Fine Points are Sketchy: A Quilting Cozy Mystery by Kathryn Mykel

Author:Kathryn Mykel [Mykel, Kathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-01T16:00:00+00:00

8

FROM CIGARETTES TO ESCARGOT

They drove back into the heart of the city, and Liv’s mouth fell open as James pulled up next to a building with delicate vines of ivy curling up marble pillars. A tasteful sign in black and gold labeled the establishment as Coeur de Cuisine.

“Um, I might be underdressed for this,” she remarked, glancing down at her casual attire with an embarrassed wince.

James nodded to the approaching valet and tossed him the keys.

Hustling around to Liv’s side, he opened the door for her. “You look wonderful.” His smile was warm and genuine, and he offered her an arm.

Her heart still hadn’t slowed as she accepted the romantic gesture and was led through the grand double doors. The interior was designed of rich mahogany, with an impressive crystal chandelier hanging as the main centerpiece of the room. Discreet booths, illuminated by candlelight, filled the space and allowed patrons a quiet place to dine and discuss. And tucked into the corner of the room was a stage, decorated with red velvet curtains, where a string quartet was playing an iconic Tchaikovsky piece.

James had released Liv’s arm to pull aside the maître d’ for a moment, before turning with a confident grin. A moment later, a waiter dressed in fashionable black, white, and red, offered to escort them to their table.

Liv was still in shock when they were brought to a quiet spot all to themselves. A little candelabra provided romantic lighting to the table, and the music of the string quartet continued to serenade. The waiter passed handmade paper menus to the pair before departing.

There were no prices on the menu, and Liv sucked in a nervous breath. There is no way I could ever afford to eat at a place like this!

As if reading her mind, James offered with a cheeky smile, “My treat, remember? I hope you don’t mind French food.”

Liv tried to match his playful demeanor. “Now, James, you’re not trying to butter me up so that I don’t suspect you, are you?”

“Is it working?” he teased.

She shook her head adamantly, her grin still firmly in place. “I’m not the sort of detective that can be bought off, Mr. Van Bosch. I have integrity, and I very much intend to question you thoroughly.”

“Good.” He leaned forward. “This place is a delightful change of pace that both of us deserve. Plus, it’s quiet, so there won’t be any interruptions.”

“It’s certainly different from the usual places I go.” Liv’s eyes drifted around the opulently displayed works of art on the walls. “I was expecting something more like the Chowder Harbor that you suggested yesterday.”

He laughed. “The food at the Chowder Harbor is good, but this place is an experience. One I suspect you might appreciate, especially with how hard you’ve been working.”

Her gaze returned to him, and her lip twisted with suspicion. Maybe Sally is right, and he really hired me to cover up the murder of his sister!

The waiter brought glasses of water served in fine crystal, and James ordered champagne for them as well as Escargots de Bourgogne.

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