Fine Dining by Gale Deitch

Author:Gale Deitch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, woman sleuth, series, recipes included, cozy culinary
Publisher: Gale Deitch

Chapter Twelve

Daniel posted a couple of cops outside the house and stayed with me at May’s. He held me through the night, and the few times I jolted awake, he soothed me back to sleep. I’d missed the smell of him, the warmth of his body, the sound of his even breaths, and occasional snores, as he slept.

In the morning, Daniel drove me to A Fine Fix where I met Zach to prep for the bridal shower. When we arrived, Daniel nodded to a cop sitting in a police cruiser that had been stationed in the parking lot.

“I want somebody with you at all times, Trudie. You’ll go with Zach to your catering job and Dad will pick you up for the memorial service. I have a detail following in an unmarked car, and an officer will keep an eye on your business. Are you going to be all right today?”

“Go to work already. I’m fine,” I said with a bravado I didn’t really feel, my stomach churning like a coffee grinder. I kissed Daniel goodbye through his open car window. “Zach and I have an event to cater, so go. I’ll see you this afternoon at the memorial service.”

Zach had just arrived and waved as Daniel pulled out of the lot. “Why did he drive you to work? Problem with your car?”

I avoided Zach’s eyes. “I—had an incident last night.”

“What kind of incident?” He stood looking at me, waiting for an answer. “Trudie.”

“It’s okay. I’m fine. We’ve got to get to work, Zach. So much to do.”

Zach put his hands on my shoulders. “Trudie, look at me and tell me what happened. We’re not going inside until you tell me.”

I raised my head and glared into his eyes, daring him to say, “I told you so.”

“Someone tried to run me down when I was crossing the street to May’s house. But as you can see, I am absolutely fine. So let’s get to work. Okay?”

He stared back, his mouth open, and shook his head. “Not okay. This is exactly what I was afraid of. You’re poking around in places you shouldn’t, and somebody is not happy about it. You need to tell May she’ll have to get someone else to do her dirty work.”

Seeing the concern in Zach’s face, I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. “I know you’re right. With the memorial service this afternoon, I’m hoping May will be back to work tomorrow, and I’ll be relieved of my duties.”

“And if she isn’t back at the restaurant tomorrow?” His angry eyes pierced through mine.

My voice came out in a hoarse whisper. “I’ll tell her I’m done with it. May will just have to do without me and let Gus manage Maybelline’s.”

“Okay then. Let’s go inside and get to work,” Zach said with an abrupt nod.

In two hours, we had the quiches filled and baked, the salad and dressings prepared, and the van loaded with everything we needed for the job. Then we headed to the art studio in Bethesda where the event was to take place.

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