Fudge-Laced Felonies by Cynthia Hickey

backyard.”
    “That garden is her world.” Aunt Eunice brushed cookie crumbs from her bosom. “Our yard is easily accessible. The river runs behind Mae’s yard; then there’s her fence. We’ve got a cleared yard and woods in the back to hide in.”
    “Mrs. Hodge did mention she thought she heard voices arguing a few nights back.”
    “Really? Way out here?” Eunice lowered herself into a rocking chair. “I’m thinking the woods behind our house might warrant some exploring. I’ll get your Uncle Roy to help. He needs something else to do besides spending so much time at that nursery of his.”
    “Tonight?” Fatigue weighed me down. The thought of traipsing through the dark woods on a bum ankle wasn’t my idea of fun.
    Aunt Eunice glanced at my iodine-stained knees and bandaged ankle. “I guess not. You’re in no condition. We couldn’t see anything in the dark anyway.”
    I lifted my tea to my lips, as did my aunt. We continued to swing, our feet pushing in unison. The squeaking mingled with the serenading of frogs and locusts, and I grew drowsy.
     
    My aches and pains caught up with me the next morning. Debating whether to stay in bed, I chose to get up, despite a stiff back and aching joints. I felt ninety rather than nearing thirty. Dear Aunt Eunice had propped Uncle Roy’s cane within easy reach, and I used it to hobble into the bathroom.
    Getting into the shower required an art of body manipulation. I was almost tempted to call Aunt Eunice to help me. Memories of her cleaning my wounds last night as if I were a child dissuaded me. I didn’t need her scrubbing my back.
    I decided on a bath, hoping the hot water would melt away the pain. As I settled back into the warm cocoon of a tub full of bubbles, I prayed. Maybe late in the game, but I figured better late than never when asking for God’s help.
    I prayed for wisdom, discernment, and protection until the water grew too cool for comfort. I emerged with a sense of renewed purpose, peace, and slightly less stiff muscles. The appetizing aroma of sizzling bacon drifted up the stairs, causing me to don my clothes as quickly as standing on one foot would allow.
    Making my way down the stairs required balance and nerves of steel. Especially with an excited dog frolicking around my legs. A fine sheen of perspiration dotted my upper lip by the time I reached the kitchen.
    Aunt Eunice greeted me with a chipper grin. “Good morning, Hopalong.” I winced at her new endearment for me.
    “Good morning. Breakfast smells good.” I sank into the nearest chair with a sigh.
    “How are you feeling, sweetie?” Aunt Eunice placed my breakfast plate in front of me. Did she have me confused with my uncle? I’d never be able to eat an entire omelet, toast, and bacon.
    “Better. I don’t think I’m up to any heavy cooking at the candy store today. I’ll take up position behind the counter and let you do the hard stuff.”
    “Don’t forget you need to dip the rest of those creams. You can do that sitting down.” She fiddled with the kitchen faucet. “Your uncle still hasn’t fixed this. I’ll have to ask Ethan or Joe.”
    “You’re right. I’ll dip, and I’m sure they won’t mind fixing the sink.” Dipping would be easier than jumping up and down to wait on customers.
    We bounced to work in Aunt Eunice’s truck, the cane beside me. By the time we arrived, I couldn’t have told which hurt my body more—landing in the ditch or riding in the truck.
    The morning passed with as much speed as a snail. I dipped tray after tray of creams, putting the fancy letters on top, stifling yawns, and fighting drooping eyelids. I perked when the bell over the door tinkled.
    In strolled Terri Lee, looking amazing in tight designer jeans and a vintage T-shirt. She’d swept her raven hair in a loose chignon. I strained to see what shoes she wore. They were the most adorable pair of royal blue ballet slippers. I shoved aside my shoe envy and grabbed my cane. Only Terri