Blueberry Pie White Lie - a Cozy Mystery: Sunny Shores Mysteries Book 3 Read online

  Blueberry Pie White Lie

  Sunny Shores Mysteries Book 3

  Cassie Rivers

  The following short story is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real people, events, or places are entirely coincidental. Happy Reading!

  Copyright ©2018 Cassie Rivers

  All rights reserved.

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  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

  Thanks for Reading

  Chapter 1

  On a day like today, my grandma would have said, “It’s hotter than a blister bug in a pepper patch.”

  My grandmother had a way with words. Although, I never knew what a blister bug was. Or what it was doing in a pepper patch to begin with. Regardless, it was hot.

  The month of July was wrapping up, and the summer season was in full swing. Luckily, the heat and humidity drove tourists to our small beach town of Sunny Shores, Florida.

  My life played out in a whirlwind of unfortunate events that year. While attending my second semester of law school, my father passed away. He served as a detective for the Sunny Shores Police Department and died in the line of duty. On top of that, I ended a relationship with my long-time boyfriend, Dustin Coltrain.

  With the realization of how short life truly is, I decided to quit law school and pursue my dream. Unfortunately, dreams require money. Since I had none, I went back to my hometown of Sunny Shores and moved back in with my mother. It worked out on two levels since I needed to save money and keep my mom company.

  The only interest that rivaled my love of mysteries was cooking. I dreamed of opening my own bakery. I couldn’t afford to lease a shop, so I compromised. I purchased the cheapest food truck in existence and converted it to a functional food truck.

  After a few annoying hiccups this summer, my business began to boom. I owned and operated the Burger She Wrote food truck. We served the normal fare of hamburgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs. However, my desserts proved to be the biggest draw. Creating cupcakes, pies, cakes, and other tasty treats had been a passion of mine since I was a child using my Easy Bake Oven.

  My food truck resided in Grove Park with five other food trucks, including The Loco Taco, Happy Snapper, and Awful (-ly good) Falafel. Grove Park provided a great location as it provided parking for the public beach area.

  Ray Robins worked as a delivery man for Fresh Market’s food supply. Sure, I could have used one of the big-name food supply companies and saved money. But Fresh Market provided a better selection of natural and organic supplies. They also sourced locally owned farms and suppliers.

  I knew Ray from high school. He graduated the same year as Ty and me.

  “You’re running late today,” I said as he walked up to the window.

  “The new guy we hired rode with me today. I have to train him, so it’s taking longer than usual.”

  “Trust me, I understand the frustration with trying to train someone.”

  “I heard that,” Star shot out from the back.

  “At least we’re your last stop, right?”

  “I’m working the SSHA fundraising ball tonight,” he said as he loaded the last box. “Are you attending?”

  “Ha,” I replied. “I’m not important or rich enough to be invited to that.”

  “Well, I think that’s a shame,” Ray said as he smiled.

  “Our friend Bonnie May’s invited, so we’ll have to live through her.”

  The fundraiser that evening was being held by the Sunny Shoes Heritage Association. The SSHA wanted to purchase the land where the old Sunny Shores orange juice factory once sat and create a state park and nature preserve.

  The SSHA wasn’t the only group interested in the property. They faced opposition from a private investment group which planned to turn the property into hotels and condos. The group failed to gain support from the city council on multiple occasion, each time losing by a few votes.

  “The only thing from your order we didn’t have was fresh bananas. I have a few bottles of banana extract in my truck if you want those instead. I know they’re not the same thing, but it’s made here in Florida as well.”

  “Thanks, but I’ll be fine,” I replied. “I can make another dessert in its place. It’s no big deal.”

  Ray smiled and handed me a card. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. My cell number’s on here, so you can reach me anytime, for anything.”

  “Will do,” I said as I put the card in my apron pocket. “See you next week.”

  After Ray left, Star walked up to me with a curious look in her eyes. “Look at you, Kara. Flirting with the delivery guy.”

  “Hardly,” I replied as I rolled my eyes.

  “Well, he was sure sweet on you. He gave you his personal number and said to call him anytime.”

  “That’s called customer service, Star.”

  “For someone who’s solved two murder cases this summer, you have a hard time picking up the clues when someone’s hitting on you,” Star replied. “When it comes to love, you’re clueless.”

  Star was right about one thing, I’d earned quite the reputation around town as an amateur sleuth. Our quiet town of Sunny Shores, Florida experienced two high profile murders in the last few weeks. As for me, I was caught in the middle of both cases.

  With the help of my friends Ty and Star, I helped solve both cases and put the right person behind bars.

  “Who’s the lucky lady tonight?” Star asked.

  “Same one as last night.”

  “A second date?” I asked.

  I originally tried to butt out of the conversation, but the news of a second date pulled me back in. Although Ty and I grew up as life-long friends, I began to develop stronger feelings for him in the last few months. I held my feelings back in order to preserve our friendship.

  “It’s actually the third date,” Ty replied. “I’m taking her to the Wharf tonight.”

  “Really? That’s a swanky place. You planning to put the moves on her tonight?”

  “That’s a little personal, don’t you think, Star?” I replied. “But you aren’t, are you?”

  “Nice try Star, but a real man doesn’t kiss and tell.”

  “Then we’re in luck, since there’s no real men around here, so spill the beans,” Star quipped. “At least tell us her name.”

  “I will…eventually,” Ty said as he took off his apron. “Catch you two later.”

  Ty exited the food truck and headed to his real job. I continued to clean up inside the truck. I looked over and noticed Star standing completely still. She locked her eyes on me as she clearly had something on her mind.

  “What?” I asked. She was weirding me out.

  “If you’re ever going to make a move, you need to do it now,” Star said sternly. “I’m not kidding, if you wait too long, it’s going to be too late.”

  I kept my newfound feelings for Ty secret from everyone, or at least I tried. It didn’t take Star long to see through my fa�
�ade. Star figured it out and pestered me until I finally admitted it to her.

  “It’s only a third date, what’s the big deal?”

  “What’s the big deal?” Star replied. “The third date is the most pivotal date in the early stages of a relationship.”

  “Oh really?” I asked. “How so?”

  I knew this was going to be good, so I stopped cleaning. I took off my gloves and sat on the stool beside her, giving her my full attention.

  “The first date is the ‘throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks’ date. A first date helps eliminate all the weirdos and psychos. Or in your case, murderers.”

  “Real funny,” I said as I let out a fake laugh. “Never gonna let me live that one down, are you?”

  “Nope.”

  Star had referred to my one date from earlier in the summer. I agreed to a dinner date with another food truck owner, Will Stark. He and his partner were new to town, so I figured a date was harmless. I wouldn’t have called it a total failure, except for the fact he turned out to be a stone-cold killer.

  “What about the second date?” I replied. “Why’s it not the most important?”

  “The second date is important, but not as crucial as the third. I sometimes refer to the second date as the pity date,” Star explained. “Even when a first date is bad, a woman will often give the guy a second date. If there is a hint of attraction, what’s the harm. Anyone can have a bad day, so most people deserve another chance.”

  “So, why is the third date so important?”

  “If you make it to the third date, you’ve jumped the biggest hurdles. The third date is more relaxed and both people are less anxious and nervous. This allows people to loosen up and be themselves. This is the date when love starts to blossom.”

  “Love?”

  “Yuck, I know,” she replied, disgusted. “Gross to think about, isn’t it?”

  “If you’re that worried, do something about it.”

  “Remind me, Star. How many dates have you and Deputy Johnson been on?”

  “Let’s not change the subject, Kara,” Star replied, refusing to acknowledge my question. “Why not show up to the Wharf tonight and peek at his date. You’ll get a chance to see what you’re up against.”

  “You’re suggesting we spy on him,” I replied. “Dress up in all black and stake the restaurant out?”

  “I never mentioned we,” Star replied. She shrugged. “But, what the heck? Buy me dinner afterwards, and I’m in.”

  “Pick me up at my house at 8.”

  As the day progressed, the lunch rush wore Star and me out. Whenever Ty worked at his CPA firm, we missed having a third hand around the truck.

  An afternoon pop-up thunderstorm came through around 3 pm and cleared most of the tourists out. As much as I needed the money, the storm provided a much-needed break.

  When the sky cleared up, we waited around an hour or so. We wanted to see if the tourists would return. They didn’t, so I decided to close shop early for the evening.

  I reached up and grabbed the handle on the retractable cover for our window. My muscles felt sore from cooking all afternoon, so I struggled to pull it down. Before I completely closed the cover, a large hand slapped the counter and appeared beneath it.

  “Surely, you have time for just one more customer?” an all-too familiar voice called out behind the cover.

  I turned and looked at Star. Star recognized the voice as well. She stayed quiet, but shook her head no.

  I took a deep breath and raised the window back up. Standing in front was a short, portly man wearing a dress shirt one size too small.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Coltrain.”

  “Kara, darling. You know to call me Roy,” Roy said as he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He took the handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

  Roy Coltrain served as the Mayor of Sunny Shores. My family and his went back a long time, so I knew him since childhood. I started dating his son, Dustin, in high school. So now that Dustin and I were broken up, I felt a little awkward toward him.

  “Big night tonight,” I said as I handed him the pie. “Are you looking forward to the big charity event tonight?”

  “I reckon I’ll be staying home for that one.”

  “Really?” I asked, surprised by his answer. You’d think the town mayor would attend a local event this big. “I figured everyone who’s who would be attending.”

  “It’s really not my thing,” he said with a mouthful of pie. “Besides, I shouldn’t show my bias on the issue since I can see both sides of the debate.”

  “You don’t think creating a state park will benefit the town?”

  “I do, but the town could also benefit from the additional tax money a hotel could bring in,” he replied. “So I’m still on the fence.”

  Although it seemed weird that the town mayor would skip an event this important, I understood the reasoning behind his decision. Mayor Roy presided over the Sunny Shores City Council. He voted only in case of a tie, and then had the deciding vote.

  While Mayor Roy and I talked, Star kept herself busy by cleaning in the back. Mayor Roy’s bold personality clashed with Star’s, so she tried her best to keep herself out of the conversation. Once he walked away, she stopped what she was doing and walked up to me.

  “I don’t know what would be worse, having Dustin as a husband or Mayor Roy as a father-in-law,” Star said as she picked up her keys. “He’s as crooked as a country road.”

  “He’s not that bad,” I said as I smiled. “He means well, but he’s just a character. He’s harmless.”

  “I’m heading out,” Star said as she picked up her keys. “Do you need a ride home?”

  “Thanks, but I think I’ll just walk home. I wanted to stop by the Breezy Bean Café anyway and touch base with Bonnie May.”

  “Suit yourself,” Star said as she walked out the door. “See you tonight at 8.”

  As I began to lock up, my cell phone beeped, alerting me of a notification. I picked my phone up off the counter and read the screen. My mother texted me.

  I’m home. There’s an important matter we need to discuss.

  Chapter 2

  Even though I owned a food truck, I didn’t own a car. Since I could barely ride a bike, I didn’t feel safe behind the wheel operating a two-ton machine. So my only transportation options were either bumming a ride or walking. Some days, my preference was to walk since it helped clear my head.

  The walk between my mother’s house and Grove park wasn’t bad at only two miles. The walk provided great exercise and helped keep me in decent shape. It was difficult enough trying to keep the pounds off while spending most of the day cooking. To make matters worse, the beach was full of life-size Barbie dolls parading around in skimpy bikinis.

  My walking path took me through the small downtown area of Sunny Shores. My favorite stop along the way was the Breezy Bean Café, which was on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Orange Way.

  Bonnie May Calloway owned and operated the Breezy Bean Café. She’d lived in Sunny Shores her entire life. Besides owning a local business, Bonnie May held a position as one of the town council members.

  Bonnie May never admitted to anyone her true age. I would guess she was in her fifties, but she had the demeanor and energy of someone in her twenties. She had never married or had any children of her own. This may have been the secret to her youthfulness.

  The bell on the door jingled as I walked into the Breezy Bean Café. I made my way to the front counter and had a seat. The place was empty. I figured the storms scared her customers away as well.

  Bonnie May appeared from the back and approached me at the counter. “You look rough, dear. Long day?”

  Bonnie May held nothing back. She wasn’t shy and she didn’t have a filter on her of any kind. That was probably why I liked her so much. I admired her direct and straightforward attitude, especially since I was a big chicken.

  “We were slammed at lunch
, but the storms cleared everyone away.”

  “Same here, dear. I needed to shut down earlier anyway, so I can get ready for that stuffy fundraiser tonight. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the cause and support it one-hundred percent,” she said before taking a deep breath. “It’s some of the people in attendance I dread seeing. Besides, I had to cancel a date for this,” Bonnie May said as her voice reflected her frustration.

  Star had installed one of the newest dating apps on Bonnie May’s phone a few weeks back. Since then, Bonnie May spent her free time swiping left or right on potential suitors. My dating life was pathetic compared to hers.

  “At least one person you dislike won’t be in attendance,” I replied.

  “Who are you referring to, dear?”

  “Mayor Roy. He told me he wasn’t going when he stopped by my food truck today for a dessert.”

  “He needs another piece of pie like I need a lobotomy,” Bonnie May said as she placed a fresh cup of coffee in front of me. “But that’s good news at least. He’s in favor of having the property developed into a hotel anyway. So, it makes since he plays hooky.”

  “That’s strange,” I said as I stirred the creamer in my coffee. “He told me differently. Roy said he remained undecided and on the fence.”

  “Honey, if he stood on a fence it’d break,” she said as she leaned in closer. “Roy Coltrain is all about the money, trust me. Don’t let him fool you. He’s so crooked he could hide behind a corkscrew.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  Bonnie May and I continued to talk and cut up. Suddenly, the bell on the door rang as the door opened. In walked one of the newer citizens to Sunny Shores, Detective Buford Dauterive, or Beaux for short.