Secrets in Little Leaf Creek
A Little Leaf Creek Cozy Mystery
Cindy Bell
Copyright © 2023 Cindy Bell
All rights reserved.
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This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
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Chapter One
“Order up!” Mirabel Light’s voice rang out from the kitchen loud and clear, but she still slammed her palm down against the bell on the counter as well.
Cassie Alberta forced a smile as she rushed over to pick up the plates Mirabel had left for her.
“You’re doing a great job, Mirabel.”
“Thanks for lying.” Mirabel laughed. “When my ex-husband bought me this diner, I didn’t ever expect to be the cook. If the cook doesn’t show up tomorrow, I’m going to be looking for a new one to cover for Frankie. I wish Frankie would come back from vacation already. This is exhausting.”
“Then it might not be the best time to tell you that table four would like one of their burgers without cheese.” Cassie looked down at the plate in front of her. “I can take it out to them, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to return it.”
“Ugh! Of course! No, don’t bother taking it out. I’ll just save it for my dinner, if I ever get a break. Send my apologies, and let them know it will only be a few minutes. I actually have some more burgers on the go.” Mirabel ran toward the grill.
Cassie picked up one of the plates and walked toward table four. Her life had come full circle in many ways. She’d been a waitress in a diner in her hometown for a few years before heading off to college and marrying her late husband. It felt like a whirlwind as she settled into his wealthy lifestyle.
After about twenty years of marriage, he’d died unexpectedly in a car crash, and she’d faced the reality of being almost forty, with a brand new life to figure out. She’d decided to seek out the comfort of a small town again, and landed right in the middle of the picturesque town of Little Leaf Creek. On the first day, she’d taken on a job as a waitress, and made friends with her boss, Mirabel.
Now, she found herself deeply connected with the community and newly engaged to Sebastian Vail, a local farmer. She wouldn’t trade her life for anything, but once in a while, her aching ankles definitely made her miss those lavish, catered parties she often hosted.
“This is unacceptable.” The woman at table four crossed her arms as she looked at Cassie. Cassie knew Beth. She was a regular at the diner. She was retired and could be difficult at the best of times. “I ordered my food over twenty minutes ago, and now you bring out my husband’s food without mine? That’s terrible service!”
“I’m so sorry. We’re having some trouble today as we’re short-staffed. But I’ll have your burger out here in just a few minutes. I promise.” Cassie flashed her most disarming smile.
“Oh, honey, put that grin away. It’s not going to work on me. If I don’t have my meal in five minutes, I’m not paying for it. Understand me?”
“Yes, absolutely.” Cassie gritted her teeth as she walked away from the table. She stopped by the front counter to freshen the coffee of the patrons seated there.
“She’s a piece of work, huh?” A young woman with blonde hair and bright red lipstick looked up from her phone as Cassie poured fresh coffee into her cup beside her plate, which had a slice of half-eaten apple pie.
“It’s okay, we’re having some difficulties today, that’s for sure.” Cassie offered her a warm smile. “Did you need anything else?”
“Maybe a little bit of information?” She leaned forward and her curls bounced around her face. “I’ve been trying to find someone, and you might be able to help me.”
“Oh?” Instantly, Cassie’s curiosity sparked. She had a tendency to want to solve any questions or mystery that she stumbled across. “Who are you looking for?”
“A man named Chip Parks. Do you know him?”
“Why are you looking for him?” Cassie noted the determination in the young woman’s eyes.
“Does that mean you know him? I’ve heard that he’s staying with his sister in this town, but he’s kept all of his information so private. I can’t seem to find out who his sister might be. Can you help me?” She read the name tag on Cassie’s shirt. “Cassie?”
“People in this town don’t really respond well to being hunted down.” Cassie scrunched up her nose. “If you could tell me why you’re looking for him, I might be able to help you more.”
“I’m just a fan. Nothing nefarious. I promise. I’m Melody.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Melody.” Cassie smiled. “Is he famous?”
“Oh, you really don’t know him, do you?” Melody laughed. “I guess you can’t help me after all.”
“No, I’ll admit the name isn’t familiar, but now you have me very curious. Who is he?” Cassie leaned closer to her and lowered her voice. “Is he a big celebrity or something?”
“Yes, you could say that. At least, he used to be. He’s one of my favorite actors, but he hasn’t been in any movies lately. I’m hoping to run into him because I have the perfect role for him.” Melody gave a short laugh. “I know it sounds a little crazy. It’s a pipe dream. But I thought maybe if I could just get my script into his hands, he might be willing to take a chance on it.”
“It’s always good to take your shot.” A wistful smile crossed Cassie’s lips as she caught sight of the diamond ring on her own finger. “You never know what twists and turns life might take. I’m sorry I can’t help you out. I don’t know him, but I hope you’re able to find him.”
“Me, too.” Melody picked up her coffee.
“Order up!” Mirabel smashed her palm against the bell again.
“Coming!” Cassie picked up the burger and raced over to table four.
Cassie turned back toward the counter and found Melody waiting at the cash register. She hurried over.
“Leaving already?” Cassie smiled as she rang up her order.
“Yes, I’m going to keep looking for Chip.” Melody pulled out a credit card and paid.
“Well, I hope you have some success.” Cassie smiled as Melody put some coins in the tip jar.
“Thank you. Me, too.” Melody turned toward the door.
“Good luck, Melody. I hope that you find your movie star,” Cassie mumbled as she watched her leave the diner.
“Cassie!” A shriek from the back of the dining area drew her attention. “Didn’t I tell you, no ice in my iced tea?”
Cassie held her breath as she hurried over to remedy the situation.
“Are you okay?” Mirabel brushed past her with a tray filled with plates of food. “Because I’m not.” Her usually positive and bright demeanor looked strained.
“I think you’d better call Stephanie and get her to do whatever hours she can manage. I’m not sure I’ll survive another shift like this.” Cassie gulped down a deep breath. Stephanie Vail was Sebastian’s sister. “I had dinner with her and Sebastian last night, and she said she’d pick up any shifts she can.”
“Perfect, I’ll give her a call as soon as I find a second.” Mirabel delivered the food, then hurried back to the kitchen.
Cassie’s heart raced as she realized the dinner rush would be starting within the next few minutes.
“All right, Cassie, time to pretend you’re not forty.” She laughed at her own words as she grabbed another tray of food from the kitchen and whisked it through the dining room.
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