by Jenny Kales
She couldn’t blame Josh entirely for his impatience. Earlier that day, George had attempted to rearrange Callie’s entire walk-in refrigerator, and he argued with her about several menu items she’d planned for the week.
Rotating her head to get the crick out of her neck, Callie took charge. “Hey guys. When you’re done with that, I think you can take a break. Dad, you’ve helped so much today, and you were here so early, you must be tired. I think you’re work day is over. I can’t thank you enough,” she repeated as George started to protest.
She went over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Josh learned a lot from you today.” Josh smiled sheepishly at this remark but thankfully didn’t say a word. “Maybe you can come back later in the week,” she told her father.
George’s smile lit up his craggy face. “I’d love to. I’ll make a list of all the things that need improvement here. This is a wonderful chance to help you get organized, Calliope.” He kissed her back, on both cheeks.
Grinning, he patted Josh on the back. “You’ll learn, young fella. Don’t give up.” He surrendered his apron and left. Callie could tell he was tired, but he also looked like a man who wanted to take control of a new kitchen. She sighed. She loved George, but there was no way he was taking over her kitchen. That wouldn’t be good for anyone.
The rest of the day inched by, with Josh relegated to chopping vegetables and filling display cases. It was still helpful to have him do that, but Callie realized she needed a permanent expert in the kitchen. Piper wasn’t it, and she wasn’t available to work full-time anyway.
As Callie shut herself into the workroom to finish prepping and cooking dishes for the next several days, she was almost happy to be alone in the kitchen. As always, cooking restored her equilibrium and gave her time to think about the last few days.
There seemed to be too many loose ends and unanswered questions related to Holly’s untimely murder. Her gut told her that somebody affiliated with the murder mystery night had something to do with Holly’s death. Lisa Linley, Allan Browne and Tammy Heckstrom were all potential suspects. Motive still unknown. In fact, the entire theater troupe was suspect, especially after Tammy’s run-in with a muscle relaxant.
What if Tammy had done that herself in an attempt to throw suspicion off of her? Callie shuddered at the thought of Tammy being so diabolical, but right now, she didn’t feel like she could rule anyone, or anything, out.
They were many other “players,” to use theater-speak, who may also be involved: Hugh, Raine, Phil, Tammy’s boyfriend, and even April Manning, who worked with Hugh. Not to mention, Holly’s fellow grad students, and even her fellow teachers. What about parents of Holly’s students? Could it be that Hugh wasn’t the only parent that Holly had dated? Maybe she had run afoul of someone that Callie didn’t even know about.
And then there was the hooded figure that she and Max had seen running across the lawn of the abandoned home where Holly was killed. Who was that?
Callie finished preparing that evening’s pita wraps and carefully replaced them in the walk-in to stay fresh until she put them out later that afternoon.
She knew one thing. She was going to re-visit The Harris House. Lisa Linley was hiding something. What?
“Callie.” Piper’s voice nudged her out of her thoughts. “I’ve been calling you for five minutes. Some guy just delivered this envelope to you.”
“Huh? Oh, OK. Thanks.” Callie took the envelope. “What did he say?”
“Just to tell you that this was what you’ve been looking for.” Piper shrugged. “I’d better get back out there. We’re starting to get busy again.”
“Fine, I’ll join you in a minute.” Piper nodded and rushed back to the front of the shop. Could this be a delivery from Jerry Anderson? If so, it was quick. Callie promised herself she’d reward him with koularakia if that was the case.
A prickly feeling descended over Callie as she opened the plain brown envelope. A glossy copy of On the Bay, dated 2014, slid out. Callie could see a neon-yellow sticky note, and she quickly flipped open the magazine to the indicated page. “Lady of the Lake: F. Scott Fitzgerald and His Crystal Bay Muse” was the flowery title. The byline made Callie catch her breath.
The author of the piece was none other than Allan Browne.
Twenty Three
Allan Browne. Callie had been sure it had been one of the graduate students who’d penned the article, maybe even Holly. However, it did make a strange sort of sense that Allan Browne would have written the article. He certainly seemed to be interested in the arts and in origins of things, if his commentary about “Thespis” was any indication.
Quickly, she skimmed the article while simultaneously making sure that her soup didn’t curdle.
The article was interesting, especially for people who liked to know about the “real lives” of writers. “Genevieve” had been a wealthy Chicago beauty who had spent a fair amount of time in Crystal Bay. Apparently, Fitzgerald was so taken with her, that he used her as the inspiration for some of his characters. Her family was based in Chicago and her father was some type of business magnate.
Eventually, Genevieve married into a family who had owned one of the most stunning homes of its day. The name of the family was Linley.
Linley! Callie sat down on a stool, deep in thought. Were these Linleys any relation to Lisa? She would be sure to find out. Why didn’t she inherit the home? If she had any connection, she’d certainly never mentioned it. There had to be a reason.
The other running theme throughout this entire murder investigation, besides the acting troupe, seemed to be F. Scott Fitzgerald and his mysterious muse. Holly had clearly been onto something with regard to this theme.
Putting the magazine aside, Callie was filled with a burning curiosity. Besides Lisa Linley, there was Allan Browne and the mysterious money-making scheme alluded to by Josh, but also what the graduate students and teachers at Crystal Bay College might know about Holly’s research.
Isn’t your boyfriend supposed to be investigating? Max’s admonishment the night they’d traversed the crime scene rang in her head. Yes, of course, and she was sure he was doing a fine job. However, people clammed up around police. Hadn’t she witnessed that with Lisa Linley, the night that she and Sands had enjoyed their impromptu date at The Harris House?
Now all she needed was a reason to go barging into Crystal Bay College, but of course, she already had the perfect excuse.
Food.
***
“Hi, Dad. Can you do me a favor? I have to drop off some marketing materials and make a few other stops. If your schedule allows, can you spend just an hour or two at Callie’s Kitchen? I just need someone who knows the food inside and out while I’m gone.” Callie fidgeted as she gripped her cell phone to her ear. She didn’t want George to attempt a kitchen takeover but desperate times called for desperate measures.
“Hello, hrisi mou! Let me check.” She heard George flipping pages, probably in his old-fashioned paper calendar. Truth be told, Callie preferred an old-fashioned paper calendar herself, at times.
“Good news, Calliope! I can help today. I’ll just ask Gus to stay a little longer. You know I like to be at my place of business, but if you need me, I’m there. That’s what I’ve always taught you. It’s good that you’re marketing yourself, though. Where are you going?”
“Here and there. It shouldn’t take too long,” Callie said, determined to stay vague. No need for anyone to know what she was up to. “Dad, can you be here in half an hour? Josh and Piper will be here, but I’ve instructed Josh to simply act as sous chef for the time being. He won’t be creating anything from scratch.”
“Take your time, Calliope dear. I can teach Josh to make something to add to his repertoire. He seemed to really enjoy it last time!”
Callie smiled to herself. “If you have time, otherwise, just hold down the fort. I’ll make a list of all the foods I’m working on. You could probably finish these dishes with your eyes closed.”
“All right. See you soon!” George sounded elated, and Callie felt a twinge of guilt. He clearly loved feeling needed by her. In her zest for creating her own life and business, had she shut him out too much?
Never mind. He was welcome with open arms today. She only hoped he would be so busy he wouldn’t have time to discuss or attempt to implement any more of his “improvements” to Callie’s Kitchen. Right now, the number one improvement was getting another cook in the kitchen.
George fairly danced into Callie’s Kitchen at his appointed time. Josh seemed wary of George at first, and he looked worried when George told him he hoped there was time for another cooking lesson.
“Calliope, your shop has a nice ‘buzz.’ Lots of customers out front!” George beamed. Today he wore a blue polo shirt with The Olympia logo on the chest pocket and ironed khakis. George hated to iron and Callie wondered if perhaps his new girlfriend, Kathy, had taken on that task. They certainly seemed inseparable nowadays.
“Yes, it does. I’m glad about that too.” She leaned forward and whispered to her father. “Lots of people have asked where Max went. I haven’t broken the news yet to the regulars. I guess I’m hoping he’ll still come back.”
George looked sympathetic. “I understand. But put this young fella in front of the register for a while. I hear the ladies at the Greek Fest called him ‘Petharos.’ ”
Callie had to laugh. “That they did. Thanks again, Dad. I’ll be back soon.”
As she was leaving, she heard George say, “Josh. You’re not chopping those cucumbers the right way. Here, let me show you.” Oh, boy. Quickly, she left before she would be compelled to change her mind and stay.
As Callie made the scenic drive to Crystal Bay College, she hoped Josh wouldn’t take offense to George’s “coaching” techniques. Even though he wasn’t as experienced in the kitchen as she’d like, she realized that she was coming to rely on his help. And with so many more customers flowing through the doors of her shop, she didn’t really have a choice.
The water on the bay glistened invitingly in the sunlight. Fleetingly, Callie realized that she’d had hardly any time to enjoy the warm summer weather. Last winter, Sands had offered a warm weather vacation, but neither of them had the time. Would they ever?
These sorts of romantic ruminations would have to wait for the time being. Callie was soon cruising down the long, tree-lined drive that led to Crystal Bay College. A deer poked its head out of the woods before it bounded back into the greenery. Callie slowed down. When you saw one deer, there were usually more. However, they must be too shy today. No friends joined the beautiful creature, so she kept going until she reached the parking lot.
Crystal Bay College had a small campus but it boasted a gorgeous view of the water. The well-preserved, early twentieth century buildings were designed in classical style that somehow blended beautifully with the more rustic surroundings. The buildings were grouped in a semi-circle around the grounds of the campus. With school out for summer, there was ample parking. Callie found a spot close to the campus welcome center. She collected food samples and marketing materials and exited the car slowly, careful not to drop anything.
Scanning the campus, she inhaled deeply. What a clear, beautiful day! Puffy white clouds floated across the sky, and she could see a few children playing on the small beach at the water’s edge. Boats and jet-skis dotted the choppy, white-capped waves. Across the water, the trees dotted the shoreline in a symphony of green not apparent at any other time of the year.
It was a picture-perfect scene, and Callie dearly wished she could sit at the end of the pier and catch a few rays instead of trying to dig up facts about people who were deceased: Holly, Fitzgerald and his Crystal Bay girlfriend.
Finally dragging her gaze from the water, Callie approached the campus welcome center, one of the more modern-looking structures on campus. In fact, it looked brand-new. Opening the door, Callie smelled the undeniable scent found in a brand new building: new wood, new carpet, new paint.
A young man sat behind the desk, wearing a white oxford shirt with a Crystal Bay College insignia. He was exceedingly clean cut with rosy cheeks that made him look like a much younger man or like someone who was permanently embarrassed. He gave Callie a welcoming smile.
“Welcome to Crystal Bay College. I’m Brian, one of the reps. What can I do for you today?”
Callie put on her most charming smile. “Hello, there. I’m Callie Costas, the owner of Callie’s Kitchen here in Crystal Bay. I wondered if I could leave some of my marketing materials here. I have many student customers and I’d love to get some more. Ready-made Greek meals and baked goods are my specialty, but I also carry many classic American dishes.” She held up her brochures and business cards.
The young man smiled again. “I would have to ask the dean if you can leave these things here, but it sounds good to me. I love Greek food!”
“Wonderful. Well, I’ll tell you what. Let me leave a couple of things for you just in case. I can always come back with more. And here are some complimentary things for you to try.” She handed him a white box that she’d filled with spanakopita triangles, as well as another box she’d filled with a couple of slices of her customer-favorite cherry pie. “Here are two pies for you: One is a savory Greek pita and the other is cherry pie. Feel free to share with your co-workers.”
The young man’s cheeks flushed an even deeper crimson. “Wow. Thanks. We’re always starving!” He accepted the white boxes eagerly and placed them gently behind the counter.
Callie smiled. “Now let me ask you one more thing. Which way to the college advisory building? I was hoping to speak to one of the English graduate advisors.”
“I’m sorry. Most of them are on vacation. Only a few graduate students are still on campus, finishing up research or what have you.”
Uh-oh. Callie recovered quickly. “All right. Then I’ll just drop off some off my brochures in the office and I’ll be on my way.”
Brian pulled a map out from behind the counter. Taking a pen, he circled the building closest to the water. “This is it. I’m not sure if it’s open, though. Like I said, most of the advisors are gone, though a few do keep hours now and then in the summer. You can always leave whatever it is at the front desk. The graduate student and advisors also have mail boxes.” Brian shrugged.
She thanked him and left, smiling and waving as she left the office. Whew. She was in. Now, it was onto the next part of her admittedly flimsy plan. Hopefully, she wouldn’t run into Mrs. DeWitt or anyone else she knew.
Holding the map firmly in hand, Callie walked down the curving path until she found the brown-shingled building that Brian had pointed out to her.
Callie tried the front door. It was locked, but the lights were on. Callie peered through the window and saw a man walking through the hallway. After a beat, she realized it was Phil, Tammy Heckstrom’s boyfriend. Excitedly she knocked on the window, and he peered at her more closely. She motioned to him to come to the door.
Phil looked right and left, but then he appeared to sigh as he walked over to Callie. He opened the door and stared at her.
“The office is closed for lunch. I’m about to leave. You should check in at the campus welcome area.”
“Phil, it’s me. Callie Costas. Don’t you remember me?”
Finally, Phil’s face relaxed. “I’m sorry. It was so dark the other night when we met. And I was still so worried about Tammy, I didn’t recognize you at first. What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to drop off something for one of the advisors.”
“I can do it,” Phil offered.
“That’s OK,” Callie said, thinking quickly. “Between you and me, I’d love to have a quick chat with one of them, or even the office secretary. Maybe some of the departments would like me to provide some of the food for some of the smaller student events this year.”
“That would be great, actually. The food is usually pretty awful. People don’t usually get back un
til around one, though. Is anyone expecting you?”
“Not exactly.” Callie smiled sheepishly. “Sometimes my, uh, marketing attempts work better if they’re unexpected.”
Phil nodded appreciatively. “Gotcha. Well, most people return around one.”
Callie looked at her watch. “It’s 12:30. Is it all right if I come in and wait?”
“I don’t see why not,” Phil said, stepping aside to let Callie enter the building.
“I already checked in at the main campus office,” she offered.
“Well, that’s fine, then. Is there anything else? I’ve got to run.”
“I’d like to leave some marketing flyers. Brian said the advisors and grad students have mail boxes. Can you show me where they are?” Callie figured it was a good idea to look like she had a legitimate reason to be in the building and Phil, a grad student, was the perfect cover in case anyone else remained.
Phil nodded and motioned to her. “Follow me.”
He led her past a short hallway, with offices on both sides. Some of the offices were open, with the lights on, but many of the offices were closed, with only darkness showing through the small windows at the top. Phil gestured to a wall with several cubbies that had envelopes and pieces of paper sticking out of them.
“Do you have many people on campus right now?” she asked.
“There are always people around. Some of them might be in here just cleaning out their offices before the coming year and a few of us are working on our research all summer long. It really just depends on the person.”
“Phil, who was Holly Tennyson’s advisor? The graduate advisors have offices in here, right?”
“Yes.” He stopped walking and gave her a quizzical look. “Why do you need to know that?”
Callie hemmed and hawed a bit before answering. “I just wanted to offer my condolences. I know she was a very promising graduate student.”