Candy Corruption Read online

  Scarlett sighed. Her sisters could drive her crazy, but Violet was right. She worked hard and did what she could to help, but they all knew it wasn’t a passion the way it was for Scarlett. She was needed here, and now that she thought about it, Violet deserved time away from the café. Only it was hardly a holiday.

  “If you did go, you’d have to promise to be careful. You’re not much more knowledgeable about big cities than I am?”

  “I did go to college for a couple of years. Besides, I could disarm anybody with my cutting wit.”

  “It’s not a joke, Violet.” Scarlett’s voice was terse, and her sister responded in kind.

  “I know that, but it’s also not a thriller we’ve written ourselves.”

  “Perhaps we could hire a bodyguard?” Ruby suggested.

  They stared at each other with varying degrees of interest as two men came through the open back door. Two very handsome men.

  Chapter Two

  “Who and what did you have in mind?” Sam Drake, the local paramedic, teased.

  Ruby giggled. “I think either of you would be the perfect choice to keep Violet safe on her mission to accompany Phin back to Portland.”

  Sheriff, Nathaniel Adams, narrowed his eyes at the appraiser. “That’s not a good idea. Who’s idea was it?”

  “It was mine, and Phin needs me,” Violet retorted.

  “Does he? It seems odd that you would encourage a young woman to leave town with you.”

  Phin laughed gently. “You can tell the lady loves a good story, but I neither asked nor require her assistance.”

  Scarlett glared at Violet, then introduced the men to each other with a brief explanation of how the suggestion arose. “It hasn’t been decided what we’ll do. While we’re loathe to let the book out of our possession, Ruby and I are naturally more concerned about Violet’s safety.”

  “I don’t need a bodyguard,” Violet retorted.

  “I was hoping we could meet,” Nate told Phin, ignoring Violet completely. “I have a few questions.”

  “You’re concerned that I may not be legitimate, sir?”

  Phin didn’t seem perturbed about being grilled by the law while Nate wasn’t easily impressed.

  “It’s my job to make sure the residents of Cozy Hollow aren’t being taken advantage of.”

  “Of course.” Phin smiled and handed Nate a card. “Feel free to check my credentials. I’m rather well known.”

  He managed to look modest as he said this, and Scarlett couldn’t help liking him. The question was, did she trust him? If it was just up to her, she wouldn’t hesitate to say she did, but her sisters’ futures couldn’t be gambled with, and Phin was a stranger.

  She turned to Nate. “Could you really go with them?”

  “Probably not,” he admitted. “It would have to be something big for me to leave Cozy Hollow on short notice. I could send a deputy?”

  “You won’t send anyone, because I have said I’ll be fine.” Violet was decidedly agitated. I’m old enough to make a decision like this, and I’ll thank you for butting out, Sheriff.”

  Scarlett didn’t know how to handle this, but Phin stood. “If Ms. Finch decides to come with me, I assure you that I will take every precaution along the way,” he assured them. “I’ve done this too many times to count, and no one has a clue what we’re carrying. Even if we were followed, which would be bizarre, since no one knows I’m here, it would be impossible to guess what the parcel was or its worth.”

  “Would that stop a thief?” Scarlett bit her bottom lip for a moment. “I just wish we had a ball-park figure, so I knew whether a bodyguard was silliness or necessity.”

  “Naturally, we have a bodyguard handy,” Violet added.

  Olivia took her firmly by the arm and moved her a few feet away from everyone.

  Phin remained calm. “I’d like to help with an estimate, but I was bitten once when I first started. I got excited and spouted off that a particular volume was worth far more than it ended up to be.” He shook his head sadly. “The person tried to sue me.”

  “We’d never do that,” Ruby assured him.

  “As lovely as you all seem, it’s simply not worth the risk to my professional reputation. I hope you understand? And there are many variables, but basically, a sale is only as good as finding the right buyer at the right time.”

  His sincerity was compelling, and Scarlett shot a look at Sam and Nate, who seemed less convinced and just as unsure as she was. Phin waited patiently for her reply, and she felt the weight of being the eldest once more. When you got things right, you were a hero—get them wrong, and you were simply bossy or a know-it-all.

  “I guess you know your job, Phin. And, a few more days of not knowing can’t hurt. Plus, quite frankly, I’m tired of guarding it,” she attempted to joke. The truth was, even if they did find one on short notice, they couldn’t afford to hire a bodyguard.

  Phin smiled. “You won’t have to worry anymore. Let this be my problem. A drive to Portland, a safe in my office, and then I find a buyer.”

  “Our problem,” Violet interjected.

  Scarlett shared a look with Ruby. The fact was that they actually couldn’t stop Violet going.

  “I’ll do a background check, so you’ll need to stay several hours,” Nate growled.

  “That’s fine,” Phin agreed. “I’ll stay as long as necessary.”

  “It does sound like you think it’s worth something,” Olivia mused.

  “Without a doubt, Ms. Greene. It’s the amount that’s in question. Once I ascertain its authenticity, then it will be up to these young ladies to decide if they’ll accept an offer.”

  Scarlett sat down with a thump. “But how will we know if we should or not?”

  “When I’ve done my tests and more research, I’ll give you an estimate. Any offers should be close to that and if not I’ll negotiate with the buyer until you find it acceptable.” He smiled. “But that really is a few steps ahead of where we are now. It could take some time to find the right person. Naturally, we’ll formalize everything with the paperwork I’ve had prepared. Having Violet come with me as a chaperone for the book won’t alter anything as I’ve already organized insurance, which I will pay upfront.”

  Apart from Violet’s part in this, Phin’s email had been very clear on the procedure, but it didn’t hurt to hear it as well. “Should we discuss this some more?” Scarlett asked her sisters.

  Violet shook her head. “I don’t see any point. If Nate is happy that Phin is who he says, then let’s do it.”

  “Having the book around, knowing it could be worth a lot, makes me nervous,” Ruby’s lip trembled. “One person already died because of it, and another is in jail.”

  Ruby was talking about the death of the last librarian, and the main person involved was a friend of Olivia’s and their mom. It was a sad affair, and Scarlett wasn’t sure it was all behind them. When your trust is broken, it’s hard to appreciate that any part of the friendship was real. That sour taste lingered.

  But, it had taken months to find a reputable person to deal with the book. Someone who could dispose of the book in the right manner for the right price. Hopefully, Phin was such a person.

  “I want to remind you that it’s also important to us that the book is sold to someone who will respect it. As I said in my email, our father lost his parents and managed to save only this one thing. Maybe we didn’t know anything about it until recently, but it meant a great deal to him, and that means something to us. If we could keep it, we would.

  Phin placed a hand over hers. Then he carefully put the book back into its wrapping and finished his coffee. Slipping on his worn hat, he faced the sisters. “I’m planning on a walk around town to see the sights of this beautiful place. I’ll come back when I’m done, and you can tell me if I take the book or not—with or without Violet. And, there’s no pressure to do anything about it today. I’ll completely understand if you can’t part with it at all.

  Scarlett saw hi
m to the café door, passed several pairs of eyes. “Thank you for being so kind.”

  He turned and smiled. “I’ve done this kind of thing for so long that I’m very aware of the mixed feelings over finding a family treasure and wanting to do the right thing. All I can say is, whatever feels right, generally is.”

  With that, he touched a finger to the brim of his hat and strolled down Main Street.

  The Cozy Café customers were obviously eager for news, but Scarlett had none that she chose to share. Pre-empting their questions, she asked, “Can I get anyone anything else?”

  “Perhaps a quiche to take home for my supper.”

  Dale followed her to the counter, and the others filed out looking disappointed. Scarlett packaged up a quiche lost in thought.

  “Are you okay?”

  She smiled at the mechanic/car-yard salesman. “I’m fine. It’s such a big decision, that’s all.”

  “I knew your dad quite well, but more so your mom. She wouldn’t like you to struggle. You girls were her world, and if the book can give you girls the life you want—do it for her.”

  Dale didn’t usually say a lot, so Scarlett was taken back and couldn’t reply. He paid her and after an encouraging smile left. When she went back to the kitchen, everyone looked at her with interest, while Ruby’s eyes shone.

  “You heard Dale?”

  They nodded.

  The café had struggled for far too long due to their mom’s hospital bills and the shorter hours so the sisters could take care of her. It had been hard on all of them.

  Scarlett sighed. “Well, he’s absolutely right. Dad and Mom loved us. This is their legacy, and we need the help, right?”

  “Yes,” Violet assured her. “You get to keep the café. Ruby is sorted at the library unless she wants to do something else.”

  “And you can do whatever you feel like,” Nate added fondly.

  Violet frowned. “I have ideas, but I never thought they’d come to fruition, so I shoved them away. I guess while I’m gone, I’ll have time to think about them some more.”

  Nate picked at the rim of his hat. “As long as you don’t move to the other side of the country to do it.”

  “Why, Sheriff, I do believe you’re blushing,” Violet teased.

  He raised an eyebrow. “You’re a handful, Violet Finch. And I aim to take you out when you get home, so think about that while you’re away.”

  Violet sniffed. “Do you now? Maybe you should ask me first. I could say no.”

  “She doesn’t like to be told what to do,” Ruby giggled. “Ever.”

  “Hmmm,” was all he said, but he gave Violet a look that made her blush worse than he had.

  There had been plenty of time and opportunity for Nate to get to know Violet and her outspoken ways. It definitely seemed he was partial to them, Scarlett mused, before getting back to the matter in hand. “Okay, so we’re doing this?”

  Her sisters nodded.

  “Right. Without sounding like I’m full of doom and gloom, let’s not go spending or doing anything silly until we have some money in our hot little hands.”

  “Very sensible,” Sam came forward and took her hand. “This is the right thing, and it’s going to make your life so much better.”

  Scarlett and Sam had flirted around dating, but there was always something else happening. It had seemed as though Violet and Nate stood more of a chance of having a relationship despite its prickles. Now hope spread through her. She’d be busy baking and waiting tables on her own for a bit, but when Violet came back, things would get easier. Just as Sam said it would.

  “If he book guy proves to be legit, you’ll need to make sure to stay with him and not go off on your own,” Nate interjected.

  “Thank you, Nate. I’ll be careful.” Violet shook her head and gave Scarlett a rueful smile. The Sheriff had no clue that he’d interrupted a tender moment.

  With the men gone, the sisters talked with Olivia about things Violet would need. Then after a long hug with Violet, Ruby ran back to the library, and Olivia headed to Cozy Crafts.

  Scarlett took money from the register and handed it to Violet. “You’ll need this for a hotel room and food. Take the van and head off home now so you can get packed. I’ll tell Phin you won’t be more than a couple of hours. Is that enough time?”

  “Plenty, as long as Nate gives his green light,” Violet laughed as she headed to the door, then stopped halfway. “Try not to spend the whole time I’m gone worrying about me.”

  Scarlett swiftly crossed the room. “I can’t promise.” They hugged tightly before she pushed Violet outside the kitchen door.

  George waited by the van. He always seemed to somehow have a sixth sense about one of them leaving or where they might be.

  Chapter Three

  Nate was as good as his word and had called in several favors to get a check on Phin. The appraiser was as well known as he professed to be with a stellar reputation. He was also very wealthy, which made Scarlett oddly happy.

  Surely a man with money wouldn’t need to cheat the sisters out of theirs?

  With Violet gone, Scarlett had to wait tables and make coffee on her own for the rest of the afternoon. Closing couldn’t come soon enough, and by the time she turned the sign over, she was exhausted.

  Plenty of people had stopped by to see how she’d gotten on with the book, and to be fair, they’d cleaned out most of the stock, resulting in one of their best days for a long while. If she’d had another pair of hands, it would have been perfect, and she sincerely hoped that Violet wouldn’t be gone long.

  Just as she gave the kitchen counter a final wipe, there was a knock at the back door. Betty Davis stood there, dressed very smartly in a floral skirt and white blouse. In her late forties, she was a character with an endless supply of stories and a ready laugh. Betty also belonged to Olivia’s knitting group.

  “Hi, Betty. Sorry, but the café’s closed.”

  “I should hope so, dear. Now that Violet’s gone, you’ll be working your fingers to the bone.”

  “That news spread fast,” Scarlett said with exasperation.

  Betty laughed. “What did you expect, dear?”

  Scarlett grinned. There was no point in being bothered about gossip. Cozy Hollow had been this way forever—and it always would. “What can I do for you, then?”

  “Oh, no.” Betty waved her hand. “It’s what can I do for you?”

  “Pardon?”

  “I’d like to offer my services. I’m a handy baker. Of course, not up to your standards, but I’m a quick learner.”

  “How kind of you to offer, but Violet is coming back,” Scarlett assured her.

  “For now. I could learn the ropes while your sister’s away, which might help a little, then you can hire me permanently. If you like my work—or me, for that matter,” Betty laughed again.

  Scarlett was stunned. “You really need a job?”

  “My savings are just about non-existent,” Betty shrugged. “So, yes, I do need a job.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “No one likes to shout about how broke they are.”

  “That’s true.” Scarlett understood how she felt. It sounded like a good idea, except for one detail. “The pay wouldn’t be great. At least not right away.”

  Again, Betty waved a hand. “We can talk about that once you see if you like my work.”

  Scarlett caught a glimpse of desperation, which hit home more than Betty’s words. Before finding the book, she was considering selling the shop. The debt escalated, and their name had been muddied. She could empathize with not having enough money and having to scrimp on everything.

  There was no need to ask her sisters because Ruby was glad to be out of the café, and Violet looked forward to that day. Perhaps this was the first step to making that happen.

  Suddenly feeling an optimism, Ruby would be proud of, Scarlett grinned. “Let’s give it a try. When can you start?”

  “Really?” Betty beamed. “Tomorrow?�
��

  “That sounds great. I start baking at 5am,” Scarlett warned.

  “I’ll be here.”

  Betty turned away, but not before Scarlett noticed her tears. George looked up at Scarlett round-eyed.

  “How did we not know?” she whispered.

  He blinked.

  “I hope this works out because I really like her. And actually, I need her.”

  George meowed and went down the steps to the van.

  “Okay, let me grab my bag.”

  She drove home slowly. Ruby was doing reading lessons with some children at the library--something she adored, so Scarlett would pick her up on the way.

  “I wonder what Violet’s having for supper,” she said aloud as she pulled up outside the library.

  The place still gave her the chills after finding the previous librarian, Mabel Norris, dead. She hadn’t been inside since that day. Ruby had no qualms, though. Surrounded by books and children, she was living her dream life.

  Ruby waved from the top step, handed a young boy a book, before locking the large wooden door.

  “How did you manage on your own?” Ruby asked as she climbed in the van.

  Scarlett screwed up her face. “I won’t lie, it was tough.”

  “That’s because people love your food, and Violet wasn’t there to help.” Ruby liked to put a happy slant on even the hardest things.

  “It’s because people are nosey and Violet wasn’t there. You know I sold nearly everything we made?”

  “Wow!”

  “That’s not all. We have a new employee.” Scarlett laughed at Ruby’s shock and proceeded to explain about Betty.

  “That’s wonderful! Now you’ll have help, and Violet can do her own thing.”

  “Exactly.” Scarlett frowned. “I do feel bad that I had no idea Betty was struggling.”

  “Didn’t you?” Ruby was surprised. “When her husband left, he cleaned her out. If it hadn’t been for the money, her mom left her, she wouldn’t have a bean.”