The Tainted Taffy, page 17
“I am going to do an official search of the house.” Officer Warring stood up, uttering the words with authority. He stared at the bookcase. “There’s a start, right there. What’s that book? Exotic, Rare and Dangerous Plants of Magnolia Island? Whose book is that?”
He stared at Elizabeth suspiciously. And Elizabeth broke.
In a ragged shriek, she yelled, “It’s my book! But I didn’t mean to leave it there, I meant to donate it to my book club! Now, you’re going to frame me. This is a setup! If you find that mustard in the cupboard, it’s because you planted it there. You can’t do this to me. I was so close to getting what I wanted, so close. That valuable sweet shop, all those important recipes. All my plans were going to work until you came along. This is your fault. All yours.”
With her hands now hooked into claws, like a pouncing tigress, Elizabeth sprang forward, launching herself directly at Autumn.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
“Hey. Stop!” Taken by surprise, Autumn tried to leap out of the way. Her feet got entangled in the rug, her shin hit the coffee table with a painful bang, and she lurched sideways, toppling over Officer Warring’s knees.
Scrambling off the officer’s lap, Autumn ended up on the rug, jammed between the coffee table and the officer’s shoes, and being attacked by what felt like a ferocious windmill. Elizabeth was clawing at her, shrieking and kicking. One of her shoes caught Autumn on the shin in exactly the same place the coffee table had.
“Ow,” she yelled, twisting aside as Elizabeth made a grab for her hair.
Officer Warring was on his feet, his notebook falling to the floor in a rustle of pages. He grabbed Elizabeth’s arm, trying to pull her away, but she turned, and with surprising strength, punched the officer right in the solar plexus.
“Oof,” he said, bending over.
“Get off her!” That was Willow’s voice, splitting the air as she leaped forward to her sister’s rescue.
“My dear, you can’t do this.” Much more hesitantly, as if he didn’t want to attract his wife’s wrath, Charles spoke the cautionary words from the far side of the room.
Meanwhile, as Willow tugged vainly at one of Elizabeth’s arms, Autumn was trying to evade the other which was scratching and clawing at her. She managed to wriggle away from another fierce attack, and Elizabeth’s nails screeched over the coffee table instead of her face, where they’d been aiming.
Cleverly, Autumn decided retreat was the better policy. She wriggled under the coffee table so that her face and chest were protected from Elizabeth's attack. Then, using the table as cover, she reached out and grabbed Elizabeth's ankle.
Elizabeth yelled out, a mixture of surprise and anger. Autumn tugged harder, and the woman stumbled to her knees.
And then, she heard the jingle of the handcuffs.
Officer Warring was back in the game.
“Mrs. Sweetly,” he said, choking as he spoke, “you are under arrest for the poisoning of your brother-in-law, Harold Sweetly, and for the physical attack on Ms. Ray and myself, an officer of the law. We will be searching this house for the murder weapon you have alluded to. Come quietly now. There’s no point in struggling further.”
Finally, silence fell.
As the handcuffs closed around Elizabeth’s wrists, she gave Autumn one final, angry stare.
Willow only let go of Elizabeth’s arm once the handcuffs were firmly in place. Her sister was breathing hard and looked like she’d actually enjoyed that tussle. Officer Warring’s face was flushed.
And, as for Charles, he was collapsed on the couch, with a shell shocked look on his face.
“That mustard?” he asked in a quivering voice. “That mustard in the larder, that you warned me not to eat? You told me you’d bought it especially for me, and that you were going to serve it up to me when I least expected it, in a special dish, as a surprise.”
Scrambling to her feet, shock still resonating through her, Autumn felt a sense of deep peace.
They had the killer in handcuffs. They knew the whereabouts of the murder weapon, which, as she'd guessed, would have been used again.
Apart from a few bumps and grazes, she was unharmed – and most importantly, the future was bright and peaceful for Magnolia Bay once more.
EPILOGUE
Max tugged gently on the leash, asking nicely if he could veer to the side of the road to smell something particularly enticing.
“You go ahead, boy,” Autumn said with a grin. Her dog was very well trained. She could allow him the occasional detour. Especially since the walk was really more of a stroll.
She and Ben had been far too busy talking.
“So, you went and personally investigated this crime?” he asked incredulously. She glanced at him, seeing surprise in his face, but admiration, too.
"Yes. I had to do it because it was affecting the whole island," she said. "And as we found out, Elizabeth Sweetly was ready to kill again. She'd have poisoned her husband next. She wanted that sweetshop and the recipes for herself. Ironically, she’s going to be locked up in prison, and her husband will take over Sweetly’s Treats, which has always been his dream.”
“Well.” Ben shook his head, as if battling to take this all in. “So you not only solved a murder, but prevented another?”
“That’s right, I guess. I’m just glad to have been able to have done my part.”
“My clients were all talking about it. It was damaging everyone’s business. Restaurants, delis, guesthouses. Everyone was talking about how frightened the visitors were. Poisoning is a terrifying thing in a small community like this. I’m full of admiration for you, Autumn.”
“Thanks,” she acknowledged, with a grin. “I couldn’t have done it without a lot of help.”
Willow had been invaluable, and so had Ethan. Even though her gratitude toward him had cooled off noticeably when she’d received two invoices this morning. One for fixing the leak. And another for his time yesterday evening. He’d entitled that one, “Minor Repairs to Mr. Sweetly’s Residence.”
It was a lot easier to think of him as an ex now. If Autumn had felt any lingering emotions, that invoice had done the trick. She didn’t anymore.
“If you need help at any time,” Ben said, as if reading her thoughts, “please ask. I know I was busy last night. That was a commitment I couldn’t cancel – but any other time, I’d love to help.”
“I hope there won’t be a next time like this,” Autumn admitted. “But that’s such a kind offer – and I’ll take you up on it.”
Glancing at Ben, she smiled.
He smiled back. Max’s tail wagged, and their hands brushed, and Autumn felt a thrill of pure happiness to be out in her beloved island, on this beautiful morning. Everything was going right, and the island was safe.
Although, as she glanced to her right, and suddenly saw which way they’d walked, she amended that.
From the house opposite Molly Perkins’, two sets of disapproving eyes were watching from behind the net curtain, as she walked with the handsome vet. Mrs. Hayman and Ziggy were keeping a lookout, and they didn’t like what they saw.
Almost everything, she amended, as she hastily veered left to head down the side road. But then, it was wrong to expect life to be perfect. Wasn’t it?
NOW AVAILABLE!
A MAGNOLIA BAY MYSTERY: A MASKED MURDER
(A Magnolia Bay Cozy Mystery—Book 2)
When murder occurs at Magnolia Bay’s masquerade ball, Autumn Ray finds herself following the trail of a masked murderer who has turned the celebration into a sinister labyrinth. Can she unmask the killer before the final dance?
On the charming, historic isle of Magnolia Bay, Autumn Ray runs her bed-and-breakfast and enjoys a different pace of life. But whether she likes it or not, Autumn will have to step into the role of sleuth to defend not only her name, but her home.
MAGNOLIA BAY MYSTERY: A MASKED MURDER is the second book in an exciting new cozy mystery series by Fiona Grace, #1 bestselling author of Murder in the Manor, which has over 10,000 five star reviews! The series begins with MAGNOLIA BAY MYSTERY: THE TAINTED TAFFY (Book #1).
The Magnolia Bay Mystery series offers an engaging and delightful cozy mystery experience, whisking you away to an idyllic scenery brimming with wit, romantic moments, and unexpected plot developments. Prepare to become enamored with a captivating new heroine who's sure to become a favorite.
Future books in the series will soon be available!
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--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding Murder in the Manor)
“The story line wasn't just a who done it, but had a story about her life and romance, including village life. Very entertaining.”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
“It has endearing and sometimes quirky characters, a plot that keeps you reading and the right amount of romance. I can’t wait to start book two!”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
“What a great story of murder, romance, new beginnings, love, friend ships and a wonderful cascade of mystery.”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
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--Amazon reviewer (regarding Always, Forever)
“A bit of romance and a very determined woman! I have read many of Fiona Grace's novels and loved every one of them—this was no exception. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this new series!”
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A MAGNOLIA BAY MYSTERY: A MASKED MURDER
(A Magnolia Bay Cozy Mystery—Book 2)
Fiona Grace
Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books; of the TUSCAN VINEYARD COZY MYSTERY series, comprising seven books; of the DUBIOUS WITCH COZY MYSTERY series, comprising three books; of the BEACHFRONT BAKERY COZY MYSTERY series, comprising six books; of the CATS AND DOGS COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books; of the ELIZA MONTAGU COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the ENDLESS HARBOR ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the INN AT DUNE ISLAND ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the INN BY THE SEA ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the ALICE BLOOM COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five (and counting); of the MAID AND THE MANSION COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the TIMBERLAKE TITANS HOCKEY ROMANCE series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MAGNOLIA BAY COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting).
Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.
BOOKS BY FIONA GRACE
MAGNOLIA BAY COZY MYSTERY
THE TAINTED TAFFY (Book #1)
A MASKED MURDER (Book #2)
A CAFE CONFESSION (Book #3)
THE FROZEN FIND (Book #4)
A CURIOUS CURSE (Book #5)
TIMBERLAKE TITANS HOCKEY ROMANCE
RINKSIDE ROMANCE (Book #1)
FLIRTY FACEOFF (Book #2)
MELTING THE ICE (Book #3)
THE PUCK STOPS HERE (Book #4)
GLOVES DROP, LOVE BLOOMS (Book #5)
ALICE BLOOM COZY MYSTERY
MURDER IN THE MARIGOLDS (Book #1)
RUIN IN THE ROSES (Book #2)
DECEIT IN THE DAFFODILS (Book #3)
SCANDAL IN THE SAFFRON (Book #4)
CATASTROPHE IN THE CARNATIONS (Book #5)
THE MAID AND THE MANSION COZY MYSTERY
A MYSTERIOUS MURDER (Book #1)
A SCANDALOUS DEATH (Book #2)
A MISSING GUEST (Book #3)
AN UNSOLVABLE CRIME (Book #4)
AN IMPOSSIBLE HEIST (Book #5)
INN BY THE SEA ROMANTIC COMEDY
A NEW LOVE (Book #1)
A NEW CHANCE (Book #2)
A NEW HOME (Book #3)
A NEW LIFE (Book #4)
A NEW ME (Book #5)
THE INN AT DUNE ISLAND ROMANTIC COMEDY
A CHANCE LOVE (Book #1)
A CHANCE FALL (Book #2)
A CHANCE ROMANCE (Book #3)
A CHANCE CHRISTMAS (Book #4)
A CHANCE ENGAGEMENT (Book #5)
A CHANCE DREAM (Book #6)
A CHANCE WEDDING (Book #7)
ENDLESS HARBOR ROMANTIC COMEDY
ALWAYS, WITH YOU (Book #1)
ALWAYS, FOREVER (Book #2)
ALWAYS, PLUS ONE (Book #3)
ALWAYS, TOGETHER (Book #4)
ALWAYS, LIKE THIS (Book #5)
ALWAYS, FATED (Book #6)
ALWAYS, FOR LOVE (Book #7)
ALWAYS, JUST US (Book #8)
ALWAYS, IN LOVE (Book #9)
ELIZA MONTAGU COZY MYSTERY
MURDER AT THE HEDGEROW (Book #1)
A DALLOP OF DEATH (Book #2)
CALAMITY AT THE BALL (Book #3)
A SPEAKEASY DEMISE (Book #4)
A FLAPPER FATALITY (Book #5)
BUMPED BY A DAME (Book #6)
A DOLL’S DEBACLE (Book #7)
A FELLA’S RUIN (Book #8)
A GAL’S OFFING (Book #9)
LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY
MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book#1)
DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2)
CRIME IN THE CAFE (Book #3)
VEXED ON A VISIT (Book #4)
KILLED WITH A KISS (Book #5)
PERISHED BY A PAINTING (Book #6)
SILENCED BY A SPELL (Book #7)
FRAMED BY A FORGERY (Book #8)
CATASTROPHE IN A CLOISTER (Book #9)
TUSCAN VINEYARD COZY MYSTERY
AGED FOR MURDER (Book #1)
AGED FOR DEATH (Book #2)
AGED FOR MAYHEM (Book #3)
AGED FOR SEDUCTION (Book #4)
AGED FOR VENGEANCE (Book #5)
AGED FOR ACRIMONY (Book #6)
AGED FOR MALICE (Book #7)
DUBIOUS WITCH COZY MYSTERY
SKEPTIC IN SALEM: AN EPISODE OF MURDER (Book #1)
SKEPTIC IN SALEM: AN EPISODE OF CRIME (Book #2)
SKEPTIC IN SALEM: AN EPISODE OF DEATH (Book #3)
BEACHFRONT BAKERY COZY MYSTERY
BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A KILLER CUPCAKE (Book #1)
BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A MURDEROUS MACARON (Book #2)
BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A PERILOUS CAKE POP (Book #3)
BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A DEADLY DANISH (Book #4)
BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A TREACHEROUS TART (Book #5)
BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A CALAMITOUS COOKIE (Book #6)
CATS AND DOGS COZY MYSTERY
A VILLA IN SICILY: OLIVE OIL AND MURDER (Book #1)
A VILLA IN SICILY: FIGS AND A CADAVER (Book #2)
A VILLA IN SICILY: VINO AND DEATH (Book #3)
A VILLA IN SICILY: CAPERS AND CALAMITY (Book #4)
A VILLA IN SICILY: ORANGE GROVES AND VENGEANCE (Book #5)
A VILLA IN SICILY: CANNOLI AND A CASUALTY (Book #6)
Fiona Grace, The Tainted Taffy
