Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Rare Catch Cozy Mystery

by Liz Turner

  Just be sure to leave the fine herbs uncut for now,” Veronica warned her cooks. “I don’t want them to bruise before we get a chance to use them.”

  “Yes, Chef!”

  Veronica was about to finish cooking the pasta when she heard the door to the kitchens open. She expected to see Sandro walk in to see how much she and her team was messing up his impeccable kitchen, but instead she saw a man all in black except for his white undershirt. He held his hands behind his back as he glanced around the kitchen with a small sneer on his face, his nose turning up a little at some of the smells permeating the air.

  Why’s he so offended? Veronica wondered as he approached one of her cooks.

  “Who is in charge here?” he asked, his voice just as tight as his lips. “Who do I talk to about special orders?”

  “Excuse me, sir,” Veronica said, walking up to the gentleman. “Who are you looking for exactly?”

  “I want to talk to the person in charge of The Rare Catch,” he informed her. “My father hired them to cater dinner tonight, and there are certain conditions to meet.”

  “Ah, well, my name is Veronica Koche.” She held out her hand for him to shake, which he did, rather stiffly. “I’m the Executive Chef at The Rare Catch. You must be Mister Buckner’s son?”

  “David Buckner,” he replied. The man stood up straight and looked directly into her eyes. “You must know that there are certain specifications for each of the meals tonight. My daughter is allergic to peanuts so her food must not come in contact with them at any time. My brother is not to be served any alcohol, not even the kind used for cooking. If you can’t cook his meal without using alcohol, prepare him something else. My sister is vegan, so there is to be no sign of meat or eggs in her meal…”

  Veronica let him go on, a smile forming on her face. He’s both a very concerned brother and son, or he’s a bit of a control freak. Better not tell him that, though.

  “…What are you smiling at?” David demanded.

  “I’m sorry. I’m easily amused,” she replied. “You father – Martin, correct? – Already informed me of all the specific requirements of your family. I assure we are very professional here. I do not take these sorts of requests lightly.”

  David continued to look at her for several seconds before nodding his assent. “Good. You must forgive me. I want everything to be perfect for my father.”

  “I can understand that,” Veronica said with a smile. “He is getting on in years, isn’t he? If you don’t mind me saying.”

  “Yes, and he is particular about many things. I don’t want to disappoint him.”

  He’s not the only one who’s particular, but I guess I can’t blame him. “I will do everything in my power to prevent that from happening…as far as the food is concerned.”

  David’s lips flinched in what Veronica supposed was his version of a smile.

  “Thank you, Chef Koche. I look forward to the meal.”

  He gave a small bow with his head before leaving the kitchen. Veronica watched him go, and once he was out of earshot, she gave out a loud sigh. She turned to her cooks as well as the cooks working for the resort, who had all been watching the exchange the whole time. They stared at her as she glanced at each of them.

  “What are you all looking at?” she asked, partly genuinely but a bit sarcastically.

  “I can’t speak for everyone,” Sakura said. “But I was wondering if you were going to blow a gasket over the way he was ordering you around.”

  Veronica shook her head. “Nah. I’ve been through worse interrogations before. That was nothing. And he’s clearly just concerned that his family’s meals are just right.”

  “A bit of a perfectionist, huh?” Sakura gave her employer a smirk. “Sound like someone we know?”

  “I’ll pretend you didn’t say that,” Veronica joked back. “I’m going to find Mr. Hoffstad. I’d like to see where we’ll be serving the Buckners.”

  Sandro was working at the front, in the lobby, training a new receptionist in the computer program for reservations. He left the job to another worker as he led Veronica back through the restaurant. There was a room off to the side, away from the rest of the tables and booths.

  “The Buckner family ordered a private room,” Sandro explained. “Of course, we agreed. They deserve a private room for a private party.”

  “I imagine so,” Veronica said, but silently she added: Or maybe you just didn’t want the other customers to see the Buckners served by someone other than your staff…

  Inside the room was a long table, large enough to fit ten or twelve people, and a large window made up the entire wall opposite the entrance. Other than the table and chairs there was not much to the room. It might have typically been a conference room if it hadn’t been connected so closely to the restaurant.

  It seemed that someone already beat the two of them to the room. At the far end of the table was a man, just about the same age as David, or perhaps slightly younger. He had the same shade of brown hair, although his was curlier than David’s. As he looked up when they entered, Veronica noticed his eyes were again of the same size and shape as David’s, but they differed just slightly in color. His face was thin but his skin was tanned as if he spent a lot of time outside.

  The man stood as they entered. “I’m sorry. I’m not intruding, I swear.”

  “It’s all right, Mr. Buckner,” Sandro told him. He gestured his hand to Veronica. “May I introduce Miss Veronica Koche. She is the Executive Chef at The Rare Catch, and the one in charge of catering your meal tonight.”

  “Nice to meet you, Miss Koche…” the man responded. “Or I guess it’s Chef Koche. Sorry. I’m Charlie. Charles Buckner, as my brother would have me introduce myself.”

  Veronica smiled. “He is a bit of a stickler for doing things in a proper manner, isn’t he?”

  “Yeah, he is.” Charlie chuckled but stopped himself. “I won’t tell him you said that if you won’t tell him I said it.”

  “Then we’re in agreement,” Veronica concurred. “Were you looking for something in particular?”

  “Yes, Mr. Buckner. Is there something you needed?” Sandro inquired.

  “I was just thinking. Taking in the view of this window. It’s very beautiful,” Charlie explained. “I’m sorry. Do you need this room? To get ready for dinner? I can leave if you need me to.”

  “It’s okay,” Veronica replied with a tilt of her head. “But are you all right? You seem worried about something.”

  “It’s fine. I’m fine,” he stuttered out. “Excuse me.”

  Charlie stepped out of the room, leaving the Executive Chef and Resort Manager to themselves. They stared at each other, both silently wondering what was bothering the man, but there was no answer to that mystery.

  Veronica made her way back to the kitchen, confident that she would deliver the meal to the correct table once it was prepared later that evening. As she approached, Veronica heard the sound of someone barking orders at everyone inside. It was a woman’s voice, deep and chilling, as she directed the cooks, but not in a way that was practical for preparing meals in an efficient manner. This person was more concerned with something else.

  “The meats are not to go past this line, understand?” the woman declared. “Eggs and milk, over there. All fruits and vegetables, here. Grains, here.”

  “But we can’t have the meat so far from the grills or the pressure cookers,” one of the cooks protested. “And we can’t chop the vegetables on this side! There are no cutting boards or—”

  “I don’t want the meat touching my food. Understand?” The woman’s deep voice was even more intimidating when someone disagreed with her. “I will not have it.”

  “Veronica! Thank goodness you’re back!” Sakura declared. She ran up to her boss and pointed to the stranger. “This woman is off her rocker! Get her to stop!”

  Veronica nodded and walked past Sakura, straight for the intruder in her kitchen (well, not her kitchen, but, for now, it was
her territory).

  “Excuse me, miss? I’m Chef Koche. I’m in charge of the catering here. Is everything all right?”

  The slender woman spun on her heel and looked at Veronica with big eyes. Her face was either thin or pinched with annoyance, and Veronica could not tell which. She kept her brown hair up in a bun, although some of it was falling out and curling around her shoulders. Her lips thinned as she looked at Veronica.

  “I’m Janet Buckner, and I’m making sure things are done properly around here,” she declared. “My family has had enough with this restaurant preparing our meals incorrectly. That’s why my father ordered a catering service in the first place.”

  “Your brother was down here earlier for the same reason,” Veronica placated her. “I assured him that everything is being prepared as per Mr. Buckner’s – your father’s – instructions, and I assure you of the same.”

  “Was he now?” Janet responded. “Did David tell you that I am a strict vegan and that no beef, pork, poultry, other fowl, seafood, eggs, dairy or any animal products are to come in contact with my meal?”

  “He did explain, in fact, and we are accommodating for it.”

  “What about timing? Will the food be cool enough to eat but not too cold? I don’t want to burn my tongue on my first bite.”

  “My cooks and I prepare everything to perfection, and ready to serve.”

  “And what of the liquid consistency of your sauces? Are they too thick or too thin?”

  “I strive for a perfect mix of the two.”

  Janet paused, but only for a split second. “Do you even understand the effects of diet on the human body? How an animal product-free diet can reduce the risk of type two diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease?”

  “Well, vegan and vegetarian diets are also considered to reduce the risk of cancer as well, given the increase of fruits and vegetables in their typical diet,” Veronica described professionally. “Some of the substituted proteins, such as soy protein, can also lower your body-mass index if balanced with other nutrients.”

  Janet stopped in her tracks, apparently ready to lecture the Executive Chef in that very moment but instead waited for further explanation if Veronica had one.

  “However, I would warn you that eliminating animal products from your diet may also cause deficiencies in various vitamins, calcium, and omega-three fatty acids,” Veronica continued. “Although these can increase with fortified foods and supplements. So although they might need to be extra careful with their diet, there is no reason a person cannot be either vegetarian or vegan.”

  Janet continued to stare. “I see. Most people would argue with me about the benefits of veganism, but you have brought both sides of the debate to the table already.”

  “Brought the debate to the table,” Sakura laughed but stopped when Janet glared at her. “You’re talking about food…oh, never mind.”

  “In any case, I see that our meal is in informed and educated hands,” Janet resumed. “Thank you for your time, Chef Koche. I look forward to dinner tonight.”

  “I shall do my best, Miss Buckner.”

  With that, and with her head held high, Janet left the kitchen, much in the same manner as her brother had. All the cooks stared at her as if waiting for further instruction.

  “Well, what are you all waiting for?” Veronica asked, the good nature back in her tone. “We’ve got a meal to prepare!”

  In an instant, all the cooks went back to work, whether employed by Veronica or not. She was just the type to be obeyed that way. They were still careful not to mix up the animal products with everything else, though. Sakura was the only one who didn’t return to her station. She simply continued to watch Veronica.

  “Where’d you learn so much about veganism?” she asked. “I don’t remember learning about that in culinary school.”

  “I didn’t either, but all culinary schools should cover it,” Veronica replied. “My undergraduate degree is in nutrition, and I wrote my final project on the pros and cons of veganism.”

  “You’ll need to let me read it sometime.”

  “And let you make fun of my horrible grammar and sentence structure? I don’t think so!”

  Chapter 3

  The relaxed atmosphere previously felt in the kitchen had been replaced by an intense frenzy once dinnertime rolled around. The cooks from The Rare Catch were surprisingly diligent and precise in their work, but perhaps this was because they knew how important this commission was to their Executive Chef, and they wanted to make sure she was satisfied with their cooking.

  Or it could be that Veronica was forcing them to be that diligent. It could go either way.

  “How’s that salmon filet doing?” she called out.

  “Trimmed, seasoned, and ready to grill!”

  “How about the miso soup?”

  “Ready anytime!”

  “And the substitute hot and sour soup for our vegan customer?”

  “It’s ready too!”

  “Okay! Would you please get the bowls ready to serve the appetizer?”

  “Yes, Chef!”

  “Anyone else think it’s ironic that the vegan meal is far more complicated than the other meals?” Sakura joked as she grilled some peppers and zucchini.

  “That always ends up happening. Special meals require extra attention.” Veronica took two separate spoons and tasted both kinds of soup. “Wonderful! Hannah, these are perfect!”

  The cook in question smiled and blushed a little before turning her attention back to her prep.

  “Oh I hope they like these,” Veronica murmured to herself, but Sakura was right next to her, and could easily hear her mutterings.

  “You just said they were perfect,” the younger chef said.

  “And they are. I just hope this is the type of meal they enjoy. Not everyone enjoys Asian food.”

  “Didn’t Mr. Buckner’s order say that was fine for them?”

  “Yes…Sorry, I’m a little stressed.”

  Sakura smirked at her. “A little?”

  “Okay, a lot stressed,” Veronica corrected herself. “I just really hope this all goes well. Everything’s got to be perfect and delicious! If the Buckners leave a good review, it could be a real boost for the restaurant!”

  “Veronica, if there’s one thing you know best, it’s how to make a delicious meal,” Sakura reassured her. “And you are paying close attention to the family’s special needs. Relax! You won’t get that good review if you give yourself a heart attack.”

  “You’re right.” Veronica sighed. “Okay, deep breaths…and on to the next one!”

  The preparations continued as planned. Veronica was still concerned about every minute detail of every dish, even though there wasn’t much more for her team to do other than to make sure the food didn't burn. Her thoroughness was no surprise to anyone who worked with her. Her cooks had become quite accustomed to her perfectionist tendencies and adapted accordingly. Sakura was the only one who poked fun at her, and that was more to help her boss unwind than it was to mock her.

  The feedback coming from the family was encouraging. The servers reported back to Veronica about each dish she served, and every member of the party seemed to be not only gratified by their food but wholly delighted by it as well. This approval helped Veronica’s confidence, but it didn’t stop her from being vigilant of her and her cooks’ work.

  The appetizer, second and third courses had been served, and the cooks were busy working on the next one. The team working the resort restaurant had finally grown accustomed to the extra bodies in the kitchen and was becoming quite proficient at working around them. Much of the conflict between the two groups was resolving, although there were still a few short tempers that made the work more difficult that it needed to be.

  Sakura’s been telling me to relax, Veronica thought. These guys need to calm down too. We won’t be here forever, and we wouldn’t even be here if they followed the Buckner’s directions more closely.

&nb
sp; The fact that the Buckner family’s requests were rather specific and hard to accomplish with literally so many cooks in the kitchen was never a question.

  The fourth course was nearly finished; Veronica was just adding the last of the garnishes to the plates when one of the waiters came by and waited by the door, keeping anyone from going in or out. He stood there staring at all the chaos that came with high-end cooking. Eventually, Veronica noticed he was there and walked over to him.

  “Hello. Is there something you need?”

  “Are you Executive Chef Koche?”

  “I am. Is everything all right?”

  “The Buckner family is requesting your presence.”

  Veronica’s heart suddenly dropped into her stomach, but she tried to keep her face calm. “Did they say what it was about?”

  “No, just that they wanted to see you. Follow me please.”

  The server turned and left the kitchens. Veronica paused before following, biting her lips the whole way to the private dining room. She had only ever been called away by a family when someone had something very bad to say about their food and that had been many years ago when Veronica was still a mere apprentice cook. It had not been a horribly unpleasant experience, but it certainly shot down whatever little confidence the young chef had at the time. She had not been called to a meal since then because she learned to pay more attention to detail and taste.

  The server opened the door to the dining room, and Veronica took another deep breath before entering. The waiter followed her and closed the door behind them.

  “Esteemed guests, may I introduce Executive Chef Veronica Koche, of The Rare Catch.”

  At the table that could seat twelve, the guests only took up half. The extra space seemed to work well, however, since they put all their used and dirty dishes to the side, allowing for a more comfortable environment for them to talk.