by Lynn Cahoon
Ian frowned when she came back to the waiting room. “I almost went looking for you. What happened?”
“I ran into a friend.” Angie decided she’d tell him the whole story later, not in front of an already upset Matt. “Are we ready to go?”
“I went to the room and said good-bye to Hope. She’s embarrassed, but at least she has color in her cheeks. I told her she owed me a carnival night soon.” Matt glanced up at Angie. “That was the right thing to say, right? I didn’t want her to know how crazy with worry I was.”
Angie glanced at Ian, who shrugged. Yep, he’d seen it too. There was a workplace crush happening here. “It was perfect. Ian will take you to your car. Go home and get some sleep.”
“Give us a minute,” Ian said to Matt, and then took Angie by the arm. “Okay, what happened that you’re not telling me?”
“Call me once you get Matt back to his car. I’ve got a few things to catch you up on.” Angie rolled her shoulders. “Maybe participating in this Restaurant Wars competition was a bad idea.”
“But you’ve made it through two rounds. Hope’s heatstroke wasn’t your fault.”
Angie knew he was right, but she was afraid that she’d just put another bull’s-eye on her and her team’s back. One that didn’t end well for Chef Nubbins nor for the Copper Creek gang. She stretched up on her toes and kissed him. “Just call me.”
Chapter 7
Monday morning started out with not just Ian in the kitchen for breakfast, but Felicia and Estebe there as well. Estebe had volunteered to cook omelets, so he was chopping meat and vegetables to mix into the eggs. Felicia was baking a couple loaves of quick breads to share. Angie sat at the table drinking coffee.
“So, you really think that the nachos were poisoned?” Ian asked as he rubbed Dom’s head. “I’ve talked to Allen, and he said they didn’t find any trace of nachos in Sydney’s trailer.”
“The trailer that was ransacked, remember?” Angie had a notebook out taking notes and writing down questions. “I’m just concerned that someone, probably someone in the contest, is trying to narrow down the field even more than the actual contest is doing.”
“And you think it’s Miquel. That’s jumping to conclusions, isn’t it?” Felicia popped up when the timer went off for the breads. She’d made a banana loaf and a dried cranberry and orange bread while Angie fed the zoo in the barns. Satisfied the breads were done, she grabbed hot pads and set the loaf pans on the counter to cool. Then she turned off the oven and picked up the coffeepot to refill everyone’s cups before sitting back down. “He’s not that bad of a guy.”
Estebe rolled his eyes at Felicia’s statement, which made Angie laugh. The two of them had been dating for several months, and from what she’d seen, the pairing worked. Even though Estebe didn’t like it when Felicia brought up other men. Like now.
“I knew him. I didn’t date him. Calm down, hot stuff.” She laughed as she paused by Estebe and kissed him on the cheek.
“I didn’t say anything,” Estebe protested.
“Whatever.” Angie drew a box around Miquel’s name. “All I know is he’s been acting weird. He all but threatened us at the market. Sarah agrees with me that he’s a problem.”
“Sheriff Brown talked to him and didn’t find any reason to think he’s a serial killer.” Felicia sat back at the table and sipped her coffee. “So, who else has a reason to knock off the competition?”
“Rumor has it that your friend Sarah is losing her business. The building she owns is needing too many repairs.” Estebe washed his hands and then sat down at the table with the rest of them. “I looked at buying that building five years ago to open my own restaurant, and it was falling down into itself even then.”
It always surprised Angie when Estebe talked about his financial situation. The guy was a shrewd investor of his money, and he worked his butt off. She knew he didn’t need to work, which made the fact he had taken on the job at the County Seat so much more impressive. “I’ll put her on the list, but even if she wins, the money’s not going to be enough to fix a building.”
“But it might get her enough to start over.” Ian nodded. “I’ve heard rumblings that she might be looking at other locations.”
“I’ve written her down. Who else?” Angie looked around the table. “Okay then, I’ll say it. We have a vested interest in winning to make more people aware of the County Seat.”
Ian nodded. “Okay, so which one of you is the killer? Felicia in the kitchen with the club? Or Angie in the barn with the goat washer.”
“Maybe it’s me? I could want to take over the shop but want it to be more successful before I knock off the two owners. Did either of you put me in the will?” Estebe sipped his coffee. “Or maybe it’s our sensitive Hope. She might have just pretended to get heatstroke yesterday. Did they send her home yet?”
“Her mom called last night. They sent her home with orders to rest.” Angie crossed off the County Seat on her paper. “Okay, so it was a dumb idea.”
“No idea is dumb, dear. Just the people who promote it.” Ian smiled at her. “So we’re down to six restaurant teams. Copper Creek, the County Seat, Bien Viveres, Fenny’s Pies, and who are the other two?”
“The Black Angus and Tara’s Tea House.” Felicia supplied the answer. “Has anyone heard anything about either of them?”
The table was silent again.
“I don’t even think I’ve been in either restaurant,” Ian mused.
“Then we have our assignments. Estebe and I will go to the Black Angus tonight and see what we can find out about the chefs. You two go to Tara’s Tea House.” Felicia stood. “But for now, let’s get breakfast going. I’m starving.”
“Now, did you give us the tea shop because I’m British?” Ian stood, took out the juice from the fridge, and set it on the table.
Felicia grinned. “Actually, I just wanted a good steak dinner.”
As they got ready for breakfast, Angie stood by Ian. “You know your uncle is going to be upset we’re investigating.”
“I think he feels like everyone’s investigating, and so as long as we feed the information his way so he looks good in front of the task force, I don’t think he’ll care.” Ian kissed Angie lightly. “This is exciting. I feel like those people on the television.”
“The ones who find serial killers?” Estebe set the last omelet on the table, and everyone sat down again.
Ian shook his head. “No, the ones on Scooby Doo. We used to watch it when we came to the States to visit my family.” Ian bowed his head and for a second, the table was quiet. When Estebe said, “Amen,” everyone opened their eyes and started eating.
Once the breakfast was done, Estebe and Felicia left in his Hummer. Angie and Ian sat outside on the porch drinking iced tea. “I better get back and open the office. We don’t have a board meeting for a while, but I want to go over Saturday’s numbers. There’s a lot of work that goes into just four hours of actual selling at the farmers’ market.”
“Either Estebe or Felicia will be doing the shopping this week,” Angie said absently. “Or maybe Nancy. Now that she’s down to only one second job, I’ve been trying to build her more hours at the restaurant. Do you know her ex left her in debt up to her ears? The girl’s too sweet for her own good.”
“Some men don’t live by the right principles. We both know that.” Ian might have been referencing his own friend who’d shown up a few months ago with a new profession. “Anyway, I’ve got to go. What’s on your plate today?”
“Absolutely nothing. I’m playing with a few recipes this afternoon. But I should be ready for our dinner date at five.” She stroked Dom’s head. She loved these quiet moments when no one really had to talk.
“Make it five thirty. That way I can go back to the apartment and clean up before I come get you.”
“I’ll make the reservations for six t
hirty, then. The restaurant is set in one of those old houses off Warm Springs so it’s near the foothills.” Angie didn’t want to move, but her mind was already thinking about the recipe she wanted to play with today.
“Maybe we’ll take a drive afterward.” He stood and kissed her. “I’ve got to go, as much as I don’t want to.”
“Leave the glass here. I’ll take it inside.” She stroked his cheek. “Thanks for playing detective with me. I don’t want to go back to the contest next weekend without knowing if there really is something going on. I’d hate to see any of my crew hurt over a stupid competition.”
“I wouldn’t be helping if I didn’t think you were on the right track with this. According to Allen, the rest of the task force is writing it off to an unfortunate incident. Maybe Nubbins had enemies. But they are careful not to blame the contest as the cause. Ann Cole put a lot of her own money into this to get her in front of more voters. I guess the challenger in the next election has deep pockets.”
After Ian left, Angie sat with Dom for a while longer. But now, her mind wasn’t on the recipe. Instead, she was thinking about local politics and a whole different angle for the killing. What if someone just wanted to upset Ann’s campaign? Could it be that easy?
“People are strange creatures, Dom.”
He looked up at her and rested his head on her lap, his tail wagging. She checked the thermometer on the porch. It was barn shaped and had hung there for as long as Angie could remember, but it was still accurate.
“If we leave right now, we can fit in a short walk by the river before it gets scorching hot. Want to go?” She stared into his deep brown eyes and jerked back in surprise when he woofed and went to stand by the door of the SUV.
“Well, I guess that’s a yes. Let me change shoes and grab the bag and your leash.” She stood, patting her leg for Dom to follow.
Reluctantly, he followed her into the house. Angie was sure he thought he’d been played, so she hurried to dump the tea glasses out and put them into the dishwasher. Then she grabbed two bottles of chilled water from the fridge, slipped on her walking shoes, and took the backpack and leash off the hook by the door. Now Dom sat at attention near the door. She glanced around her kitchen, found her keys and wallet, then opened the door again.
Dom beat her to the car before she even got the back door closed and locked. He wasn’t going to let her change her mind.
Angie started the car and turned up the stereo. The worries of the last few days melted away as they made their way to the Centennial Park walking paths.
They’d just finished their mile and were on their way back to the car when Angie spied a woman sitting on the bench near the walking bridge over the river. As they got closer, she recognized her as Barb Travis, owner and manager of the Red Eye Saloon. Felicia liked to visit the country dive bar on most weekends, especially since it was less than a block from her apartment. Angie figured her friend could probably hear the band from her bedroom window on hot summer nights.
Somehow, in the light of the day, Barb looked less tired and somewhat younger than she did in the smoky bar. She glanced up at Angie from the book she’d been reading. “I thought you were off playing at the fair.”
Angie pointed to the bench, and Barb nodded her invitation. Dom sat too, watching his soon-to-be new friend with interest. “I was there most of the weekend. The restaurant is still in the competition, so I’ll have to go back on Friday.”
“From the rumors I’m hearing, it’s not safe to still be playing. Who in the world would poison people? It seems like such a cowardly way to deal with an argument or a disagreement. Give me a good old-fashioned bar brawl anytime.” Barb put a bookmark into her book and closed the cover. “As long as it’s not in my place. I’ve thrown more than one fight out into the street for them to deal with their issues. Men.”
Angie smiled and stroked Dom’s head. “I’m not sure, but it’s got me worried. My friend’s husband ate some bad nachos, but luckily, she got him to the hospital in time. They’re not sure if it’s the same guy or not.”
“Oh, it’s the same guy.”
Angie looked at Barb, wondering what she knew.
Barb laughed and waved the concern away. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t know who’s been poisoning the chefs, I just know the type. Unless he, or she, has gotten what they wanted, it will continue.”
“You’re probably right.”
Barb reached out and let Dom smell her fingers. The woman’s hands were tiny and well-worn from all the work she’d done over the years. Angie’s Nona’s hands had looked the same: rough and wrinkled, but still strong enough to get the work done. When Dom approved, Barb reached up and stroked his soft fur. “Besides, I watch a lot of true crime shows. Sometimes they’re overdramatic and stupid, but mostly they’re good. Especially at three in the morning, when I’ve just gotten home from closing the bar and I can’t sleep.”
“You should hire a night manager.”
The cackle that came out of Barb’s mouth turned into a cough, and she pulled a tissue out of the long sleeve of her T-shirt. Once she’d settled back, she shook her head. “Not going to happen. If I leave, they’ll rob me blind. Besides, if I can’t sleep, I might as well be useful.”
Angie glanced at the time. She should head home to try to work on at least one recipe before lunch. “Hey, I’m doing some experimenting today on menu items. Do you want me to bring you over some dinner when I get done? Ian’s taking me out to Boise for dinner tonight so we could drop by the bar with the food about quarter to six?”
Barb looked at her quizzically. “Sure. But you know I can cook, right?”
“I know. I just hate throwing food away when I know I can feed people. It’s a problem.” Angie was already making up delivery boxes for Mrs. Potter and Erica anyway since she came home for the summer. Her elderly neighbor had been splitting her time between sunny California and the farm across the street.
“Well, as long as it’s not a problem. But don’t forget me. If I don’t eat by seven, I’m a raging witch all night long.” She tapped her book. “I have to admit I’m hooked on this author. She writes about Oregon and Colorado and family. The stories make me happy. I guess that’s another reason I like owning the bar. I get to watch people fall in love and celebrate their milestones.”
“I wouldn’t have pegged you for a romantic.” Angie stood, pausing as Dom reached over to allow Barb to pet him before he left. He’d made a new friend.
“If you tell anyone you saw me reading this, I’ll spread rumors that you’re dating that chef of yours as well as Ian,” Barb threatened as she gave Dom a kiss on his nose.
“He’s dating Felicia right now. No one would believe you,” Angie said with a smile. Barb had a hard crust but a heart of gold.
“Which would make you look even worse. Betraying your boyfriend and your best friend. I’m sure the church ladies would be lining up at your grandmother’s house to help you see the light.” Barb gave Dom one more pat, then opened her book. “Besides, soon it’s going to be too hot to sit out here and read anyway. I need to enjoy the time I still have.”
Something about the wording made Angie take a second look at Barb, but the woman had clearly dismissed her. She was focused on reading and lost in the story. Just the way Angie felt when she was perusing new cookbooks.
“We’ll see you tonight then,” Angie said before turning away and heading down the path to the parking lot and home.
* * * *
Angie had already cleaned up and delivered Mrs. Potter’s food when Ian pulled into the driveway. He’d brought his truck, and the way it shined, she wondered if he’d run it through the car wash before coming to get her. She glanced around the kitchen, making sure there wasn’t anything out that might tempt Dom into bad behavior, then gave her dog a kiss.
“We’ll be home early.” She smiled at Ian as he walked inside. “
Maybe your friend Ian will make popcorn tonight and stay for a movie.”
“Probably not. I’ve got an early meeting with a new farmer who wants to meet over breakfast in Meridian.” He gave Dom some love, then turned to Angie. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, handing him a box. “We’ve got a delivery to make before we go to Boise.”
He took a long breath in. “We taking dinner to Mrs. Potter?”
“No. I’ve already walked her food over. That’s for Barb.” She grabbed her purse and took out her keys. “Be good, Dom.”
As she locked the door behind them, Ian waited to walk down the stairs and to the truck with her. “You know that’s like telling the wind not to blow. Dom doesn’t know how to be good.”
“Well, he’d better start. I’m running out of furniture with wooden legs for him to destroy.” After climbing up into his truck, Angie took the box. “No one warned me that raising a Saint Bernard would be so costly.”
“Excuse me? I’m pretty sure I have and I’ve heard Felicia tell you stories. And even Estebe talks about mistakes you’ve made with Dom.” He shut the door, then walked around the truck, getting in at the driver’s side.
“I meant before I bought him.”
Ian started the engine, then glanced at her. “I thought he was an impulse buy.”
“That makes my point exactly.” Angie grinned. “You’re supposed to read my mind and keep me out of problems like this.”
“One, I didn’t know you then…” Ian paused. “Are we fighting?”
“Are you upset?”
He shook his head. “No, but I don’t think we’ve ever disagreed with each other before.”
“You really think the first fight I’m going to pick will be over why you didn’t stop me from buying the best dog in the world?” Angie picked up her phone and read a text. “Felicia says that they have a reservation at six tonight. They want to know if we want to meet them at the Ice Cream Palace for dessert after dinner.”