Fudge Bites Read online

  “Will they be able to get back in through the door?”

  “They’ll have to swipe a keycard. Or they can go down my back staircase to the ground. I plan on putting a security camera over the door.”

  “Smart.”

  I took him outside and up to the roof. The men had only just finished reinforcing underneath. The deck itself hadn’t been started yet. “They’ll put down waterproof webbing first, then float the deck over the top.”

  “Really nice,” Trent said, studying the view of the straits and the fort. “Will you have handrails?”

  “I didn’t think they would be necessary.”

  “Unless you have kids at a rooftop event.”

  I made a face. “I’ll order handrails tomorrow.”

  “Smart. How about a hot tub?” His grin widened. “I can imagine how great it would be to sit up here at night in a hot tub with a glass of wine and a view of the night sky.”

  “Maybe next year,” I said. “Right now, money’s tight. This project is pretty expensive. I’m hoping I’ll earn back its worth within two years.”

  “Again, smart,” he said. He put his arms around me, resting his chin on the top of my head. “This view is dynamite.”

  For a brief moment, I allowed myself to relax into him. He smelled so good. Then I straightened and pulled away. “Mackinac is a small island. And you know I’m sort of seeing Rex.”

  “So?” he said. “You aren’t exclusive, are you?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” I shook my head. “We haven’t talked about that.”

  “Then there’s nothing to worry about. Have you given my invitation any further thought?”

  “I talked to Frances and Douglas. You’re right—everyone wants to leave after the Christmas season. Even Rex told me I should go.” I hugged myself.

  “So come,” he said. “I’ll send you the details on the kitchen and the apartment. It’s just for three or four months. It will do you good to get off the island.”

  “I’m fine with the island.”

  He rubbed my forearms. “I know you’re fine with it. But this place can narrow your view. Come on, you’re young. You need to live a little.”

  “Trent, we’ve broken up.”

  “This isn’t about us,” he said. “This is about you, and what’s best for you. Listen, I’ll send you the information. Think about it. It won’t be expensive. You can make up the cost of rent by selling and shipping more fudge online.” His phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket and read the number. “I’ve got to take this. I’ll be back next month. See you then.”

  Mal and I stood on the top of the McMurphy and watched the sun go down over the lake. I tried to picture fairy lights and a hot tub gazebo up here. Yes, I think the new rooftop deck was going to be a wonderful place for families to celebrate.

  Chapter 20

  “I don’t think Rick Manx is our killer,” Liz said later that night. She sat on my couch, and I sat in Papa Liam’s favorite chair. We had wine and a snack tray. “He was too shaken up over Haley telling him about the affair. If he knew about it in advance, that wouldn’t have happened.”

  “Yeah, I agree. Have you heard who the dead body was that Rex found?”

  “Yes, there was a press announcement. I put it on my blog.”

  “Oh, sorry. I was busy and didn’t get to read it.”

  “It was Ralph Jorgensen. They identified him by the clothes and ring he wore. It took them a while to notify the family.”

  “Why? Are they out of state, or downstate?”

  “Well, according to Rex, Ralph left after Labor Day to visit his sister in Ann Arbor. There was just one catch.”

  “Go on . . .”

  “When the cops went to the Ann Arbor police to help notify the family, there was no sister in Ann Arbor. Seems she died two years ago.”

  “Maybe he was going to return to close up her estate.”

  “Except that he wasn’t the executor.”

  “Who was?”

  “Haley Manx.”

  “What? How is Haley related?”

  “Ralph’s other sister was Haley’s mom.”

  “So the dead guy is Haley’s uncle? Does Haley know that he’s dead?”

  “Rex went down and informed her the moment he found out. She was devastated, to say the least. He was her last living relative.”

  “And now she’s even splitting up with her husband. I’ll go visit her tomorrow and ask her if there’s anything I can do.”

  “I’m sure she’ll appreciate that.”

  “What about the bag of hymnals?”

  “The bag of what?”

  “Wow, they really aren’t telling you everything.”

  “What do you mean?” She leaned forward. “You know something? Spill.”

  “Well, run this by Rex before you publish it, but the only reason we found Ralph’s body is because Mal dug up an old bag of hymnals.”

  “That’s why Rex was going from church to church asking if anyone was missing a hymnal or knew who it might belong to?”

  “But there was more than hymnals in the bag,” I said, leaning forward.

  “Okay, now you are literally killing me. What else was in the bag?”

  “I don’t think I can say. It sounds like Rex may be hoping someone could tell him what all was in the bag so that they can prove it belongs to them.”

  “What is it? A diamond ring? Tennis bracelet? Was someone robbed? Do you think Ralph was the robber or the robbee? I have so many questions.” She sipped her wine and sat back.

  “I think you should ask Rex,” I said.

  “Oh, come on. We’re friends. What good is my sharing news with you if you don’t share what you know with me?”

  I changed the subject. “Some people think that Pastor Henry is good-looking. Do you?”

  “Who? What? Me? No!”

  “That sounded guilty,” I said with a grin. “Do you have a crush on the good pastor? I didn’t see you at church, so how else would you know him?”

  “It’s all innocent,” she protested. She sat up and put her wineglass on the coffee table. “Gramps made me do a story on him when he first arrived.”

  “When was that?”

  “About two years ago,” she said. “St. John’s was really nothing but a shell. Pastor Henry showed up one day and moved into the rectory. Before you know it, he had all kinds of people helping out. They restored the church. It’s been a small but vibrant community ever since.”

  “But you don’t go.”

  “I like Trinity myself.”

  “Pastor Henry said they’re having their annual garage sale this weekend to try to raise money. But they’re going to need more than a garage sale to pay for the church to be put back on its foundation.”

  “On its foundation?”

  “The blast knocked it off the foundation a bit.”

  “Huh, that’s going to be expensive. I suppose he could get the yacht club involved.”

  “I was thinking something more fun.”

  “Like?”

  “Like a bachelor and bachelorette auction. You know. We could get some cool celebrities to come and auction off a date night with them. Dinner and drinks only, of course.”

  “Of course,” Liz said. “That sounds like fun. But do you think that’s appropriate for a church event?”

  “I can ask Pastor Henry. It’s only Sunday. The garage sale isn’t until Saturday. We could put something together by then, I’m sure.”

  “Well, I don’t think you’ll get any big celebrities to come with only a week’s notice.”

  “Probably not, but it might be worth a try to get some local celebrities. Like maybe that newscaster in Sheboygan. I’ll go visit Pastor Henry tomorrow and see what he thinks of the idea. If he likes it, then I’ll solicit volunteers. You’ll do it, right?”

  “What?” Liz straightened. “Me? That would be horrible. What If I only raise a dollar?”

  “Oh, I have an idea! We can pick four people
—two guys and two girls—and we can ask the town to help choose which of the two girls and which of the two guys will draw the most attention. The participants could have to go around doing good deeds to win the popular vote and a spot on the final auction block.”

  “That’s crazy.” She sat back and sipped her wine. “It just might work.”

  “I bet it will. Remember when the island was divided between Trent and me? We can try to recreate that with little pins and different colored ribbons. The participant will do something good, and if the recipient likes it, they’ll wear that person’s ribbon for the auction. Then Saturday night will be the final, where the one with the highest bid wins.”

  “You may have something.”

  “Think of all the seniors who may need help winterizing their places, or packing and moving, or general around the house work.”

  “I think you should volunteer to be one of the people,” Liz said. “I happen to know two men who would bid pretty high for a date night with you.”

  I felt the heat of a blush rush up my cheeks. “No, I’ll be the emcee.”

  “Oh no.” Liz put down her wine and picked up her phone to text someone. “I think you would be the best one to compete, and I bet Frances will agree with me.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Contacting Pastor Henry to let him know about the idea, and how you volunteered to be one of the girls.”

  “No, don’t,” I said, trying to swipe her phone, but she stood and held it out of my reach as she continued texting. “If I’m a participant, then Trent and Rex won’t volunteer for the male part.”

  Liz paused for a moment and thought about it. Then she shrugged. “There’s nothing that says participants can’t bid.”

  “There could be a rule,” I said and grabbed for her phone again. “We’re making this up right now. I say there’s a rule.”

  Her phone dinged. “Oh, look, Pastor Henry thinks it’s a fabulous idea.” She flashed her phone at me, and my heart sank. “He wants to thank you for the idea and for volunteering.”

  “Give me that,” I said. “It’s nearly nine at night. What pastor answers a text this late? For that matter, why do you have Pastor Henry’s phone number?” I grabbed the phone.

  She shrugged slyly. “Everyone likes you. People would bid a lot to go on a date with you.”

  * * *

  “I heard about poor Ralph,” Frances said as she and Douglas came to work the next morning. “Here we all thought he went off to stay with his sister.”

  “But his sister died,” I pointed out. “Someone on the island should have known that.”

  “We didn’t know her well,” Douglas said. He took off his coat, then helped Frances with hers and hung them both up on the pegs in the small hall under the staircase. “She lived alone in Ann Arbor, and no one here knew that she died.”

  “Do we know how Ralph was killed?” Frances asked.

  “I haven’t heard anything.” The doorbells rang, and the construction crew piled into the lobby. Most of them were laughing and joking, but I noticed that Rick was quiet. I went over to him. “I’m sorry about Haley.”

  He shrugged. “I should have known. She’s been distant lately.”

  “Alright, men. You know what to do,” Elmer called out. “Allie, I’ve got four guys finishing up down here. The rest of us will be on your rooftop laying down the waterproofing and sealing it.”

  I watched them all climb the stairs to their relative spaces. Mal sat beside me watching as well. She’d raced to get pets from each one before they went upstairs, but by this week, their presence was old news. She’d rather stay down in the lobby with Frances and me. That’s where the treats were.

  “I saw that you put up flyers for Mella,” Frances said. “Did you hear anything from anyone?”

  “Not a soul,” I said. “I’m worried.”

  “Cats have nine lives.” She patted my shoulder. “Mella will show up.”

  I took off my baker’s coat and hat. “I’ve got a meeting this morning with Pastor Henry.”

  “Oh, I heard about that too,” Frances said with a smile. “That was a very good idea, and kind of you to volunteer.”

  “How could you have heard?” I asked, putting my hands on my hips. “Liz and I came up with the idea last night. I haven’t told a soul.”

  “No, but Liz has been busy. Did you see this morning’s Town Crier?”

  “Darn,” I said, making a face. “Now I guess I really have to do it.”

  The doorbells jangled again, and Mary Emry came in with a small box. “I’m supposed to deliver this to you.”

  “What is it?” I asked as I took it.

  “Not my business,” she said, and walked out.

  I opened the box. Inside was a roll of yellow ribbon and a packet of safety pins, along with a note. “Make up your ribbons and start recruiting people to your team. I’m your competition, and I have the inside track.” It was signed by Mrs. Tunisian.

  Great. I was competing with a senior citizen. If I didn’t win this, I would never live it down.

  * * *

  CANDY CORN FUDGE

  1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese

  12 ounces white chocolate chips

  4 cups confectioner’s sugar

  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  Red and yellow food coloring

  Prepare an 8-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper and coating with butter.Put cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. (This might take a little more time, depending on your microwave.) Use a double boiler to slowly melt white chocolate chips. Once melted and smooth, add the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Divide into three bowls. Leave one bowl as is. Mix 2–3 drops of yellow food coloring (more or less depending on your preference) into the second bowl and stir until combined. In the third bowl, mix equal drops of red and yellow food coloring to make a bright orange and mix thoroughly. Layer sections in pan: first white, then orange, and finally yellow. Chill until firm. Remove from pan and slice into small rectangles or triangles. Serve.

  Makes about 32 ½-inch squares or 1-inch triangles of fudge.

  Chapter 21

  “Welcome to the first meeting regarding our new bachelor/bachelorette auction fundraiser,” Pastor Henry said. “First of all, I want to thank Allie and Liz for coming up with this fun idea. Second, thank you to our four volunteers: Allie, Mrs. Tunisian, Trent, and Shane.”

  “Please, call me Louise,” Mrs. Tunisian said. “I want to fit in with the kids—and besides, who would want to have a dinner date with a ‘Mrs.’?”

  “Wait, is your first name Louise?” Liz asked.

  “Louise is my middle name,” she said with a headshake. “I feel like Louise is young and hip and dateable. And not at all connected to my dear husband, God rest his soul.”

  “You are young and hip and datable,” I said. “I love that you’re so involved.”

  “The best part about this event is that each of you four volunteers need to do good works for someone in order for them to wear your pin. This reinforces that idea of community,” Pastor Henry said. He pushed his wire-rimmed glasses up on his nose. “You have the rest of this week and until noon on Saturday to get as many people as possible to wear your pin. Then they must come to the auction and support you. The competition will be scored on the number of pins worn at the auction, as well as the amount in dollars you can bring in—both through bidders and donations.”

  “Since Allie is in the competition, Sophie and I will be planning this event,” Liz said. “Part of your work is to get sponsorship from a local restaurant to create a romantic night on the town for your date. Meanwhile, we’ll be publicizing the event and preparing for the auction. Are there any questions?”

  Trent raised his hand. “Can we bid for each other?”

  Liz grinned and looked to the pastor. “It’s up to Pastor Henry.”

  “I’m going to have to say no,
” he said. “It takes focus away from your bidders if you’re bidding on someone else.”

  “Got it,” Trent said.

  “Can we fly our bidders in for the weekend?” Shane asked.

  “If you can get someone to sponsor that, yes,” Pastor Henry said. “Now, Mary Emry has delivered to each of you the ribbons and pins. Go out and enjoy helping others, and spread the word about the fundraiser.”

  We stood and shuffled out of the church.

  “May the best woman win,” Louise said, holding out her hand. I shook it. She hurried off to start knocking on doors.

  “You have a real challenge there,” Trent said. “That woman has more energy than most twenty-year-olds.”

  “And there are a lot of older guys on the island to bid on her,” I said.

  “Oh, come on now,” Shane teased. “Who’s to say only older guys will bid on her? Have you ever had one of her shortcakes? All she would have to do is offer that as dessert, and half the men on the island will be fighting over her.”

  “Great,” I muttered. “I guess I need to get to work doing good deeds.”

  “Want to act as a team?” Trent suggested.

  “What do you mean?”

  “We can go house to house and do good deeds together.”

  “But then whose pin will they wear? It is a competition,” I pointed out.

  “And not fair if you two team up,” Shane said.

  “Right,” Trent said. “Well, then, may the best person win.”

  * * *

  The first thing I did was make a casserole and bring it to Haley’s house.

  “What is this?” she asked when she opened her door to find me standing on her porch.

  “I understand that your Uncle Ralph’s remains have been identified. My mother always said take food to the family. You can freeze it for later, if you want.”

  “Oh my gosh,” Haley said. She hugged me. “Thank you. Please come in. You’re the only one who said anything.”

  Pastor Henry was inside. “Hello, Allie,” he said, standing to shake my hand.