The Death of a Celebrity Chef Read online

  The Death Of A Celebrity Chef

  Kee Patterbee

  Twice By Lightning LLC

  Copyright © 2017-2019 by Kee Patterbee

  2019- The books was revised and updated. Previous Title: The Chef At The Waters Edge.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  My Info

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Can you help me out?

  Epilogue

  Author Letter

  My Info

  You can write me at mailto:[email protected] or visit me on the web at Kee Patterbee.com.

  I have a Patterbee Readers Group on Facebook should you want to join. Look at the website for FACEBOOK GROUP to get access to that.

  Can I tell you a new story? A Mystery to be exact ,

  My Story is where you want to plug in. Click the “My Story” link to go straight to the place.

  Prologue

  One Year Prior

  Wha-whoosh. Wha-whoosh. Wha-whoosh.

  The river’s water licked at the man-made base of the gazebo out in the water. Just beyond the stone path with wood and metal railings that led to the structure. Here, one could make out the shore which stood only a few yards distance.

  Inside the gazebo, a figure bound in shadow turned their attention to the blood that spilled out over the body’s forehead. The red substance sloped down both sides of her once lovely face. Between the red life force and the abrasion, it took on the appearance of an angel spreading its wings. To fly to heaven, the figure thought. Or to Hell.

  Wha-whoosh. Wha-whoosh. Wha-whoosh.

  Only after it seeped into her dark hair and pooled on the gazebo floor around her head did reality sink in. A shivering shock rolled over the figure standing over the body. Eyes rolling over the woman, they let their own reach up to the mark on one of the gazebo’s posts. Hand reaching for the spot, they drew back before touching it. Once more, their eyes came down to the sprawled figure below. Uncertainty set in as they took a step back.

  Wha-whoosh. Wha-whoosh. Wha-whoosh.

  The water called, again and again. The figure glanced out across the dim watery expanse. No moon showed its face in reflection on the surface. No one to see. To know. It was, as it always had been, only between the two of them. One more secret. One last secret.

  The figure reached down with noted reluctance. They drug her up, said their goodbyes, and let go of the past.

  Palunk.

  Into the cool river she went, drifting down in a red halo that reached up and out and about in thick liquid fingerlets.

  The figure crept away…

  But the woman remained.

  Chapter One

  “A ghost?” A scoffing, half-laugh escaped Hannah Starvling. From her place in the pilot seat, she turned to peer back into Buster Jordan’s blue eyes. She pushed a strand of blonde hair from out of her own. “That’s it, I’m turning the plane around.”

  Cate Jordan chuckled at her adoptive cousin, Buster. Unamused, the man held his position.

  “I’m serious. There’s been a lot of sightings of her around town. A paranormal show even looked into it. Kind of weird, right?”

  Cate rolled her eyes. “Let me guess. No footage, but honest people swearing up and down.”

  Buster’s brow dug in. “Yeah.”

  Hannah let go of a sigh. “People see what they want to see. In particular, when it involves the media.” She shook her head. “No. I’m afraid as sad as it is, Julia Karas is no more. No spirits, ghost, goblins or zombies for Zebulon. Only wishful thinking and overactive imaginations.”

  Buster leaned back with a huff and crossed his arms. “How long before we arrive?”

  “About two hours. Why?”

  “Because I’m not looking forward to your raining on his parade.”

  Cate turned back from the front passenger’s seat. She gave him a scolding look. “Louie’s a big boy. He can handle it.”

  Hannah remembered Cate mentioning the name Louie Woolridge often, but she knew little of the man. From an occupational perspective, he worked as a critic and writer for Savory Bites magazine. Beyond that, she had only what her friend reflected to go on. He was a Julia Karas fan and had known her long before she became famous, the so-called Darling of America’s Kitchen. Her death left an indelible mark on his being. The degree of the man’s relationship with the woman was, to date, unclear to Hannah.

  “Whatever,” Buster huffed.

  From the tone of his voice, Hannah detected more concern than irritation in her handsome friend. She took a breath and tried to ease his fears. “Look, I’m not trying to rain on his parade. I need a break from everything, and it’s nice of him to give me a place to stay. So, while I’m here, I’ll be happy to check into her death.”

  Reassured, Buster perked up.

  “Appreciated. But getting back to Julia, maybe she faked her own death. That she needed a break from the pressure and had no time to figure another way out?”

  “Are you serious?” Hannah rolled her eyes. “That’s difficult to pull off in the current technological age. It’d be a safer bet that she is a ghost.”

  “Perhaps, but it’s happened before. Didn’t Agatha Christie do something like that?”

  “She did, but for more nefarious reasons.”

  “Well, then it’s possible.”

  Hannah noted the adamancy in Buster’s voice. She let go of the matter.

  “Regardless, I must admit that the news reports seemed rather shallow for such a famous person.”

  “That’s Louie’s main concern. Truth told, he’s never quite gotten over it. In fact, he’s kind of a mess about it.”

  Cate agreed with the assessment. “It’s not only him. Louie says Julia’s husband Asa has been out of sorts ever since. That alone terrifies the people of Zebulon. The whole town became centered on her and her businesses before she died. They’re still reeling.”

  Buster shrugged. “Well, a bunch of people lost their jobs. I read where they can’t let Julia go.”

  Hannah pondered over the information, taking it all in but offering little.

  “They don’t want things to change.” Cate glanced over to her friend. “With the announcement they’re bringing back the show with a new host, a lot of the townsfolk are getting excited again.” She considered her own statement. “I wonder how the fans will react to that?”

  Unsettled, Buster squirmed in his seat. “I’m not sure. I’m more concerned with how Louie took it.”

  Cate’s face twisted some in consideration. “Me too.”

  “Why’s that?” Hannah inquired.

  A pensiveness came to Cate. “Truth told, he’s kind of...” She considered her words with care. “Conspiratorial when it concerns Julia.”
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  “How so?”

  “First, he’s not at all convinced she died in an accident. He believes someone murdered her. And second, he won’t let it go. Does that sound like someone obsessed?”

  Hannah frowned a little harder. “A little, yes.”

  Cate moved to enlighten Hannah about Louie. An ultra-fan, he had driven all over the country to be a part of Julia Karas’ events. He even moved to the star’s hometown of Zebulon. From the information, Hannah deduced that the man held a strong infatuation with the star. She wondered if it would become a problem in her investigation. Her thoughts turned over to the upcoming weekend’s celebration honoring the deceased woman. The possibilities it presented, both for her present work as a consultant and her investigative curiosity, intrigued her.

  “Are you sure I’m not imposing by staying with him while the festival is going on?”

  “Not at all. In fact, he insisted.”

  Hannah’s frown increased. “Does he have any connections to the family? Something to get us a little access?”

  Buster pondered for a second. “I wouldn’t imagine so. But if anyone can find a way into the action, Louie is the man. He’s a super fan and knows his way around these kinds of events.”

  “I know she was beloved, but I wasn’t aware she was that big.”

  “Massive. According to the Internet, this event will be huge.” Cate let her eyes drift between her companions. “The organizers are expecting enormous crowds paying homage to Julia. Most want to see what direction the corporation has come up with to keep her companies functional.”

  “With all the hubbub going on, Louie said it’ll be the perfect time to do some snooping. Everyone will be both talkative and distracted.”

  Hannah nodded along in agreement. “Not a bad assessment. I like the man already.”

  Buster smirked. “Good, because that’s why we told him we would come and stay a few days before the big event. And it’s sort of why we brought you on the trip. See if that strange extra sense of yours picks up on anything.”

  “It’s not strange. And it’s not some extra sense. I’m just observant is all.”

  Cate counted off with her fingers. “And curious, a genius, drawn to trouble…”

  Hannah issued a face filled with admonishment. She reached out and grabbed Cate’s hand to stop her. “All right. All right. I get it.”

  For a few moments, a quiet intervened between the group. Buster broke it, returning to the topic at hand.

  “They say Julia’s companies have struggled. But with her niece stepping up to continue the show in her aunt’s name, they’re gaining steam again.”

  “Hope springs eternal,” Cate tossed in.

  This new information intrigued Hannah as she considered all the facts of the looming case. “Her name is Jazlyn, right? Jazlyn Karas? I’ve read about her. Impressive resumé. No doubt Julia was grooming her for big things.”

  “I’m sure,” Cate noted. “Do you know anything about her?”

  Hannah frowned. “She’s not well known, and for a reason. Julia’s husband, Asa, has been keeping her close at hand. I had to go through my professional channels to find out anything about her. Solid education. Trained in the same specialties as her aunt. Not married nor ever has been. No children. Standard fare from a cursory stand point.” She considered for a moment more. “I read where she arranged for some of Julia’s old sous prepare foods for the festival. I’d imagine most are hoping to get their old jobs back.”

  Cate nodded, running a hand through her short black hair. “A good gig I suspect. But a tough one to hold on too.”

  “I can imagine. The Karas’ paid well, but in return, they expected absolute loyalty. When that story broke on an insider giving out secrets about the house that Julia built, it signaled the end of a dynasty.”

  Buster settled back into his seat. “From the news, I read most of them have scattered.”

  “Pretty much,” Cate paused before continuing. “Julia’s first assistant, Vera Bessinger, was heir to the show right up until Julia’s death. But that’s all changed now.” She drew down her brow and twisted a lip, which was a sign Hannah understood meaning hard concentration. “Jazlyn. Jazlyn. I don’t recall hearing of her before, but I don’t follow that world.” She reached over and tapped on Hannah’s shoulder. “That’s your area.”

  “I suppose.”

  Cate turned her attention again to her best friend. “What does that mean?”

  Hannah blew out a long breath and let her expression sour some.

  “Not happy with my current career path.”

  “I thought you loved your work.”

  “I did. But it’s dragging on me.” Hannah shrugged. “Maybe I’m being ungrateful.”

  “How so?”

  “Papa Jay paid for me to go to Paris to become a chef.”

  “Which you did.”

  “Yeah, but now I’m a restaurant consultant. Not what he sent me for.”

  Cate shook her head. “No. He sent you to keep you on the straight and narrow. You were falling apart, and it’s the only thing he knew to do. Sweetie, if you’re not happy, find something else to do. Gran and he only wants for you to be happy.”

  “And married… with great grand babies.”

  Cate and Buster both laughed out loud.

  “Well, that too,” Cate’s face curled in some. “But serious, what are you going to do?”

  “I’ve no idea. All I can say is that I’m tired of the traveling. The being away from everything.”

  Buster leaned in from his rear seat. “Away from everything? You get to be everywhere. You’ve hit all but one of the six continents. Most of the European countries. Half of Asia. And a good part of South America and parts of Africa. So what everything are you talking about?”

  “Away from everyone I love, present company included.”

  Buster bobbed his head a few times in acknowledgment. “I suppose there is that. Still, you make it interesting. Half the time you’re neck deep into something. A regular international private eye.”

  “Unintentional,” Hannah insisted. “By definition, I’m a restaurant consultant.”

  “Definition or not, it’s a thing with you. Trouble finds you, like it or not.” Buster turned to look to his friend. “You know what you should do?”

  Hannah remained silent but glanced back waiting for her friend’s inevitable input.

  “You should open an investigation agency.”

  Cate let fly a sarcastic expression. “Oh, that’s what she needs.”

  “No. I’m serious. That kind of work is in your blood. Literally. You loved being an agent. This would extend that. Another Chapter in your career. At least you’d be back doing something you love.”

  Cate pondered on Hannah for a moment. “So, if you give everything up, will you stay in Chicago? Or are you considering coming back to Twilight?” Her tone held a hopeful air.

  “I’m considering it. Papa Jay and Gran are getting older. They’re going to need help. So…”

  “Good, but what does that mean for you?”

  “Not a clue.” Hannah paused as a hard expression mounted her face. “To be honest, I’m not sure about what I want to do. Not anymore. I only know I need to do something.”

  Chapter Two

  As her plane neared the small, private airport for Zebulon, Hannah radioed the tower for clearance. One uneventful landing later, with a pre-rented car, the group headed out for Zebulon.

  As they drove into the town, Buster noted an addition to the ‘Welcome to Zebulon’ sign. It displayed in bold lettering: Home of Julia Karas: The Darlin’ of America’s Kitchen. Along the drive through the small community, they found banners and street signs announcing the festival. Most read, Celebrating Julia’s Legacy. First Anniversary Memorial. Saturday, September 20, 8:00 P.M. Other announcements praised the late star, or they stated how missed she was in handwritten signs and window paints. Many had the words, “Always with love, Julia,” repeating the signature sig
n off of her television show.

  The three friends found themselves amazed at the love the town showed for Julia. It was as if she had never met with her accident. The obvious devotion showed in almost every business window and on houses and lawns throughout. All this joy, thought Hannah, despite it all representing a resurrection, so to speak.

  Buster pointed to a small, two story, wood framed, yet well-maintained gray house with white trim. “This is it. Pull up in the driveway.” Once the car stopped, he headed around to the trunk and pulled out the bags. He followed Cate and Hannah up the front steps and watched as his cousin rang the doorbell several times. Hannah smiled as she noted their anticipation at seeing Louie.

  While waiting, Hannah caught herself assessing the scenery. To take in her surroundings was one aspect that came along with her inquisitive nature. “Comes with the territory,” she would say when someone called out her curious nature.

  After a moment, Louie appeared at the door and opened it. His appearance was as Hannah had imagined. Still, she began making a mental chart of him. “Large, perhaps 6’1”. Not unfit, but not athletic. Late forties. Looks younger because he has the happy thing going on. Graying, faded reddish hair and day old beard growth. Hazel eyes that twinkle when he smiles, seeming so big that he appears to be squinting. Casual style. Oversized purple T-shirt. Faded blue jeans and worn out running shoes.” On a first impression, she found him likable.

  “Hey, big guy!” Buster cried out, dropping the bags to hug his friend.