by Nell Hampton
He put his hands on his hips and let out a laugh that made me giggle as well. “You were busy engaging in hand-to-hand combat staving off a knife-wielding crazy woman and a live shooter, and all you can say is that you’re sorry about missing our date? Who are you, James Bond?”
“I’m glad you aren’t upset.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “I do have one question.”
“What?” He took my hand.
“Evie told me you were married. She said I wasn’t any better than she was because you are married. Is that true?”
“Would I ask you on a date if I were married?” His gaze turned serious.
“I hope not,” I said. “Are you married?”
“No wife, no kids to spring on you,” he said.
“Why would Evie say that?”
“Maybe to get you questioning yourself,” he said. “Who knows?”
“And you’ve never been married?”
“Once, a long time ago, but it’s been over for a very long time.”
“And you are divorced?”
“I’m divorced. Do you feel better now?”
“I do,” I said. “Will you ever ask me out again?”
“We’ll go once your feet are healed.”
“It could be a couple of weeks,” I said with sadness.
“You’re worth the wait,” he squeezed my hand. “I’m going to go now so you can rest.” He planted a kiss on my forehead and walked out. I closed my eyes. What a crazy life.
*
The next day I was called into the security offices to speak to Detective Chief Inspector Garrote.
“Chef Cole,” he said, shaking my hand as I walked in. Today I wore a denim skirt and a white pullover. On my feet I had gel-soled soft slippers. “Thanks for seeing me today.”
“I’m happy to help when I can,” I said. “You know that.”
“Yes,” he said with a nod. “Please sit. I was hoping to go over the details of your kidnapping.”
“Okay.” We went over what happened.
“You’re telling me Rachel admitted to killing Wentworth Uleman?”
“Yes,” I said with a nod. “She said she poisoned him with artificial nail remover.”
“Indeed.” He looked at his notes. “I did some research into artificial nail remover. It seems that it can turn into cyanide in the body.”
“Oh,” I said. “That’s why the cause of death was—”
“Not immediate,” he said. “It can take a few hours after ingestion for that to happen.”
“So how did she ensure it killed him?”
“That’s a question we don’t have answers to yet,” he said. “Evie told you she killed Chef Wright?”
“Yes, she said they had an argument. She wanted him to leave his wife for her. He said he would if she got pregnant. But he had a vasectomy years ago.”
“She wasn’t going to get pregnant.”
“No,” I shook my head. “She wasn’t going to get pregnant, but then she took matters into her own hands. She thought it would cement their relationship.”
“He didn’t agree.”
“She said he laughed at her.”
“So she killed him.”
“She told me she was suing Mrs. Wright for part of the insurance money to support her and her child.”
“Did she say how she killed him?”
“She had a knife.” I drew my eyebrows together. “I assumed she stabbed him in the back.”
“The knife she used on you was not the murder weapon,” he said. “Thank you for coming down and giving me your story.”
“Ian—Chief Gordon—tells me that you can’t charge them with murder even though they confessed to me.”
“Right now it’s hearsay,” he said. I do have one more question for you.”
“Sure.”
“Why do you think they kidnapped you?”
“They told me they wanted me to confess to the murders and then they would make my death look like a suicide.”
“I see. Why you?”
“The tabloids suspected I was having an affair with Chef Wright.”
“Were you?”
“No,” I said. “I wasn’t, and I had no intention of doing that. I’m here to create good, home-cooked meals for the family.”
“You’re not dating anyone?”
“I’m seeing Jasper Fedman.”
“And how long have you been dating?”
“We had a few quick drinks,” I said. “Saturday was to be our first fancy date.”
“A young, vibrant woman like you has not been dating anyone?”
“I just broke up with a long-term boyfriend,” I said. “I don’t see what any of this has to do with what happened.”
“Just trying to flesh out details, Chef Cole.”
“That’s all I know,” I said. “Can I go?”
“Yes, of course.”
I stood and carefully walked toward the door, then paused. “What will it take to bring justice for the murdered men?”
“Leave that to me,” he said with confidence.
“Right,” I muttered and went to push the door open when he stopped me.
“Chef Cole,” he said.
“Yes?”
“I will bring your attackers to justice, too.”
“Thanks.”
*
Later that afternoon, right before tea, I had an appointment to see Mrs. Worth. I arrived early. I was getting used to moving around on my blistered feet. The bandages and slippers helped. It was still a bit strange to wear slippers in such a proper place as the household offices. But it was all I could wear for the next week.
“Mrs. Worth will see you now,” the secretary said.
“Thanks,” I said and made my way down the short hall to the office door. I knocked.
“Come in,” she said. “Ah, Chef Cole. Please take a seat. How are you doing?”
“I’m a bit sore, but good,” I said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to my kitchen.”
Mrs. Worth’s brown hair was pulled back. She wore only the smallest amount of makeup. Her proper suit was of brown tweed.
“Good,” she said. “The duchess has asked about you. I am happy to report that she is looking forward to your return as well.”
“Oh, good,” I said with relief.
“I’m sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. The necessary parties have been dismissed and I have tasked security with ensuring even more stringent background checks so that we don’t have these issues in the future.”
“Great,” I said.
“You are new to the palace and therefore don’t have much vacation or personal time built up.”
“No, but I can get back to work tonight,” I said.
“With slippers on your feet?” She gave me a pointed look.
“I’ll find shoes.”
“You can find shoes tomorrow. The duchess and I want to know that you are well and healthy. It will extend to your work.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I tried not to be too disappointed. “Thank you for believing in me enough to keep me as the family’s chef during this trying time.”
“It wasn’t my choice,” she said sternly. “The duchess loves your work and believes in you. Don’t let her down.”
“I won’t,” I said. Getting up, I made my way to the door. The first thing on my list was to get a comfortable pair of kitchen appropriate shoes. That meant I needed to go shopping. Not my favorite thing to do in the world, but sometimes it had to be done. This was one of those times.
*
“What are you doing?” Penny asked. She popped into my kitchen just after tea.
“I’m shopping online for shoes that are comfortable, yet kitchen appropriate. I need them if I’m going to go back to work tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you go with me? I’ll take you shopping. I know this great shoe store.”
I bit my lower lip. “Do you think that we can get there without any paparazzi? The last thing I need is more exposure in
the tabloids. The one thing I got out of the first two employee handbook trainings is that we aren’t supposed to draw attention to ourselves. Mrs. Worth let me know that she didn’t approve of me.”
“Really?”
“She said I was lucky the duchess liked my work or I wouldn’t be working here.”
“Ouch,” Penny said.
“You work with the duchess,” I said. “Does she blame me for having to cook for herself the last two days?”
“Oh, no,” Penny said. “Kate loves you. Trust me. With her schedule she is so glad to have someone she trusts feeding her family.”
“Oh, good,” I said.
“Come on,” Penny said. “I get off in an hour. Come out shopping with me.”
“All I’ve got for my feet is slippers,” I said and raised my feet to show off the soft, fluffy footwear.
“No one will notice,” Penny said with a wave of her hand. “Trust me, there are people wearing worse out there.”
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll meet you at the parking area in an hour.”
“Yay!” Penny clapped her hands. “I can’t wait to show you my secret shoe shop.”
I met Penny in the parking lot at the designated time.
“Normally I would walk,” she said. “But with your wounded feet, I asked Cameron to drive us.” She opened a car door and I slid inside.
“Hello, ladies,” Cameron said. “Welcome. Where are we going?”
“Cameron is a driver for Prince Harry,” Penny said. She blew him a kiss. “He had a free hour and will take us to the shop. It’s on High Street.”
“Thank you for taking us,” I said. “Are you sure you won’t get in trouble?”
“It’s all good,” he said with a quick grin as he drove us out into the street. “It’s really only five minutes, and I’m not scheduled until after dinner.”
“Yay!” Penny clapped her hands again. “Look, we’re here.” She pointed out the window. It felt like we only went a few blocks. Cameron pulled to the side and got out to let us out of the car.
“I’ll be back in thirty minutes,” Cameron said. “Be ready.”
Penny threw her hands around his neck and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. “You’re the best.”
He grinned and stepped back into the car and was gone.
“This is my favorite shoe shop in London.” Penny put her arm through mine. We walked into Burks.
“How fun,” I said. “My first London shop.” We went in. I was fitted and out in no time with a pair of nice black shoes that cradled my bandaged feet.
We stepped out onto the street. It was a busy evening. We looked up and down for Cameron. A car pulled up and the window rolled down. It was Beth Branch. I found myself taking a visceral step back. Penny was bent down to see who was in the car. After I recognized Beth, I saw the gun in her hand.
“Penny!” I grabbed Penny, pushing her to the ground and out of the way.
The sound of a gunshot filled the air. People all around ducked. I felt my heart rate spike. Anger surged through me. “No!” I tore the door open and reached in, startling Beth. I grabbed the lapel of her dress and yanked her out of the car and into the street. The car lurched forward hitting the car stopped in front of it.
People stopped and stared. Some people took video with their phones. I must have surprised Beth. She was half in and half out of the car. I kicked her hand that was holding the gun so that the weapon spun into the gutter. Beth grabbed my pant leg and pulled me to the ground. I could feel her trying to pull me into the car. I kicked and screamed.
Men came running. Suddenly arms grabbed me and yanked me from her grasp. Other people held Beth down. Police sirens rang out. “Why did you tell Ian to question me? Everything was going as planned. Evie and Rachel should have been the primary suspects. Everything was going as planned until you. I should have killed you first,” Beth shouted. “I should have sliced you like I did Don.”
“Wait, you killed Chef Wright?” I asked. “But Evie told me—”
“Don’t be a fool,” Beth seethed. “Evie didn’t admit to anything. She wouldn’t kill Wright. She was in love with him.”
“But, if you killed Chef Wright, why?”
“He found out I was stealing recipes. He threatened to have me fired.” Her eyes flashed. “He threatened me.” She lunged at me and the men pulled her back.
“Don’t let her near anyone,” I said.
“You should have never pushed Ian Gordon to question me,” she sneered. “Who do you think you are? They had Evie cold for this case until you got involved.”
After those words, it seemed like everything happened so fast. The police came and took control of Beth. The crowds were roped off. Penny and I were sitting in the shop doorway hugging each other.
Cameron called Penny. She put the call on speakerphone. “I can’t get to you with the traffic,” he said. “I’m sorry but I have to take the boss out to a state dinner.”
“No problem,” Penny said. “We’re kind of in the middle of things here. We’ll get a taxi home.”
“Okay,” Cameron said. “Are you okay?”
“We’re safe,” Penny said.
I saw Detective Chief Inspector Garrote walking toward us. He had on a fancy overcoat and was dressed as if he had a dinner date. “What happened?”
Tears came to my eyes. “We went shopping and Beth Branch … I’m sorry,” I said. Penny pulled a tissue out of her purse and I dabbed the tears in my eyes.
“We have it on video,” Penny said with more calm than I felt. “We came out of the shoe store and Beth pulled up beside us. I didn’t realize what was going on. She rolled down the window and called out so I went over.”
“I saw the gun and pushed Penny out of the way,” I said. “I don’t really remember what all happened after that.”
“Carrie Ann grabbed her and knocked the gun out of her hand,” Penny said. “The crowd got involved.”
“Did anyone get hurt?” Detective Chief Inspector Garrote asked. He was taking notes.
“I don’t think so,” I said. “Some bruises but that’s it.”
“There was some sort of traffic incident?” He asked as he looked at the cars.
“I pulled Beth from the car to knock the gun out of her hand and the car lurched forward.”
“I see.”
“What I want to know is why.” Penny hugged me tight. “This is the second time someone tried to kill Carrie Ann. Why is this allowed to go on?”
“We were close to an arrest,” he said. “I didn’t expect her to lash out.”
“She said she wished she had killed me like she killed Chef Wright,” I said. “We have witnesses and I think some people got it on their phones.”
“Our techs are reviewing all the video footage now,” he said. “The most important thing is that you are all right.”
“Can we go home now?” I asked.
“Yes,” He said. “But I may need to speak to you tomorrow. Do you have a ride?”
“Our ride couldn’t get here,” Penny said.
“I’ll have a constable take you,” he waved over a police officer. “See these ladies get home safely.”
“Yes, sir.”
We rode in silence back to the palace. Penny clung to my arm as if I was going to keep her safe. Or maybe she was afraid I was going to disappear.
We showed our badges at the gates and got into the palace before tears started running down my cheeks. I guess the adrenaline had worn off. Penny hugged me.
Ian met us at the palace door. “I heard what happened. Are you all right?”
Jasper came running up. “I’ve been going crazy. Are you okay?” He put his arms around me, and I melted into his warmth as the sobs started.
“Beth Branch almost killed us,” Penny said. “It was horrible, but Carrie Ann was amazing. She pushed me out of the way and opened the door. Beth was surprised. Next thing I know Carrie Ann had Beth halfway out of the car and kicked the gun out of her hand. People were video
ing and others got involved. It was chaos.”
“We didn’t know if shots were fired or not,” Jasper said. “There were rumors that one or more of you were dead.”
“Come on,” Ian said. “Let’s get you inside away from prying eyes.”
He opened the door and ushered us into the hall. I glanced over my shoulder to see that the press had gathered outside the gates and were snapping pictures.
“Beth said she killed Chef Wright. She screamed it in front of the crowd. People have it on video.”
“I really thought Evie killed Chef Wright,” I said with a shiver. “I guess she never really admitted to murdering Chef Wright. I just assumed. I should never assume.”
“It’s easy to make assumptions when faced with a killer,” Ian said. “Don’t beat yourself up.”
“I think Evie and Beth have done enough of that already.” We laughed and walked up to our apartments. “Why don’t you all come to my place,” I said. “I’ll make tea.”
I opened my door and they settled in while I started the electric kettle.
“You’re bleeding,” Ian said. He stood by the counter and pointed to my arm.
“I might have pulled out my stitches.” I touched the spot where the stitches were. It was seeping. “I’ll go put on another shirt.”
“I’ll go with you and check it out,” Penny said.
We ducked into my bathroom. I had indeed popped a few stitches.
“Darn,” I said.
“Looks like you need to go to the clinic,” Penny said.
“I’ll take her,” Jasper said outside the door.
“Good,” Penny said. She helped me get into a short sleeve shirt. “Off you go.”
“But we were going to have tea.”
“No worries. I’m exhausted. I’ll head off to bed.”
“But it’s early.” I pointed to the clock, which read nine-thirty PM.
“I’m fine. I think a little quiet will be nice for me.”
“I’ll let you know when I get back,” I said. “You can stay with me if you need anything.”
Penny smiled. “You can stay with me, too.”
“It’s pretty bad when a girl can’t even go shoe shopping safely,” I said.
“Oh, you do have your shoes, right?”
“I have my shoes,” I said, pointing to the shopping bag near the door. “I managed to keep a hold of it.” It was important to me that I would be able to go back to work in the morning—busted stitches and all.