by Sonia Parin
* * *
“Is something wrong with Jill?” Mira asked. “She looks like one of those cute little Meerkats, standing sentry, ready to warn of approaching danger. I’ve been here half an hour and in all that time she hasn’t stood still. She must be wearing out the veranda and her head turns this way and that way. She’ll get whiplash.”
Eve brought the cleaver down making a clean cut through a joint. She turned the chicken over and began work on the other half. “Don’t worry about her,” Eve said matter-of-factly. “She’s been drinking too much coffee.”
“I swear she jumped out of her skin just now when you brought the cleaver down.”
Eve wiped her hands dry.
“And is that a walkie-talkie she’s carrying?”
Eve nodded. “She forgot to charge her cell phone so Josh brought those along to use.”
“You’d think a head of state was visiting,” Mira mused.
Eve sighed. “We’ve decided to take certain precautions.”
Mira set her cup of tea down. “Jordan will be impressed. He’s accustomed to staying in nice hotels so I told him not to expect much.”
“Trust me. He’ll be given the full royal treatment, and then some...”
The sound of a whistle blowing had them both looking out the window in time to see Jill jumping off the back veranda and running up the beach, her arms flapping by her sides.
“Heavens. What now?” Mira asked.
Leaning over to see what might have caught Jill’s attention, Eve saw a couple of locals striding along the beach with their two dogs trailing behind.
Mira gasped. “What can that possibly be about?”
“Jill’s created a no-go zone around the inn,” Eve said calmly, “Like I said, we’re taking precautions.”
“What sort of precautions? Are you going to cordon off the inn?”
Eve looked up and thought for a moment. “That might not be such a bad idea.”
“And hire security?”
Again, Eve looked pensive. “That could work too. Josh is here for the weekend, but that might not be enough manpower.”
“You’re serious. What’s brought all this on?”
Eve bit her lip. No point in crying over spilled milk... What was done could not be undone. She looked heavenward. Any minute now and she’d break into a chorus of platitudes.
“If you must know...” No, she shouldn’t say anything. She couldn’t.
“Yes?”
Eve shook her head. “Oh, don’t worry about it, Mira.”
“I suppose if I bide my time and sit here long enough, you’ll spill everything. I know you, Eve. You can’t contain yourself for long.”
“Hey, I can keep secrets.”
Mira wagged her finger at her. “But you’re not keeping a secret. Oh, no. I can sense it. This is something entirely different. Something that has you and Jill all worked up.” Mira frowned and half rose up from her chair. “Is that the sound of police sirens?”
The sirens drew closer. Within minutes, they heard the pounding of footsteps on the front veranda and, in the next moment, Jack burst in through the front door and called out, “Eve.”
“In the kitchen,” Eve said, her tone light and cheerful.
Detective Jack Bradford rushed into the kitchen. “What’s happened? Is everyone all right?”
Before Eve could answer, Jill came in through the back door, Mr. Magoo and Mischief rushing in ahead of her, their eyes bright with excitement.
“What took you so long?” Jill demanded, “I called you two minutes ago. If we can’t rely on the local law enforcement, what hope do we have?”
“Would you mind explaining what’s going on?” Jack asked. Strangely, he turned to Eve as if she alone could provide a sound explanation.
Eve gave him a brisk smile. “Isn’t it obvious. Jill wanted to test your response to an emergency.”
Jack held her gaze for several seconds and then raked his fingers through his hair. Eve had met him shortly after her arrival on the island and they’d now been together for a few months. By now, she had acquired the ability to read the signs. Jack was calling on all his reserves to remain calm.
“What emergency?” he asked.
Eve pressed her lips together. If she answered, then Mira would put two and two together and realize she’d been responsible for triggering this all hands on deck commotion.
Jill’s arms flailed about. “What emergency? The one we’re going to have because there is no getting away from it now. It’s inevitable.” Jill paced around the kitchen. “But if we play our cards right, we might... maybe... hopefully, we might just manage to contain the situation.”
Jack’s gaze danced between Eve and Jill. Finally, it settled on Eve. “You seem to be uncharacteristically calm. Would you mind explaining what’s going on?”
“Fine.” Eve washed her hands and took her time drying them. “Someone is going to be murdered.”
“Who?” Mira and Jack asked, their tones full of intrigue and unwavering interest.
Eve shrugged and casually said, “We’re not sure yet.”
Jack switched over to detective mode. His face relaxed and his tone became matter-of-fact crisp. “Have you received a threat?”
Eve tilted her head. “No.”
“Did you overhear a conversation?”
“No.”
“Have you seen someone suspicious hanging around?”
“Not yet,” Jill piped in. “But I have that covered. Josh is upstairs with his binoculars. If anyone comes within a mile of the inn, I’ll know.” As if to confirm how well she had everything covered, Jill waved her walkie-talkie.
“Would anyone like some coffee?” Eve offered. “Not you, Jill. I think you’ve had enough.”
Mira smiled. “I wouldn’t mind an Irish Coffee. I think I could do with a shot of whiskey right about now. Jack, I know you’re on duty so you might want to try a cup of chamomile tea.”
“Thanks for the suggestion, Mira. But first, I’d like a word with Eve. In the den, please.”
Wiping her hands dry again even though they weren’t wet, she followed him. Jack went to stand by the fireplace, his gaze fixed on a spot on the floor.
“Is Jill all right?” he asked.
Eve gave a breezy wave of her hand. “Oh, sure. She’s fine.”
“She doesn’t sound it.”
“It’s nothing but a case of... overreacting.”
“To what?”
“I suppose forewarned is forearmed.” Sighing, Eve sunk down on the couch and, looking around the room, she gave a nod of approval. The workmen had done a fine job polishing the floorboards, and the plantation shutters had been a great choice as she could adjust them throughout the day to keep any direct sunlight away from the bookcases. “We believe something will happen... shortly. Perhaps within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”
“And you know this because...”
Eve shrugged. “It’s just a hunch.”
“Is this about Jill accusing you of being a death knell? That was so long ago, Eve. I thought you were over it.”
“Oh, no. We’re both over that. Jill and I have simply come to accept the inevitable.”
Jack sighed. “Walk me through your reasoning.”
Eve looked over her shoulder to make sure she’d remembered to close the door. It wouldn’t do for Mira to overhear the conversation.
“There’s a newcomer on the island. Everyone’s tried to keep me away from him.” Sensing Jack wanted to ask why, she shrugged. “It seems I have acquired a reputation as a troublemaker. Before you say anything, I made a point of staying away from town, but now...” She told him about the visit she’d had from Elizabeth Rogue and the arrangements she’d been forced to make because Mira had taken it upon herself to spread the word about the inn. “I don’t want Mira to make the connection and feel responsible for Jill’s overreaction.”
Jack shook his head. “Mira’s a big girl. She can take it. But if the thought of hol
ding a lunch for the newcomer is going to cause so much trouble and worry, why not cancel it?”
Eve lifted her chin. “This has become a matter of pride. If I turn him away, I’ll be cultivating an attitude of suspicion. Instead of focusing on the occupancy rate, I’ll be obsessing about the survival rate at my inn.” She tapped her chin. “Do you think I should instal surveillance cameras? At least in the hallways.”
“It would be advisable. However, I doubt your guests would appreciate being recorded.”
She tilted her head back and stared up at the ceiling. “Can dogs be trained to detect killers? I’m sure they give off a scent.”
Jack chuckled. “Not that I know of.” He brushed his hands across his face. “So, all this is about you and Jill taking pre-emptive action.”
“It’s actually more Jill’s doing. She has my back and she means well.” Eve rose to her feet. “I’m sorry we dragged you into this. Would you like a coffee now? You can come and admire my new stove.”
“Eve, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were either hitting the bottle or popping happy pills.”
“Oh,” Eve waved her hand, the gesture dismissive, “I’m on the verge of doing both.”
Chapter Three
It’s only lunch, Eve told herself. Two or three hours at most and then, her unwanted guests would be out of her hair and she could jump right back into the steady flow she had created for herself.
Smiling, she drew in a steadying breath and sang under her breath, “I will row, row, row my boat, gently down the stream because life really is nothing but a—”
Jill entered the kitchen, her pace brisk, and her tone businesslike. “The guests are all seated and chatting amiably. That would be an encouraging sign, but we both know killers are cunning. We can, however, relax a little. I’ve studied them closely and did not detect any signs of pre-existing conditions, which might have posed a problem since we don’t want anyone keeling over from natural causes either.”
“You did a visual health check,” Eve said flatly.
Jill gave a stiff nod. “When I make my statement to the police, I want to include as much information as possible. And, for the record, I feel you were wrong not to ask Jack to come. He would have been an excellent addition at the table. I had it all figured out in my mind. I can still picture him putting his police issue revolver on the table and daring anyone to make a false move.”
“Detective Jack Bradford for hire as a lunch guest peacekeeper. There’s a thought.” Eve managed a chuckle. “At ease soldier.”
Appearing to relax, Jill smiled. “Are you sure you don’t wish them to sign a waiver expunging you from any and all liability and or culpability? I’ve already drafted something out for you.”
Giving Jill a roll of her eyes, Eve tasted the salad dressing for tanginess. She’d caught a glimpse of William Hunter as Samantha Becket had greeted him and his party of seven, which included his assistant, Elizabeth Rogue.
Thank goodness Samantha had agreed to step in and act as hostess for the day. Mira had happily given her the day off from the bookstore. Eve couldn’t help thinking she’d caught a glint of chomping at the bit excitement in her aunt’s eyes. Shaking her head, Eve thought Mira would argue in favor of champing at the bit, instead of chomping. She entertained the distracting thought for a moment and then resumed thinking about the island’s new favorite son.
When she’d caught a glimpse of him, William had looked perfectly at ease, his golden hair slightly mussed by the sea breeze that had been whipping around all morning.
He’d been dressed in über-rich casual attire, with a white shirt, a blue blazer with an emblem embroidered on the pocket, but no tie this time. She’d expected him to have a booming voice but had been disappointed by the drone like tone she’d heard.
All would be well, Eve assured herself as she gazed out the kitchen window. She had everything under control. With Jill’s help, she would deal with this. Even the weather was in her favor.
She could already see clouds gathering in the horizon—a prelude to the storm that had been forecasted. Thunder and lightning. Just what they needed to add to the ambiance. Everyone would surely want to hurry back home as soon as they could.
“Okay. Let’s get cracking.” Eve set a pitcher of water on a tray. “Jill, I followed your suggestion and personally washed the pitcher several times to cleanse it of any residual poisonous substances that might have found their way in, deliberately or by accident, and I filled it with bottled water.” A case of it had been delivered earlier that day; the note attached explaining William only drank that particular brand. Eve had heard about the exclusive and astronomically priced water but she’d had to do a quick search online to learn it was priced at over $400 a bottle. More expensive than the finest French Champagne. Some people clearly had more money than good sense. This begged the question...
Why bother having lunch at an inn when he could clearly afford to have a chef flown in from Paris?
Jill put her hand up. “Would you like me to taste the water? I think that would look good in the witness statement.”
“Jill, there is not going to be a witness statement because no one is going to be murdered.” Besides, she’d inspected the bottles herself subjecting them to a thorough scrutiny. The seals had been intact.
Shaking her head, Jill said, “You say that with so much confidence.”
Eve frowned. “And you almost sound disappointed.”
“You’re right.” Jill lifted her chin. “No more expecting the worst to happen. The guests will enjoy a splendid lunch and then be on their way. You don’t have to have any contact with them. In fact, you don’t even have to step out of the kitchen.”
Eve didn’t intend to. She would remain within the safety of her kitchen domain for the duration of the meal. She had even taken precautions, making Mira promise to do all she could to stop Eve from wandering off.
Hearing the back door open, they turned in time to see Mira returning from her walk along the beach, her cheeks flushed slightly.
“Oh, I missed the guests’ arrival,” Mira said, “Are they all still alive?”
Scooping in a fortifying breath, Eve called for calm. “May I have everyone’s attention, please?” she said as Samantha joined them.
The twenty-five year old had gathered her honey blonde hair into an elegant chignon. While Eve hadn’t expected her to dress up for her impromptu role as hostess, she had been instantly impressed by Samantha’s neat and tidy appearance. The young girl had chosen to wear a slate gray pair of slacks matched with a patterned blouse in pale shades of green. “We are entertaining lunch guests and offering them a simple yet satisfying experience. We are not prepping them for murder. Is that understood?”
Jill shrugged, “You said it yourself, Eve. Your best laid plans have been tampered with.”
Mira looked sheepish. “Yes, about that... I am sorry, Eve. I don’t know what came over me.”
“No, neither do I,” Eve agreed, “I thought you were on a deadline. Isn’t it enough you have a mad innkeeper to amuse you?”
“I’m afraid I’ve written myself into a corner.” Mira shrugged. “I need some fresh inspiration. Anyhow, when the temptation presented itself, I simply couldn’t help wandering what would happen if William Hunter orbited closer to you.”
Eve raised her hands and called for all that was good in the universe to guard and guide her.
Jill leaned in and whispered to Mira, “Is she blessing or cursing us?”
“It’s hard to say.” Mira smiled. “Eve, I’d offer to leave but I promised you I’d watch over you. Just in case you need an alibi.”
Samantha stepped forward. “I’ve served the snacks. Smoked almonds, marinated olives and the platter of charcuteries with crusty bread.” She held up a piece of paper. “These are their aperitif orders.”
That had been the only concession Eve had allowed the lunch guests. When Elizabeth Rogue had called with final numbers, Eve had set her foot down, agreein
g she would go through with the lunch on the condition they accept a chef’s choice tasting menu, with no alterations or additions. As she had a reasonably well-stocked bar, she had allowed them the freedom to order whatever drinks they wanted.
Jill rolled up her sleeves. “I got this.” She glanced at Eve and received a nod of approval.
Jill’s role at the inn hadn’t been defined yet. Eve felt reluctant to distract her from her artistic endeavors, but Jill seemed intent on learning as much as she could, just in case she ever needed a fall-back job.
“While you fix the drinks, I’m going to work on the starters.” Eve had spent the morning preparing the saffron scented leek and potato soup while the day before had been devoted to making the pork and pistachio terrine and chicken liver parfait.
The inn had been on lockdown with only Eve, Jill and Josh present, and now Mira. All the food being served had been prepared by Eve, including the bread, which she had baked earlier that morning. Her new stove had been getting a thorough workout.
She had enough to keep her busy in the kitchen giving her no reason to venture out into the dining area, Eve thought as she checked her schedule. Everything had been timed with precision. Nothing had been left to chance, she thought as she set the soup bowls in a neat row and inspected them for smudges.
“So far so good,” Jill announced moments later as she returned from serving the drinks. “I’ve checked with Josh and all is well. Let’s hope they don’t linger over their coffees. That storm is not moving away. We wouldn’t want them to be stranded here.”
“You’re getting a bit ahead of yourself,” Mira remarked, “They’ve yet to have their starters.”
“Eve’s worked it all out.” Jill pointed at the schedule written on the kitchen whiteboard. “Ten more minutes and I’ll start serving the entrées.”
“Tell me about William’s guests,” Mira encouraged. “I’d go out there to see for myself, but I don’t dare leave Eve alone.”
“Well... There’s William’s ex-wife, the super model Valentine. They’re going to give it another go so she is also his current fiancée. Liz Logan, also his ex-wife. Miranda Leeds, another ex. Stew Peters. He sounds like the proverbial detractor in the group. So far, I’ve heard nothing but complaints from him. He doesn’t like the sea. The drive here took too long. A seagull squawked at him.” Jill shrugged. “Then there’s Marcus Leeds, Miranda’s current husband. And... Julia Maeve. She’s a senior editor at one of William’s newspapers. Oh, and Elizabeth Rogue. William’s personal assistant.”