by Lynn Cahoon
“I’m not sure I’ve met the young woman.” He squeezed Angie’s arm. “You two are making our program shine. I’m always being asked about successful graduates, and your names are always on the top of my list.”
“That’s so sweet of you.” Felicia pulled out a few business cards. “Make sure you give them our card. If they happen to be at the restaurant, we’d be glad to talk to the families about the program and what it meant to us.”
He took the cards and, without looking at them, tucked them away in his suit pocket. “What a great idea. I’ll do that. My wife and I have been meaning to drive out, but it seems like you’re always booked out so far.”
“The price of success. We’re always working. Now that we’ve added Thursday to our hours, we’ll probably be able to fit you in. Don’t you think, Felicia?” Angie smiled at her, putting her on the hot seat. “Oh, there’s someone I really must talk to. Will you excuse me?”
She didn’t wait for an answer, but the look on Felicia’s face told her there would be words later about leaving her alone with the dean. The guy was full of himself and loved to talk. But maybe Felicia could get some information about Daniel from the guy. Angie beelined through the crowd and stopped in front of Evan, who was getting a drink at the bar. “You show up at the strangest places.”
“As do you.” He nodded toward the bottles lined up. “Can I buy you a drink?”
“Sure. White wine.” She waited as the bartender poured her wine and gave Evan something golden on the rocks. When he turned toward her, she nodded to a table. “Can we chat?”
“I’m not sure I have any answers for you, but sure.” He took her elbow and led her to the table. “You look lovely today.”
“Hitting on people at a funeral is a little tacky.” She sipped her wine and watched him.
He smiled and shrugged. “A lot of relationships start at events like this. Weddings and funerals are life’s milestones. It makes the participants want to experience more in life.”
“You sound more like a philosophy professor.” She set her glass on the table. “Or is it sociology?”
“Studying human behavior doesn’t change from studying the past or the present. Humans are fascinating creatures. They always show such a tendency to be curious, even when it puts them in danger.”
“That sounds almost like a threat.”
He laughed. “I’m probably the most unthreatening person in this room. But don’t you worry that your presence here might put you in the spotlight? Why are you asking questions about the man’s death? Is it to insert yourself into the case so you can watch your handiwork?”
“You can’t seriously think I killed Daniel. What would be my motive?” Angie picked up the glass and sipped.
“I don’t think that. I was just wondering what others thought.” He watched her. “You’re an interesting woman, Angie Turner. I wish I had more time to get to know you.”
“I don’t think we’re on the same wavelength. And besides...” She paused as he held up his hand.
“Don’t say it again. I know, you have a boyfriend. But where is he?” He glanced around the room, focusing on Tanya and her husband. “Most of the women here brought moral support. I guess Daniel had an effect on a lot of people.”
“For someone who had only lived here a few months, I’d say he had a lot of friends, from the turnout.” Angie ignored the barb at Ian. “Besides, my partner at the restaurant came with me.”
“Oh, so you’re not alone. But as far as Daniel having friends, well, faculty will do anything for a paid day of leave.” He nodded to the doorway. “As soon as the dean moves away from the entrance, you’ll see them escaping so they can get on with their life.”
She glanced over and saw Felicia was talking with another professor now. She must have gotten away from the dean. “You’re pretty cynical.”
“I prefer to call it realistic.” He glanced at his watch. “And I’m late. Thank you for the time, Ms. Turner.”
“Thank you for the drink.” She raised the glass and finished the wine.
He smiled at her. “Small-town people are all the same. Way too trusting.”
Chapter 17
Felicia finished off her French fries as she listened to Angie’s story. “So what do you think he meant about being too trusting?”
Angie took a bite of her burger as they sat in the parking lot of the Big Bun. She sipped the iced tea she’d ordered along with the mushroom burger and large fry. She shuddered, remembering the chill that his words had caused. “Honestly, I wondered if I was going to pass out from the drink. I think something else might have happened had I not mentioned you were there with me.”
“You don’t think he would have tried to drug you, do you?” Felicia’s eyes were wide. “How would he have gotten you out of the ballroom?”
“He could have said I’d been overcome with grief. Tanya was. Man, I felt bad for her husband.” Angie finished the burger. “Anyway, it was just a feeling. I’m probably imagining it all.”
“I don’t know…”
“I promise, I won’t be alone with the guy again. He’s creepy with a capital C.” Angie put her trash into a paper bag. She held the bag open and out to Felicia. “Are you ready to head back to River Vista?”
Felicia wadded up her empty burger wrapper and grabbed the bag. “I’ll take this to the trash. Don’t steal my fries.”
The fries were good, but she’d thrown away half of her own order. The drive-in was known for their generous portions, but honestly, it was just too much food for one person. She started the car and waited for Felicia to come back. She thought about Evan Morris. Every time she saw the guy, it just kept getting stranger. He seemed to know where she’d be and when. River Vista might be small, but Boise wasn’t. And he’d never explained what he was doing at the memorial. No matter what Sheriff Brown thought, there was something going on with him. Well, at least she’d have some time with the sheriff on Sunday. Maybe she could get him alone and express her concerns. There was no way that guy was a professor. Too bad she didn’t have some kind of facial recognition software like they did in all the crime shows.
“What are you thinking about? You should see the look on your face. Did you figure out the world peace problem?” Felicia slipped into the passenger seat and clicked on her seat belt.
“Actually, I decided to put Evan Morris out of my head, unless I happen to have some time for a private conversation with the sheriff.” She pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the road to home.
“You mean like on Sunday?”
Angie turned on her turn signal and eased the car out into traffic. “Why, I’d forgotten about Sunday. I guess I could bring up the subject then.”
“You didn’t forget, you’re planning on ambushing him. Did you ever call Maggie?” Felicia checked her phone for messages.
“No. I’ll call her when we get to the restaurant. Speaking of, Ian might come in for dinner. I gave him grief about what he ate the other night. I can’t believe he’s still alive considering how bad he eats.”
“He needs the love of a good woman.” Felicia side-eyed her.
“We’re just dating. Not engaged. But we’re...exclusive? Is that what we’re calling it these days?” Angie took the ramp onto the freeway.
“I believe exclusive is the term.” She sighed and put her phone away.
Angie thought she knew who Felicia was waiting for a message from. “Taylor might be busy with the shelter.”
“Or he may be mad at me since I told him I wasn’t folding clothes on my days off and how he needed to take me to a real dinner, one that we don’t cook, and a film, one that isn’t upstaged by a fight between the residents.” She shrugged but Angie could see she worried over the consequences of her line in the sand.
“What did he say?”
Felicia closed her eyes. “He called me se
lfish.”
“You? You’re about the most unselfish person I know. Just because you want a little couple time doesn’t make you selfish. How do you feel about this guy? Is he worth the work?” They were almost in River Vista, but Angie wanted to finish this conversation before Felicia had an opportunity to use getting ready for the evening’s service as an excuse.
“I thought I loved him.” Felicia shook her head. “I’ve never met someone who was so passionate about helping others. But I’m not willing to be his second-in-command for his cause. I have my own life, my own hopes and dreams. Which, by the way, we never talk about. When I bring up my plans for the future, he changes the subject to what a little more money would do for the shelter, or when I think the kitchen crew from the County Seat could come back and cook for the guys.”
“You’re kidding.” Angie was beginning to think that she didn’t like Taylor, not one bit. “Speaking of that, I told Estebe we’d help him with some holiday thing he cooks for over at the Basque Center. It’s Christmas Eve, so people may have plans, but we’ll need to bring it up with the crew at our next family meeting. I like doing different things as our community service events. It gets our name out there, you know?”
“Exactly. I told him that we needed to help other charities and causes and he went off on a rant about how no one cares about the homeless.” Felicia started to reach for her phone but stilled her hand. “I’ve had a lot of time this week to think back on our relationship, and it’s so one-sided. Taylor gets and does whatever he wants. I’m not sure I’m willing to sacrifice my life to his.”
“You don’t have to make the decision now.” Angie slowed down to the in-town speed limit, which was way too slow in her mind. Especially today, when no one was on the road except her.
“I think I made my decision when I stood up for myself.” She nodded toward her purse. “If he calls again, I’ll be surprised. And if he does, it will only be because he needs something from me. That will be my sign from the universe that Taylor wasn’t the man I thought he was. I should have realized that when I met him. Did you know he hasn’t had one serious relationship? Well, except for with himself. The man is totally vain.”
“If you need me to stay over or, better yet, why don’t you come home with me after Saturday’s service. We’ll get drunk and watch Top Chef reruns and make fun of the contestants.”
“That would be great, except you have to be at your boyfriend’s family dinner the next day. Let’s put it off for a few days. Maybe Monday or Tuesday night when neither one of us has something going.” She closed her eyes. “Nope, Tuesday’s out this week because we have family meal coming up on Wednesday, right?”
“Not this Wednesday. We have a couple of weeks. By the way, I have something to tell you. We’re adding a contest to the agenda.” Angie went through the idea the kitchen crew had developed. “Estebe is in charge, so get with him about the details. It shouldn’t be that big a deal, but Hope’s up first. I’m hoping it will lighten her mood and give her something to think about besides Daniel and the murder investigation.”
“This is fun. I might ask Estebe to add me to the group. I’ve been meaning to work on a new dessert for the winter.” Felicia’s eyes softened as she thought about what she’d present. “Maybe change up the ordinary apple crumble recipe.”
And this was exactly why Angie loved working in the food service industry and owning her own restaurant. Food healed. It wasn’t a magic bullet, but cooking and eating and coming together over food was the best way to deal with any problem. At least in Angie’s mind. “If we get enough great recipes, we could do one week a quarter where it’s all staff-developed recipes.”
“The patrons would love that. You don’t know how many people come in because they know Matt or Nancy or Estebe. Even Hope has friends who show up and ask if she’s working.” Felicia glanced at the building that held the County Seat as Angie parked behind it. “We’ve made the restaurant almost into a home, a family.”
“El pescado was great, but this feels different, doesn’t it?” Angie turned off the car and glanced up at the brick building. “I’m so glad you agreed to come back to Idaho with me.”
“I’m glad we told Todd he couldn’t come with us. He would have messed this whole thing up.” Felicia gave her a wicked grin and got out of the car.
Angie knew she was right. Todd had been a user. And now Felicia was dealing with a man who had the same huge ego. Maybe it was because chefs loved taking care of others with the food. Maybe that was why they were drawn into relationships where they took care of others. Either way, she knew she was done with that type of life. She hoped Felicia was too.
She hurried to catch up with her friend and get the work day started. The County Seat was what mattered, and that included the people who worked there. Her work family. No, not work family, her family. Angie stepped through the door and left behind all the worries she had been carrying. Now was about the food and the customers.
The kitchen staff came in in shifts after her. Estebe showed up first. His terse good afternoon at the door to her office brought her into the kitchen to help with prep. If he was surprised when she put on an apron and washed her hands, he didn’t say anything. Matt showed up next, and then Hope and, finally, Nancy. She was still working at another restaurant for the morning shift to make sure her income covered her bills. Angie wasn’t sure exactly how she’d gotten into such a financial hole, but she knew it was because of her divorce. Everyone had a story. Some of them you knew, others they kept close.
They were halfway through dinner service when Felicia came in. She pulled Angie aside. “Tanya Livingston is here and demanding to talk to you.”
“Was there something wrong with her meal?” Angie stepped toward the expediter station and set up a tray for a waiting server. “Table fourteen.”
“She’s not a customer. She just came into the restaurant and demanded to talk to you. Carla was pretty shaken when she came to get me. She said Tanya seemed drunk and agitated. She was going to call the police but thought maybe you’d want to talk to her.”
“That’s weird.” Angie motioned to Estebe. “Cover for me, I’ve got to handle something out front.”
Estebe nodded and called Nancy over to take his station. They’d developed a pattern over the months for when Angie was called out into the dining room. This time, when he walked around, wiping his hands on a towel, he frowned at her. “You look upset. Is everything alright?”
Angie should have known that nothing would get past her second-in-command. “I think so. I’ll be right back.”
She moved her way through the dining room, stopping to greet a regular or two as she stepped through. She could see Tanya pacing in the lobby area and a worried Carla watching her. When the third diner stopped her to chat, Angie excused herself. “Sorry, I’ve got to deal with something.”
The look on her face must have stopped others from reaching out to her or she just didn’t see them. She was focused on the anger floating through the room, emanating from one person. Tanya. She nodded to Carla. “I’ve got this.”
“It’s about time. I’ve been waiting here forever.” Tanya started, but Angie held up her hand.
“Outside. I don’t want you disturbing our customers.” Angie took Tanya by the arm and almost pushed her out the door. The woman was tiny, but she had some fight in her. Angie’s grip tightened but then she released her as soon as they were outside. “What do you want?”
“I saw you talking to that man. Who is he?”
“At the memorial? Is that what you’re talking about?” Angie sank onto the bench they’d set up outside the County Seat just in case they had waiting guests. So far, Felicia had done an excellent job of flipping tables and managing reservations, so they hadn’t really used the outdoor area much. And most of the patrons liked to wait at the bar anyway.
“Of course that’s what I’m talking about. Are y
ou an idiot?” Tanya’s face was beet red and Angie worried that if she’d been older, the high blood pressure might have had a bad influence on her heart.
“He says he’s a professor from Utah.” Angie watched as Tanya paced. “Do you know him?”
“That’s just it. I think I saw him the last time Daniel and I were out. We had gone to the Crow’s Inn out in the middle of nowhere, and we were drinking and talking. Then this guy walks in and Daniel goes all white. He grabs me, throws a twenty on the table for the drinks we’d just ordered, and drags me out.” Tanya sank next to Angie on the bench. “But if he’s just another professor, maybe Daniel was worried that this guy would tell my husband about the affair. That has to be the answer.”
“You were wondering if he was the guy who killed Daniel.”
Tears fell from Tanya’s eyes and she dug in her purse for a tissue. “I’ve been crying all day but then when I saw that guy, I thought maybe, just maybe I could do something for Daniel. The police have been total idiots. All they’ve done is interview me and the tramps who said they were sleeping with him.”
Angie didn’t want to point out that Tanya might not have been the only one Daniel was doing the horizontal mambo with, upset as the woman tended to get.
“And before you say anything, my husband has told me all the rumors of Daniel and his students.” She sighed, dabbing a tissue on her face to sop up the tears. “Steve has been a rock in this whole thing. I told him everything and he’s forgiven me. I can’t believe he’s been so understanding. If he’d been the one having the affair, I would have done some damage to both of them before I decided to take him back again.”
Angie wondered if Steve Livingston hadn’t actually gotten his revenge and his wife didn’t know it. “Where was your husband the night Daniel was killed?”
“He was at a conference in Seattle. That was why Daniel and I were supposed to get together after I put him on the plane. But the plane was delayed, so Steve and I had dinner at the Olive Garden on Franklin since it was close to the airport.” Tanya sniffed and checked her makeup in the compact she’d pulled out of her purse. “I know what you’re thinking.”