Free Berried Secrets by Peg Cochran Page A

lot to be empty at this hour but was astonished to find it full. Some, not finding a parking space, had even driven up onto the grass alongside the macadam.
    Lauren was leading a group of sightseers toward the wagons that would take them to the bog where Jeff and his crew were working that day. Monica could hear them asking about the body as they passed.
    Ghouls
, she thought, as she pushed open the door to the store. Still, there was very little real excitement to be had in Cranberry Cove, save for the odd boat running out of gas outside the harbor and needing a tow by the coast guard, or Tempest Storm scandalizing the town by holding a yoga class on the village green. She could hardly blame them for wanting to get in on as much of the action as they could.
    Monica was even more astonished to find the store packed with people. They were standing three deep at the counter. Yesterday’s supply of baked goods was completely depleted and a number of people were clutching tea towels, oven mitts and place mats. It seemed as if everyone wanted a little piece of Sassamanash Farm.
    Darlene was behind the counter working a piece of gum with more intensity than she put toward anything else. Monica could hear it snapping and popping all the way over to the door. She could sense the impatience of the customers as they waited for Darlene to ring them up. She pressed each key on the cash register so tentatively it was as if she had never worked one before.
    Monica plastered a smile on her face and slid behind the counter with Darlene.
    â€œNext?” she called, holding out a hand for the products a middle-aged woman in a tracksuit clutched to her chest.
    The woman handed over a set of matching place mats and napkins. She smiled tentatively at Monica.
    â€œWere you here when . . .” she began.
    Monica hesitated. She didn’t want to encourage gossip so she shook her head.
    â€œNo. And I’m afraid it wasn’t much of anything. Just an unfortunate accident.”
    The woman’s face fell and her glance drifted over to where Darlene was in an animated conversation with a woman. Monica could tell her customer was disappointed that Monica wasn’t as willing to chat.
    The crowds continued all morning and into the afternoon. All of the muffins and scones Monica had baked were gone, as well as the cranberry salsa, and their stock of cranberry-decorated items was considerably lower. Monica would have to place an order as soon as possible.
    She was rearranging the remaining items when the door opened, and Gina walked in, tottering, as usual, on a pair of stiletto-heeled black suede boots. She obviously hadn’t slept well, and her hair looked as if she’d barely run a comb through it.
    She grabbed Monica by the arm. “Is there any news?” She tightened her grip, making Monica wince. “I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night from worrying. Poor Jeffie. What is this going to do to him?”
    Monica glanced around the store. Darlene was staring at Gina with such intensity that Monica was surprised her stepmother didn’t burst into flames.
    â€œLet’s go outside.” Monica jerked her head in Darlene’s direction.
    She pulled open the door and shivered at the blast of cold air. The wind ruffled her sweatshirt and blew bits of hair around her face.
    â€œWhat is it?” Gina asked, her eyes nearly popping. “Is it good news?”
    Monica made a face. “Not really, but it is a lead. I talked to Mauricio last night—he claims he has an alibi for the time of Culbert’s death. He said he was down at Flynn’s, drinking.”
    Gina snorted. “That’s easy enough for him to say, but can he prove it?”
    â€œI don’t know. But I think I need to tell Detective Stevens about this because if I don’t I’m sure it would be considered withholding evidence.”
    Gina grabbed Monica’s arm. “But if they find out Mauricio