Murdered By Wine: A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 13)

by Dianne Harman

  “What happened then?” Kelly asked.

  It took Matteo a few long moments to compose himself, and then he said in a shaky voice, “I got out of my truck, and the sheriff came over to me. He was the one who told me Angela was dead…” He stopped talking and looked out the window into the distance, tears coursing down his cheeks.

  Matteo continued, “I guess he’d been told I was driving my truck and he was waiting for me to return. He was very nice, and said he knew it wasn’t a good time to talk to me, but at some point, he would need to take a statement from me. He told one of his men to accompany me to my house. Josie and Jim were there along with Foxie. Josie told me about how she’d found Angela. She offered to keep Foxie for a few days, so I wouldn’t have to care for her.”

  “I can only imagine what you must have been going through,” Kelly said.

  “No, I don’t think you can. However bad you may think it was, multiply it by a hundred or a thousand times. I think in some ways I’m still in shock. I can’t believe my Angela is dead…”

  They both were quiet for several minutes, and then Kelly said, “I assume you had to call some people, like your boss, to tell him you wouldn’t be at work today.”

  A dark and angry look crossed over Matteo’s face. Kelly looked closely at him and said, “Matteo, what was that look about?” She saw the wild fury in his eyes.

  “Nothing, it is nothing,” he said with an angry edge in his voice.

  Kelly stood her ground. “Matteo, the only thing I know for sure when it comes to investigating a murder case, is that everything could be important, no matter how small or insignificant it can seem to you. Please, tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “I’m sure it is nothing. Carlos Romano, my boss, and I were talking yesterday and…”

  After he told Kelly about the conversation he was quiet for several moments, then he continued, “Carlos has always been very good to me. We both wanted his wines to be the best in the valley, but we couldn’t make it happen. I think his references to Angela and the possibility of her falling in one of the wine vats was just a form of frustration. There is nothing I know about him that would make me think he is capable of committing murder, plus everyone knows him. He couldn’t walk into this winery without being recognized. I’m sure it was nothing.”

  Kelly thought about the words Carlos had used which Matteo had just described to her. The detail Carlos had gone into about how Angela might die unnerved her. “I’m sure you’re right, but I’ll run it by my husband. Let me ask you something since you’ve brought his name up. Do you think Signor Romano could have had anything to do with Angela’s death?”

  “No, I don’t think so. Carlos is a very honorable man.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Kelly, every winery owner in the valley wants his wines to be the best. Carlos was no different. I think his words yesterday were just an expression of his frustration, nothing more…”

  He was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. “Excuse me,” he said to Kelly. He turned away and took the phone out of his back pocket. “This is Matteo.” He listened for a moment and then said, “Yes. Please tell Jim and Signor Moretti I will be there in a few moments.” He turned to Kelly. “I must leave. Signor Moretti is here, and he wants to talk to me.”

  “One last question, Matteo. If he offers you the job of winemaker here, will you take it?”

  “It has been a dream of mine since Signor Moretti asked Angela and me to come to California. Yes, I will, even though the dream has turned into a nightmare. Excuse me, I need to get my shoes.”

  A moment later he returned wearing a pair of sandals with Velcro fasteners and rubber soles. Kelly looked down at his feet and said, “Those seem like a very strange type of shoe to wear in a vineyard.”

  “Actually, most of the people who are in and out of the winery buildings and the vineyards wear them. It’s so much easier than unlacing shoes every time you come into a building because of the mud we get on them. This way we can take them off and most of us keep a pair of slip-ons handy, so we can change quickly.”

  “I’ve never heard of that, but it makes sense.”

  “It makes so much sense there’s a shoe store just off the plaza that caters to wine people. Everyone in the industry buys their shoes from them.” Together, Matteo and Kelly walked out of his house and headed towards the building where Jim’s office was located.

  “Matteo, what about your job with Signor Romano?” Kelly asked.

  He smiled sardonically. “I imagine his niece, Alessandra, will stay here and take over my job, which means I’ll have to see her a lot more than I’d like to.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Alessandra is a very beautiful Italian woman who has made it very clear that I could be the object of her affections. Now that I no longer have a wife,” he said with a catch in his voice, “I imagine she will make herself very available to me. I was looking forward to her return to Italy, because not only is she interested in me, but a woman who looks like her could be trouble.”

  As they walked up the steps to the building, Kelly said, “Matteo, here’s my card with my cell phone number on it. I doubt if there is much I can do to help, but if you think of something, please let me know.”

  “I will, and thanks for listening to me.”

  “I only wish it could have been under more pleasant circumstances, but I do plan on talking to the people who can attest to the fact that you were at the flower and chocolate shops at the time of your wife’s death. If she was murdered, that doesn’t tell us who the murderer is, but it should clear your name.”

  “Thank you,” he said simply, as he opened the door to the building.

  CHAPTER 20

  Mike knocked on the door with the words, “Jim Barstow, Manager,” on it and immediately heard a voice say, “Come in.”

  He walked into the spacious office which had a large window on the far side overlooking the vineyards. “Hi. My name is Sheriff Mike Reynolds. My wife and I came to Sonoma for a little vacation with her daughter and son-in-law, but they had to leave unexpectedly when one of their children became ill. My wife was here earlier getting some information from Josie and found out about the death of your winemaker, Angela. Apparently the sheriff thinks her death involves some suspicious circumstances, and he’s investigating her death as a possible murder. I talked to Sheriff Dawson and volunteered my services to help him solve the crime. He’s pretty busy at the moment, so I thought I might be able to help.”

  Jim greeted Mike with a handshake. “You can probably do a lot more than that, Sheriff. I just heard on the news that there’s been a terrible seven-car accident on the main highway leading into Sonoma, and five people are dead with six others in critical condition. I think the sheriff has his hands full. Like it or not, it looks like right now you’re probably the lead investigator in this case.”

  “I didn’t count on that,” Mike said, “but if I can help, I know I’d appreciate it if someone did the same for me.”

  “What can I do for you? I can’t talk to you for very long because Signor Moretti is coming here to talk to Matteo about taking over Angela’s job. It’s an awkward time, but the business of making wine must go on.”

  “I’d like your opinion of Matteo Lucci, Carlos Romano, and Signor and Signora Moretti. I haven’t met any of them, but from the brief amount I’ve been told, they are all persons who could be of interest in this case, and from what you’ve just told me, I rather doubt that Sheriff Dawson will get around to talking to them anytime soon.”

  Jim motioned for Mike to sit at the small table by the window. Joining him, Jim put his hand under his chin and thought for several moments. The breathtaking vista of the vineyards beyond the parking lot below provided a glorious technicolor backdrop to the discussion that followed.

  “Let’s take them one by one, Sheriff,” Jim began. “I’ll start with Matteo. He’s a very handsome, hot-blooded Italian man, and if it hadn’t been for his wife, I’m sure Signor Moretti
would have hired him. His wine knowledge and palate are that good. Unfortunately, his wife’s was a just a little bit better. If he accepts the job here, he will do fine.”

  “You say he’s hot-blooded. What do you mean by that?”

  “He has a quick temper, but I’ve never seen him become physical. Angela mentioned one time that they often argued in the Italian way with loud words and anger, followed by some wonderful making up times. I always gathered it was a cultural thing. From everything I know of him, he was a devoted husband. I heard talk from time to time about him with this woman or that woman, but I have no direct knowledge of him ever being unfaithful to Angela.”

  “Have you heard anything recently?”

  “Yes, but I’m sure it was nothing. Even though the wineries are in competition with one another, there is still a sense of camaraderie among the workers, and particularly the winery managers. The manager at Carlos Romano’s winery and I went to school together, and we get together almost weekly for a glass of wine and just to talk.”

  “Your employers don’t mind?”

  “No, they get together too. Anyway, the last time my friend and I were talking, he mentioned that he’d be glad when Carlos Romano’s niece, Alessandra, returned to Italy because although she’d been very quick to learn the way wine is made here in the valley, every time Matteo was around the only thing she could do was stare at him, and he said it wasn’t with sisterly looks.”

  “What did you make of that?”

  “Not much. Often the blood runs hot in young people, and Alessandra is a very attractive woman, but so was Angela, so I never saw it as a problem. As a matter of fact, my friend said that Matteo would be a fool to jeopardize his marriage to a woman like Angela, and I agreed.”

  “All right, what about the Morettis?”

  “I like Signor Moretti a lot. The Signora, just between you and me, not so much. It’s rumored that he married her for her money. Evidently her family in Italy is very wealthy, although his family does quiet well with the winery they own and operate. She’s beautiful, but she’s a little sharp for my taste. She seems to frown a lot, which I know seems petty, but that’s my impression of her. I don’t think she’s happy.”

  “Do you have any idea why?” Mike asked.

  Jim paused and looked down at his hands. “I really don’t like to say anything negative about my employers.”

  “I understand that, but it may be important. A woman was possibly murdered here at the winery, so anything you tell me could be very important.”

  Jim sighed and then said, “One time when they were getting ready to leave the winery, they got in their car and the windows were down. They were talking in loud voices. I wasn’t eavesdropping, I just couldn’t avoid hearing them. Their car was in the parking lot right below my window, which was open.

  “It had to do with Angela. Signora Moretti was very angry about the amount of time her husband spent with Angela. She said something to the effect she was sure it would end up in an affair like the one he’d had several years ago. She said she would not go through that again and would rather see Angela dead than have that happen.”

  “Wow. I can see why you didn’t want to tell me that. What did he say?”

  “He told her that he had to spend a lot of time with his winemaker. He said that’s why their wines were the best, because everyone here worked as a team, from the manager, meaning me, to the seasonal help in the vineyards. He assured her he wasn’t having an affair and said he learned his lesson many years ago.”

  “What happened then?”

  “He started the car, and they left. That was the only time I ever heard words between them, but Signor Moretti usually comes here by himself. Whether that’s because Signora Moretti doesn’t want to see Angela or for some other reason, or maybe none, I don’t know.”

  “What about Carlos Romano?”

  “I don’t know much about him other than what my friend tells me. I’ve never heard anything negative about him or his winery. Sure, there’s some envy on his part. Like I said earlier, everyone here in the valley wants to have the best wine, and when you’re the one who comes in second every year, that has to be frustrating.”

  “You mentioned his niece, Alessandra. Anything about her other than what you’ve told me?”

  “No, not a thing. I understand she’s scheduled to go back to Italy in a few months, but with all of this, who knows?”

  They heard a car engine and Jim looked out his window. “That’s Signor Moretti. Since you’re representing Sheriff Dawson and you want to meet him, you might as well stay here and talk to him before our meeting with Matteo.”

  He stood up, walked over to the door, and opened it. A moment later a large silver-haired man walked into the room. “Signor, it’s good to see you. Let me introduce you to Sheriff Reynolds. He’s helping Sheriff Dawson with the investigation into Angela’s death. Sheriff Reynolds, I’d like you to meet the owner of the winery, Giovanni Moretti.”

  “Sheriff, it’s nice to meet you, and please call me Gio,” he said, his forthright gaze sizing up Mike. “Thank you for any help you may be able to provide in connection with Angela’s death. I just heard there was a horrible crash out on Highway 12. I imagine Sheriff Dawson’s on overload about now.”

  “You’re probably right. I’d like to express my condolences on the death of your winemaker, Angela. Of course, we don’t know for sure that she was murdered, but it’s starting to look that way. Since Sheriff Dawson is going to be tied up with the traffic accident investigation, I’ll do everything I can for the next couple of days to help.”

  “We appreciate it. Sheriff, is there anything you need from me?”

  “Not really. I am curious how you happened to hire Angela. I don’t think I’ve heard that.”

  Gio crossed his legs and relaxed back in his chair. “Angela and Matteo both worked at my family’s winery in Tuscany. For many years I have had a successful winery in the Napa region, and I wanted to try my hand at a boutique winery and concentrate on producing a top quality wine. This winery here in Sonoma became available on the market, so I went to my family to ask their opinion. They felt I should buy it and have Angela as my winemaker. They had worked with Angela and Matteo for several years in Italy and felt she was just a little more knowledgeable and her palate was just a little better.”

  “Signor, is it unusual for a woman to be a winemaker?” Mike asked.

  “While it’s not unusual, they are definitely in the minority, both here and in Italy. When Angela and Matteo came to live here in Sonoma, she became like a daughter to me. I have two sons who work with me at the winery in Napa, but she was like the daughter I never had, and I loved her as a daughter.” His eyes became shiny with tears, and he raised a hand to his eyes, dropping his head for a moment as he struggled to regain his composure.

  After a few moments, he resumed speaking. “Please, I beg of you, Sheriff Reynolds, if she was murdered, find the monster that did it. My wife and I were fixing dinner together at our home last night getting ready to entertain some fellow winery owners. It’s a hobby of ours. We had our home outfitted with a commercial kitchen, since we both love to cook. Anyway, both of us were so shaken by the news, we couldn’t concentrate on what we were doing, and we had our maid tell the guests that the dinner had been cancelled and the reason for it. Neither one of us would have enjoyed it, and it would have been very apparent to our guests.”

  Well, that means the maid could probably vouch that Signora Moretti was at home when Angela died. Guess she can be crossed off of the persons of interest list.

  “Signor, do you mind if Sheriff Reynolds sits in on our meeting with Matteo?” Jim asked. “He’s not met him, and I’m sure it would save both of them time. I have the feeling that you’re going to want to bring Matteo up to speed immediately.”

  “Yes. I have no objection. I said hello to him when I walked in. He’s sitting out on the porch with a woman I didn’t recognize.”

  “That would probably b
e my wife,” Mike said. “This may sound strange, Signor, but my wife seems to have a talent for solving murders. I know, I can see from the look on your face that it’s kind of unusual. Believe me, it was nothing I wanted in a wife, but the bottom line is she’s very good at it, and she’ll be helping me. If she’s sitting on the porch with Matteo, I would bet she’s found out everything she can from him. For some reason, people open up to her far more than they do people in law enforcement.”

  “I’ll get Matteo,” Jim said.

  CHAPTER 21

  Jim stepped out onto the porch and said, “Matteo, Signor Moretti is ready to meet with you. There is a man who will be sitting in on the meeting by the name of Sheriff Reynolds. He’s representing Sheriff Dawson.”

  “That’s fine. I’ve just spent some time sitting here on the porch with his wife. Jim, this is Kelly Reynolds, the sheriff’s wife.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Reynolds,” Jim said, extending his hand towards Kelly. “This shouldn’t take too long. Your husband wanted to meet Matteo, and this will save time for everyone.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll just sit here and look out at the vineyard. It’s quite beautiful.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. Every time I look out at it, which is pretty often, it’s like a mini-meditation time for me. It clears my head of whatever has been bothering me. Enjoy.” With that, the two men walked into the building.

  After introductions were made, Signor Moretti began to speak. “Matteo, I know we talked briefly last night, and I’m sorry to have to call this meeting so soon after the death of your wife. Believe me, I wish we both had more time to grieve, but as you well know when one is making wine, time is of the essence. So, let me get directly to the point. I want to hire you as the winemaker for the Moretti Winery effective immediately. I have several reasons for doing so. First of all, I know you. Your knowledge of wine is superb, as is your palate.”