Chocolate Covered Murder Read Free

about Fern’s Famous losing, they’re one of my biggest advertisers.”
    â€œThey didn’t lose,” said Corney, who always saw the glass as half full. “They came in second, just a hair behind Chanticleer. We have the two best candy shops in Maine right here in Tinker’s Cove!”
    â€œI suppose Lucy could do something with that,” speculated Ted. “She can be pretty tactful, when she tries.”
    Lucy gave Ted a look. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
    â€œI know Lucy will do a great job.” Corney turned her big blue eyes on Lucy. “You’re going to love Trey Meacham. He’s a fascinating guy, and a real visionary. Chanticleer Chocolate typifies the kind of success an enterprising entrepreneur can have in Maine. We’re becoming a lot more sophisticated, it’s not about whirligigs and fudge anymore. We have top-notch craftsmen and artists making beautiful things—oil paintings and handwoven shawls and burl bowls. And the local food movement is the next big thing: fudge and lobster rolls are great, but there are small breweries, artisanal bakeries, and farmers’ markets with hydroponically grown vegetables, free-range chickens, grass-fed beef, all raised locally. That’s the market that Trey has captured. His chocolates are very sophisticated, very unusual.”
    Phyllis raised one of the thin penciled lines that served as eyebrows. “I like fudge myself. With walnuts.”
    â€œI have absolutely nothing against fudge, especially Fern’s Famous Fudge. This is a win-win situation. Two terrific candy shops. The old and the new. Something for everyone.” Corney paused. “And believe me, Lucy, you’re going to love Trey.”
    â€œI’m married,” said Lucy. “I have four kids. I’m a grandma.” She paused. “A young grandma.”
    â€œYou’re not blind, are you?”
    Lucy laughed. “Not yet.”
    â€œWell, Trey is very easy on the eyes, and he’s got an interesting story. He left a successful business career, got disillusioned with corporate life, and decided to break out on his own. It’s been a little more than a year and he’s already got several shops in prime spots on the coast. He’s a marketing genius. In fact, the Valentine’s Day promotion was his idea. He says all the merchants in town need to work together to attract business. Competition is out; cooperation is in. A rising tide raises all ships.”
    â€œOkay, you win,” said Ted, holding his hands up in surrender. “I’m thinking we can maybe do a special advertising promo, a double spread, maybe even an entire special section, if there’s enough interest.”
    â€œNow you’re talking,” said Corney. “The Chamber’s going to have colorful cupid flags for participating businesses, radio spots; we’re hoping for some TV coverage. I’ve got an appointment at NECN with the producer of This Week in New England .”
    â€œSounds good,” said Ted. “Keep us posted.”
    â€œYou know I will,” said Corney, flashing a grin. With a wave, she was gone, leaving the door ajar, swinging in the wind.
    Phyllis heaved herself to her feet with a big sigh and went around the reception counter, shaking her head as she struggled to shut the door. “You’ve got to get this door fixed, Ted, before I catch my death of cold.”
    â€œI know a terrific carpenter,” said Lucy.
    â€œCash flow’s a problem,” said Ted. “Can we work out a barter deal?”
    Lucy was intrigued; Bill had a lot of time on his hands these days. “What do you have in mind?”
    â€œI have an old guitar... .”
    â€œAbsolutely not.”
    Ted was making a mental inventory of his possessions. “A typewriter?”
    â€œDonate it to a museum,” said Lucy, laughing.
    â€œA frozen turkey? We didn’t eat it at