Murder at the Cooking School: Book 7 of the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Series

by Dianne Harman

  So Tonia, enjoy each day, because the day you deed the castle over to me will be one of your last days.

  CHAPTER 6

  “Mike, wake up,” Kelly said as she gently shook his shoulder. “It’s time to go down to the library and sample what I’m sure will be some delicious local wines. I’m going to shower. I’ll be finished in just a few minutes, and then the shower is all yours. There’s a really good mirror here in the room I can use while you’re showering.”

  “Kelly, I feel so much better. Thanks for letting me take a quick nap. What did you do while I was lights out?”

  “Sat in the chair and looked out the window. I can’t get over the beauty of Tuscany. It’s like a magical land and these accommodations, they’re spectacular. I’ve never stayed in a castle. Matter of fact I’ve never been outside the United States. Anyway, I watched while someone lit small decorative lanterns in the vineyards and the olive groves. It’s an absolutely beautiful nighttime scene.”

  Showered and refreshed, they made their way downstairs. Following the sound of voices, they entered the library where wine was being served by Signora Nardo and a man they assumed was her husband, Signor Nardo. He was as round and genial as his wife was ramrod thin and rigid looking.

  What a strange couple, Kelly thought. Signor Nardo must be six inches shorter than she is and outweigh her by a hundred pounds. From the broken capillaries on his cheeks and nose, it looks like he thoroughly enjoys drinking the wines he produces in his vineyard.

  Signor Nardo walked over to them, introduced himself, and shook their hands while an ear-to-ear smile lit up his florid face. He had a large, droopy mustache and a mane of unruly prematurely white hair.

  “Please,” he said, “let me get you some wine. We’re very proud of the wines we grow and serve in the area. Would you prefer red or white? Personally, I think they’re all good, but I’ve learned people usually have a preference.”

  The red and white wines of the Tuscany region were known throughout the world by wine connoisseurs. Kelly and Mike couldn’t believe the array on the sideboard in front of them. Reds that bore the names of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Mantalcano, and Chianti Classico along with whites such as Cortona Sauvignon Blanc and Vernaccia di San Gimignano were all being freely poured. It was a wine connoisseur’s paradise, but unfortunately neither Kelly nor Mike was a wine connoisseur.

  “I prefer a red,” Kelly said. “What do you recommend?”

  “You must try the Brunello. I’m told it’s one of the best. Try a sip and tell me what you think.”

  Kelly swirled the wine in her glass and tried to look like she knew what she was doing. After a moment she took a small sip. “Whoever told you that is absolutely right. It’s wonderful. I’d like to try some of the others, but I think I’ve already found my favorite. Thank you.”

  Signor Nardo turned to Mike. “What can I get for you?”

  “I’d like to try a white, whatever you think is good, although if you have them here, I imagine they’re all good.”

  “I like all of them, but why don’t you try the Vernaccia? Friends of mine make it, and it’s one of my favorites.”

  Mike took a sip. “That’s simply wonderful. Thank you.”

  “Bring your glasses and I’ll introduce you to the other guests who will be in your cooking class.” Introductions were made, wine loosened tongues, and after some small talk, the group of ten made their way into the dining room.

  Dinner was just as fabulous as the wine that had preceded it. Kelly and Mike loved Italian food, but they both knew chefs often felt they couldn’t leave well enough alone, adding their own touches and losing the essence of the dish. Not so at Castello di Nardo. The entreé was a simple loin of pork that had been slow cooked in milk with fresh vegetables and prepared in the classic Italian tradition. It was peasant food at its best, enhanced by freshly baked parmesan and olive oil bread that was called pane con olio e parmigiana, and a salad that tasted as if it had been brought in directly from the garden. The meal ended with a selection of fresh fruit.

  Mike was seated next to Signora Nardo. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted food that was this fresh. What’s your secret?”

  “What we don’t grow on our own property, we get at local farmers’ markets. Luisa, the cooking school chef, will take you into Florence to the Mercato Centrale in the heart of Florence. It’s open every day, and it has the best of everything. There are a number of others in small towns around here we go to when we don’t have time to go to Florence.

  “We have chickens here and also raise most of our own meat. I think you’ll enjoy breakfast tomorrow morning. The fresh eggs, local bacon, and fruit are usually a hit with our guests. Our resident cook comes in early to bake muffins and some other breakfast items. It’s too dark now, but in the morning you will be able to see the orchards, our large vegetable gardens, and at this time of year, probably some pheasants. If you enjoy eating, you’ll not do any better in Italy than here at Castello di Nardo. If you’ll excuse me, I need to introduce Chef Luisa so she can tell you about the cooking school.”

  Signora Nardo stood up and lightly touched her water glass with her knife several times to get everyone’s attention. When they were quiet she said, “It is my pleasure to introduce Chef Luisa Bianchi to you. She has been teaching here at the Castello di Nardo since we opened the cooking school. Her background in cooking is impeccable. She had a restaurant in Florence for many years that was given three stars by Michelin and then decided she’d prefer to teach cooking. She travels throughout Italy teaching at cooking schools in various places. We feel very fortunate that she comes to Castello di Nardo four times a year to teach. We have many more applicants than we have space for, so consider yourselves very lucky to have been accepted. Here is your teacher for the next week, Capucuoco Luisa Bianchi.”

  The students applauded as a short, round grey-haired woman who looked exactly like what one would think an Italian grandmother, a nonna, would look like, entered the room and smiled broadly. When she smiled, her round face squinched up making it hard to see her eyes. She wore a white apron with the words “Castello di Nardo” embroidered in red on it. She brushed a stray hair back into her severe bun with fingers whose nails were short and free of nail polish and began to speak.

  “Welcome, my new students. In Italian the word for chef is capucuoco, but I prefer to use the word chef. It is so much easier to pronounce. My English is good, but not perfect, so if I make a mistake, please forgive me. For the next three days a continental breakfast and coffee will be served in the dining room each morning from seven to nine. Class will start at ten. At that time we will begin cooking for lunch and dinner. We will eat lunch on the patio at 12:00. After that you will be free until 4:00 in the afternoon. From 4:00 to 6:00 we will prepare the rest of the evening meal. Wine will be served in the library at 6:30 followed by dinner in the dining room. I have two assistants to help me, but I do request that each of you volunteer to be a server for at least one meal. You will be given recipes for everything we prepare.

  “The highlight of the day trips will be Wednesday when we will go to Florence to the Mercato Centrale. It is one of the most incredible markets in the world, and it is usually a high point for the students. On Tuesday we will go to an olive grove and see how olive oil is processed. If you prefer, you may stay here at the castle and swim in the pool or simply relax. It is your time to do what you want, and there will be no pressure to participate in these afternoon side trips. The only thing I do ask, as I said earlier, is that each of you helps serve one meal. I think that’s everything. You will be given a kitchen apron tomorrow morning with your name on it. I would ask that you not wear rings while you’re preparing food as we often use our hands in the preparation of the food. I will make sure all of your hands are very clean by having one of my assistants watch while you wash your hands,” she said laughing. “See you at ten tomorrow morning.”

  When she was finished, Mike stood up and said to Signora N
ardo, “Thank you for an enjoyable evening. This has been a wonderful beginning for our stay in Italy.” He turned to Kelly and said, “We need to get some sleep before the big day.” They walked around the table and said good night to the other guests and to Signor Nardo.

  When they were back in their room with the door closed, Kelly turned to Mike and said, “Did you get a chance to find out what the other people do for a living, like own fancy restaurants or what ?”

  “Oh, Kelly, this is one of the things I love about you. You’re worried that someone will be a better cook than you, aren’t you? That’s adorable. Trust me; you will be the best student in the class. I’ll go with you to class tomorrow, but after that I may explore the countryside or walk the grounds or do nothing but lie in bed and read a book. You know I’m not much of a cook, and I have no intention of becoming one. I’m just happy to be in Italy with you in this remarkably beautiful place.”

  With a slight sound of trepidation in her voice, Kelly said, “I hope you’re right. I have to admit I’m a little nervous. What if someone asks me what I do, and I tell them I own a coffee shop, and then I can’t cook as well as anyone. I’ve never done anything like this.”

  “Trust me, sweetheart, you’ll be fine. I love you,” he said, lightly kissing her and turning off the light on the nightstand. “Sleep well, and we’ll try to keep jet lag at bay.”

  CHAPTER 7

  “Mike, you’ve got to see this,” Kelly said the next morning as she looked out the window. “This view is incredible, and you can see forever. Oh, my gosh! There’s a whole covey of quail in the vineyard. There’s a bunch of little ones walking behind their mother. It’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.”

  He walked over to the window and joined her. “Honey, I agree. This view is absolutely beautiful. It looks like something you’d see in a travel magazine or on one of the travel television shows. Just think, for the next few days we have no cares and nothing to do but eat good food, look at a beautiful landscape, and drink some great Italian wine. I am so ready for this vacation, but before I do anything else, I need coffee.”

  “Give me five minutes, and I’ll be ready. I’m curious what the cook’s prepared for breakfast. I can always use some new ideas for the coffee shop.”

  “I think you’ll be going home with a notebook full of ideas and recipes. I’ve never tasted pork as tender as the one we had at dinner last night. Have you ever cooked pork in milk? I don’t remember seeing you do that.”

  “No, I’ve read about it, but I’ve never done it. It doesn’t seem to be all that difficult. I wonder if that’s one of the recipes we’ll get.”

  “I have no idea. That’s your department. Crime is my department,” he said flippantly.

  “Well, glad your department is closed for a week. You need some time off, and I think we’ve found the perfect place for it.”

  When they got to the bottom of the stairs they heard the sound of strained voices and sensed the tension in the air. Mike raised an eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders in answer to Kelly’s unasked question. Two policemen stepped out of a nearby room and approached them. One motioned for Kelly to follow him, and the other one asked Mike to follow him. They took them to separate rooms.

  “What is going on?” Mike asked. “What’s happened?”

  “We’re not sure, but there is a strong possibility that Signora Nardo has been murdered,” the policeman said. He asked Mike where he had been for the last several hours and then said, “Please don’t take this personally. We have to question everyone who was in the house last night.”

  “I understand. I’m a local county sheriff back in the United States, and I would do the same. Can you tell me more about what happened to Signora Nardo? I’d like to talk to your chief and offer my help.”

  “He would probably like to have help from someone who is staying here. You might be able to learn things we can’t. All we know is that her maid discovered her body when she went into her bedroom this morning at 6:00 a.m. She told us that every morning she takes Signora Nardo a tray with a cappuccino and two cornets or croissants filled with jam. She said it never varies.”

  “Was anyone with the maid?” Mike asked.

  “No, she was by herself when she went into the Signora’s bedroom. The maid said it was very strange because the Signora looked like she was asleep, and in all the years she had been employed by Signora Nardo, she was always awake when the maid entered her room. She walked over to Signora Nardo’s bed and noticed that her skin was almost blue, and she wasn’t breathing. She picked up the phone and dialed security. Immediately one of the castle guards came in the room and said that the Signora was dead. He called us. That’s all we know. Follow me, and I’ll take you to the chief.”

  A few minutes later as Mike walked down the hall to the room where the police chief was interviewing people, he saw Kelly in the dining room. “Excuse me,” he said to the policeman, “I need to tell my wife that everything’s all right. I’ll be back in a minute.” He walked over to where Kelly was standing. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

  “Yes, but I can’t believe she died last night right here in the castle. The policeman asked me a few questions and realized I didn’t know anything. Do you think the police suspect foul play and perhaps she was murdered?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m going to offer my services to the chief of police. I know I’m on vacation, but I’m sure I’m the only law enforcement person who’s actually staying here at the castle. Also, the fact that I speak English like most of the other guests might be of some help. Maybe I can find something out.”

  “I was thinking the same thing. We’ve had good luck solving crimes before. I’ll do what I can to help you.”

  “No, emphatically not. You are not to help in any way, shape, or form. You are here to enjoy our honeymoon and pamper yourself for one week while we’re here in Italy. You are here at the castle to cook, not to solve a crime. I’ll take care of that. Am I making myself clear? I want your sincere promise you won’t get involved in this.”

  “If you insist,” she said, mentally crossing her fingers behind her back and wondering who she should talk to first.

  “Good. I’m glad we have an understanding. I’m going to talk to the chief. I have no idea how long I’ll be gone. Get something to eat, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen when the cooking class starts a little later. When I told you I probably wasn’t going to be doing all that much cooking, I certainly didn’t think I’d be spending my spare time helping the local police.”

  “I would think the chief would be thrilled to have your help. Go on, I’ll see you later. Here’s a cup of coffee to take with you.”

  “Thanks. You’re always looking out for me, and I love it!”

  CHAPTER 8

  “You must be Mike Reynolds. My deputy told me you’re a sheriff in the United States. I’m Police Chief Carlo Varano. The castle is in my district. I understand you would be willing to help me if the Signora’s death turns into a murder investigation,” he said, extending his hand to Mike. “And until I hear otherwise from the coroner, I’ve decided to treat Signora Nardo’s death as a murder. That way I can start my investigation now, rather than later.”

  “Yes, I’d be happy to help in any way I can. It would be presumptuous of me to say that I could help solve the case, but feel free to let me help you in whatever way you need. I thought since I’ll be staying here in the castle for a few more days I might be able to be your eyes and ears,” Mike said. “By the way, I’m surprised you speak perfect English.”

  “I’m fluent in English. I was born in Italy, but my mother, who was a widow, sent me to live with my uncle in the United States when I was a young boy. I lived there for nearly twenty years then returned to Italy when my mother became ill. You may notice I even have a little bit of a Brooklyn accent.”

  The chief continued, “I can use all the help I can get. The Nardo family is quite well known throughout Italy, and I anticipate there will be a great de
al of media coverage regarding Signora Nardo’s death, particularly if it turns out she was murdered. Let me tell you what I know. Signora Nardo’s death occurred sometime late last night or early this morning. The coroner has already been here and will be doing an autopsy this afternoon. That’s how important the Nardo name is. If she didn’t die from natural causes, his initial feeling is that she was poisoned, since there were no signs of injury to her body. Naturally we will be developing a list of suspects.”

  “It’s been my policy to always start with who has the most to gain when someone is murdered. Did she have children? What about her husband?” Mike asked.

  “The Nardos did not have any children, and from what her staff has told me, she always felt it was a great tragedy that she couldn’t bear children. They said she had contacted many specialists throughout the world, but she never could get pregnant. Her husband is supposedly devoted to her, although that’s what they usually say.”

  “Do you know if she had a Will?”

  “Signor Nardo says both of them had Wills which named the other as the sole beneficiary of their assets. Actually, his real name is not Nardo. He took her family name after they married. The castle has been in her family for centuries, and the Nardo name was far better known than his family name of Drago. With her death the castle and the surrounding properly all becomes his.”