Corpse at the Christmas Cookie Exchange by Bell Cindy

Author:Bell, Cindy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-12-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

Maddie tightened her grip on the dogs’ leashes, then crept a little closer. As Daisy and the man’s voices became clearer, she paused and ducked behind a large dumpster.

“I don’t care what you say! I won’t pay you a single dime!” Daisy snapped.

“You’re on the hook, and you know it,” the man shouted at her. “Don’t think I won’t do what I have to do to make things right. Don’t test me, Daisy. This isn’t a game.”

“You’re right, I’m not playing any game. I want nothing to do with you! If I ever see you near my shop again, I’ll make sure that you’re locked up!”

“Your shop?” He laughed, a dark laugh that sounded more insulting than amused. “Not for long. Poor Daddy must be rolling in his grave.” He laughed again, then his voice grew louder. “Don’t mess with me, Daisy. You’ll regret it!” He snarled and walked off just as Maddie was about to intervene.

A police car squealed to a stop a few feet away from her. Jake jumped out of the driver’s seat and strode toward Daisy.

“Jake? What are you doing here?” Daisy took a step back at his fast approach.

Maddie peered around the side of the dumpster but did her best to remain out of sight.

“I received a report that someone was harassing you. Is that true?” Jake stopped in front of Daisy.

“What? Of course not.” Daisy glanced around the empty parking lot. “A report from who? There’s no one else here.”

“But there was someone else here a minute ago, wasn’t there? There was someone arguing with you?” Jake’s voice deepened. “Daisy, you don’t have to keep things from me. I’m here to help. Please, I just want to know that you’re safe. Is someone threatening you?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Daisy crossed her arms. “I think you might be losing your mind. There’s no one else here. There never was anyone else here. I’m out of business! That means zero customers. Jake, go home.”

“Daisy, if you’re in some kind of trouble, you can tell me. I’ll help you.” Jake took a step closer to her. “We can figure it all out.”

“What are you implying?” Daisy glared at him. “Are you here because you want to help me, or because you suspect me of something?”

“I’m here because I want to help you. I know you’re lying to me.” Jake pulled off his hat and grasped the brim of it tight in one hand. “What happened here?”

“Nothing.” Daisy looked up at the sky, sighed, then looked back at him. “You can stand here all night if you want, Jake, but I wouldn’t advise it. I’m going home, where it’s warm.” She walked across the parking lot toward her car.

Maddie ducked back behind the dumpster and held her breath as she hoped the dogs would remain quiet. What would Daisy think if she found out that Maddie had been eavesdropping?

When Maddie heard Daisy’s car pull out of the parking lot, she dared to step out from behind the dumpster.

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