Killer Comfort Food

by Lynn Cahoon

  She nodded to the basket. “You should put that in your truck just in case Dom decides to sample the soup I made this morning.”

  “Dom wouldn’t do that, but I’ll put the food in the back cab of the truck. I’d hate for him to be tempted.”

  A short whine came from the side of the room where Dom lay on his bed.

  Ian laughed. “I hear you, big guy. I’m moving it out to the truck now.”

  When he didn’t come right back in, Angie glanced out the window. Ian was coming back from the barn, clapping his hands together to get rid of the dust from the goat food. Ian probably fed her crew more often than she did lately. Especially on nights when she was working late. Precious was in love with him, that was a definite. Angie knew Dom’s loyalty was divided. Only Mabel wasn’t affected by Ian’s charms. Mabel didn’t seem to like anyone, including Angie.

  She checked Dom’s food and water and grabbed her cell phone, tucking it into her small purse, which she slipped over her shoulder as a crossover bag. She liked the fact she could carry her wallet, keys, and a bit of makeup in a purse that she didn’t have to mess with or worry that she’d set down somewhere. It stayed on her body. And bonus, her phone even fit inside the zippered compartment.

  She stood at the door, waiting for Ian.

  When he came inside, his gaze dusted over her body. “You look amazing.”

  “Thanks. I can clean up nice with a little forewarning. Besides, I’m excited to talk to Sydney. I haven’t seen her since the baby arrived.” She laid a hand on his chest. “You look great too.”

  “I try.” He held the door open. “Ready?”

  “Be good, Dom. Stay away from the furniture,” Angie called out as she left the house.

  Ian waited for her to lock the door, then took her arm and led her to the truck, opening the door for her. “You know that kind of goodbye could be giving him ideas.”

  “Dom’s not like that. He likes to think up new and surprising ways to tear up the house while I’m gone.” Angie climbed into the truck and waited for Ian to start the engine before speaking. “So, I told you I went to see Jon, the lawyer yesterday, right?”

  “Yes, and you were supposed to call me and let me know you were back in town, but since Allen saw you at the house, I let it go.” He pulled onto the highway. “How’d that go?”

  “Not well. He’s claiming Susan just left. That she went to see her mother in Canada.” She adjusted the seat belt so it wouldn’t pull against her neck. “Apparently his bosses don’t like him being looked at as a stone-cold killer, so they gave him some time off.”

  “Does this help your case against the soybean company?” Ian turned the stereo down that had been playing classical music in the background.

  “I don’t think so, but maybe.” Angie sighed as she looked around the fields that surrounded her home. “I hate to think all of this might be gone. Especially since there’s a better alternative closer to town.”

  “What’s that?” Ian turned down another back road that would lead them to River Vista, where they would pick up a larger, four-laned road that would take them to the freeway.

  “There’s an old meat packing plant that’s been abandoned for a while. I guess it was in the running, but with the owner of the one plot of land in jail, they’re getting this area for cheap, even if I raise the price on what I want for the farmhouse. The area is prime for development. Mrs. Potter doesn’t have family who wants to keep the family farm. I’m leasing out most of my land to a local farmer. And you know Kirk Hanley needs to sell that forty acres next door to pay his lawyer bills for the next appeal.” She shook her head. “Anyway, I saw Jon today at the walking path.”

  “Another reason I really hate you going there.” Ian shot her a look. “Fine, I’ll take off my worried boyfriend role. What did you talk about with the possible stone-cold killer?”

  “I don’t think he killed Susan. He’s missing her too much. And he’s taking care of the dog. Who would do that if they killed their wife?”

  Ian stared at her. “The only reason you don’t think Jon Ansley killed his wife is because he’s being nice to the dog? The dog that he left off the leash the first time you saw him?”

  “Okay, so it’s a stupid reason, but no, I still don’t think he killed her.” She adjusted her purse closer to her. Her reasoning sounded stupid even to her ears. “What did Allen say about the woman they found? Do they know who she is?”

  “They don’t. They have her details out and a BOLO going, but so far, she doesn’t match any missing persons and he didn’t get a match from the fingerprints. At least not yet. Allen’s pretty frustrated by the whole thing. Especially since the media wants to connect this with the Ansley disappearance.” He glanced at her. “So, why are we talking about death and murder on our date night?”

  “Just small talk.” She thought about Bleak. No need to bring that up unless Ian did. “And how did your day go?”

  “Nice change of subject, kind of. It’s a bit slow at the office. I was wondering if you wanted to take a short getaway with me next month. We could go south. Somewhere a little warmer. I was thinking Sedona?” He glanced at her, hopeful.

  “I wouldn’t be able to go for a full week. Estebe’s out the first week of February on some men’s trip with his Basque group. Nancy, well, she’s got a lot on her mind right now, and I’d hate to push her into a head chef role before she’s ready. I could go on a Sunday and come back the following Wednesday.” She thought of her calendar, checking for any other appointments she might have. “What about the next week?”

  “Let me see if I can move some meetings tomorrow.” He nodded to her purse. “Check your appointments now. I don’t want something else to come up if I move these and we still can’t go.”

  Angie smiled and pulled out her phone. “Man, you’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

  “I had two hundred in a deposit I almost lost because you couldn’t go to San Diego last minute. I’m not made of money here. I’m basically working for a charity.” He grinned. “And no, it gives me great pleasure to tease you about your mistake, so sue me.”

  Last year, Angie had bailed on an impromptu getaway after assuring Ian her calendar was clear. They’d had a catering gig the same week, so she had to cancel. “You should be thankful that I can even take time off. Typically, when I start up a new venture, it takes years to get this solid of a kitchen staff trained. I’m so lucky.”

  “You have good people working with you.” Ian passed the River Vista outskirts sign and slowed down as he drove through town. No one was out on the streets, not in this weather. The dance school only did night classes on Wednesday, and the bakery closed at three on weekdays. The only cars in this part of town were driving through or heading to the gas station. A lone police car sat at the back of the park, crime-scene tape flapping in the breeze.

  “They still have the place blocked off?” She pointed over toward the park.

  “Investigations take time.” He stepped on the gas and headed out of town toward the highway. “And we are not talking about it anymore.”

  Chapter 5

  It took a while, but by the time they’d reached Copper Canyon, Angie and Ian had fallen into a discussion about places they wanted to travel to and why. When he opened the door for her, he leaned down to kiss her. “Thanks for changing the subject. Sometimes I think all we talk about is tragedy. I’d like tonight to be about hope and joy, not pain and hate.”

  “I’m assuming you’re meaning the emotion hope, and not my newest chef.” She grinned at his reaction. “Calm down, I’m just teasing you. I agree. I think we should focus on the happy stuff. But if your uncle spills any interesting tidbits, I expect you to fulfill your duties as my boyfriend and tell me all the good stuff.”

  “You’re impossible.” He kissed her again. “Let’s go see what Sydney’s been up to.” He took her hand, an
d they strolled into the restaurant. When he gave the hostess his name, the woman grinned.

  “Come this way. You two are going to enjoy the chef table. Our head chef is quite the character.” She led them through the dining room and back to the kitchen.

  Angie glanced at the wall of French doors that led out into a patio. She pointed them out to Ian. “I’d really love to do that, but then I’d have to tear up our parking lot, get a waiver from the city to block the alley, and build a garden. Not to mention that our dining room is on the front side of the building. We don’t have a wall to work off of.”

  The woman glanced at the patio area, then back at Angie. “I’m sorry, maybe I should know you? Are you a local chef?”

  “She is.” Ian put a hand on Angie’s shoulder. “This is the head chef and mastermind who opened the County Seat in River Vista.”

  “Oh my, I should have recognized you. I’ve been studying your career in school. I’m trying to decide whether I want to stay in hospitality or move into more of a chef role. Do you have any suggestions?”

  Angie smiled, feeling trapped. She always dreaded when young people asked for advice. What did she know about which fork in the road to take? “If I were in your shoes, I’d figure out where I wanted to be in ten years. As soon as I’d answered that question, the rest fell into place. Including knowing what role I wanted to play and the people I wanted in my life. I knew I had something magical inside me. Now all we have to do is make it through the first five years. Then we’ll know if the County Seat’s going make it.”

  The woman held the door to the kitchen open. “You must be really jacked about the soybean plant being built out there. I swear it’s going to bring in so many jobs, the area won’t know what it did without it.”

  “Not if I can help it,” Angie murmured.

  “Excuse me?” The hostess leaned closer, apparently thinking she hadn’t heard Angie’s words correctly. Then she grinned at someone across the room who was blocked from Angie and Ian’s view. “Anyway, here’s Sydney! Enjoy your meal.”

  The hostess waited for her boss to greet the new arrivals, then disappeared into the dining room again.

  “You handled that tactfully,” Ian whispered in her ear.

  Angie shook her head. “Actually, I need to stop reacting. They don’t know what’s at stake for me. They just have the community’s best interest at heart.”

  Sydney paused a little way away, frowning. “Is something wrong? Did Di say something inappropriate?”

  “No, we were just carrying on a conversation from the car.” Angie stepped forward and kissed Sydney on the cheek. She glanced at her friend. “Look at you. No one could tell you just had a baby.”

  “Six months ago. And I’ve been working out since my doctor gave me the okay.” Sydney patted her stomach. “I love Brooks, but being pregnant was horrible. I can’t believe people have more than one kid.”

  “You look amazing.” Ian gave Sydney a kiss, as well. “So glad we could stop by tonight.”

  “I’m the one who’s excited to have you. I’ve got some new menu items I’m dying for you to try. I think your work with Farm to Fork is so important. I’m doing my best to replicate the local sourcing.” Sydney waved over a waitress who had been at the side of the kitchen. “Katrina will get your drinks while I go get your first appetizer.”

  “‘First’? As in many?” Angie laughed. “I’m glad I didn’t eat much for lunch.”

  “I hope you’re right, because we’ve got a full menu ready for you to taste.” Sydney moved toward the cook line as Ian and Angie got settled at the table.

  They ordered water and a glass of wine and watched the kitchen work around them. Ian took her hand. “Before I met you, I wasn’t even curious about how a home kitchen worked, much less a fine dining experience. I was all about the food supply chain, but not about the meals that the food could create.”

  “It’s more than just the actual meal. It’s the experience of eating and tasting and being together. That’s why I cook and why I have the restaurant. You’ve seen us in action. We like feeding people.” She smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re seeing the rest of the story now.”

  They ate plate after plate as Sydney brought them over and explained the story behind each recipe. By the time they had the Canyon Creek’s specialty dessert, a baked potato made totally out of ice cream, Angie didn’t think she could eat another bite. Sydney sat down with her own dish and a cup of coffee. “The crew can handle a few orders while I take a break with you. I’ve been on my feet all day, and after taking off six weeks with the baby, even cramping feet feel glorious.”

  “It’s nice to work.” Angie took a spoonful of the ice cream and almost melted at the strong vanilla flavor. “Everything was wonderful. Thank you for sharing your chef table with us.”

  “Not a problem. I’m going to come over some Wednesday. Just as soon as I get this new sous chef up to speed. You’re so lucky you have such a stable crew.”

  “I am. I totally agree with you.” She smiled and took another bite of the ice cream. She was too full to eat, but she couldn’t stop eating this faux potato.

  “Wasn’t that woman’s body found near the County Seat?” Sydney leaned closer to the table.

  “Across the street at the park. Of course, anywhere inside River Vista city limits would be close. We’re a small town, not like Boise.” Angie set her fork down and took a sip of coffee. “It’s just so sad.”

  “I know the woman who disappeared last month. She was in my women’s empowerment group. We work with underprivileged women and support the crisis center and other local causes. She was chair of the upcoming Winter Cotillion that’s happening next weekend. I can’t believe she’s not going to be here to enjoy the party.” Sydney kicked off her shoes and tucked her foot under her leg as she leaned back to finish the ice cream. “She didn’t seem like the type to just take off. When they found that body…well, I thought the worse.”

  Angie nodded. “I can see why. Things like this don’t happen in River Vista. Or in Boise, for that matter. We’re a quiet community.”

  “Well, it’s been getting worse. Like the thing last summer at the fair. That was crazy.” Sydney turned to the cook line and frowned. Two chefs were talking in hushed tones. “I think something went wrong. I need to get this.”

  Angie stood. “And we need to get home. Have Di print out our bill, and we’ll get out of your kitchen.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Sydney came and gave Angie a hug. “Tonight’s on me. Thanks for the feedback on the menu. I think you should be charging me for your expertise.”

  They said their goodbyes, and as Angie settled into the truck, she thought about Susan. Why had she left town? Or was she still around—in body at least?

  A few miles in, Angie realized Ian was taking the back roads back home. Depending on the time of day, sometimes back roads were quicker than going onto the freeway. The area just kept growing. She turned to Ian, who smiled and took her hand. “Sorry I’ve been quiet.”

  “You’re thinking about Barb’s daughter, aren’t you?”

  When she nodded, he sighed. “Sometimes getting involved in these things isn’t safe. You’ve got to know that, right?”

  “I just can’t sit there and let Barb worry forever about what happened. I care for her, even if she is the grumpiest bar owner in River Vista.” Angie squeezed Ian’s hand. “And you wouldn’t like me so much if I just let the world go by without trying to help.”

  “I just don’t see what you can do in this case.”

  Angie stared out the window, watching the buildings, then the fields, go by as they got farther into the country. Finally, she answered Ian. “I’m going to a Winter Cotillion next Saturday. Want to be my escort?”

  * * * *

  When she’d gotten home that night, she took a chance that Felicia was part of this committee, or
if not, that she knew how to get tickets. Then she called Estebe and asked if he’d hold down the fort as head chef while she took a Saturday night off. The hesitation in his voice told Angie that he suspected she was doing something she probably shouldn’t be. So she lied and told him that Ian wanted to go to the dance/dinner because of his connections with the group. The excuse sounded totally fake, at least to Angie’s ears, but Estebe seemed to buy it.

  And she had the night off.

  This wasn’t family meal Wednesday, so she didn’t go in to work quite as early as she would next week. They hadn’t changed the menu for a couple of weeks, so it would be a standard night. No surprises.

  Bleak stood leaning on the wall outside the office when Angie arrived. And the no-surprises theme went out the window. “Hey, Bleak, what’s going on? Are you sick? Do you need the night off?”

  “I’m not sick, and I don’t need time off.” Bleak waited for Angie to open the door, then she crossed the room and slouched into one of Angie’s visitor’s chairs. “But I do need to talk to you. Privately, without you telling anyone else.”

  Inside, Angie groaned. Had Bleak found out about Maggie’s conversation with Angie? Was this why she was putting on the gag order? She took a deep breath and accepted the terms of the conversations. If Bleak was ready to tell someone what was going on, she could be that person for her. And still keep her best interests at heart. She shut the office door. “As long as I don’t feel like you’re in legal trouble or not safe, I’ll keep the promise.”