Toasting Up Trouble (A Dinner Club Mystery)

by Linda Wiken

  “Yes, I do know that I’m lucky, Alison. And I’m sure Hastings is a nice guy. It just hasn’t been the appropriate conditions for me to find that out.” She grinned.

  The doorbell rang again, followed by the sounds of Beth and Connor letting themselves in. Within minutes, they were all seated in the living room nibbling on plates of buffalo mozzarella with chunks of focaccia that J.J. had set out, and with mimosas in hand, courtesy of Evan, who did the honors and poured.

  “Here’s to our hostess,” Connor said, his glass raised in a toast.

  “To Culinary Capers,” J.J. countered.

  “I am so glad everything is back to normal around here,” Beth said, “although I must admit I enjoyed our little tête-à-têtes over coffee as J.J. played investigator.”

  Evan moaned. “Oh boy. I also hope we never go through anything like that again.”

  Connor reached over and squeezed J.J.’s hand. Alison noticed and winked at J.J., but she pretended not to notice. Connor’s touch felt good—reassuring, but in a companionable way. That thought momentarily depressed J.J. as she realized she was longing for some sparks somewhere in her life. Not here, though.

  She smiled at him and then asked Alison what would happen to Lucy.

  “There’s no hope of her getting out on bail, but I understand Gina Marcotti has hired a top-notch lawyer for her.”

  “Gina?” That was a surprise, although the more she thought about it, maybe not. Gina was a kind person, and although it was her husband who had been killed, it seemed that Gina could understand what lay at the bottom of it. Of course, perhaps her attachment to Rocco had something to do with it. J.J. had been planning to stop by and talk to him, but she never seemed to get around to it. Maybe because she wasn’t really sure what to say.

  “Uh-huh,” Alison continued. “It surprised everyone.”

  “I still can’t get over how Marcotti didn’t see the same resemblance when looking at the photograph,” Evan said, shaking his head. “After all, you caught it and you’re not even related.”

  “I don’t know. We’ll probably never know now that he’s dead. Either he was so fixated on the people in that photo—as they had been, and in no way did it intrude into the present—or who knows? He may have had an inkling but didn’t want to disturb the status quo, or else he might have been waiting for Lucy to say something.” J.J. sighed.

  “If she’s been hanging around there that long, what was it that caused her to make a move that night?” Connor asked.

  “That’s something the police asked. Devine said she heard Marcotti in his office speaking on the phone to someone who wasn’t his wife. Candy Fleetwood. Lucy got furious that he was again treating a woman so shabbily—namely Gina, whom she likes. She’d taken the knife sometime earlier from Rocco’s because it always was her plan to frame him. She went to the Portovino estate, leaving her car outside the gated area, and waited for him to leave. Or in this case, waited for me to leave, and then stabbed him. She was able to walk away without being seen.”

  Connor let out a low whistle. “She’s one very cold-blooded woman.”

  J.J. nodded. “She was obsessed by the past. It’s such a sad story, all of it. I’m just glad it’s over. I hope I don’t have to give it another thought ever again.”

  Evan jumped in. “Well then, let’s get focused on the matter at hand. J.J., you continue to surprise and delight us. Not one but two culinary pursuits in one month.”

  J.J. felt her cheeks turning red. “It’s my pleasure. After all, you’ve lived through two of my main meals, and you’ve all been really supportive and helpful through all this. It’s the least I could do. I used nigellissima once again. And I have to share my secret.” She looked at each of them in turn, ramping up the suspense. “I really enjoyed preparing all of it.”

  Beth and Evan clapped while Connor whistled. Alison gave her a high five.

  “All right, without further ado, the table is waiting. And on the menu: chili crab risotto, cherry tomatoes with olives, and roasted red onions with basil. I have to admit, though, that I caved and the dessert comes from Gelato Heaven. I’m not quite ready to tackle the sweet stuff yet.”

  Beth patted her arm on the way to the table. “One course at a time.”

  They all took a seat while Connor poured from the bottle of Soave Classico. After passing all the dishes around, J.J. took a minute to watch her friends enjoying their food.

  This is what it’s all about.

  CHAPTER 39

  J.J. took a deep breath and pushed open the door to Rocco G’s. She saw him immediately, talking to a customer over in the olive oil section. Zoe was behind the counter and gave her a big smile.

  When Rocco had finished, he seemed surprised to see J.J. and his expression turned to a look of pleasure as he gave her a big hug. “It’s a so good to see you. I thought you were maybe avoiding Rocco.”

  Bingo. “Not so. It’s been really hectic lately, and then I went home for a visit over Easter, but I couldn’t wait any longer. How are you doing?”

  He gently took hold of her arm and steered her over to a table in the far corner, holding up two fingers to Zoe at the same time. When they were seated, he looked around the bistro. “You know, I value every day I am able to come here. It has become all the more precious to me after everything that’s gone on.”

  Zoe delivered two espressos with a biscotti tucked onto each saucer. They both took a sip before Rocco continued.

  “I feel so heartbroken about Lucy. To think that girl has harbored such pain and hateful thoughts for so long. It has ruined her life. And to think that Antonio and I were to blame. Such foolish young men.”

  J.J. put her hand on his. “You were not to blame. Nor was Marcotti. Neither of you knew when you left that Lucy’s mother was pregnant. You are an honorable man, as was Marcotti, I’ll bet—at that time anyway. It’s very sad, but that’s just the way things worked out.”

  He nodded. “You are right, but it is still hurtful to think of the role I played.” He took a deep breath. “Now, the best thing I can do is to live a good life for however long I have. I will try as much as is in my power to help others.”

  J.J. smiled. “Sounds like a good plan.”

  “And for starters, I would be happy if you had a few hours to spare some afternoon, and I will show you all these new vinegars I have imported. I thought it was time to expand the business a little. You will find some of the thicker balsamic a perfect touch for many Italian dishes. I’d be happy to have you do a taste testing.”

  J.J. laughed. “Sounds like something I should know about.”

  The bell above the door sounded, and J.J. looked over to see Ty Devine strolling in. He headed straight for the two of them. She felt a bit flustered and tried to calm down without being too obvious about it. She hadn’t seen him, either, since that night, and she thought he looked even more dangerous than ever, in a desirable sort of way. His jeans were snug in the right places and the sleeves were rolled up on the light blue shirt he wore. She wondered if he’d left his jacket in the car, because she sure felt it was too chilly to go wandering around without one. What does it matter?

  Devine pulled over a chair and asked if he could join them. Rocco signaled for another espresso.

  “What brings you here today?” Rocco asked, a twinkle in his eye. “I thought you’d stocked up on cooking supplies yesterday.”

  “I thought I had everything but wanted to be sure.” Devine waited until the espresso had been placed in front of him before continuing. “How are you, J.J.?” His deep blue eyes searched her face as if he might not really trust her words.

  “I’m just great. Work is busy, I’m actually enjoying my mornings at the fitness center, and I’ve turned over a new leaf.”

  Both men looked at her questioningly.

  “I vow to never again get involved in a murder investigation.”


  Devine burst out laughing. “It took you long enough to get to that conclusion.”

  J.J. tried for a regal facial expression. “Everything in its time.”

  “That’s what I always say.” He smiled at her.

  Rocco asked, “Would you like another espresso, J.J.?”

  She shook her head, still looking at Devine, enjoying the view. Foolish woman.

  “I’d better get back to doing some work. Sit, enjoy. Thank you both for coming to see me,” he added as he left the table, chuckling.

  “I have a question for you,” J.J. said.

  “All right.” Devine sounded a bit hesitant.

  “How much had you already figured out before I left you the message about going to Bella Luna?”

  Devine gave her a slow smile. She felt decidedly unnerved by it.

  “I’d eliminated everyone with an obvious motive, namely anyone who hated the guy, so I figured it might be someone trying to kill two birds with one stone. Nail Marcotti and frame Gates. The only thing they had in common—besides their places of business, which really weren’t in competition with each other—was that long-standing feud. As soon as you mentioned going back for the photo, it dawned on me, or at least I started wondering if anyone close to Marcotti had ties to the woman they’d fought over.”

  “Did you think it was Lucy?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “Well, yes, sort of. I keep wondering why Marcotti didn’t realize how much Lucy looked like her mother, and also why it took me so long to click on it.”

  Devine shrugged. “I’ll admit, it didn’t come to me right away, either. Probably because there was so much else happening with the case, and that photo, which we’d seen briefly and only once, sort of got lost in it all. As for Marcotti, sometimes we see what we want to see, and sometimes we don’t. Does that answer your question?”

  “It’ll do.”

  “It is over, you know. Time to put it behind you and focus on other things, like work or play.” He grinned as he said it. She tried to ignore the slight flutter she felt. How silly is this?

  “So, are you hot on the trail of another case?” she asked, redirecting the conversation.

  “I’m always working multiple cases. That’s the only way this PI thing works as a moneymaker. And I do need money to put food on the table.” He smiled again. “It also allows me to take guests out to dinner. Speaking of which, would you like to go out this Saturday night?”

  J.J. hesitated. She’d been taken off guard. If she were truthful with herself, she’d admit she had wondered what it would be like to go out on a date with Devine. However, she couldn’t quite reconcile that thought with her original image of him, even though it had been changing over the few weeks they’d known each other.

  Imperious was one word that came to mind. Pig-headed, another. Egocentric.

  Not her type at all.

  She thought of that kiss. She looked at him. He was smiling. Was he thinking of the same thing?

  RECIPES

  ANTIPASTO

  J.J.’s motto is, “Keep it simple.” This easy-to-assemble menu highlights the delightful flavor of buffalo mozzarella and the fresh Focaccia. Vary amounts according to how many friends will be enjoying it with you.

  Buffalo mozzarella

  Prosciutto slices

  Mortadella slices

  Fresh figs, sliced in half

  Grape tomatoes

  Black olive tapenade

  Greek-style plain yogurt

  Focaccia bread

  Slice mozzarella cheese into bite-sized portions. Slice fresh Focaccia to accommodate mozzarella. Place figs and grapes on a serving dish, along with the prosciutto and mortadella. Serve tapenade and yogurt in individual small bowls. Invite guests to combine as desired.

  SPAGHETTI WITH CHICKEN, BROCCOLI, AND SWEET RED PEPPER

  This is one of J.J.’s very few concoctions that she threw together. It’s easy to prepare and the amounts can be adjusted according to how many servings are needed. You’ll notice she’s using one of her flavored olive oil finds from Rocco G’s. Feel free to substitute your own choice.

  ½ pound spaghetti

  Himalayan salt—pinch

  Regular olive oil

  1 large broccoli crown, cut into tiny floret portions

  1 sweet red pepper, sliced and diced

  1 garlic clove, slivered

  Mixed dried herbs (or fresh rosemary, basil, oregano)

  Freshly ground pepper

  Half package of frozen chicken strips

  Tuscan herb–flavored virgin olive oil

  Pecorino Romano cheese

  Bring large pot of water to boil and add a pinch of sea salt and spaghetti. Cook uncovered, as per instructions on package, usually 10–12 minutes.

  Heat skillet on stove and pour in enough regular olive oil to cover the bottom. Add the broccoli bits, sliced red pepper, herbs (either dried or fresh), and garlic. Saute until broccoli look crisp. Remove from pan, add more olive oil and the desired amount of chicken strips. Cook until thoroughly heated (if frozen) or until cooked throughout (if fresh). Add vegetable mixture and toss.

  Drain spaghetti when al dente, place in a serving dish, and stir in Tuscan herb–flavored virgin olive oil. Add chicken/vegetable mixture and toss.

  Serve with grated fresh Pecorino Romano cheese atop. Adjust cheese and seasoning to taste.

  ROASTED PEARS

  Beth is always looking for light, healthy desserts to balance the delicious baked goods and pastries she sells in Cups ’n’ Roses. Mix and match the ingredients. She’s tried many combinations and these are her favorites. Enjoy!

  3 ripe pears

  1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

  Zest from one large lime

  1 cup Greek-style plain yogurt or smooth ricotta

  Seeds from one medium pomegranate

  Limoncello

  Preheat oven to 375° F.

  Line baking pan with parchment paper.

  Halve pears lengthwise, remove stems and cores. Place pears on baking sheet, cut side up; drizzle with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with lime zest.

  Bake for 18–20 min, depending on size of pears, until softened.

  When done, place portions on individual dessert plates, top with yogurt or ricotta, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with Limoncello to taste.

  Keep reading for a special preview of Linda Wiken’s next Dinner Club Mystery. . .

  ROUX THE DAY

  Coming soon from Berkley Prime Crime!

  “What’s the worst that can happen? Another dead body?”

  J.J. Tanner stared at her best friend and business partner, Skye, with her mouth hanging open.

  Words eluded her.

  Skye noticed the look. “Sorry, I guess that was insensitive, given what happened after your last event. Anyway, it couldn’t possibly happen again, so what’s got you worried?”

  “Only the fact that this is my first event for a nonprofit,” J.J. answered, finding her voice. “And, I truly believe in their cause, so I’d hate to see it bomb because I forgot to do something, or even worse, made some wrong choices.”

  Skye flung her hands up in the air. “I hadn’t realized you were so uptight about this one. Look, J.J., I’ve read your proposal and love the idea. You practically forced me to go through your bible for the casino night and I can attest that you’ve covered all the bases. This is a casino fund-raiser for the People and Causes Foundation, so any monies coming in—no matter how minuscule, if that’s the unfortunate case—will make it a success in their book. And in my experience, it’s hard not to make money with a casino night. Now, I’m going to take you out for a glass of wine, some free advice, and a lift home. Grab your stuff.”

  J.J. let ou
t a long sigh, shut down her computer, and stuffed her makeup bag into her purse. “You’ve already given me a lot of free advice,” she said, closing and locking the door of Make It Happen, Skye’s event planning business, behind them.

  “Did I say the advice is from me? No, I don’t think I said who it’s from. Do not assume. You know the old saying.”

  J.J. made a face just as Tansy Paine exited her office across the hall from them.

  “Very dignified, J.J.,” Tansy commented and strode ahead of them, reaching the bottom of the stairs before they started down.

  “Four-inch,” J.J. said.

  “Uh-uh. At least six, I’d guess. One of these days the stiletto diva is going to do a nosedive down these stairs.”

  “You are in a morbid mood this afternoon, Skye Drake. I think I’d better buy you a drink.”

  “I was hoping it would work,” Skye said as she hooked her arm through J.J.’s. They’d made it to the front door of the two-story historic house where they had their office, along with Tansy Paine’s law office, when the door to the right opened.

  “Drinks?” Evan Thornton sang out. “Am I invited? I am, aren’t I?”

  “Of course.” J.J. glanced at Skye, who nodded. “Are you ready, or do you want to meet us at . . . Where exactly are we going?”

  Skye’s eyebrows curved upward and her lips flattened out. “All will soon be revealed.”

  Evan caught up to them on the sidewalk as they turned left onto Gabor Avenue. He quickly linked up with J.J.’s free arm, and the three of them walked a block toward Lake Champlain and then hurriedly crossed the street at the corner of Claymore.

  J.J.’s eyes lit up as they approached the outdoor patio of McCreedy’s, Half Moon Bay’s newest Irish pub. Beth Brickner and Alison Manovich were already seated at one of the tables and waved them over. J.J. glanced at Skye, who shrugged. “I thought you needed your friends around you at a time like this, so I gave Beth a call and she set it up. There’s nothing like talking food to bring back the sanity.”