The Death of a Celebrity Chef

by Kee Patterbee

  “Classic move, too,” Buster added as he shoved a crab puff in his mouth. “Get rid of the queen and gain her throne.”

  Hannah nodded. “The fact that Asa is hiring Jazlyn to get back at Julia as an act of revenge makes sense, too.” She looked at both Louie and Vera. “It’s a douche bag kind of move, but not a crime.”

  Cate pondered over a platter full of sensual food delights before picking one. She examined it before popping it in her mouth. “He’s gonna go ballistic when he finds out that Vera is Julia’s child by Louie, his nemesis for years.”

  Louie assumed a satisfied look. “Ooooh, nemesis, I like that.”

  “So, Jazlyn shuffles her way back onto the list of suspects, am I right?” Cate remarked.

  “Yup, she may not have had the strength to pull it off outright. But the drugs would have weakened Julia to the point she didn’t or couldn’t fight back. Assuming, of course, it went down as we think.”

  “Yeah, and remember, she uses sex as a weapon,” Buster tossed out. Everyone looked at him as he popped in another food sample and swallowed it. “What?”

  Cate rolled her eyes. “Another notch in the belt.”

  “That’s not what I’m saying. Well, not for the most part, but anyway, she could have beguiled someone into helping her.”

  Hannah pondered the notion. It was rare when Buster had a constructive thought, but every now and again, he was dead on. “Well, she did have access.”

  Vera piped in. “I still find it hard to believe that she is behind this. We have had our differences, but Jazlyn always seemed to care for Julia. Besides, the one thing I could never tolerate about her cooking was the fact that it was haphazard, not at all organized. Julia used to say that the way a person prepares a recipe reflects who they are in real life. I believe that to be true.”

  “So, you think she was too disorganized to have pulled this off.”

  Vera confirmed with a single nod. “I do.”

  “Well, among us you know her best. I’ll add that idea to the mix for consideration.” Looking around for Buster, who had wandered away from the group, they found him at a table full of tiny slices of desserts. “Buster,” Hannah called out, “you think you could give everyone else here a shot at some of those goodies while you fill us in on what you found out?”

  Buster swallowed down a bite and came over. “All right.” Between licks of his fingers, he provided his information. “Xabiere is forty-six. No priors. There is a notation about the death threats, but he was not charged. Trained in Birmingham at the Culinary Academy of the South. Worked his way up to sous chef under Julia. His specialty is southern cuisine like BBQ, fried chicken, pecan pie, that sort of thing.”

  Louie looked puzzled. “That’s an odd specialty, don’t you think? He seems rather ambitious to have gone into such a field. I mean, not that there is anything wrong with it, but it seems less glamorous, somehow, for someone like him.”

  “By like him, you mean French.” There was a noticeable irritation in Vera’s voice.

  “Well, yeah.”

  “That’s because he’s not.”

  Everyone fell silent, except Hannah. She was intrigued. “Do tell.”

  “It is why we stopped seeing each other. He is an excellent mimic. His French nearly flawless, but the more time I spent around him, I would hear it slip. One day, he confessed. He not only studied in Birmingham. He is from Birmingham. His name is William Barton. His mother is French, but his father is American, and he grew up in the United States.”

  Louie studied his daughter’s face. “Why didn’t you tell us before?”

  “I didn’t think it mattered. You should know as well as anybody that in this business, accents and personas are tools of the trade, as they say.” Hannah and Louie had to agree. “So, when I confronted him, he became quite upset. He begged me not to tell. I agreed, but I couldn’t keep it from Julia. When I did tell her, she said she was aware, so it didn’t seem to matter.” A great concern showed in Vera’s eyes, “Hannah, please tell me this didn’t contribute to my mother’s death.”

  Hannah took Vera’s hand. “I’m certain it didn’t. If he were in any way involved, it had nothing to do with this.”

  When she released Vera’s hand and turned to the others, Hannah saw Jazlyn marching straight for the group. The expression on Hannah’s face made everyone look in the same direction. On seeing the intensity of Jazlyn’s walk, they divided to let her pass through. When she came before Vera and stopped, everyone could see her eyes were puffy and red. Her makeup ran from beneath her eyes and down over her cheeks.

  “Jazlyn?” Vera’s surprise showed. “Where d'you come from?”

  “Why don’t you ask your friends here?” she yelled, pointing around the group. “Do you even know who these people are?” Crying, she wiped her face with the sleeve of her oversized tee shirt. She spun around to address them all. “You disguise yourselves as fans of Julia and friends of Woolridge. Now you claim to be journalists investigating Julia’s death as a murder for a culinary magazine. Who the hell are you people?”

  Vera stepped forward. “Keep your voice down!”

  “Perhaps we should step over here.” Louie pointed to the tent with long rows of empty tables.

  Once they had settled down away from a few people eating in the area, Vera stared at Jazlyn. Her expression was intense. It gave Hannah the impression Vera might at any moment throttle her rival. After an uncomfortable few seconds, Vera expressed herself in no uncertain terms.

  “I know who they are.” Indicating Louie and herself, she continued, “We asked them to look into Julia’s death, and after some preliminary study, they have reason to believe her accident was a murder.”

  There was another long moment of silence.

  “Murder?”

  “The medical examiner confessed to tampering with the evidence and hiding the real reason for your aunt’s death. It’s enough to reopen the case,” Hannah explained.

  Frowning, Jazlyn took in a breath. “For a year now, I’ve resisted thinking about that night.” A sad expression overtook her face. “But somewhere deep down inside me, I’ve always felt something was off about it. My aunt could be mysterious at times, dramatic even and prone to reacting in strange ways. She was quirky. I think that’s why the public loved her so much. But the way she died…” Jazlyn paused and shook her head, “it made no sense.”

  Once done, Hannah told Jazlyn the real reason for Cate, Buster, and her being at the festival. Doing so, she released some details of the case. At the same time, she withheld others. She remained unsure of the young woman’s place in Julia’s life and death.

  “I understand you were at a party that night. Do you remember who you were with?”

  “A lot of people.”

  “Can anyone confirm that you were there?”

  Jazlyn shifted and the look on her face suggested she was reluctant to answer.

  “Jazlyn?” Vera pressured.

  “I met with Uncle.”

  Buster coughed and Jazlyn responded. “Not like that! I was at a party. He called me to meet him. He said he had something to discuss. That’s when he told me he wanted me to take over the show. I met him, then headed back to the party. I stayed there the rest of the night. When I got home, the police were just arriving.”

  Tears welled in Jazlyn’s eyes as she recalled the moment she found out about her aunt’s death. Hannah was unsure if her words were the absolute truth or a total fabrication. Either way, they came across as genuine.

  “It broke my heart and Uncle’s, too. Don’t pay attention to any of that tabloid gossip you might have heard. He worshipped her.”

  Jazlyn again wiped tears from her eyes before asking, “Do you think it’s true what Jack said to me? That people are going to think I murdered my aunt?”

  Hannah motioned for Buster to get Jazlyn something to drink. He furrowed his brow but followed orders. She then answered, “I’m sure there will be questions as soon as it’s made public that the
case has reopened. Does that concern you?”

  “A little, not that I have anything to hide, but given the generosity of my pre-hire contract and the nature of my private affairs…”

  At that moment, Buster returned and handed Jazlyn a bottle of water. He had a look of uncertainty on his face.

  “Look, I know what most people think of me. I’m a free spirit and I’m not ashamed. I live in the moment, and I can live with that. Tabloid or otherwise, but I don’t want people to think I would harm Julia. I wouldn’t. I just wouldn’t.”

  Cate raised one eyebrow. Her tone hinted of sarcasm. “Was Julia aware you were going to take her place? I thought Vera was to be the next in line to take over.”

  “No, she didn’t.” Jazlyn looked to Vera. “I’m sorry. Asa has his own reasons and who am I to say otherwise.”

  Vera acknowledged the response.

  As the four women lapsed into silence, Louie motioned for Buster to follow him away. “Let’s go get some more food. Give the ladies a moment.” Buster agreed, and with that, they disappeared back among the tents.

  “Are pre-hire retainers normal for television work?” Hannah questioned. “I’m not so familiar with how it all works.”

  Without hesitation, Jazlyn answered. “Not of that size, but Uncle Asa is kind. He knew the reason I was visiting him and Julia, and he was generous because I was broke. I had nowhere else to go. I graduated and I guess he thought Julia needed a break. But she didn’t mesh with my choices sometimes. With all the rumors flying around, Uncle was in a tough spot. He needed me out of the house, but there was no way he could win in doing that, because if he tossed me out, it would look irresponsible and condemning. If he gave me a place to live, everyone would accuse him of keeping me, so he gave me a job and enough money to live well. He gave me enough that I could keep up appearances as the heir to her legacy. He was angry with you, Vera, because you had gotten so close to her, and she had cut him out.”

  “The night Julia died, something convinced her to leave the house and head out to the lake. Something she just wouldn’t do. Any ideas why she would?”

  “I’m not sure. She did get a phone call just before I went out and I know it upset her.”

  “A phone call.” Hannah weaved her hands together and pointed her index fingers to her lips. It was another quirk indicating her intrigue. “She didn’t mention from whom?”

  Biting her lip, Jazlyn shrugged. “I wish I knew who it was from,” she murmured, “but Julia wouldn’t tell me. I just know it upset her. I figured it had to be Jack. They always fought over everything all the time, but in the week before, it had been worse. He even argued with her earlier in the day, but it ended with the usual accusations. He came by at some point later to drop off some papers and apologize as always.”

  “Was their relationship always so contentious?” Cate inquired.

  “As long as I can remember, they had a running feud of sorts over her contract. He had trapped her into a lousy deal years ago and made sure it was iron clad. I can tell you this much. It must have been lucrative because not even Asa could buy him off.”

  As Jazlyn continued about Miller, Hannah absorbed all the information. She started to piece together a picture of him within the complex web of Julia’s relationships.

  “When they argued, they would insult each other,” recalled Jazlyn. “And he often said she couldn’t leave him because if she tried, he would kill her. Stuff like that. But Julia wasn’t fazed by his threats. She knew she was his meal ticket.”

  To Hannah, Miller sounded like a conniving manager, a businessman who controlled Julia through a bad contract. He sought dominance over Asa via that relationship with the man’s wife, and she understood why a dirty businessman would want such a contract. The money involved was enormous, but she found his attempt to dominate Asa suspect. If it was just about the money, Asa could have bought him off. Every man has his price, Hannah quietly considered. “And Asa has enough to meet Miller’s without flinching too much.”

  Hannah soon found herself contemplating the meaning of Miller’s strange behavior. If it were a vendetta, what could have brought it on? She contemplated for a moment. All of a sudden, it hit her, Control and vengeance. Miller wanted both because it was his means of being with Julia. Without them, he would lose her. His actions went beyond greed. “Miller was in love with Julia,” Hannah concluded.

  Cate looked up from her tablet where she was taking notes. “We knew about the contract, but I never heard of it being that aggressive. You seem to know him pretty well. Could he have reached the end of his patience, lost it, and killed her?”

  “Do I think he murdered Julia?” Jazlyn contemplated before she answered. “No. He often said things in the heat of the moment, but Julia could hold her own, that’s for sure.”

  Hannah looked to Cate. “Makes me curious as to why the police didn’t look more into this case,” Cate agreed.

  Hannah was about to ask a few more questions with Jazlyn when a loud noise came from behind. She turned just in time to step out of the way of Xabiere, who came bursting into the tented area. He grabbed Jazlyn and looked her up and down. His actions were enough to tell Hannah his interest went beyond friendship. Jazlyn’s stunned look spoke just the opposite. It told of fear and unease.

  “Are you all right?” he demanded.

  Jazlyn pushed herself away and put her hand up as a sign for Xabiere to step back. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  Hannah watched the unfolding exchange with extreme curiosity. She wondered about the extent of the relationship. Was Xabiere just another of her many conquests, or had it been at all intense at one point? How did each of them perceive it? One question made its way to the forefront of her mind. How is it these two had a relationship at all?

  Xabiere looked at the two women before he attempted to reach for Jazlyn. Again, she stepped back. The frustration on his face became obvious, and he exclaimed, “I saw you leave and you seemed upset. It concerned me.”

  Jazlyn drew her face in, both frowning and disbelieving. “And you came here. What? Are you following me now?”

  “No.”

  “Then why are you here?” she yelled.

  Thrown by Jazlyn’s accusation, it was Xabiere’s turn to take a step back. Hannah could almost see the cogs of his mind turning as he tried to squirm his way out. “Like I said, I saw you leave upset. When I got out the door, you had taken one of the carts and headed toward the tents.”

  Jazlyn stared him down. She turned to Hannah and Cate. “Could I have a moment?” Hannah could tell that what she was asking for was for Cate and her to step away, but not so far as leave her alone with Xabiere. Having agreed, they stepped from just under the tent at the far corner away from the two. It was just far enough to give some space, yet close enough for Hannah and Cate to hear the majority of the conversation.

  “First of all, I had an argument with Jack. Second, it’s no longer your issue. Last, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, you and me, it was nothing. It meant nothing. It wasn’t anything.”

  Xabiere stood indignantly, but continued to press Jazlyn for answers. “He’s trying to control you, isn’t he? Just like he did Julia. Drive you to suicide.”

  Cate frowned. “How did he know it was suicide? The public thinks it’s an accident.”

  Not looking away from the conversation, they were witnessing, Hannah considered the two. “A very good question.”

  “Just drop it. Like I said, it’s no concern of yours.” Jazlyn turned toward Hannah and Cate, but Xabiere grabbed her arm and spun her around.

  Hannah and Cate bolted toward the pair to intervene. Jazlyn jerked herself free and stepped back to find the two standing beside her, facing down Xabiere. By this time, he was flush deep red with anger and yelling for all to hear. “Are you two still together? Are you in love with him?”

  “What if we are?” She stunned him with her frank response. Hannah measured the statement as one made in the spirit
of spite. Whether it was true before, she was unsure, but as of a short time prior, she knew it was not ongoing.

  It was clear Jazlyn’s words had stung. Xabiere’s voice lowered and sounded pitiful. “You know I care for you, Jazlyn. I love you. I would do anything for you, even if it cost me my life. You know that. So, I will wait. I will be patient until you are ready for me.”

  “That’s never going to happen.”

  “It will in time. I can assure you of that.” Arrogance showing, Xabiere gave Hannah and Cate one last sharp look and left.

  Hannah turned to Jazlyn. “Are you all right?”

  Shaking her head while shrugging her shoulders, Jazlyn watched where Xabiere had exited. “I don’t know. Between him and Jack and you two…” She threw a hand up and walked away in a direction opposite of Xabiere.

  After a moment, Hannah pulled out her cell and checked the time. “Almost time for Hymn to talk to Miller. We need to get going.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Hymn slid a Styrofoam cup of coffee in Jack Miller’s direction. He made no attempt at reaching for it. Instead, he crossed his arms. “What are they doing here?”

  Hymn looked over to Hannah and Cate. “They’re working with me on this case.”

  “Fancy that. I thought they were with Food Critic. I suppose Louie Woolridge works for you as well.”

  Hymn smiled. “It’s a small town. I’ll take what help I can get. Now, we had the opportunity to talk to the medical examiner, Lin Niu before she passed away.”

  Miller pressed back into the chair. “Niu’s dead?”

  “Just this morning from a possible suicide, but we’re looking into it, given recent events. It’s obvious that you knew her.”

  Miller did not flinch nor miss a beat. “Yes, she handled Julia’s death. I got to know her at that time.”

  “She signed an affidavit stating that you coerced her into modifying the autopsy report. Is that true?”

  “Regrettable, but yes.”

  “Regrettable?”

  “Well, it’s obvious you know the truth. Soon the public will as well. The entire reason for preventing the release of the real reason for her death will be for naught. So, yeah, I bribed her.”