Treacherous Trinkets

By E.Z. Pennington

As Becky Olson warms up to living life in Rose Hollow, she slowly becomes acquainted with life in a small town and everything that goes with it. She sets out a routine and tries to follow it while, unbeknownst to her, political tension is brewing in the town she now calls home.
When the deputy mayor is murdered live on television, Becky springs into action to solve the case. As she delves deeper into Rose Hollow politics, she discovers dark secrets that are hard to hide. Tensions rise and Becky has to keep a cool head if she's going to solve this case.
Becky has to race to solve this case before the mayor is attacked next! This Cozy Mystery Novel is packed with quirky characters, rousing romps and a whodunnit that wraps up cleanly. No cliffhangers, no curse words and no obscenity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gizmo Media
• Release date: May 21, 2021

Book preview

Author

1

Becky Olson woke up the same way she always woke up, reluctantly and much too early. She pulled herself from bed, showered and dressed, then descended the stairs to the antiques store she owned .

Her Aunt Pauline had owned the store, then Pauline had disappeared. Out of the blue, Becky had gotten keys and a letter saying the store had belonged to her.

She had moved from Ohio to the tiny, frivolous town of Rose Hollow, Maine.

It was a reckless, impulsive move, and she had loved every moment of it.

Becky put on a pot of coffee even though she knew that within half an hour, her neighbor and friend, Mickey Dunner, would be over with coffee, and Mickey knew to make coffee way better than she ever could and watched as it brewed.

It wasn't really a morning until she’d had three cups of coffee.

There was a period where she tried to cut back. That period lasted a day and a half. She pulled on another sweater, her third for the day. Rose Hollow women didn't seem to change the way they dressed, as if they were impervious to the cold. Becky wondered if it was something in the Rose Hollow water that she was missing. She was always cold, and the other women never seemed to feel it.

It was the midst of winter, Christmas and New Years had passed, and they were in the lull where the days were short, cold, and boring. Her store was an old house, impossible to heat, and she didn't know who to call about that.

Becky wasn't ever really sure how to function in the real world. It always seemed so difficult to her.

She waited until the coffee maker beeped. She had a single cup maker, something that made sense for her but annoyed everyone else who tried to make coffee in her kitchen.

She had a strict routine. She had fifteen minutes until she opened. Fifteen minutes until the rest of the sleepy town woke up. Becky preferred the early mornings although she hated getting up early. She liked how quiet the town was before everyone woke up. It strangely felt as if she were the only person in the world, and she liked it.

Still holding her mug, she unlocked her front door and flipped her sign to open.

Becky had a few regulars who came in every few days to see what she had. She was a bit of a tourist spot. She didn't realize how many tourists the town got until she had her store.

But mostly, her friends came in to gossip.

That she didn't mind at all.

She watched out the window as some people began to start their day, walking down the street. Becky sipped from her mug of coffee.

It was beginning to snow.

She wasn't sure how snow would influence the Rose Hollow tourism department.

Becky sat down on the six-piece seating set she had never been able to sell and waited. The town just needed time to wake up—like she did.

---

The first person who came to her store was her neighbour, Mickey Dunner. Mickey was a retired teacher, older, but she was Becky's closest friend in Rose Hollow.

Morning, Becky said. Mickey was holding two travel cups. Becky drained her mug.

You need to cut back, Mickey said.

I just tried that, Becky said. She could feel herself getting all jittery, but she preferred it that way. Come. Sit.

Mickey did as she was told and then handed over the travel cup. Becky took it. You're the best, by the way, Becky said.

I know, Mickey said. She had lived in Rose Hollow her entire life. A retired teacher, the older woman now spent her all her time volunteering. Hey, how's your boy? Becky felt herself blush.

"He's not my boy. He's a boy. A man. But he's definitely not mine," Becky said. She felt herself stammer through the sentence.

So, you and Liam? Mickey asked. Mickey's other favourite past time was teasing Becky about her love life, which had remained steadfastly empty since moving to Rose Hollow.

Not a thing, Becky said. Three dates. We're coworkers. She could feel herself smile, like she did whenever Liam was mentioned, or she thought about Liam, or he was around her.

But it wasn't anything serious.

Right, that smile means nothing serious, Mickey said.

Really! Becky said. She had gone through a phase of compulsively cleaning her store, but that had passed. Now, as she opened, she preferred to sit and drink coffee.

You know I don't believe you, right? Mickey asked. Besides everything she did for the community she devoted her life to and teasing Becky about her love life, Mickey was also notorious for gossip.

You should believe me, Becky said. It's nothing. There is nothing going on.

Of course, Mickey answered. Of course. Becky rolled her eyes but didn't say anything else.

She could see the town really start to come alive now. It was barely eight thirty, but stores were opening and school was beginning. In thirty minutes, Mickey would have to leave to lead a story time at the library.

Becky sipped from her mug again and then she put it down.

Do you have anything new in? Mickey asked. She abruptly changed the subject. It wasn't like her.

A few things. I keep being too picky at estate sales, Becky said. But I did find some great 1920's jewelry at the last one I went to. It's in the case. Being too picky at estate sales was her new worst habit. She was bound to sell everything in her store and have nothing left because she kept leaving them empty handed. She'd drive for hours to different towns—Daisy Harbour, Lily Ridge—to go through the homes of people who had just died, and she kept leaving with nothing.

It was definitely her worst habit.

I'm looking for something for my daughter-in-law, Mickey said. Her birthday is coming up, and my son is totally hopeless.

There's a new necklace there, Becky said. Mickey got up and went to the jewelry case that stood on the counter.

It's nice. Is it too much for my son's wife?

Do you like your son's wife? Becky asked. Mickey paused. She had to think about it.

I guess so.

Then I'm sure it isn't, Becky said firmly. There's a pair of earrings in there too.

She doesn't wear earrings, Mickey said.

For you, Becky said. She took another long sip of her coffee then got up. She moved to the register.

I don't need anything, Mickey said. She was a very frugal woman, plain and sensible. She didn't need a pair of flashy earrings, and Becky knew that.

However, Becky also had a firm quota she had to meet every month.

But they'll look pretty, Becky said. She wasn't taking no for an answer. She pulled them out of the case along with the necklace and wrapped them both separately. And if not, I'm sure you know someone who does. They're a perfect present. She rung them up, and Mickey pulled out her credit card.

What do you have today? Becky asked.

The kids, then a new pet adoption thing, then we'll see. Becky envied that the older woman always seemed to have a busy day. She was always doing something, and while Becky loved her store, she was always trapped in it.

It was her first winter in Rose Hollow. She didn't want to miss it because she was always stuck in her store. The winter was quiet. People came in, but not as many as in the fall.

Sounds fun, Becky said with a smile. She put the items in a little bag and handed them over. Mickey took them. I hope your son's wife likes it.

Me too. Mickey smiled. I should get going.

Of course, Becky said. She always hated when Mickey left. She'd be left to sit in silence in the store until someone came, and who knew when that might be?

Becky considered getting a sound system for the store. It would help fill the silence. She loathed stores playing incessant Christmas carols, something Becky always found annoying, but it was past the holiday.

She could play whatever music she wanted.

I'll see you later, Becky, Mickey said.

Bye, Becky called as Mickey exited. The doorbell chimed as the older woman left, and Becky was once again left alone. She drained the coffee from the travel mug and set it on the counter. She sighed and pushed her hair from her face. It was getting too long, but she was too lazy to find a hairdresser, even though there was probably only one in Rose Hollow.

Sleepy winter mornings needed way more coffee.

---

While Becky had learned to cook and she had learned where the grocery store was, she still preferred going to the diner every so often for dinner.

She strode into the diner and changed the song on the jukebox, a long-solidified habit. Then, she slid into a booth at the back. Minnie's Diner was her favourite place in the town. She could spend hours in the kitschy, 1950's themed diner. It was cute. It transported her back to a time that wasn't really better, but it was probably more fun.

Becky! Rachel Davis, the tiny pie maker of Minnie's Diner, came bounding to her table. She could always tell if Rachel was in a good mood by the way that she bounded to her table. Alone tonight?

Yes, I'm alone tonight, Becky said.

The usual? Rachel asked.

Can I see a menu? Rachel nodded. She paused for one half second then was off again. So… Mary Freeman and Jonathan Hayden? Broke up. Yesterday. Rachel was also notorious for gossip. She was well liked in the town and managed to hear things she shouldn't.

Then she went and told everyone she knew—or anyone that would listen—what she had just heard.

Becky had quickly learned how to use the Rose Hollow gossip to her advantage.

I really thought they'd make it, Becky said.

Yeah, turns out she was cheating, Rachel said. She was trying to keep her face still, but her wide smile kept betraying her. She was bouncing on the balls of her feet, always too much activity for Becky to keep track of. But Jonathon has already texted me. Twice. And he is super-hot. Like totally hot!

The majority of men in Rose Hollow were really hot. Becky was unsure of how all the men in one place could be so attractive.

Rachel did a little dance. It was clear to see why she was so happy.

I'm glad, Becky said. Rachel cleared her throat.

Where's the deputy? she asked.

I don't know, Becky said. We're not a couple! Becky had never been in a serious relationship. Rachel raised her dark eyebrows and nodded. It was clear that Rachel didn't believe her at all. Becky wished she could have one conversation with her friends without discussing her love life.

Let me get some coffee for you, Becky, Rachel said. I'll be right back. Becky settled back into the vinyl seat behind her and shut her eyes briefly. The diner was more home to her than her own home five minutes away. Becky could appreciate the quiet hum of the diner with its background noise, people talking, and the music in the background that filled her brain and made for a comfortable distraction.

She stared at the menu in front of her. It felt completely foreign to her, and she looked at the words in front of her trying to decide what to order. She wanted something different. She wasn't sure what.

Becky traced circles on the table as she went over the menu. She looked over, trying to find Rachel and the coffee pot.

The diner was always busier when it was cold. More people sought the warm solace as well as tea and coffee.

She could hear the door open and shut routinely, and she pushed the noise away.

Coffee! Rachel said. She placed a mug down, then another, and poured, leaving cream and sugar on the table. And cute deputy coming.

Oh, God, Becky said. She reached up, pulled her hair from the ponytail she wore, then tied it back up.

You're welcome for the warning, Rachel said, and then she turned and smiled. Liam, long time, no see.

I just went home for two weeks. Becky heard Liam reply. She smiled despite herself.

Three weeks ago, Rachel said. Rachel crossed her arms and pouted, but it was hard for her to pretend to be mad.

Have you seen... Liam began.

She's right here, Rachel said. I even poured some coffee for you.

Liam sat across from her. Hey, he said.

Hey, Becky said. How was home? Your family? It was the holiday pleasantries that were long over.

Messy. Loud. Chaotic, Liam said. I missed the town. I wondered if they had any quirky town events.

Becky shook her head. I was disappointed. But Christmas was Christmas, as usual. She had spent Christmas with Mickey, baking with her friend Catherine, and spending time with Rachel. It was the least stressed she had ever been over the holidays.

I missed you, Liam said. Things had been a bit awkward between them. They had been on three dates and then he left town. They had called, texted, but Becky wasn't sure how to navigate that into a real relationship.

Me too, Becky said. She took a sip from her mug. She was unsure what to say now, and she didn't want to fill the space between them with silence. He did too. She looked around, hoping Rachel would be back with a flurry of activity and conversation, but she was tending to another table.

I'm glad you're back, Becky tried again. It's been pretty boring around here.

What, no murder? Liam asked. The past few months had been delightfully murder free, and Becky nodded her answer. She had been able to move past the fact that a body had once been stashed in her store, and she had been able to move past the fact that her store had been broken into.

It felt like a million years ago.

I believe that the murder rate in Rose Hollow is ridiculously low, Becky said. "I think we just came at an interesting time.

What does this town have if not murder? Liam asked. His smile was, as always, charming. His teeth were perfectly white and straight, and Becky always felt so lucky when he smiled at her.

Gossip and charm, Becky said. They both laughed.

All they needed was some time.

How were your holidays? Liam asked.

Good. Fun. Catherine insisted we go out for New Year's, so I spent all night at a party.

Sounds like fun, Liam said.

In theory, yes, Becky said. They laughed. It felt like old times—like they hadn't skipped a beat.

Ready to order? It was Rachel, and Becky had forgotten they were sitting in the diner.

Yeah, Becky said, I'll take my usual.

Of course, Rachel said.

Me too, Liam said.

You two never change. You make it easy, Rachel said. I'll be back with those. Rachel bounded off again.

She's exhausting, Becky said. I love her, but where does she get the energy?

She must drink twice the coffee you do, Liam said.

Oh, ha, ha, Becky said. I only drink like four cups a day.

That's a lot,

Why do we never talk about your bad habits? Becky asked.

Because I'm literally perfect, he told her.

"So modest and humble," Becky said. She hid a laugh behind her hand and relaxed into the seat behind her. She had her hands on her warm mug. It was cold in the diner. It was cold everywhere. Rose Hollow businesses didn't really know how to heat their establishments, and the cold managed to seep in no matter what. She had never been so cold. Becky could feel it intrude her body, and she had no idea how to fight it off.

Yes, I am, thank you, Liam said. You okay?

Just cold, Becky said. He got up, moved in beside her, then placed his jacket over her shoulders.

Better? Liam asked.

Yeah.

You need a proper winter jacket. Liam told her. Becky nodded, trying to hold his gaze even though he was right beside her. His voice had dropped an octave or two, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.

It felt warm, comfortable. Becky always had a feeling as if she had known him forever.

I don't want to sound needy or anything, but this town was super boring without you, Becky said quietly. She was happy