Free Danger with a Cherry on Top: A Beach Themed Cozy Mystery (Twisted Sisters Ice Cream Cozies Book 2) by Molly Dox Page A

Jane said.
    “Thanks for letting me know.” She watched her friend turn back into the store beside her own stand. While Lottie’s stand wasn’t long or deep, the fudge shop was a walk-in type store with larger footage. They had the best, the best peanut butter fudge she’d ever tasted.
    She turned around to see a smiling Vinny. Lottie frowned. “Where’s your brother?”
    “He asked to swap shifts again. It’s all good, Aunt Lottie. I have a date tomorrow, so it works out for the better.”
    “Okay,” she answered. “I just wish he’d remember to tell me, before swapping shifts. It’s not the first time he’s done it.”

Chapter 2
     
    Gina Ambrogi closed up the deli for the night. Giuseppe was supposed to work the morning shift, but he’d been staying out all hours of the night since his buddy Mikey Oliver was back in town. She hoped he clocked in on time, or she’d need to straighten him out. Family or not, he had responsibilities. He’d already bailed on his Aunt Lottie and had Vinnie cover for him twice recently, and wasn’t doing his usual share of pulling the weight at the family deli. Between Gina’s deli and Lottie’s ice cream stand, they had their hands full. Slacking off wouldn’t do. She’d taught him better than that. If you wanted something done right, you put your time in and did the work.
    Gina’s phone buzzed not a moment after she got into her car. She glanced at the caller ID. Her sister’s name registered across the screen.
    “Hello,” Gina said, before leaning forward to turn the key in the ignition.
    “Oh good, I figured you’d just about be leaving. Word is there was a burglary on the boardwalk last night. I’m going to take the extra till money home with me, along with the deposit for the day. Hey, what’s up with Giuseppe? He bailed on me again. What’s going on?”
    Gina sighed. “I’m not sure. He’s been keeping odd hours. He better be sure to show up for work tomorrow morning. He’s got first shift at the deli, and I planned on sleeping in. Rick’s been restless, and I haven’t slept well with him tossing and turning all night. Anyway, I’m going to run home, grab a shower, and watch a few shows. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
    “Sure thing,” Lottie answered. “I hope you get a good night of sleep.”
    “You and me, both.”
    Gina pulled out of her parking spot and drove home. Her once busy household was quieting down with the kids getting older. Tonight, she looked forward to the peace. She knew it wouldn’t last long, and she needed to snatch it before it was gone. Carla was up in New York again, Vinnie was working, Giuseppe was out wandering around with his buddy, her husband was working, and her other daughter, Lola, was visiting a friend. With her undergraduate program behind her, Lola was taking a break before jumping back into her education.
    ***
    It wasn’t good news, come morning. A few more places had been hit, including the Twisted Sisters Ice Cream stand. While there wasn’t any money stolen, the place was a mess. It seemed to upset the burglar enough that they trashed the place, wasting product and leaving a mess. The door had been kicked open at the back entrance. The front was untouched, as the metal-gated-door stopped most people from gaining access. A surf shop, a temporary tattoo place, and a gift shop with shore trinkets were also burglarized that night.
    How could so many places be involved and nobody saw anything?
    Lottie called the police and her father, one after the other. If she wanted to file a report with her insurance company, a police report was the first step. Her father, on the other hand, was a retired detective. If she wanted any real help picking up small clues, he’d be the one to figure it out.
    Lottie sighed. She snapped a few pictures on her phone and sent them to her sister. The urge to start cleaning up the mess was strong, but she couldn’t until everything was documented and checked over. Lottie’s