by Sherri Bryan
“If you’d like to, you’re welcome to join us for lunch on Friday,” said Ava. “Any sister of Drew’s is a friend of ours.”
Sumalee nodded. “Thank you, but I will have to check with Drew before I accept. I do not know if he will want me to come or stay with him.”
Ava nodded. “Of course, dear, I understand. Alright, well, we’ll be here anyway from two o’clock on Friday afternoon, so if you want to join us, feel free.”
“Okay, I will, but now I must go. Thank you everyone. You are very kind.” Sumalee gave a little bow again and disappeared off up the marina front.
“Well,” said Ava, as she settled herself on a table on the terrace, adjacent to where Leo and Harry were sitting inside. “I didn’t see that coming! I do hope she comes to lunch on Friday and she can tell us all about it.”
“What are you looking so happy about, Harry?” said Harriett, as she took off her jacket and hung it on the back of her chair.
“Hmpf, you know how I feel about new faces,” said Harry. “They make me feel uneasy.”
“Oh poppycock!” said Ava. “You’ll get used to her. I bet you didn’t even make the effort to talk to her, did you? No, I thought not.” She shook her head and called out to Jess. “Can we have our cream teas now, please?”
“She’s very tall, isn’t she?” said Betty.
“What’s that?” said Harriett.
“I said she’s very tall. For a Thai woman, I mean. I thought that Thai women were quite short.”
“I think that’s probably a misconception,” said Leo. “I’m sure there are plenty of tall Thai women, too.”
Jess appeared with three cream teas and all talk of Sumalee was temporarily forgotten.
“Charlotte, are you taking part in the International Festival of Food next week?” asked Harriett as she spread her scone with jam.
“Yes, I think we will be,” said Charlotte. “Jess and I were talking about it this morning. It’ll be quite novel, opening in the evening for a change.”
Every year from May to October, a contingent of food lovers from across the world got together and visited as many countries as they could, cooking their national dishes as they went.
The event had been started thirty years ago by a group of friends, with representatives from just three countries; the UK, Ireland and Holland. Since then, it had grown in numbers with many more representatives keen to take part.
Now, 42 countries strong, the International Festival of Food was recognised the world-over and was attended by food lovers in their hundreds of thousands.
It arrived in the UK near the end of the tour, by which time they were well rehearsed in setting up their stalls and cooking up a storm in their pre-planned stop off points.
This year, St. Eves was hosting the local festival for three days, having been passed the honour by St. Matlock, the festival’s usual host. Sadly, following the sudden death of their Mayor, the town had pulled out of hosting the event as a mark of respect.
“So, which day is it coming to the marina?” asked Ava.
“Friday 24th, so I hope you’re all going to put the date in your diaries. And that includes you too, grumpy.”
Harry grinned and nodded his agreement.
ººººººº
Charlotte was basting a roast chicken when she heard Nathan’s key turn in the lock. Pippin went running to greet him, skidding on the wooden floor in his haste to get to the door.
She took a bottle of beer out of the fridge and put it on the counter but when Nathan came into the kitchen, he ignored it completely.
Instead, he walked towards her and took her in his arms, his mouth covering hers in a kiss.
“Charlotte, I’m so sorry,” he said, when they broke apart. “I should never have reacted like that ... I was just so wound up about everything. I’m really, really sorry.”
Charlotte felt her heart lift. “No. I’m the one who should be sorry. I’m such a busybody. I should learn to keep my nose out of stuff that’s nothing to do with me.” She snuggled her head into his shoulder and breathed in his scent.
“Do you forgive me?” he asked.
“Always,” she said, and hugged him even tighter.
ººººººº
“That was the best roast chicken I’ve had since the last time you cooked roast chicken,” said Nathan, picking up the plates and taking them to the sink.
“Ah, flattery will get you everywhere,” said Charlotte as she took their drinks out into the garden, along with a small plate of crunchy chicken skin pieces for Pippin. It was well into October and the weather was still mild enough to sit out in the evening.
“So, have there been any developments with the case?” she asked, throwing a piece of chicken skin in the air.
“Unfortunately, no. The forensics report on the piece of green material that was found at The President came back this afternoon but it was inconclusive.
“We’ll get a result, I know we will, it’s just frustrating that we haven’t got a good lead. Anyway, let’s change the subject. It seems that all we’ve done recently is talk about the case. We haven’t even arranged a housewarming yet.”
“I know,” said Charlotte, “but what with Kate’s death just three days after we moved in, it would have seemed a bit weird to organise a party, don’t you think? I think we should wait until this is all over. I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it before.”
“No, you’re right,” Nathan agreed. “Well, there’s plenty of time - we’re not in any rush, are we? So, what’s new with you?”
“Oh, not much, except that Sumalee came into the café today and met Jess, Harry and Leo and the ladies.”
“Oh, really?” Nathan grinned. “I bet Ava & Co. could hardly contain themselves when they found out who she was.”
“Actually, they were surprisingly relaxed about it. I thought they’d give her the third degree, but they’re probably saving the really tough questioning for lunch on Friday. If Sumalee accepts the invitation, that is.”
“They’re good like that, aren’t they? Always ready to take a newcomer under their wings,” said Nathan.
“Yeah, they are. Betty was funny, you know. She told Sumalee that she looked like Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn! I’ve never met anyone who looked less like Audrey Hepburn,” said Charlotte.
“Hhmmm,” said Nathan, leaning back and closing his eyes. “Well, I can see what she means from a bone structure point of view, and their eyebrows are quite similar, I suppose.”
Charlotte looked at him in amazement. “Oh my goodness! That’s exactly what Betty said. And that she’s very tall for a Thai woman, apparently.”
ººººººº
Over the next few days, Sumalee called in at the café frequently and it wasn’t long before the regulars became very fond of her. Even Harry was warming to her, particularly when she told him that she thought his silence was an indication of a wise, respectful man.
As invited, she met up with the ladies for lunch and they spent an uproarious few hours, starting with Ava and Harriett trying to teach Sumalee how to jive.
Jess turned up the music and Ava and Harriett stood on the marina front opposite the café, showing Sumalee how it should be done, flicking out their ankles and spinning like tops to Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’, their efforts being rewarded by a round of applause from the other customers.
“You obviously have the knack,” said Ava, as she swapped partners and led an almost step-perfect Sumalee through the song one more time.
“Now it is my turn,” said Sumalee, after they’d got their breath back. “And Betty, even you can join in with this.”
“Join in with what?” asked Betty. “I can’t do anything energetic for at least an hour after I’ve eaten ... it doesn’t agree with me.”
“No, Betty, this is very gentle. I promise. It is traditional Thai dancing.”
She stood where Harriett and Ava had taught her the jive and struck a pose, her head, arms and hands carefully posed, and bala
nced on one leg. In the absence of any Thai music, she began to hum a tune, moving from one leg to the other and using her arms, hand and fingers to create shapes and steps.
The ladies took to their impromptu stage, laughing at themselves as they went through the unfamiliar steps and doubling up with laughter at each other’s awkwardness.
When they came to a stop, they were treated to a standing ovation and took their bows to an appreciative audience.
“I tell you, they’re nothing if not game for a laugh,” said Jess, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
Charlotte was on her way back to the kitchen when she had a flash of genius. She ran back outside.
“Sumalee! I’ve got a proposition for you. You know I was telling you about the food festival that’s coming to the marina on Friday? Well, we’re opening the café that evening, and we were going to offer the usual menu, with a few tapas. Thing is, I think it’s be much more of an occasion if we did something completely different.
“So ... I know it’s short notice, but I was thinking, how would you like to teach me how to cook a few Thai dishes, and maybe supervise on the night? I’ll pay you, of course. What do you think?”
Sumalee looked puzzled. “You will pay me to show you how to cook Thai food?”
“Yes, of course! Perhaps you could come shopping with me and tell me what to buy and then show me how to cook it. We’d have to have a trial run beforehand, so maybe you could come to my place tomorrow because it’s my day off.” She looked hopefully at Sumalee.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” said Ava, clapping her hands. “Oh, say you’ll do it, Sumalee.”
“Well ... your idea is okay, but how about if I cook the food myself? Then it will be proper Thai food and I will not have to show you anything in advance. You can learn on the night. Much better that way.”
Charlotte threw her arms around Sumalee’s neck. “You’re right - that is better! I’ll talk to you about it later and we can make the arrangements for going shopping. Thanks, Sumalee. I’m getting excited already!”
ººººººº
“You okay? You look like you’re miles away,” said Charlotte over dinner that evening.
“Sorry. I’m just thinking ... the Chief Super is really pushing me to make an arrest.”
Charlotte threw up her hands. “How on earth are you supposed to make an arrest if you can’t find a killer? Is he expecting you to produce one out of thin air?”
“Oh, don’t ask me. Kate’s parents made an appeal today and he’s panicking because he’s getting pressure from his boss. There’s not much else we can do apart from keep on the case and eventually, we’ll crack it.” He sighed. “Anyway, what kind of day have you had?”
Charlotte nodded. “It was good, actually. I asked Sumalee if she could help out on Friday when the food festival comes to the marina and she said that not only is she happy to help out, she’s happy to do all the cooking!
“She keeps bringing in little dishes of stuff she’s cooked at home and it’s amazing. I’m sure it’s going to go down a storm. In any case, we’re swapping roles for the evening and we’re going shopping for all the ingredients when I finish work on Thursday.”
“You paying her?”
“Of course I’m paying her. I couldn’t expect her to work for nothing.”
“Considering she hasn’t been here for long, she seems to have settled in very well,” said Nathan.
“Yes, she really has,” said Charlotte. “She’s even managed to wrap Harry round her little finger. Mind you, what’s not to like about her? She’s funny and sweet and generous ... I know a few people were quite suspicious of her to begin with, but she seems to have won over the doubters because everyone’s fallen in love with her.
“Between you and me, I think she quite likes being out without Drew. He’s not having a great time, apparently.”
“Well, you could hardly expect to him to be,” said Nathan. “Anyway, I’m glad you got your evening sorted out.” He yawned widely. “If it’s okay with you, I just fancy watching some mindless TV this evening. I just want to switch off and relax. D’you mind?”
“Course I don’t mind,” said Charlotte. “Go on, you go in the living room and I’ll be in shortly.”
Nathan stretched out on the couch and flicked through the channels, his thoughts taking his focus away from the screen.
There was something about Sumalee that was beginning to bother him.
Surely no one’s that perfect?
Chapter 12
The last day of the food festival dawned, cool and fresh.
Maybe the weather’s on the turn at last. Charlotte opened her curtains and took a deep breath of sea air.
She took Pippin for a walk and thought about the day ahead. It was going to be a busy one, that was for sure.
She was opening up the café as usual, but closing an hour earlier to give her and Sumalee time to get all the prep done. Some of the dishes could be cooked at the last minute, but others needed longer cooking, so it was essential that everything ran like clockwork to ensure that dishes left the kitchen on time and at their best.
Back at home, she gave Pippin his breakfast and sat down to watch the news with a large bowl of muesli.
“Police investigating the death of local woman, Kate Denton, have today confirmed that they are no nearer to making an arrest in the case. The admission was made following the emotional appeal by Miss. Denton’s parents yesterday afternoon.”
Charlotte switched off the TV. She just couldn’t bring herself to watch it.
She’d been thinking how surreal the situation was. It had only been three weeks since Kate’s death, yet it seemed like it had happened much longer ago.
Jess had said it was because Kate had been away from St. Eves for so long. After the initial shock, most people had found it relatively easy to get on with their lives because they hadn’t had enough time to get used to her being back again.
Charlotte supposed that was true for some, but she couldn’t help but think of Kate’s parents, who also hadn’t had enough time to get used to her being back again, and now, never would.
“Oh Pip,” she said, cuddling her little dog close. “I hope Nathan catches whoever did this soon. For Kate’s sake and for his.”
ººººººº
“Hi, you busy?” Charlotte was calling Nathan before things got really crazy and she wouldn’t have time.
“Yeah, I am pretty busy. Why, what’s up?”
“Nothing, I was just thinking about you and I wanted to let you know that I was. That’s all. Do you think you’ll be able to get down here later for a while? I think it’s going to be a great night.”
“I doubt it. I’ve got people to interview and statements to take. So no, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it. But I’ll see you at home later, okay?
“Are they interviews and statements regarding Kate’s case? You haven’t got a lead at last, have you?” Charlotte said, excitedly.
“Maybe, but don’t go getting your hopes up, because it might amount to nothing. And don’t tell anyone, okay?”
“Okay, I won’t. Good luck and I’ll see you later. Take care and I love you.”
“Yeah, love you too. Have a great evening.”
Charlotte closed her eyes and offered up a short prayer. “Please God, help Nathan to catch the killer and solve this case. Thank you.”
She turned round and jumped when she saw Sumalee standing behind her with a large cleaver in her hand. “Oh! You scared me!” she said.
“You ready?” said Sumalee.
“Yes, I’m ready. Come on then, show me what you want me to do.”
They began the tiresome work of chopping, and Sumalee was a hard task master. Everything had to be the same size and shape, not only for speed of cooking but also so that the finished dish was aesthetically pleasing. Charlotte could certainly identify with that. She felt the same about the cooking and presentation of her own food.
Two and a half hours later, the
y were still chopping and a mild panic began to creep through Charlotte.
She glanced sideways as Sumalee who was chopping furiously, but otherwise, showed no sign that she was in the slightest bit concerned that they still had a mountain of vegetables to chop and only half an hour left in which to chop them.
Jess called out to her through the serving hatch. “Charlotte, what time can I sit the first table? I know we said eight o’clock originally, but are we still on schedule for then?”
Charlotte looked at Sumalee. “Well, what do you think? I can carry on chopping for as long as you want, but if we’re going to need more time to get this done properly, then you need to tell me, because I have no idea.”
“No, I think it will be okay to start at eight,” replied Sumalee, brushing her hair from her face. “Do not worry, Charlotte, it will be fine.”
Charlotte had her doubts, but not knowing the first thing about cooking Thai food, she had to place her trust in what Sumalee was telling her. “Okay, yes, Jess. You can sit the first table at eight.”
She turned back to her pile of yellow peppers when a head appeared over the top of the swing door. “Hi.” It was Drew.
“Drew! Long time, no see! You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t come out and say hello properly, but we’re a little busy here! How’s things?” said Charlotte, trying to be upbeat and empathetic at the same time.
“Oh, okay. You know, been better, been worse. Don’t suppose there’s anything I can help with, is there? I’ll do anything - prep, washing up, chopping. I don’t feel like partying out there with everyone, but I don’t want to sit at home on my own either.” He looked hopefully at Charlotte. “I’d be happy to help.”
Charlotte almost cried with happiness and for the first time that night, she made a decision without asking Sumalee what she thought.
“Get in here and get yourself an apron. I’m sure we can find more than enough vegetables for you to chop into matchsticks!”
Sumalee laughed. “Yes, we can! Here, take this and you can get started right away.” She handed Drew a long, dark-blue apron and he fastened it behind his back. “I’m glad you came,” she said, and squeezed his arm affectionately.