Ice Coffee Corruption, page 16
“Hello?” she answered, sounding slightly irritated now.
“Evelyn, it’s Roxy. Why did you hang up on me?”
She looked around, scanning the area.
“Roxy, now isn’t a good time. I—” The line crackled again, and she fumbled with her phone, frustration etched on her face. Then, she shoved the phone back into her pocket and hurried away.
I ended the call and quickly proceeded through the crowd, weaving between families and festivalgoers. The colorful tents and booths blurred as I focused on keeping Evelyn in my sight. She walked briskly, her head turning every so often as if she was checking to see if anyone was following her.
As I got closer to her, I slowed down, trying to blend in with the crowd. Evelyn slipped onto a narrow path leading to the back of the corn maze, a secluded area that was rarely used. I followed her, making sure to keep a safe distance.
The tall stalks of corn rustled in the breeze, creating an eerie whispering sound. The path twisted and turned, and I had to take care not to lose sight of her. The festival noises faded into the background, replaced by the rustling of the corn and the crunch of leaves underfoot.
Finally, Evelyn stopped in a small clearing and pulled out her phone again. Seeming agitated, she glanced around nervously before she hurried around to the front of the maze.
I hesitated, watching her disappear into the corn maze’s entrance. The towering stalks of corn and the faint, distant sounds of the festival provided a discomforting backdrop as I followed her. The path twisted and turned, the corn towering above, creating a labyrinth that seemed to close in around me.
In the maze, the scent of hay mingled with the earthy smell of the corn and the distant smell of caramel apples and kettle corn from the festival. Each step I took was cautious, the crunch of dried leaves and the rustle of cornstalks beneath my feet punctuating the muffled sounds of laughter outside the maze.
As I turned a corner, I saw Evelyn ahead, her movements hurried and frantic. She looked over her shoulder, her eyes wide with paranoia. I ducked behind a thick clump of cornstalks and held my breath as she scanned the area. When she resumed her path, I continued my pursuit, staying close enough to keep her in sight but far away enough to avoid detection.
The maze winded around, each path looking almost identical to the last. The occasional scarecrow peered out from the corn, adding to the maze’s unsettling nature.
Evelyn stopped again, this time near a particularly dense section of the maze. She glanced around one more time, ensuring she was alone. Slowly, she reached into her purse and pulled out something that glinted in the dappled sunlight filtering through the corn.
My heart pounded as I watched her take out a knife, its serrated edges catching the light. With another quick, furtive glance around, she began to push the knife into a nearby hay bale, trying to conceal the weapon. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: she was getting rid of the murder weapon.
I stayed hidden, my breath shallow, as Evelyn continued her task. She shoved the knife deeper into the hay, her hands shaking slightly. This was the evidence we needed, and I had to act fast before she covered her tracks completely.
My mind whirled back to the questions I’d asked earlier. Who had the most to gain from Jennifer’s death? Could it be one of the board members I had met? They all had stakes in the Bee Happy Resort, and Aiken was the majority shareholder with the power to make significant changes. Evelyn Taylor, Aiken’s secretary, had access to all his plans and could potentially manipulate situations to her advantage. Gary Adams, Susan Bennett, and Marcus Lee—each of them had reasons to try to ensure the success of the resort, especially if Jennifer knew something that could jeopardize those plans.
As I watched Evelyn bury the knife in the hay bale, everything started to fall into place. Evelyn, who had been loyal to Aiken for years, had witnessed all the changes Jennifer wanted to make. Changes that included bringing Arley into the fold. Evelyn had access to Aiken’s business cards and could have easily written the message on the back, luring Jennifer to her death.
Jennifer’s meticulous event planning and her stress over making everything perfect were signs that she was preparing for something significant—introducing Arley to Aiken. Aiken’s threatening behavior toward me and his insistence that I stop snooping were now making more sense. He wasn’t just protecting his business; he was protecting Evelyn, someone he deeply trusted.
The knife from the cabin was missing not because Arley used it to kill Jennifer. He used it on me in hopes of meeting his father by threatening me to keep quiet. That knife was in evidence at the sheriff’s department.
The connection was clear: Evelyn was trying to hide the evidence, the knife that killed Jennifer, ensuring that no one could link her to Jennifer's murder.
And then there was Dana’s information about the letter that revealed Arley’s existence. Evelyn had access to all of Jennifer’s correspondence and could have easily intercepted or manipulated it.
As Evelyn stepped back from the hay bale, satisfied with her work, I knew I had to act. I backed away carefully, pulling out my phone to call Spencer.
This was the break we needed, the proof that Evelyn was involved. My heart raced—confronting her here and now would be too dangerous. I needed backup.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Evelyn asked.
Clearly, I wasn’t quiet enough.
“Roxy. I suggest you drop your phone on the ground.”
I froze, my phone slipping from my grasp and falling to the ground. Evelyn’s eyes blazed with both fear and anger as she approached me, now holding the knife firmly in her hand.
“You just couldn’t leave it alone, could you?” she hissed, the knife gleaming in the dim light that filtered through the maze.
My heart pounded, my breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. “Evelyn, you don’t have to do this. We can talk about it.”
“Talk?” She released a laugh devoid of humor. “It’s too late for that. You’ve already seen too much.”
I took a step back, mentally scrambling for a way out. The rustling of the hay, the distant sounds of the festival, and the overwhelming scents of earth and straw filled my senses, but I had to focus. I couldn’t let her get away with this.
Evelyn lunged forward, aiming the knife at my midsection.
I twisted to the side, barely avoiding the blade, and felt a sharp pain as I collided with the maze’s rough wooden framework.
“You're not going to get away with this,” I managed, my voice trembling but defiant.
“We’ll see about that,” she spat, advancing again. Her movements were quick and precise, showing a side of her I hadn’t seen before. This woman was fighting for her survival.
I ducked under her next swipe, feeling the rush of air as the knife passed dangerously close. Desperation surged through me. I had to disarm her, but she was strong and clearly determined.
With a sudden burst of adrenaline, I grabbed a handful of hay and threw it in her face. Evelyn recoiled, coughing and blinking furiously. Seizing the moment, I tackled her, knocking the knife from her hand.
We struggled on the ground, kicking up dust and hay. Her nails raked across my arm, and I cried out in pain, but I held onto her. Using every ounce of strength I had, I fought to keep her pinned.
“You think you’re smart?” she snarled, twisting beneath me. “You think you can just expose me?”
“I won’t let you get away with murder,” I gritted out, feeling her squirming and trying to gain the upper hand. My muscles screamed in protest, but I held on.
Just as Evelyn managed to roll me off, a flash of movement caught my eye.
Aunt Maxi came charging through the maze, her cane raised high in the air.
“Get off my niece, you varmint!” my aunt yelled, bringing the cane down with a swift, decisive swing. The cane connected with Evelyn’s head, and she crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
I scrambled to my feet, breathless and wide-eyed. “Aunt Maxi! What are you doing here?”
“Thought you could use some backup,” she said with a triumphant grin. She straightened her hat, which was slightly askew from her hurried run. “Looks like I was right.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the tension break in the most surreal way. “You certainly have a knack for timing.”
Aunt Maxi chuckled, nudging Evelyn with her cane to make sure she was truly out. “Well, like my mama always said, ‘When in doubt, whack ’em with a stick.’”
I shook my head, still catching my breath. “I owe you one, Aunt Maxi. Big-time.”
“You just make sure this whole mess gets sorted out,” she said, helping me to steady myself. “And maybe next time, don’t go chasing murderers alone.”
I nodded, looking down at the unconscious Evelyn. “You’re right. Let’s get Spencer over here to take care of this.”
In a quick call to Spencer, I informed him of the situation. He assured me he was on his way with backup. As we waited, Aunt Maxi and I stood guard over Evelyn, the tension slowly ebbing as the sounds of the festival continued to drift through the maze.
Aunt Maxi patted me on the back. “You did good, kid. Real good. Now, let’s get you a nice, strong cup of coffee.”
I smiled, grateful for her unwavering support and unique brand of humor. “I think I’d like that very much.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
The evening was perfect. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun began to set, and twinkling lights hung from the trees, casting an inviting glow over our porch and yard.
Fall leaves danced in the gentle breeze, creating a picturesque setting for our Friendsgiving celebration.
The outside of the cabin was adorned with autumn decorations—pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, hay bales, and cornstalks. The smells of roasting turkey and fresh apple pie came from the kitchen.
“Everything looks beautiful, Roxy,” Mom said, her eyes sparkling as she took in the scene. She gave me a hug, her warmth and love making me feel even more grateful for this moment.
“Thanks, Mom,” I replied, hugging her back. “I wanted tonight to be special for everyone.”
Aunt Maxi, her leg still bandaged but her spirit undeterred, was busy directing people to their seats. She wore a bright orange shawl over a green sweater, and her scarecrow earrings swung as she moved.
“Don't you just love this weather?” she called out to no one in particular, her laughter infectious.
Bunny Bowowski and Loretta Bebe were helping set the table, their laughter filling the air. Birdie, Shelly, and Shanda were putting the final touches on the food, making sure everything was perfect.
It appeared as if everyone had momentarily set aside their differences to celebrate our annual Friendsgiving.
Patrick walked over, his arm around Jean Hill, who had finally decided to keep Deputy. Our dogs, Sassy and Pepper, ran around the yard, their excitement adding to the moment. Camey and Walker were chatting near the porch, their faces lit up with smiles, while Amelia played with some of the fallen leaves, her laughter ringing out like a sweet melody.
“Everyone, gather around!” I called out, holding up a glass of sparkling cider.
The conversation quieted, and all eyes turned to me.
“I just want to thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate Friendsgiving. These past few days have been tough, but we made it through together.”
Murmurs of agreement and nods of appreciation arose from the guests.
“We were able to uncover the truth behind Jennifer's murder,” I said.
Patrick squeezed my hand, giving me the courage to continue. "Aiken Armstrong, despite his faults, was not the murderer,” he said. “Nor was his son, Arley Heatman, who I’m happy to say has connected with Aiken and is spending Thanksgiving with him.”
“Jennifer’s real killer was Evelyn, Aiken’s secretary,” I announced. “She couldn’t bear the thought of Arley Heatman, Aiken’s son, coming into the picture and disrupting Aiken’s life as he had told Jennifer he would. She’d been his secretary so long that she felt like she knew what Aiken needed better than his own wife.”
“Who would have thought?” Loretta Bebe asked, shaking her head.
“Evelyn’s plan was intricate,” I explained. “She intercepted the letter from Prudence Thorne, manipulated the meeting time, and used Arley as a pawn in her game. But thanks to Aunt Maxi's timely intervention,” I added with a smile in her direction, “we were able to catch Evelyn in the act of hiding the murder weapon. Spencer has her in custody now, and justice will be served.”
A round of applause and cheers erupted from the group.
“To Aunt Maxi!” Camey toasted, lifting her glass.
"To Aunt Maxi!" everyone else echoed, raising their own glasses.
Aunt Maxi blushed, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, stop it. It was a team effort. Me and my cane.” She waved it in the air.
I laughed, feeling the love and camaraderie of all the people around me.
“Here’s to friendship, family, and the strength of our community. Happy Friendsgiving, everyone!” I yelled.
“Happy Friendsgiving!” the whole group shouted in unison, clinking their glasses together.
As we all sat down to enjoy the feast, I looked around the table, my heart full. Despite the challenges, we had come together, stronger and more united than ever. The twinkling lights, the falling leaves, and the support of my loved ones made this moment perfect. This was what Honey Springs was all about—community, love, and resilience.
And as the night continued, filled with laughter, stories, and the delicious food we had all prepared, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.
RECIPES FROM THE BEAN HIVE
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Maple Pecan Breakfast Bars
Roxy's Special Harvest Harmony Coffee Blend
PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINS
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
A sprinkle of coarse sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with non-stick spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cHotelamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. If desired, sprinkle the tops with chopped nuts, pepitas, or coarse sugar for added texture and flavor.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Cool:
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Muffins warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Notes:
Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Add-ins: Feel free to mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or raisins to the batter for extra flavor.
Enjoy these delicious, fall-inspired Pumpkin Spice Muffins, perfect for any cozy occasion!
SWEET POTATO BISCUITS
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cHotelamon (optional for added flavor)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for added flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
