Thrill Ride by J. D. Carothers

Author:J. D. Carothers [Carothers, J. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamlific Publishing

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CASSIE

As I walk into the competition meeting, the aroma of freshly baked bread and coffee draw my eyes to a table filled with at least three types of mini-quiches, brioche rolls, fresh fruit, coffee, and tea. I would normally be filling a plate with samples of each, but I don’t think I can eat now. I don’t even think I could keep down my usual hot tea, so I pass on the breakfast offerings and head to my spot at the conference table.

My stomach is churning from nerves and, to be honest, outright fear. In the hallway, Trenton told Kai, “I overheard Cynthia telling Amy the police found Cassie’s fingerprints on the bowl,” so I guess they all have heard the rumor that I’m the prime suspect. Leaning forward with my hands covering my face, I try to hold it together. It’s funny, I thought my job was stressful, but this is a whole new level of stress. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d be a murder suspect. God, I hope the law firm doesn’t get wind of this fiasco. If they do, I won’t have a job to go home to.

When Sean and Evan enter the boardroom, I move my hands away from my eyes and hazard a glance at Evan. With tousled hair, he is smoldering in a dark blue blazer, cream-colored polo shirt, and khakis, but the dark circles under his eyes give away that he is tired, just like me. I haven’t spoken to him since the interview with Detective Fielder. I’d hoped Evan might reach out to me, but he hasn’t. He must think I’m guilty too. Or at least, he doesn’t want to be associated with a murder suspect, innocent or not, and I can’t blame him.

I hear Sean whisper to Cynthia and Amy that he’s going to handle the meeting. Then he starts with, “Thank you all for meeting us here this morning. We appreciate the patience you have shown over the last two days while we worked through the procedures and logistics in light of Chef Boucher’s tragic death. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to proceed with the Guest Chef Competition. Round 1 will take place this afternoon.”

Questions start flying from the attendees. “Does that mean the investigation is over?” “Was it an accident?” “Has the murderer been arrested?” “What is the new competition schedule?”

A different question is running through my head: “Does this mean they believe I’m innocent?” But I don’t say anything.

In his characteristic signal for silence, Sean holds up his hand and says, “While I am not going to take individual questions. I will go over some of the logistics, so please let me continue.”

The room quiets. “First, the investigation is ongoing. The police have not yet made a final determination about the accident, but they hope to have the case closed quickly. Therefore, we have decided to proceed with Rounds 1, 2, and 3 of the competition as planned. Each round will feature one of the three traditional courses of a meal.

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