SECRETS IN LITTLE LEAF CREEK

  A LITTLE LEAF CREEK COZY MYSTERY

  BOOK NINETEEN

  CINDY BELL

  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

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Tessa’s Cream Puff Recipe

  About the Author

  Also by Cindy Bell

  Copyright © 2023 Cindy Bell

  All rights reserved.

  Cover Design by Lou Harper, Cover Affairs

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

  All trademarks and brands referred to in this book are for illustrative purposes only, are the property of their respective owners and not affiliated with this publication in any way. Any trademarks are being used without permission, and the publication of the trademark is not authorized by, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owner.

  CHAPTER 1

  “Order up!” Mirabel Light’s voice rang out from the kitchen loud and clear, but she still slammed her palm down against the bell on the counter as well.

  Cassie Alberta forced a smile as she rushed over to pick up the plates Mirabel had left for her.

  “You’re doing a great job, Mirabel.”

  “Thanks for lying.” Mirabel laughed. “When my ex-husband bought me this diner, I didn’t ever expect to be the cook. If the cook doesn’t show up tomorrow, I’m going to be looking for a new one to cover for Frankie. I wish Frankie would come back from vacation already. This is exhausting.”

  “Then it might not be the best time to tell you that table four would like one of their burgers without cheese.” Cassie looked down at the plate in front of her. “I can take it out to them, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to return it.”

  “Ugh! Of course! No, don’t bother taking it out. I’ll just save it for my dinner, if I ever get a break. Send my apologies, and let them know it will only be a few minutes. I actually have some more burgers on the go.” Mirabel ran toward the grill.

  Cassie picked up one of the plates and walked toward table four. Her life had come full circle in many ways. She’d been a waitress in a diner in her hometown for a few years before heading off to college and marrying her late husband. It felt like a whirlwind as she settled into his wealthy lifestyle.

  After about twenty years of marriage, he’d died unexpectedly in a car crash, and she’d faced the reality of being almost forty, with a brand new life to figure out. She’d decided to seek out the comfort of a small town again, and landed right in the middle of the picturesque town of Little Leaf Creek. On the first day, she’d taken on a job as a waitress, and made friends with her boss, Mirabel.

  Now, she found herself deeply connected with the community and newly engaged to Sebastian Vail, a local farmer. She wouldn’t trade her life for anything, but once in a while, her aching ankles definitely made her miss those lavish, catered parties she often hosted.

  “This is unacceptable.” The woman at table four crossed her arms as she looked at Cassie. Cassie knew Beth. She was a regular at the diner. She was retired and could be difficult at the best of times. “I ordered my food over twenty minutes ago, and now you bring out my husband’s food without mine? That’s terrible service!”

  “I’m so sorry. We’re having some trouble today as we’re short-staffed. But I’ll have your burger out here in just a few minutes. I promise.” Cassie flashed her most disarming smile.

  “Oh, honey, put that grin away. It’s not going to work on me. If I don’t have my meal in five minutes, I’m not paying for it. Understand me?”

  “Yes, absolutely.” Cassie gritted her teeth as she walked away from the table. She stopped by the front counter to freshen the coffee of the patrons seated there.

  “She’s a piece of work, huh?” A young woman with blonde hair and bright red lipstick looked up from her phone as Cassie poured fresh coffee into her cup beside her plate, which had a slice of half-eaten apple pie.

  “It’s okay, we’re having some difficulties today, that’s for sure.” Cassie offered her a warm smile. “Did you need anything else?”

  “Maybe a little bit of information?” She leaned forward and her curls bounced around her face. “I’ve been trying to find someone, and you might be able to help me.”

  “Oh?” Instantly, Cassie’s curiosity sparked. She had a tendency to want to solve any questions or mystery that she stumbled across. “Who are you looking for?”

  “A man named Chip Parks. Do you know him?”

  “Why are you looking for him?” Cassie noted the determination in the young woman’s eyes.

  “Does that mean you know him? I’ve heard that he’s staying with his sister in this town, but he’s kept all of his information so private. I can’t seem to find out who his sister might be. Can you help me?” She read the name tag on Cassie’s shirt. “Cassie?”

  “People in this town don’t really respond well to being hunted down.” Cassie scrunched up her nose. “If you could tell me why you’re looking for him, I might be able to help you more.”

  “I’m just a fan. Nothing nefarious. I promise. I’m Melody.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Melody.” Cassie smiled. “Is he famous?”

  “Oh, you really don’t know him, do you?” Melody laughed. “I guess you can’t help me after all.”

  “No, I’ll admit the name isn’t familiar, but now you have me very curious. Who is he?” Cassie leaned closer to her and lowered her voice. “Is he a big celebrity or something?”

  “Yes, you could say that. At least, he used to be. He’s one of my favorite actors, but he hasn’t been in any movies lately. I’m hoping to run into him because I have the perfect role for him.” Melody gave a short laugh. “I know it sounds a little crazy. It’s a pipe dream. But I thought maybe if I could just get my script into his hands, he might be willing to take a chance on it.”

  “It’s always good to take your shot.” A wistful smile crossed Cassie’s lips as she caught sight of the diamond ring on her own finger. “You never know what twists and turns life might take. I’m sorry I can’t help you out. I don’t know him, but I hope you’re able to find him.”

  “Me, too.” Melody picked up her coffee.

  “Order up!” Mirabel smashed her palm against the bell again.

  “Coming!” Cassie picked up the burger and raced over to table four.

  Cassie turned back toward the counter and found Melody waiting at the cash register. She hurried over.

  “Leaving already?” Cassie smiled as she rang up her order.

  “Yes, I’m going to keep looking for Chip.” Melody pulled out a credit card and paid.

  “Well, I hope you have some success.” Cassie smiled as Melody put some coins in the tip jar.

  “Thank you. Me, too.” Melody turned toward the door.

  “Good luck, Melody. I hope that you find your movie star,” Cassie mumbled as she watched her leave the diner.

  “Cassie!” A shriek from the back of the dining area drew her attention. “Didn’t I tell you, no ice in my iced tea?”

  Cassie held her breath as she hurried over to remedy the situation.

  “Are you okay?” Mirabel brushed past her with a tray filled with plates of food. “Because I’m not.” Her usually positive and bright demeanor looked strained.

  “I think you’d better call Stephanie and get her to do whatever hours she can manage. I’m not sure I’ll survive another shift like this.” Cassie gulped down a deep breath. Stephanie Vail was Sebastian’s sister. “I had dinner with her and Sebastian last night, and she said she’d pick up any shifts she can.”

  “Perfect, I’ll give her a call as soon as I find a second.” Mirabel delivered the food, then hurried back to the kitchen.

  Cassie’s heart raced as she realized the dinner rush would be starting within the next few minutes.

  “All right, Cassie, time to pretend you’re not forty.” She laughed at her own words as she grabbed another tray of food from the kitchen and whisked it through the dining room.

  CHAPTER 2

  By the time Cassie had a chance to sit down, her feet were on fire, and her back was soaked with sweat. She wondered for a moment why she worked this hard when she had enough funds to live on for the rest of her life. Then Mirabel h
obbled out of the kitchen with a lopsided grin and flour speckled through her long, crimson braid.

  “We did it. We survived!” Mirabel attempted to high-five Cassie, but missed and stumbled into the counter.

  “Did we?” Cassie laughed as fondness for her friend and boss welled up within her. Money couldn’t buy everything, and the friendships she’d made since moving to Little Leaf Creek were worth more than anything her husband could have left her.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve already asked Stephanie to help us out tomorrow. I have a feeling I’m going to be stuck in the kitchen again.” Mirabel picked up a nearly empty bottle of ketchup. “I’ll get started on filling things up.”

  “No, I’ll close up. You go home and get some rest. There are only a couple of customers finishing off their coffees. I’ve got this.” Cassie pushed Mirabel toward the door. “Make sure you put your feet up.”

  “Oh, I will. I can’t stand on them a moment longer.” Mirabel laughed.

  “Don’t worry, Mirabel. Tomorrow will be better.” Cassie smiled as she opened the door for her.

  “It better be, or I might just shut the whole place down,” Mirabel huffed as she headed out the door.

  “Sure you will.” Cassie closed the door behind her and flipped the sign to closed. At least once a week Mirabel would threaten to shut the diner down. But Cassie knew better. She adored the diner, which her ex-husband had named after her, and she would never dream of closing it.

  The last of the customers followed Mirabel out the door. Cassie turned the lock, then faced the dining area. Her shoulders drooped with exhaustion as she took in the sight of the mess that still needed to be cleaned up. She’d volunteered to do it, before she remembered that she’d recently turned forty, and her entire body had decided to invent new aches and pains for her to enjoy.

  “All right, some tunes and some elbow grease and this will be done in no time.”

  Cassie put on her favorite playlist, then got to work. As she wiped off the tables and stacked the chairs, she thought about Sebastian. He was such a caring person. Always willing to help anyone out. He loved to cook for her, which was wonderful, because she even managed to bungle lemonade. Her heart pounded at the thought of his bright eyes and warm smile.

  He had locked on to her when she’d first arrived, shortly after her husband had passed, and despite him being the most sought-after bachelor in the whole town, he’d never looked away. She’d fought him at first, determined to avoid romance and remain at a distance. But she’d been the one who ended up popping the question.

  Cassie spun around as she swung the mop across the floor and imagined him dancing with her in the kitchen. They still had some things to work out, and she wasn’t in any rush for an actual wedding, but she felt so lucky to spend the rest of her life with him.

  After polishing the last napkin dispenser, Cassie let herself out through the back door and carried a bag of trash over to the dumpster. She noticed a car parked beside it. For an instant, she panicked, wondering if maybe she had overlooked a customer in the bathroom or asleep in one of the booths. But she could recall checking everything twice. No one had been in the diner with her.

  Cassie took a deep breath and considered the possibility that someone had decided to camp out in the parking lot. It did happen now and then as travelers made their way through their town on their way to grander places. But Mirabel had a strict policy of not allowing it. Her ex-husband had been involved with shady people, and the consequences of his business dealings had spilled over into her business enough times to make her very paranoid of anything that looked out of place.

  As tempted as Cassie was to just ignore it and go home, she forced herself to walk over to the driver’s side door. Through the window she could see a man who appeared to be sleeping. He looked to be in his forties or fifties, and well-dressed. He likely had plenty of other options for a place to sleep.

  Annoyed that he’d decided to make her night harder, she knocked on the window.

  “Sir! Sir, you can’t sleep here!” Cassie knocked again. “I can give you the name of a motel with good rates.”

  The man didn’t budge. He didn’t even open his eyes.

  Cassie sighed, then knocked harder.

  “Sir! If you don’t leave, I’m going to have to call the police!”

  Again, he didn’t move. Not even a little. Not even an eyelash.

  A cold heaviness settled in the pit of Cassie’s stomach as her gaze settled on his chest. She watched it for a few seconds, waiting for it to give the slightest sign of movement.

  “Oh no!” Cassie realized the man wasn’t asleep at all. She tried the door handle on the car and found it unlocked. She pulled the door open and reached inside. Her heart fluttered as she could sense from his position that something was very wrong. Panic flowed through her.

  “Are you okay?” Cassie shook his shoulder, hoping he would simply wake up and holler at her for the disturbance.

  The jerk of his shoulder caused his head to tilt to the side. Her eyes widened at the sight of the wound that stretched across his chest. The shriek that escaped her carried across the treetops and the peaceful creek that flowed through the small town. It was clear that not only was the man dead! He had been murdered!

  CHAPTER 3

  Cassie fumbled in her purse for her phone as her hand trembled. All thoughts of having a normal evening vanished. Fear bolted through her as she surveyed the trees at the edge of the parking lot for any hint of who might have committed the murder.

  “Cassie? What’s up?” Detective Oliver Graham’s voice cut through her panic.

  “Ollie.” Cassie breathed the familiar name into her phone as her heart slammed against her chest. “Ollie, I need you at the diner, please.”

  “Cassie? What’s wrong? What happened?”

  The alarm in his voice reminded her of the situation.

  “Someone’s been murdered! Please come!” Cassie’s voice shook.

  “What do you mean? Who? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just please come to the diner.” Cassie ended the call and slid her phone back into her pocket.

  Cassie’s heart raced. She had seen quite a few dead bodies since moving to Little Leaf Creek, but the sight still shocked her. She forced herself to take a solid breath, then another. Had her eyes played tricks on her, or was the man in the car really dead? Had he really been murdered? She shivered as she peered back into the front seat of the car. After only a glimpse she winced as reality solidified around her. There was no denying it. Someone had killed him. She looked around for a clue who had done this. But nothing stood out to her.

  A few people had stepped out of the surrounding homes and businesses in response to her scream. But none ventured toward the dark parking lot.

  Cassie felt immediate relief as she heard a siren wail through the otherwise quiet night. She listened as it drew closer and closer until she heard the brakes squeal a few feet from her.

  “Cassie!” Oliver got out of the car and ran toward her. “You said someone was murdered? What’s going on?”

  Cassie stared into his hard, gray eyes, relieved that she was no longer alone.

  “Cassie!” Oliver’s thick hands settled on the tops of her shoulders. “Answer me!”

  “Ollie.” Cassie pointed to the car. “He’s over there.”

  Oliver’s gaze swung to the car. He released her shoulders and walked toward the vehicle. He hovered a few inches away from the open door, careful not to touch anything, and peered inside. When he saw what was inside, he pulled on some gloves and walked closer.

  Oliver’s muscles flexed as he leaned into the car. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and made a call. The tension in his movements carried into his voice as he turned back to her.