth told Hawk.

  “Why don’t you stay here in case there is any trouble?” Hawk replied. Seth agreed and Nikki put him to work setting up the sofa and blowing up an air mattress. Hawk came back and Nikki kissed him goodnight. She went upstairs and got ready for bed. Sleep did not come easy that night as every noise outside made Nikki jump. After a couple of hours, she finally drifted off and slept undisturbed until morning.

  Chapter Six

  The next morning Nikki woke up and smelled coffee brewing. I could get used to this, Nikki thought and then laughed, realizing this would be her life very soon, but without all the police presence. She got up and took a quick shower, then got dressed and went downstairs. Seth, Hawk, the chief, and Tori were all in the kitchen. Seth was pouring coffee and Hawk was making breakfast.

  “Good morning, handsome,” Nikki whispered into Hawk’s ear as she gave him a quick hug. Hawk smiled and kissed her good morning.

  “Good morning, Nikki,” the chief said.

  “Good morning, Chief, everyone,” Nikki replied. She sat down at the table and Seth poured her some coffee. Hawk dished out breakfast for everyone and sat down next to Nikki. The chief was at the head of the table and Tori and Seth were across from Nikki and Hawk.

  “So, what are the plans for today?” Nikki asked Hawk.


  “Well, I am waiting to hear from forensics,” Hawk replied. “I thought I would dig into some of Dad’s old cases and see if there were any clues there.”

  “Good idea,” the chief said.

  “Don’t worry about the shop,” Tori told Nikki. “Lidia and I talked yesterday. We can handle the store while you help Hawk. You need to find out who killed Luke.”

  “Thank you,” Nikki replied. “Okay, that takes care of the store. I can come in with you and sort through some files.”

  “Excellent,” Hawk replied. “I always enjoy having you around to help out.”

  “As long as the wedding is being planned, I am fine with whatever you do,” the chief said. Nikki smiled. Everyone enjoyed their breakfast. The chief offered to clean up the kitchen.

  “Since I am not allowed to leave,” he sighed.

  Hawk laughed. “Try and relax, Dad. I will email you some files to look through,” Hawk told the chief.

  Hawk left for his office and Tori left to open the chocolate shop. Nikki stayed back to make sure Seth and the chief had everything they needed.

  “I have some lunch meat in the refrigerator if you want some,” Nikki said. “There is plenty of tea and lemonade.”

  “Thank you,” said the chief. “We will be fine.”

  Nikki put her jacket on and left the house. She said goodbye to the deputy near the door and drove into town. She circled by the chocolate shop and was happy to see it lit up and ready to go. She then drove over to the station. She went inside and found Hawk with a pile of folders by his desk.

  “You know they digitized these last month,” Nikki said. Hawk looked up and rolled his eyes.

  “I prefer paper,” he replied. Nikki laughed and sat down across from Hawk. They sorted through files for a couple of hours until Hawk stood up and stretched. They had not found anything helpful yet.

  “I am going to get some coffee. Would you like some?” Hawk asked Nikki.

  “Yes, please,” Nikki said. She stood up and walked around a little bit and then stretched. She sat back down and checked her phone, texting Tori to see how the shop was running. Tori responded quickly and told her everything was fine. Hawk reappeared with the coffee. Nikki thanked him and he sat down.

  “We need to solve this quickly,” Nikki said to Hawk.

  “I agree,” Hawk said, sipping his coffee.

  “I would hate to have to postpone the wedding,” Nikki said.

  “That should not happen,” Hawk said. “But if it does, it is okay. I love you and want to be married to you. I can wait a little longer if I have to.” Nikki smiled and put down her cup. She reached over the desk and gave Hawk a hug and kiss.

  “I love you,” Nikki said to Hawk.

  “I love you too,” Hawk replied, kissing her again.

  “Okay, let’s get back to these files,” Nikki said. She sat down and opened the next file on the large pile beside her. Hawk lifted his next file and opened it and started to read.

  After a few hours Hawk told Nikki he was hungry. Nikki agreed she could use some lunch and some fresh air. The forensic team had not called Hawk, so they went over to the lab to see if the technicians had found anything. The tech on duty told Hawk they did not have any clues yet besides the note. Hawk was disappointed but the tech said they were trying to match an incomplete fingerprint they pulled from the note.

  “It is not much, but it might be a clue,” the technician said. Hawk thanked him. Nikki wanted to stop by the store to see how Lidia and Tori were managing. They entered the chocolate shop and Tori and Lidia greeted them. There were no customers at the moment, but Tori said it had been a busy morning.

  “Do you need us to eat here so you can get a break?” Nikki asked Tori.

  “Nope, we ordered pizza delivery. It should be here soon,” Tori replied.

  “Okay,” Nikki said. Tori and Lidia reassured her that they had the store handled.

  “I will make the deposit tonight and bring by the receipt later,” Tori told Nikki. Nikki thanked her. Tori was growing into a great store manager. Nikki was glad she and Seth were together. It was nice to have someone around to help Lidia in the chocolate shop when Nikki couldn’t be there. Nikki thanked Lidia and Tori and she and Hawk left.

  “Pizza sounds good,” Hawk said.

  “We can split a small pizza and take it back to the office and eat while we sort through the files,” Nikki offered.

  “That is a great idea,” Hawk replied. They went to the pizza shop and got a small pepperoni pizza and drinks to go. As they were leaving, Nikki glanced over toward the park and wondered if she would be getting married soon. Nikki shook her head and got into the car with Hawk.

  Hawk seemed to know what Nikki was thinking. “We will be married on time,” he declared. Nikki squeezed his hand and wished she had half of Hawk’s confidence when it came to their wedding. They drove back to Hawk’s office and sorted through files for the rest of the day. The day dragged on, and Nikki and Hawk still did not have any leads by dinnertime.

  Nikki and Hawk drove to Nikki’s house after work. Nikki made dinner and Hawk talked to the chief and Seth. Tori appeared in the kitchen.

  “How are you holding up?” Tori asked Nikki.

  “I’m okay,” Nikki replied. “There is just so much to do before our wedding. I haven’t even made the cake yet. Maybe we should postpone.”

  “Whatever you decide to do, Lidia and I will support you,” Tori replied. Nikki gave her a quick hug and thanked her. “Let me set the table while you finish dinner,” Tori told Nikki.

  Later, when everyone was around the table, Nikki mentioned postponing the wedding.

  “We can put it off for a week. That won’t make much of a difference,” Nikki said.

  “Absolutely not,” the chief said. “I will not be the reason you two are not married. If I have to stay put here while you are at the wedding, you will be married on the day you are scheduled to be. If you need help with getting things together, I have all the time in the world. Hawk, give me your list. I can take care of anything I can from the house.”

  “You are not supposed to make any calls,” Hawk reminded him.

  “I’m not, but he can,” said the chief, pointing to Seth. Everyone laughed, and Hawk agreed that Seth could help him with his wedding chores. Seth said he was happy to help. Nikki was still worried about the cake, but she didn’t mention it out loud. She wanted it to be a surprise for Hawk.

  After dinner Seth and Tori did the dishes while everyone else watched television in the living room. Nikki sat on the sofa holding Hawk’s hand while the chief sat in a loveseat away from the front window. All the curtains were drawn in the house. Hawk had installed some extra security cameras for added protection. Nikki had taken the deputies on duty some food and coffee. After the news was over, Hawk checked the security feeds from the cameras. They were all clear. The chief and Seth monitored them during the day and the deputies on duty took over at night. Nikki made some hot chocolate for everyone and they sat and watched a movie. When the movie was over, Tori left and Hawk walked the perimeter. It was late by then, so everyone decided to go to sleep. Nikki tossed and turned all night and the next morning woke up reluctantly.

  Chapter Seven

  The next morning Nikki told Hawk she wanted to work in the store for an hour. Hawk agreed, so Nikki drove over after breakfast. Lidia and Tori were surprised to see her.

  “I had to get away from the files for a little while,” Nikki told them. “I just want to spend some time in the kitchen. Are there any candies that I need to make?” Tori told Nikki that they were almost out of truffles. Tori offered to make them, but Nikki declined. She just wanted to be alone in the kitchen for a little while. She shut the door and sat down. Nikki had not slept well the night before, so she let her mind wander for a little bit.

  Nikki was not feeling festive or excited at all. She wondered why she was so down. It was not just the stress of planning the wedding and getting the cake made. It wasn’t even
the investigation into Luke’s murder. Nikki admitted to herself that she was having doubts. She did not doubt that she wanted to marry Hawk. That was certain. Nikki was just concerned that they were running into marriage too quickly. Nikki got married the first time at a justice of the peace when she was pregnant with Seth. That marriage did not end well. Nikki had known her previous husband for only a few months before they got married. It was a quick decision and a quick ceremony. Nikki admitted she never should have married him. At least Nikki had gotten away and moved with Seth to Maple Hills. She loved living here and she loved Hawk. She just was not sure if she should be rushing into this wedding.

  There was a knock on the door and Nikki jumped. She realized she had been daydreaming for half an hour.

  “Are you okay?” Lidia asked Nikki.

  “I’m fine,” Nikki replied. She cleared her head and started to work on the truffles. She pulled out the chocolate and proceeded to melt it with some confectioner’s sugar and other ingredients. Nikki laid some parchment paper in a container and poured the chocolate mixture into the container and stuck it in the refrigerator. While the mixture was cooling, Nikki shaved some milk chocolate. She then mixed in some gold shavings with the milk chocolate.

  While she was working on the truffles, Nikki had some ideas for the cake. She wrote down the ideas in her planner and felt a bit better about having things ready in time for the wedding. Nikki pulled out the chocolate mixture from the refrigerator and rolled her truffles. She put them back into the refrigerator to cool. Nikki then quickly made up some chocolate-covered pretzels and stuck them in the refrigerator. She went out front and helped Lidia and Tori with a few customers.

  A young man in his twenties was standing by the counter looking at the chocolates. Nikki noticed he was frowning.

  “May I help you?” Nikki asked.

  “I am going to propose to my girlfriend tonight. I was hoping to give her some of your truffles, but I see that you are out. Do you have something else you would suggest?”