A Half-Baked Alibi by Devon Delaney

Author:Devon Delaney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: baking, cooking, recipes, new england, hells kitchen, master chef, top chef, iron chef
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing

Chapter 10

“Sherry, if anyone can figure out what’s behind Gray’s untimely death, it’s you. I’ve heard some fascinating tales of your sleuthing prowess,” Curt said. He yanked on his wife’s elbow. “You ready, dear?”

“We’re off to explore Augustin,” Jean said as she backed away. “I think we’ll check out the historical society. Have a good day, everyone. Tell Don we’ll firm up our departure very soon.” She hooked arms with Curt and they strolled away.

“Amber, what did you mean when you said your involvement may have had something to do with the missing knives, change of sponsors and Gray’s murder?” Sherry asked.

“I can’t deny, I was the one who suggested Gray’s company take on the sponsorship role when there was an opening. I knew it would be good for his business, which was struggling. I had been in contact with him recently and the timing worked out in his favor,” Amber said. “Who would have predicted the outcome of my actions?”

“A generous referral, I’d say,” Tig said. “I’m sure the Washingtons were grateful.”

“No good deed goes unpunished. Now Sherry insists I need to come up with an alibi. I have the impression she isn’t fully convinced of my innocence,” Amber’s words caught in her throat.

“You’re tired, Amber. Don’t misinterpret Sherry’s concern for you for anything other than that,” Charlotte said. “We all need to go home and take a few minutes for ourselves.”

“You’re absolutely right, Charlotte,” Sherry said. “Amber’s taking my concern the wrong way.”

“I’m not tired. I’m frustrated by this crazy situation,” Amber said. “Best thing for me is to head over to the Ruggery to get back to work and lick my wounds for not placing in the cook-off. See you all soon.” She kissed Mimi on the head and walked away.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” Tig said. “Bye, all. Thanks again for lunch.”

“I haven’t been in on this conversation for very long, but I don’t like what I’m hearing. What’s going on between you and Amber?” Pep asked. “The tone in her voice was a bit defensive. Not the usual animated banter.”

Sherry sighed. Baby Mimi cooed and closed her eyes. “She’s in Ray Bease’s crosshairs. Not only was Gray Washington killed with a Hunziker knife, and the one she used in the cook-off is missing, but she has a past with him, not devoid of animosity. Plus, letter paper and envelopes addressed to her were found in Gray’s hotel room. To make matters worse, Rickie and I inadvertently erased the evidence that may have proved Amber wasn’t at the scene. Amber wasn’t anywhere near the appliances and the lack of her fingerprints on the stainless steel surfaces would have helped substantiate that claim. Now nobody’s prints are on them.”

“Amber has a past with the murdered man?” Charlotte asked. “In what way?”

“Gray was a patient at her therapy practice,” Sherry said.

“Along with many others, I’m sure,” Pep said. “Was there a specific incident that occurred that would make them adversaries?”

“Yes, a pretty significant one. She wouldn’t offer many details.

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