Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott

Author:Lauren Elliott [Elliott, Lauren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2020-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Addie stepped off the elevator at the staff passageway and turned left into the large galley. From around the end of a baker’s rack, she spotted Maggie Abbott, Jean Pierre’s personal assistant and sous-chef, whom she’d had the pleasure of meeting earlier in the week. Judging by the amount of diced vegetables on the large island cutting board, Addie doubted that the woman’s voice she’d heard was Maggie’s. She also appeared to be completely alone in the kitchen.

“Excuse me,” Addie said, popping out and making herself visible.

The young woman jumped, dropped her knife, and spun around. “Miss Greyborne, sorry, you gave me a start.” She patted her chest and took a deep breath. “I must have been lost in my own little world.” She wiped her hands on her white apron. “What can I do for you?”

Addie quickly scanned the kitchen and then the ruddy-faced young cook. “It’s quieter down here than I would have thought with all the people there are to feed in a few hours.”

“They’ll be along soon. I like to start prep early because Jean Pierre, I mean Chef Gagneux”—her face turned a darker shade of red—“will need assistance with this evening’s dessert creation.”

“Does Chef have something special in mind?”

“It’s a secret.” Maggie pressed her fingers to her lips and laughed.

“I won’t tell anyone,” Addie said, stepping closer. “Can you just give me a little hint?”

“I can’t. He’d kill me for ruining his surprise for Lady Veronica,” she said with a soft laugh. “You’ll see in a few hours along with the other guests.” She gave Addie a wink and picked up her knife from the cutting board. “Now, what was it you were looking for down here?”

“Right,” Addie blurted, “a snack. Yes, that’s what I came down for.”

“Of course.” Maggie set the knife down and opened the large walk-in refrigerator door. “Salty or sweet, fruit or pastries? We have a little of everything in here.”

Addie poked her head around the door and scanned the wall of racks displaying trays of prepared food. “You aren’t kidding, are you?”

“No, and if it’s fresh fruit you’re looking for, we have another cooler beside this one, and if you want ice cream, we have a large walk-in freezer, where I’m sure we could find a flavor to your liking.”

“Some of those pastries and scones from this morning would be perfect. You know, just to keep us going until dinner.” Addie eyed a tray in front of her. “Speaking of dinner, can you give me one little hint what Jean Pierre’s surprise menu item will be?”

“Not a chance,” Maggie said with a grin. “Chef likes his secrets and loves to surprise her Ladyship.”

“I bet he does,” said Addie, recalling the passionate exchange between the two in the dining room. “Are these secrets and surprises a regular occurrence?”

“Chef has worked for her a long time. I guess they’ve come to share a few inside jokes.”

Amongst other things. “Yes, I imagine they do. Say, how long have you worked with Chef

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