Free All Fudged Up (A Candy-Coated Mystery) by Nancy CoCo Page A

“Go on, don’t worry, I’ll see to the puppy’s needs. Does she have a name yet?”
    “I’m still working on that,” I said. “Let me know what you think.” I left my puppy in good hands and power walked to the bank. Inside, the white limestone building was quiet. It was richly appointed in dark wood and brass fixtures. A huge crystal chandelier illuminated the lobby. I got into the only line open. In front of me was a man with wide shoulders and a nice bum. He wore a plaid shirt and a pair of worn Levi’s. His dark hair was slightly shaggy and he smelled of horses and leather. His feet were clad in cowboy boots.
    I took a deep sniff and noted his warm cologne. The man looked good and smelled good. Why hadn’t I seen him around yet?
    He turned away and I noted the square jaw and handsome brown eyes of Joe Jessop’s grandson. “Excuse me,” Trent Jessop said as he popped a cowboy hat on his head.
    “No, problem,” I said. “You’re Joe Jessop’s grandson?”
    He tilted his head and studied me with male interest. “Yes, and you are?”
    “I’m Allie McMurphy.” I stuck out my hand. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
    His face went frighteningly neutral. The silence buzzed through my ears.
    I pulled my hand back and shoved it in my back pocket. “I recently lost my grandfather as well.”
    “I know,” he said quietly. “Good day.” He practically ran out of the bank.
    Well, I thought, that went well. I blew out a long breath and turned to the cashier, who watched me with too much interest.
    “Can I help you?” she asked.
    “Yes, I need a cashier’s check for two grand.” I handed her my debit card and glanced over my shoulder to watch Trent stride away.
    At least he wasn’t wearing a purple ribbon.

Chapter 10
    “Honey, what are you doing?”
    “Now that the power is back on and the painters are done, I need to tackle the floors.” I looked up from my position on hands and knees. Frances stared down at me through her big, round, red-framed glasses.
    “I didn’t realize you were a flooring expert.”
    I adjusted the knee pads I wore and used the crowbar to yank on the tacked-down edges of the dusty lobby carpet. “I’m only pulling up this old carpet. I’m pretty sure there’s hardwood underneath. Mike Proctor told me the quote to refinish the floors would depend on the shape they’re in under the carpet.” I wiped the sweat from my forehead onto the sleeve of the ratty old shirt I wore. It was one of Papa’s I found in his drawer and was more than a bit big on me, but it served its purpose.
    The puppy played with the edge of the carpet I had freed. She pulled on it, leaning back on her haunches. When a piece ripped off, she shook it hard and brought it to me. “Wonderful,” I muttered and took off the heavy gloves I wore and snagged the old carpet out of her mouth. She sat down and watched me with so much pride in her eyes. It was as if she said, “It’s easy, Mommy, see?”
    “Why isn’t Colin doing that?” Frances took off the felt hat she wore. The hat was a lovely lilac color and matched the spring coat she had on.
    I turned back to ripping up the edges of the carpet. “He hasn’t come in to work yet.”
    “You need to fire him.” Frances took off her coat and hung it on the coat rack that stood behind the receptionist desk.
    “Fine, if I ever see him, I’ll tell him he’s fired.”
    “I heard that Colin’s son, Freddy, was on island for a visit. You should talk to him about Colin.”
    “I suspect he already knows.” I blew out a breath and grabbed the edge of the carpet and pulled with all my might. “But should I run into him, I’ll certainly mention it.”
    Only about six inches of carpet budged. Whoever had laid this carpet had wanted it to stay forever. “Anyway, it means that I have to do my own carpet ripping.” I picked up the crowbar and popped more staples. This was going to take me all day.
    “Well, ever since Colin’s wife Karen died, he’s