by JJ Marsh
Isabella sighed. “Now all our cards are on the table, what happens next?”
“I’ll tell you what happens next,” said Beatrice. “You are going home to discuss your situation as a family. My job is done. After I’ve been to see Matthew in the morning, I will come to Ecco to say my goodbyes. Right now, I’ve had rather a trying day and nothing to eat since that foul dessert. I want a large plate of spaghetti Bolognese with extra cheese and then I’m going to bed.”
Chapter 33
On Thursday morning, Beatrice woke from a profound and restorative sleep, stretched out in bed and blinked at the ceiling, recalling the events of the day before. With a yawn, she reached for her phone to check the time. Nine thirty-five on the twenty-fifth of April. Instantly she sat bolt upright.
Today was Matthew’s birthday. She had completely forgotten about that in all of yesterday’s shenanigans. Tomorrow they were due to fly home but she had no idea if he would be allowed to leave hospital, let alone get on an aeroplane. While he was all alone in a hospital room, worrying about why she hadn’t visited, she was lounging around in bed till practically midday. She should be ashamed of herself.
She threw off the covers and padded up the corridor in her pyjamas to find the others. Voices came from the terrace above and she climbed the stairs to find Luke, Adrian, Will, Suhail and Isabella at breakfast.
“Good morning!” called Adrian. “Coffee?”
“I haven’t got time for coffee. I must get to the hospital. Did you realise today is Matthew’s birthday and the poor old thing is stuck on a ward hooked up to machines while we sit here enjoying the sunshine?”
“Come and sit down,” said Isabella. “Everything is OK. I came round to invite you all to a party at Ecco today, but Will told me it is Matthew’s birthday so I called the hospital and asked when he will be released. Good news! They said he can come home after the doctor is finished! Then I called Ettore, I mean Russell, but he will always be Ettore to me. He is coming here now. He will drive you to get Matthew and bring him home. Then we will have a triple celebration! Your first case, Anniversario della Liberazione and a birthday party!”
Beatrice accepted the coffee cup Will handed her, trying to take in the machine-gun fire of information Isabella was rattling off. “He can come home today? Did they say if he will be able to fly tomorrow?”
Isabella shook her head. “I didn’t ask. You must check when you collect him. Your flights are tomorrow? So soon?”
“Yes, we have to get Luke home. He has school on Monday. I’m not sure Matthew will feel up to a birthday party when he’s just out of hospital, to be honest.”
“He is! Will called him after I spoke to the nurse. We all wished him Happy Birthday and sang down the phone, didn’t we, Luca? He is looking forward to the party. And it will be a private event, just for us and the staff of Ecco. Today the restaurant is closed for Liberation Day but Agusto had a brilliant idea. Well, two brilliant ideas but I can’t tell you the other one because he wants to make an announcement at the party. The first one was to invite all the staff and their families to lunch. Agusto will cook for everyone and you are our special VIP guests for solving the spying situation. When Will and Adrian told me it is Matthew’s birthday, I knew that would be perfect!”
Isabella, unlike her husband, was definitely a morning person. Her bright chatter, vibrant hair and expansive gestures were all a bit much for Beatrice so early in the day.
“I’d better have a shower and get dressed before Russell gets here,” said Beatrice, feeling as if events had rather run away from her.
“Yes, and I must go. There is much to prepare for the party.”
“Do you need any help?” asked Suhail.
Isabella beamed at him and placed the back of her hand to his cheek. “Such a kind man! No. No work for you today. You eat, drink and enjoy a day off. You deserve it. Ecco at one o’clock, OK? Ciao, tutti!” With that, she bounced away down the stairs.
“I like her,” said Luke. “She’s full of beans.”
Beatrice had to agree.
The weather was balmy and almost summery as Will and Beatrice emerged from the hospital with Matthew between them. Delighted to see Beatrice, demob happy and in high spirits about his birthday lunch, Matthew strode ahead, greeting the man he thought was Ettore with a cheerful wave. It was hard to believe that only two days ago, Beatrice thought she might lose him. If she lost Matthew, what was left of her life? She swallowed, determined not to give in to her worst fears.
The journey back was the perfect opportunity to bring Matthew up to speed but minimise the drama. Beatrice introduced him to Russell and explained his role in the scheme of things. With perfectly judged understatement, Will summarised the events of the previous evening, including Gennaio’s confession. In the stunned silence that followed, Russell spoke up to inform them that six people had been arrested and charged.
“Four people from the yacht and the two local youngsters Pietro has been following. It doesn’t get anywhere near bringing down the organisation that employs them, but it puts a stop to this particular operation. Job done.”
Matthew stared at the back of Russell’s head, wearing an expression of complete bewilderment. “Excuse me, um, Russell? Are you also a private investigator?”
“No. The detective side of things is not my strong point. I’m in personal security. Trying to keep people out of trouble. Most of the time, I’m pretty successful.” He met Beatrice’s eyes in the rear-view mirror. “But there’s always one.”
Matthew reached for Beatrice’s hand. “My dear chap, you have my sympathies. I’ve been trying to keep her out of trouble for decades.”
She returned his gentle pressure and smiled at them all. Meanwhile, she had a thought. A private detective really ought to have an assistant to do the heavy lifting.
Two hours later, scrubbed and brushed and in their smartest clothes, the party arrived at Ecco. Russell insisted on driving, even though he too was invited as a guest.
“Business as usual,” he said, with a wry grin. “Let’s not rock the ... er ... boat.”
Isabella and Chantal greeted the guests and showed them to their seats. Initially, Beatrice was disappointed to find Suhail was seated at a different table to them, but when the laughter and jokes began from the kitchen team and waiting staff, she could see he was in the right place. Russell introduced Beatrice to his wife and daughters, his pride glowing. Rightly so, each of them was a classic Italian beauty. They seemed to fit right in, chatting in animated Italian to Marcello and his girlfriend.
The kitchen doors burst open and Agusto came out of the kitchen, followed by Gennaio and Bruno. Beatrice smiled. It really was a family business.
Agusto clapped his hands and the room fell into an anticipatory silence.
“Benvenuti! Thank you all for coming. I know it is your holiday and I am happy you can be here with your loved ones. Before we eat, I want you all to give yourselves a round of applause. The last few months have been difficult and you stayed with me. Your loyalty makes me so happy I could cry. Bravo!” His voice cracked and he began clapping. The room followed suit, with a few tears amongst the smiles.
“Second, with thanks to Beatrice Stubbs, who is not an English chef but a private detective, we know who was spying.” With an open palm, he gave the floor to Gennaio.
Beatrice caught a look between Chantal and Bruno. They didn’t seem in the slightest bit surprised.
Gennaio made his confession and apology in the humblest tones, assuring everyone he’d had honourable motives but stronger forces had taken over. He didn’t mention Rami or the bullying of Suhail. The staff looked confused and Agusto stepped back into the centre of everyone’s attention.
“The idea of a franchise, supporting new restaurants, is a good one. But if we do this, we do it properly. No spying, no stealing, no financing from suspicious benefactors. Ecco is the best restaurant in Naples and with our success, we support others. We offer training and advice to new chefs. If t
hey meet our standards, they can bear the name of Ecco. All of you, my loyal team, should know that you are the people I will consider above all others. You work, you learn, you innovate and then, you fly the nest!”
Isabella burst into applause and the whole room joined in, this time with real enthusiasm. Conversations started up and Agusto surveyed them with a paternal eye.
“Now, we eat! Isabella, Chantal, the champagne!”
They ate a four-course meal, each based on one of the new recipes Agusto’s staff had created. It was a lovely way to repay them and each dish had been prepared with classic Ecco flair. All Beatrice could hope for was that her dessert was not on the menu.
A selection of vegetables, herbs and flowers al brodo, designed by Marcello, came as a shallow bowl of finely cut elements with a tea-kettle of herb-flavoured bouillon. The diners mixed the ingredients to taste, creating a fresh cross between crudités and soup.
Luke loved it and said he would make the same thing for his mum and Gabriel when he got home. Matthew and Beatrice shared a secret smile at the inclusion of Gabriel.
The pasta course had been designed by Chantal. Ravioli flowers filled with a cauliflower, walnut and black garlic crumble, topped with a mushroom and sherry velouté.
Will pored over the multi-coloured menu, clearly designed by Isabella. “This is gorgeous! Can’t say I’ve ever had a vegan dish that packs as much punch. Beatrice, see if you can steal that recipe.”
She laughed and showed a double thumbs-up to Chantal, who gave a giggly bow in return.
“Vegan? Is it really?” asked Matthew, taking another bite. “I’d never have known. It tastes like game.”
His appetite seemed normal even if he had chosen water over wine and refused bread. Beatrice kept checking him for any signs of frailty and found none.
The main course had been awarded to Bruno, the most junior member of the kitchen. The adventurous nature of youth shone through. Bruno had created a Bug Burger, made of mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers with tomato, polenta and spinach, served with chopstick fries and all the trimmings. Its reception was mixed. Luke wouldn’t touch the burger, but enjoyed the rest. Exclamations of delight and horror echoed through the restaurant, while Bruno stood at the kitchen doors, laughing.
“It may not make it onto the menu next week,” said Adrian, “but this kind of chef is the future. It’s got all the right textures and tastes divine. The Valpolicella complements it so well I wonder if Bruno shouldn’t become a sommelier instead.”
Finally, the three kitchen staff brought out the dessert, made by Agusto himself. A huge chocolate cake with candles and sparklers with the letter M right in the centre. The staff broke into song and Beatrice found her vision blurry as Matthew got to his feet. He blew out the candles, assisted by Luke, and sank into his seat. Isabella cut the cake and while she and the family distributed portions to all the guests, Agusto dragged over a chair to sit with them. He looked hot and happy as he grabbed Beatrice’s hand and kissed it.
“Isabella drives me crazy. That woman has so many stupid ideas. But you? You were the best idea she ever had. You fixed this for us, not just the restaurant, but the family. I will never forget you.”
His eyes glittered not with tears but an intensity Beatrice found embarrassing. She was British, after all.
“Thank you, Agusto. It was quite an experience. I hope to come back one day. We have all fallen in love with Naples.”
“And we all fall in love with you. Hey, Luca, you like my chocolate cake? I made it light, especially for you, Matthew. After hospital food, you must be careful. I am happy you are well. Now I must get the coffee and a digestif for everyone. We have something special for you, Adrian, Will. For the connoisseurs.” He leapt to his feet and loped off to the bar, leaving everyone at the table looking like they had just experienced a tornado.
Finally, at six in the evening, it was time to take Matthew home for a rest. They said their farewells, some more emotional than others, and Beatrice found her own throat swelling as she hugged Isabella.
Suhail chose to join them in the car, his face flushed and happier than Beatrice could ever recall seeing it. He sat on the pull-down seat opposite Matthew and patted his stomach.
“I ate too much,” he said, with a suppressed smile.
“I drank too much,” said Adrian, “but with all those different grappas to try, it’s impossible to resist!”
Beatrice studied Suhail’s face. She knew he didn’t drink, but something had put a bloom in his cheeks. He met her eyes and that grin surfaced again.
“Today, Agusto promoted me to Head of Desserts. I start next week. And ...”
Whatever he had been about to say was drowned out by a cluster of congratulations. He shook hands, nodded his thanks and blushed.
“And what?” asked Beatrice, once the noise had died down.
“My apartment is fixed. Gennaio paid for all the repairs and I can go home tonight. For the first time in many months, I am happy.”
“You deserve to be. As Isabella said, you are a very good man.” Too far away to reach out and squeeze his arm, Beatrice made do with Adrian instead. He squeezed back and let his head rest on hers.
Altogether, it wasn’t a bad way to leave Naples.
Chapter 34
Date: 6 June 2019
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Collaboration idea
Hi Beatrice and thanks for your email.
Many congrats on the launch of your own business. You will make a top investigator – I’ve seen the proof. As for joining your team as a permanent member, I’ll be honest and say I couldn’t commit to that. I’ve always run a solo enterprise and I go where the job takes me. That used to be South Africa for two years or Brighton for a couple of days. Nowadays, I don’t leave Italy.
In any case, I’ve retired and only get back in the saddle on special occasions. The physical stuff is not as much fun as it used to be. You might want to consider a younger, fitter man. What about Will? He’s smart and in peak form.
All that said, if a role comes up and our schedules fit, I’d jump at the chance to work with you again.
Unless I decide to become a hairdresser ;)
Russell
Date: 9 June 2019
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Collaboration idea
Hi Beatrice
Love the idea in principle, but I’ve got a mission of my own. More women at the senior level of law enforcement and I intend to be one of them. You know I’m always keen to help you in whatever way I can.
Let’s discuss practicalities over a bottle of Chablis when we come to Devon next month. God knows I need to get out of London. Can we go to that cream tea place again? Love, Dawn x
PS: Did you see himself in The Telegraph last week?
Date: 12 June 2019
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Collaboration idea
Hey Beatrice!
Great to hear from you and in answer to your question, hell yeah! As a freelancer, obvs because I still need to get my Pulitzer Prize for Journalism. Let me know what you want and when you want it, but count on me. Give my love to the fellas and send Tanya a massive kiss. Is her man a ride or what?
Love Ana xoxoxo
Date: 17 June 2019
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Enquiry
Dear Mrs Stubbs
My friend recommends you as a discreet and efficient investigator.
I am in need of professional help in a very delicate circumstance. This relates to a contested bequest from a recently deceased individual and her will.
My legal team oversee the aspects regarding law. Where I require an alternative approach is in observing the contesting party and their behaviour, which I believe could provide us with vit
al information.
I understand this is cryptic at this stage, so would welcome a deeper conversation. If you are able to fly to Salzburg in the next two weeks, I can make all necessary arrangements.
With best wishes
Hana Maximilian
Date. 17 June 2019
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Enquiry
Dear Ms Maximilian
Thank you for your enquiry. I am certainly willing to find out more about your requirements to see if I can be of assistance. Currently I am available to fly to Salzburg at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you a good weekend.
Best wishes
PI Beatrice Stubbs
Chapter 35
“Take a break, Beatrice!” yelled Tanya, outside the French windows. “It’s Bank Holiday!” She jiggled a cocktail glass and spilt some of the contents on her hand. Beatrice could lip-read the expletive even if she could not hear it.
Beatrice held up a palm, splaying five fingers. Just a few minutes more. Only a dozen more emails to read and reply to, then she would join the family in the garden. Gabriel and Matthew were barbecuing vegetable kebabs and corn on the cob, while Marianne arranged salads on the picnic table. Luke was nowhere to be seen, probably playing down by the stream with Huggy Bear. She wanted to be out there, in the summer sunshine, joining in the laughter. Only she and Dumpling remained indoors, her staring at a screen, him sleeping in a patch of sunshine on her desk.
Work could wait. She would log off and deal with the rest later. She ran her eyes over the senders, just in case.
A name stood out. Bruno Starieri. She remembered the young eager chef from Ecco and opened his mail. It contained one sentence and a link.