Chocolate Heart Killer: A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery, book 14 by Kathleen Suzette (guided reading books .TXT) 📗

back of the sanctuary. When we stepped outside, the sky had grown darker, and I looked heavenward. It was turning into a warmer day than had been expected, and I wondered if we would get rain instead of snow.

“Hey Ethan,” we heard from behind us. We turned to look, and Mel and Fred were following close behind us.

“Hey everyone,” Fred said, nodding to us.

“Hi Fred,” I said.

“It was a nice funeral,” Mel said, glancing at Fred. “I guess if you can say that funerals are nice, anyway.”

“Yeah, it was nice,” Ethan agreed, sticking his hands in his pockets and looking up at the sky.

“Ethan, are you any closer to finding Logan’s killer?” Fred asked.

Ethan look at him. “We’re working on it. I’m hoping we’ll have enough evidence to make an arrest soon.”

Fred’s eyes got big. “Really?” He glanced at Mel, then back at Ethan. “That’s great! Who have you got in your sights?”

Ethan’s mouth made a tight line. “I really can’t talk about those things. You understand.”

Fred nodded slowly. “Of course, what was I thinking?” He chuckled, but it came out sounding uneasy. He glanced at Mel again. “Well, I’m certainly glad that you’re close to making an arrest. I hate to think that Logan’s killer is wandering around scot-free.”

“Oh, they won’t be scot-free for long. I can tell you that.” Ethan nodded.

I looked at Ethan. Did he really have somebody in mind? If he did, he was keeping it from me.

“It’s good to hear you may be making an arrest soon,” Mel said, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. He was wearing a T-shirt and a light denim jacket in spite of the cold.

“Well,” Fred said hesitantly. “I’m glad the Pumpkin Hollow police department does such a great job for us. You should be proud of your work, Ethan.”

Ethan smiled at the compliment. “Thanks, it’s nice to hear that.”

Fred nodded and looked at Mel again. “I guess we better get going. We’ll see you all later.”

We watched as Fred and Mel got into a red pickup and drove away. I turned to Ethan. “Are you really close to arresting somebody?”

He smiled. “I’m always close to arresting somebody. Optimism is the name of the game when hunting a killer.”

I took his hand and turned to Christy and Devon. “I guess we’re going to get going. We’ll talk to you two later.”

“See you,” Christy said, and they headed off toward Devon’s car.

We walked to Ethan’s truck, and I gave his hand a squeeze. I knew he would find the killer, I just hoped it would be soon. Logan’s death was wearing on him.

Chapter Eleven

The day began to turn brighter as the sun poked it’s head out from the clouds. I was glad about it, the overcast sky had been depressing. After the funeral we all went back to our jobs. I stood at the front window in the candy store and looked out at the bright blue sky. So much for rain.

“I made some cherry swirl fudge,” Mom said, carrying a tray out from the kitchen. “I thought we needed another flavor for Valentine’s Day. Would you like to try a piece?”

I went over to her and she handed me a small piece to taste.

“Wow, that is really good. The cherry flavor is bright and flavorful.”

She smiled. “I’m glad you like it. I’m also thinking about spring flavors, not just Valentine’s Day. It might be just a bit early yet, but you know me. I’m always trying to come up with something new.”

“I know, that’s what I love about you,” I said as she went behind the counter and opened the display case, setting the tray of fudge inside.

I was restless, the day was slow, and I had filled every Internet order we had. I knew another would come in any moment, but I wasn’t really in the mood to work and that was part of the reason I felt so restless.

She chuckled and closed the display case. “I’m thinking about key lime. How do you think key lime fudge will sell?”

“It will be tasty, and it will sell like crazy,” I said, turning to her. “You know what? I think I’m going to run to the bakery and get some donuts and coffee. Would you like a coffee?”

She brightened. “It’s chilly outside, coffee would be wonderful.”

“Did I hear coffee?” Christy asked, coming out of the kitchen.

“Of course you did. Oh, and donuts too. I think I’ll go to the bakery.” Our part-time help, Linda Reid, Carrie green, and Missy Pritchard had run the shop while we were at the funeral and they had gone home when Mom, Christy, and I had gotten to work. There was only the three of us for the rest of the afternoon.

“I’ll go with you,” Christy offered and went to the back room for our coats.

“We’ll be back in a few minutes, Mom,” I said as Christy returned and handed me my coat.

I wrapped my coat around myself as we stepped out into the chilly air.

“I’ll be glad when spring gets here,” Christy said, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Me too,” I said. As we passed the gift shop, we saw that Polly Givens had added some Valentine’s Day decorations. There was also a large pumpkin in the corner of the window. We stopped and looked into the window. “Looks like Polly got a new shipment of Valentine’s Day gifts.” I had my eye on a small wrought iron birdcage with a small pink candle inside of it.

“We need to stop in when we have more time,” Christy said.

“We do. I love that birdcage.” I pointed it out. It was small and wouldn’t take up too much room on my fireplace mantel.

“That’s adorable,” she said.

We looked a little longer and