Free Digging for Dirt (Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mystery Book 9) by Cindy Bell

though she understood why she was. “I’m going to figure out what happened. Chef Henry says the berries could not have come from his kitchen.”
    “Good, that’s a start,” Sarah said. “But who sent the basket.”
    “I don’t know, but I’m going to try to find out,” she said with determination. “I’m first going to check that Aunt Ida didn’t organize the basket, then I’m going to start with the grocers to see if they know who could have ordered it.”
    Sarah nodded vaguely. “I better make a few more calls.”
    As she disappeared inside the office, Vicky felt her stomach flip. Things were about to go from bad to worse, and if she didn’t find out the truth fast, her family might just lose everything.
    “Vicky?” Ida walked up to her. “What’s going on?”
    “Aunt Ida,” Vicky said. “Where have you been?”
    “I just went for a walk.”
    “Did you organize a basket of fruit to be delivered to Freida?” Vicky asked before explaining anything.
    “No, of course not,” Ida said with confusion. “Why?”
    “I’ll explain on the way. We need to take a trip, Aunt Ida.” Vicky looked at her aunt. “There’s no time to waste.”

Chapter 11
    O n the drive to the grocery store Vicky filled Ida in on the poisonous berries. Ida’s expression grew more and more grave with everything that Vicky said. By the time they parked, Ida was just as determined as Vicky.
    “We have to find out who did this.” Ida stepped out of the car. Vicky did as well.
    “I know!” Vicky held the door of the store open for Ida and then followed her inside. The small grocery store was one of the locally owned businesses that the inn used. It might have been a little cheaper for them to use a larger grocery store from a neighboring town for their supplies, but they felt the investment in the community was worth the extra cost, especially seeing as the store sourced its fresh ingredients locally wherever possible. A man stood behind the counter near the deli. He wore a white apron. His short, black hair was receding in a half moon from his forehead. His cheeks were round and full.
    “Excuse me?” Vicky walked towards the counter. The moon looked up at her. Vicky recognized him as John, the owner of the grocery store.
    “Hi, Vicky, Ida.” He greeted them with a smile. “How are you today?” He turned fully to face them. Vicky noticed that there were several bins of fresh fruit nearby.
    “Not the best, John,” Vicky replied.
    “We have had an incident with someone at the inn.” Ida sprang forward with an explanation before Vicky could continue. Vicky knew that it was because Ida was more of the charmer.
    “Oh? It’s not Henry I hope?” He stepped around the counter towards them.
    “No, one of the guests was delivered a fruit basket yesterday,” Ida explained. “Did anyone order a fruit basket from you yesterday?”
    “I don’t think so,” he said thoughtfully. “But I didn’t work all day yesterday.”
    “Is there any way you can check, please?” Ida asked.
    “Sure.” He walked over to the computer and tapped a few keys. “Yes, there were a couple of fruit baskets ordered yesterday.” Vicky tried not to show any reaction as she didn’t want him to stop giving them information. And she had a feeling he would stop if he knew the severity of what had occurred.
    “Can you tell who ordered them please?” Ida asked hopefully.
    John tapped a few more keys and then shook his head. “No, I can’t. They both paid cash and took them with them. I wasn’t working, but I can call Lukey and see if he remembers.”
    “Thank you,” Ida said. Vicky and Ida exchanged a nervous glance as John picked up the phone. He dialed the number and then waited.
    “He’s not picking up.” He shook his head and hung up. “He’s going on vacation today, but I can try get hold of him later.”
    “Can you call us when you get hold of him, please?” Ida asked with a smile.
    “Of course,” John replied.
    “Thank