Susan Gillard - Chocolate Revolution Murder

Get Early Access to My Books For FREE!

Every two weeks youll get a new Cozy Novella from me absolutely FREE.

Sign up now! http://bit.ly/SusanDGillard

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright 2016 by Guardian Publishing Group - All rights reserved.

All rights Reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means such as printing, scanning, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright
holder.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

I know the truth, Dave, Heather said, passing the leash from one hand to the other. I know all about Maricela.

Dave whined and wagged his tail. A feeble wag. She was onto him, and there wasnt a thing he could do to escape this line of questioning. Bark, bite or whine, shed get to the bottom of Daves expanding girth no matter what it took.

Shes been feeding you donuts on the side, hasnt she? Heather waggled her finger at the pup.

He gave her his innocent look that classic big-eyed, head tilted, tongue-lolling creation he did so well and snuffled.

Oh, you can look all you want, Dave. Im going to talk to her. Its one donut a week. Thats the limit. You keep it up, and Ill take you down to one a month.

Dave cocked his head further to the side, and his right ear flopping closed from the movement.

All right, all right. We can get walking. Im just letting you know that Im on to the two of you, and its got to stop. I know you love donuts, but at what cost? At what cost? She flipped the leash, dramatically, and then chuckled at herself.

Perhaps the morning heat had gotten to her. Sunshine sprinkled the sidewalk, lighting their path. It was only 7 am, but a trickle of sweat on the back of her neck said today would be as hot as an oven.

Heather set off, and Dave trotted along next to her, sniffing at flowers or bushes or odd wet patches which Heather refused to identify.

Cars streamed down the road. A few honked and their occupants waved at her Donut Delights regulars, no doubt.

The 4th of July was just around the corner, and Hillside bubbled in anticipation. The town had come alive with preparations. Permission for a bonfire had been acquired, and the city council had set it up in one of the local fields, as well as an array of fireworks.

Heather wrinkled her nose. Dave hated fireworks, and while she wanted to celebrate, she didnt see the need to terrorize the pets of Hillside to do so.

Where have you been? A man yelled.

Heather froze. The voice had come from the parking lot nearby. Dave took her distraction as an excuse to sniff at a wet patch on a lamppost. Deplorable dog.

Ive been busy, a woman said, softly.

Heather shrugged. This wasnt her business. No murder investigations here, folks, just plain old studying for her upcoming online test and

Im warning you if you do this again its over between us. I cant stand it anymore. I know somethings going on between you and him.

Yeah, definitely not the kind of conversation she should overhear. Heather tugged on Daves leash, but hed glued his nose to the lamppost. Cmon, Dave.

Nope, no dice. Dave had found true love.

Cherry, answer me, the man said.

Heather perked up. Cherry? That had to be Cherry Jubilee. Shed heard one of her oldest high school friends was back in town, but she hadnt caught up with her yet.

Heather craned her neck. Ah, there she was! Cherry in all her platinum blonde glory, facing off with Dylan Pickle?

No way, Heather whispered. Theyre dating? Dave ignored her, of course.

Dylan Pickle had been the nerd of the school. In fact, Cherry had made his life the worst kind of uncomfortable. The hot, flaming, teased and bullied kind.

Cherry flipped her long blonde hair and glared at Dylan. Dyl, who do you think youre talking to? I can go wherever I want. I didnt come back to Hillside for this stupid celebration just to argue with you about this.

Get real, Dylan growled. He was handsome in middle age. Sleeker frames had replaced the glasses, which had been oversized in high school, and his hair was dark and shaved at the sides. Were not in high school anymore Cherry. You cant blow me off and pretend you dont like me.

Youre right, Cherry replied, and folded her arms, bracelets clattering. Were not in high school, and that means I dont have to report my every movement to you like youre my father.

This was a juvenile conversation for two adults, to be sure. And it officially wasnt Heathers business. Lets go, Dave, she hissed. Shed hate to be caught eavesdropping by Cherry, especially since they hadnt caught up in years.

Dave lifted a leg, and Heather averted her eyes.

Were together, do you understand? Dylan said, and grabbed Cherrys upper arms. He pulled her closer and glared into her eyes.

Heather chewed the inside of her cheek. Shed rather watch Dylan and Cherry than Daves ablutions, but the competition was fierce. Still, why was Dylan so possessive?

And what had that whole high school comeback been about? Surely, they hadnt dated back then. Cherry had made it crystal clear that shed despised Dylan.

Cherry wrenched herself from Dylans grasp, spun on the spot and charged off across the parking lot, her hair flicking in the self-made breeze.

Come back! Cherry, weve got a date. Cherry! Dylan darted after her, the back of his cotton shirt damp from sweat.

Wow, Heather whispered. That was awkward. I guess Id better give Cherry a call later. Chances were, her old friend would have a lot of talking to do. She needed the support, right now.

And if it brought Amy back to Donut Delights, all the better. Things had been strained between Heather and her bestie of late. Theyd hardly spoken in the short time since Kents recovery.

Dave finally tore himself from the lamppost and pulled on the end of the leash. He yapped at her, wagging his tail in circles.

Oh, now youre ready to go. Heather rolled her eyes.

Dave pulled again.

All right, lets go. But no donuts and no complaints either, Heather said, then walked down the sidewalk, her mind burning with questions about what shed just witnessed.

Chapter 2

What are they? Eva Schneider asked, bending to admire the array of new donuts on display in the glass counter.

Heather exchanged a glance with Maricela, whod helped her create the donuts in the first place. They both grinned, and that excitement was infectious. Eva giggled, a girlish sound coming from the elderly woman and Heathers favorite customer.

Tell me, dear, my stomach is rumbling already. Eva switched her gaze back to the donuts.

Theyre Chocolate Revolution Donuts, Heather replied.

Special for four of July! Maricela announced, opening her arms wide. And we have to make two of the batches. Yesterday we sell out.

Oh wow, whats in them? Eva asked.

Well, theyre made of a simple chocolate-flavored batter, deep-fried because I felt like being a bit naughty. Theyre hollowed out and filled with chocolate ganache, topped with a light layer of cream, and chocolate shavings across the top.

Evas eyes grew wider and wider with each passing sentences.

Theyre a little over the top, but I wanted something truly celebratory for this time of year. You know how it is, Im sure. Heather had tried one or two herself. Id honestly suggest only buying one because they are a chocolate revolution on the tongue, a rich revolution.

The irony, Eva said, then chuckled. Ill take one, and a cup of coffee too if you dont mind.

No milkshake today, Eva? Maricela asked, wringing up the order.