Uncorking a Lie

by Nadine Nettmann

  He sighed. “It’s strange that they both happened on the same day. But I don’t understand the flash card thing. Could this be someone from your tasting group?”

  “No, we’re good friends. I trust them completely.” Kurt went through my mind. But he wouldn’t do that. He was perhaps a little bitter, but not mean. And we had just worked together and everything was fine.

  “Does everyone in your group know where you live?”

  “Of course.” I paused as it dawned on me. “But if this is somehow related to Paul, there is someone from the dinner who knows where I live. He dropped me off yesterday.” I glanced at the clock. It was nearly two in the morning on Wednesday. “I mean two days ago. Simon Watkins. He gave me a ride on Monday.”

  “Maybe he broke in.”

  I shrugged. “I have no idea what he would do with flash cards. Or why he would take them from me.”

  “Maybe because you’re working for Paul.”

  “Well, not anymore. Paul fired me earlier tonight.”

  “Why?”

  “He was worried I might have attacked Martin. I mean, I was there when it happened. Or right after. But he wasn’t sure, so he fired me.”

  “Sorry to hear that.” Dean studied me for a while. “Do you think the same person who attacked Martin could have done this? Like a warning, to tell you to stop?”

  “No,” I replied, but Dean didn’t look like he believed me. And to be honest, neither did I.

  twenty

  pairing suggestion: touriga nacional

  —alto douro, portugal

  A full-bodied red wine made from a thick-skinned grape.

  -

  After a few hours of sleep and a hot shower, the Wednesday meeting with my blind tasting group was a welcome dose of normalcy. I was no longer working with Paul and my flash cards were gone, but there were still five glasses of wine that needed to be identified.

  After the tasting group, I stood outside the private dining room and stared across the restaurant. Part of me wondered if Paul would come in for lunch again, but he wasn’t in his favorite booth.

  “You okay?” Bill studied me as he stood at my side.

  “Yeah,” I lied. “Just taking a moment.”

  “Sure,” he said. “But I’ve known you for four years. Something else is going on.”

  I took a deep breath. “Paul Rafferty fired me last night and then someone broke into my apartment.”

  Darius exited the dining room and joined us. “Someone robbed you? You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I wasn’t home.”

  “How much did they take?”

  A nervous laugh escaped from my lips. “Well, it wasn’t how much they took, it was what they took. Only one thing. My flash cards.” It sounded ridiculous, even to me.

  “Your flash cards?” Darius folded his arms as Kurt joined the three of us, his bag on his shoulder.

  “Yep. My entire binder.”

  “That’s so pointed.” Bill understood. He knew the hours and tediousness of preparing the cards.

  “I know. All of that time and energy spent making those and now they’re probably at the bottom of a trashcan.”

  “I wouldn’t say that. Maybe someone else is studying them,” Bill added.

  “I doubt it. I can’t imagine anyone else would actually use them.”

  “Sorry about the cards,” said Kurt. “You know, if you did them on your phone, you wouldn’t have to worry about them being stolen. There’d be a backup.”

  “I like using the real ones. Besides, I feel I learn from writing things down.” I sighed. “Except now they’re gone. All of them.” I shrugged. “It’s a temporary setback. When I’m ready, I’ll start over and make them again, one by one.”

  “Cause if you want something badly enough—”

  “You make it happen.” I finished Bill’s sentence. “Besides, if they’re trying to distract me from studying, they’ve failed. It’s only going to make me more focused.” I breathed out. “See you in a few hours.” I was on the schedule for later in the day, but I wanted to go home and change and maybe pick up the pack of colored flash cards Cooper had given me. Maybe it was time to start from the beginning.

  I walked out of Trentino and saw a figure standing near my car. It was too far away for me to recognize but knowing that Martin had been attacked and someone knew where I lived, my guard was up. I continued to approach, knowing that I could grab my wine opener from my purse if needed. Although it was small, it did have a knife on it.

  I realized it was Dean.

  “Hey.” Relief flowed through me as I approached him. “I’m glad it’s you.”

  “Hey,” he replied with a smile on his face.

  “Don’t you ever work?” I winked.

  “I’m a detective, I go where I’m called. And you did call me last night.” He held up a key and handed it to me. “All done.”

  “Is that for my new lock?”

  “Yep. Drove back this morning and took care of it.”

  “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

  “It was my pleasure. I want to make sure my friends are safe.”

  My focus from Dean was distracted as a car pulled into the lot. A black Mercedes Sedan. Simon’s car.

  “Oh, it’s him.”

  “What?”

  “That’s Simon. He’s the one that gave me the ride.”

  Dean stared at the car. “Do you think he’s the one who broke in?”

  “Who knows?”

  Simon hopped out at valet and handed over his keys. He noticed me and walked over.

  “Katie.” He looked at Dean and then back at me. “I’m so sorry about everything with Paul. It’s really terrible and unfair.”

  Dean and I glanced at each other. Clearly Simon had heard that Paul had fired me. “I’ll be fine.”

  Simon raised his eyebrows. “Wait, why will you be fine?”

  I paused as I took in the situation. “Isn’t that what you were saying was so terrible, that he fired me?”

  “He fired you? Why?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” I paused as I decided how to broach the subject. I chose blunt and to the point. “Simon, someone broke into my apartment last night.”

  Simon’s face fell. “I’m very sorry to hear that.”

  I glanced at Dean and then back at Simon. “You know where I live. You gave me a ride home.”

  Simon stared at me. “What are you implying?”

  “Did you go to my apartment?”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes.”

  “Katie, why would I do that? What would be the reason?”

  “I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.”

  “Are you sure you didn’t stop by?” added Dean.

  I shot him a look, hoping to convey that I was fine handling this on my own.

  Simon shook his head. “Katie, it could have been anybody but it definitely was not me. It’s not hard to find out where someone lives these days.” He motioned with his hand. “Why would you even think it was someone you know? Burglaries happen all the time.”

  “Because I was working for Paul. Looking into a wine.” I stopped speaking. I didn’t want to share more information unless I had to. “That doesn’t matter, but it’s clear it was someone I know because of what they took.”

  Simon straightened his jacket. “Listen, Katie. I don’t know what your situation was with Paul but if you think someone is after you, you need to be careful. There may come a point, which you might have already reached, where I won’t be able to help you.”

  “Why would you be able to help her?” asked Dean.

  “I’m saying I won’t be able to,” replied Simon as he focused solely on me and not Dean. “It’s complicated. But if someone broke in, you might already be outside of my re
alm.” He smiled but his eyes had a strong level of concern in them. “Just be careful.” Simon glanced over his shoulder at the restaurant’s entrance.

  “Why are you here at Trentino? Was this just to warn me?”

  “I’m meeting a friend for lunch.” He looked at his watch. “Actually, I’m already late.”

  “I haven’t seen you here before.”

  Simon motioned to my casual attire. “I guess you don’t work lunch.” He tilted his head. “Am I not allowed to dine at your restaurant now that you think I robbed you? Listen, I don’t know what was taken, but if officials are looking into it, have them check out my alibi. I was in Healdsburg for business all day yesterday. I have bigger things to worry about than petty theft.” He closed the button of his suit. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a luncheon to attend.”

  “Wait,” I said as Simon stepped away. “You never said what was so terrible about Paul.”

  “Oh, didn’t you hear? He was arrested for Cooper’s murder this morning. He just posted bail about an hour ago.”

  twenty-one

  pairing suggestion: valpolicella superiore—veneto, italy

  A versatile wine with flavors of black cherry,

  it’s ideal for those who like big red wines.

  -

  Dean and I stood silent as we watched Simon enter Trentino.

  “I can’t believe Cooper was murdered,” I finally stated. “I mean, I had a suspicion, but I can’t believe I was right.” I shook my head. “But it wasn’t Paul. He didn’t even leave the room when Cooper did. He couldn’t have pushed him.”

  “I’m sure he’ll get a great legal team together.”

  “Maybe,” I replied as my mind raced through how many times I had met Paul. He didn’t come across as a murderer.

  “Katie,” said Dean. “I can tell you’re deep in thought. What’s going on?”

  “Paul didn’t kill Cooper. I’m sure of it. And it’s not like he altered the stairs. I went down those same stairs just after Cooper and I was fine. The top one was a little loose but nothing to cause an accident.”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “I think someone’s trying to set Paul up. Just like somebody broke into my place last night and like someone attacked Martin. This has to do with Paul’s wine.”

  “But Katie, if the deputies arrested him for murder, they must have had a good reason.”

  I looked at Dean. “You mean something bigger than Cooper just falling down the stairs?”

  He nodded.

  “No one said murder in reference to Cooper’s death, but the deputies were pressing me with questions yesterday and it’s starting to make a little more sense. There’s a reason they think Paul murdered Cooper, and I need to find out what it is.”

  “How will you do that?”

  I unlocked my car. “By calling Paul and seeing if I can help.”

  Dean stepped closer. “I don’t want to act like the voice of reason here, but you don’t work for him anymore. He fired you and he’s been arrested for murder. Maybe you should be careful around him. Not that I want to put any trust in what that Simon guy said, but things might be getting dangerous.”

  “Look what happened with my apartment. They already know I’m involved. Besides, Paul’s health hasn’t been great recently. This could be devastating to him. If there really is a murder investigation going on, I can help.”

  “You shouldn’t give help until you’re asked for it. Isn’t that how you view life?”

  I stared into Dean’s blue eyes. “Yes.” I paused. “But if it turns out Cooper really was murdered, everyone at that dinner is a suspect.” Including me, I wanted to add, but I kept that to myself. I took my phone out of the car. “The least I can do is check on him. See if he’s okay. I promise I’ll be careful.”

  Dean nodded and watched as I dialed.

  It rang and I started to think Paul might not pick up. He was under investigation for murder. The last thing he needed was a phone call from someone he had just fired.

  “Hello,” he said in a weak voice.

  “Paul, it’s Katie Stillwell. I heard about the …” My voice fell away. I wasn’t sure what to say. “The arrest. I’m so sorry, but I want you to know that I don’t think you’re involved. And I want to help.”

  There was a long pause.

  “Can you come over right away?”

  twenty-two

  pairing suggestion: pinot blanc—alsace, france

  Subtle and discreet, this wine has soft honey flavors

  with a small amount of acidity.

  -

  The drive to Paul’s house in Sonoma felt completely different this time, the excitement of opening a rare and expensive bottle replaced by the possibility of a murder investigation.

  I glanced at the vineyards as I drove, their branches bare as they waited for the bud break in the spring. Still, the order of their straight, organized lines gave me strength.

  The house came into view, but it looked much different in the daylight, as if it carried an air of sadness.

  I arrived at the gate and buzzed the intercom.

  “Hello,” said a weak voice, a strong contrast to Cooper’s jovial greeting on Sunday.

  “Paul, it’s Katie.”

  My comment was met by silence on the intercom. I put the car in park and waited. Perhaps my long drive had been pointless after all.

  Then the gate opened. I took a deep breath as I drove up the driveway and parked. I needed to be calm and collected. I needed to be strong.

  I arrived at the front door just as Paul opened it. He looked pale and tired, his blue eyes void of energy. “Come in.”

  I stepped inside and followed him down the marble hallway.

  We reached the sitting area and Paul leaned against the bar, his focus centered on the wall in front of him.

  “How are you?” I stood next to Paul, not wanting to sit.

  “Well, let’s see,” he said as his emotionless stare focused on me. “I paid a lot of money for a fake bottle of wine, my assistant is dead, and now I’m being blamed for his murder. Not exactly great.”

  “I’m so sorry.” I swallowed hard. I knew there had to be more to the story and it was time to find out. There had to be a reason Paul was under suspicion.

  “Paul, this morning …” My voice fell away. “Why did they arrest you? You were in the living room when he fell. I’m a witness. All of us here were witnesses.”

  He shook his head. “That’s not the part that they’re talking about. There’s more.”

  I leaned forward. “Paul, Cooper didn’t just fall, did he?”

  Paul gripped my arm. “No.”

  I took a deep breath but it didn’t satisfy me as my lungs refused to expand. I never liked to hear bad news. I preferred stories about wine. Not about death. “What happened? Did they tell you?”

  Paul released his hold and reached for a bottle of whiskey. His hand shook as he poured two fingers into a glass and then took a long sip. “He was poisoned,” he said.

  My mind raced. Poisoned? I waited for Paul to speak as he focused his attention on me.

  “At my dinner. With my friends. Murdered.”

  I looked into Paul’s eyes, searching for more information, but he didn’t give any. “I don’t understand. I found him at the bottom of the stairs.”

  Paul shook his head. “Now they’re saying he fell because of the poison. That he must have ingested it at dinner or shortly after.”

  “But we all ate the same food. Drank the same wine.” I swallowed hard. Could it have been the Chateau Clair Bleu?

  Paul took another sip as his hand continued to shake.

  I wondered if the hand tremors were from the stress or a medical condition. I motioned to the barstool and helped him sit.

  “Exactly,” said Paul. “W
e all drank and ate the same thing. He must have had it separately.”

  “Which means he was targeted,” I replied without meaning to say it out loud. “But why do they think you poisoned him? Why were you arrested out of everyone here that night?”

  Paul put down the empty glass. “I have no idea. It was my party, perhaps. Cooper worked for me. I don’t know.”

  I moved the bottle closer to him.

  “I’m not sure what’s worse,” he said as he poured another shot of whiskey. “Being arrested for a crime I didn’t commit, or knowing that one of my friends is a murderer.” He looked at me. “Katie, what am I supposed to do?”

  He was in a tough situation and I didn’t know how to respond, but I needed to think clearly. “Paul, why would anyone at the table that night kill Cooper? What would be the reason?”

  “I have no idea. They were all my friends.” He looked into my eyes. “But I can trust you.”

  “You fired me yesterday. You said you didn’t trust me.”

  He shifted his gaze down at the bar. “I was in a different place then. That was because things were happening. Martin was attacked.” Paul’s voice turned into a whisper. “Today it’s different. I need someone who couldn’t have been involved with what happened to Cooper. And I believe in my heart that you had nothing to do with it. That’s not who you are.”

  “No, it’s not. Paul, did anyone that night have any grievances against Cooper?”

  Paul shook his head. “No. None that I knew, anyway. Everyone at the dinner loved him. They’d all known him for years. It just seems so random. First a counterfeit wine and then a murder.”

  And that was when it dawned on me. I sank onto the nearby stool. “Paul, what if it’s because of the wine? I told Cooper that it was a forgery and he was going to check on it. What if him checking meant talking to someone else at the dinner? And they were involved with the wine so they killed him?”

  “Involved with the wine? But I bought it at the auction.”

  “What if they’re connected?”

  Paul stared off into the distance. “Prior to this morning, I would have said that’s not possible, but now I don’t know.” He turned his attention to me. “Thanks for coming here. On the phone you said you could help. I know the deputies will be looking into it, but they think I’m guilty. And even if there are some officers who don’t, they’re busy with other cases. I need someone who’s focused solely on this.” He paused. “Besides, I know about you. I’ve heard things.” He swirled his whiskey and took another drink as my adrenaline level skyrocketed.