The Billionaire Chef Read online

  After getting in the vehicle, everyone settled in for a ten-minute ride to the hotel. As they drove into the town, the elder Starvling’s found themselves amazed at the beauty. The streets were well maintained. The buildings appeared as if they were straight out of an undetermined prior time. Making their way through the small town, they found banners and street signs announcing the festival. When Papa Jay inquired about it, Hannah explained that it was the town’s largest event.

  “Over 100,000 people attend each year.”

  She also told them about the hotel where they would stay.

  “It’s in a huge, old historic establishment called the Hotel Victoria. The whole thing sits right on the river. Papa Jay, I made sure our rooms overlook the water,” Hannah announced.

  “Thank you, Sweetness.”

  “Ooh,” Gran cooed, “sounds romantic, if you find someone to snuggle up to.” The elder peered over at Hannah as she nestled up next to Papa Jay. He leaned down for a quick kiss.

  Hannah raised one eyebrow and gave an incredulous glare. Her grandparent’s interaction was cute. Yet, she was well aware of her Gran’s subtle dig about not being involved. She decided to inform them about Hymn, even though she was unsure if, or when, he would get the chance to come. She considered springing this information on them at the last minute a bad idea. Her best option required telling them outright.

  “I have something to tell you,” she said, “both of you.”

  Both Papa Jay and Gran produced looks of concern. Gran reached out and placed her hand over her granddaughters. “Oh, dear, is everything okay?”

  Hannah let out a breath. “Everything is fine, but I need to tell you that someone else is coming to join us.” Papa Jay and Gran’s expression changed from concern to quizzical. Hannah squirmed. “A man.”

  One of Papa Jay’s eyebrows shot up as he gave a slight frown. A broad smile rolled across Gran’s face. “A man? Who? Buster? Oh, I always liked him. So handsome.”

  “Yeah, but dumb as a rock. That boy’s going to be big someday. Mark my word. Eat you out of house and home kind of big.”

  Gran punched her husband in the arm. “Oh, hush you. He might be your grand Son-in-Law.”

  “NO! No. Heavens no. It’s not Buster,” Hannah said, throwing her hands forward in a halting gesture.

  “Oh,” Gran said. A hint of disappointment rang in her voice.

  “His name is Hymn.”

  “Him?” piped in Papa Jay. “He doesn’t have a name?”

  “No. I mean, yes.” Hannah paused and gathered her senses. “His name is Hymn. Short for Hymnal. Hymnal Miles. He’s a police officer.”

  Gran shook her finger in the air, remembering. “Wait. That’s the policeman from… from--”

  “Zebulon,” Hannah informed.

  Papa Jay pulled his lips tight and tucked in the corner of his mouth. He peered at Hannah. “Didn’t someone shoot him?”

  “Not dead.”

  “Not yet.”

  “Papa Jay!”

  “Just saying.”

  Gran popped Papa Jay hard on the thigh.

  “Wow. All I’m saying is that he better watch himself around Sweetness.” Papa Jay glanced over at Hannah. “Is he a gentleman?”

  “He is.”

  “Where is your gentleman friend going to stay, Hannah?” Gran asked.

  “He will be on the same floor with us all. I booked him in his own room. But he called right before we left. Work may delay him if he makes the trip at all.”

  Papa Jay turned to peer out the car window. “Hmm. The noncommittal type, eh?”

  “Well, when you work in law enforcement, duty comes first. He learned it in the military. Like you, Papa Jay.”

  The old man turned enough to peer at his granddaughter out of one eye. “What branch?”

  “Army.”

  “Specialty?”

  “Ranger.”

  Papa Jay nodded. “Good enough. He can come.”

  Hannah rolled her eyes.

  “Oh. I hope he makes it. I so want to meet him,” Gran announced with excitement. “What’s he like? How old is he? Is he handsome? Does he look like Clint Eastwood? You always had a thing for guys who look like Clint Eastwood.”

  Hannah looked over at her grandfather and smirked. “No, Gran. You did.”

  Gran straightened a little and looked over at Papa Jay. “I don’t see it.”

  Hannah chuckled before giving her grandmother a serious stare. “First, he’s like all men. I’m just getting to know him. Second, he’s forty-one. Third, he’s worth looking at. Last, he looks like himself. Before you start planning a wedding, or naming your grandchildren, we are not a couple. Yet. We like each other, but we’ve not spent a ton of time together. So keep that in your little scheming mind, please.”

  Gran gave an indignant smile and replied, “I’ll know when I lay eyes on him if he is the one. I can tell these things.” She relaxed a bit, grinned, and added, “It’s pastime I got some great-grand babies.”

  “Can you meet him first?”

  Both gave Hannah an incredulous stare.

  “Well, moving on. After we get checked in, I need to catch up with Elias. I’ve left several messages, but I guess he hasn’t picked them up.”

  “You sound worried,” Gran said.

  “Well, he is detail oriented, so it isn’t normal not to get a call back. His wife is pregnant. There have been some issues, so I guess I’m a little worried. I must be getting paranoid in my old age.” She smiled and bumped shoulders with her Gran.

  Hannah explained that Elias Babel arrived in Gresham several days earlier. Before she left Twilight, Elias’ wife called with their hotel room information. In a cheerful voice, she relayed that he wanted to catch up and meet with her grandparents once again. “I’m looking forward to meeting y’all,” the young mother-to-be said in a thick, southern drawl.

  As she recalled the conversation, Hannah found Babel to be sweet. No hint of jealousy presented itself on her part, even though her husband and Hannah once dated for a time in Paris years earlier. Elias’ call to Hannah earlier in the week, his eagerness to meet up, and now the ignoring of her calls gave Hannah pause. Logic told her that it was nothing to be concerned about yet. Her instinct screamed otherwise. She needed to make sure to please herself.

  As they pulled to a stop, Ducky announced, “Welcome to the historic Hotel Victoria.”

  Hannah assessed the hotel and area. This accounted for her fifth time here. Still, the stunning beauty and massive grounds of the establishment impressed her. She looked over at her grandparents, whose wide eyes and slack jaws spoke volumes. “Over 450 guest rooms,” she informed them, “22 event rooms, four restaurants, and about anything else you want.”

  “Fancy,” Papa Jay offered. “How much is this setting you back, Sweetness? I can put this on our card.”

  “Nothing, Papa Jay, they wanted me bad for judging. This is part of the deal. Two extra rooms for the weekend, all inclusive.”

  While taking in the façade of the building and surveying the interior of the lobby, Papa Jay said, “Must have wanted you pretty bad.”

  Before exiting the vehicle, the young driver turned to Hannah. “Ms. Starvling? I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you going to be creating for this event?”

  Taken aback, Hannah smiled. “You know me?”

  “Well, yeah, I’m sure pretty much everyone at the festival does. You’ve turned up in magazines and the net a lot. You’re part of Food Critic’s feature this month. Top Culinary Consultants.”

  The man’s knowledge of her intrigued Hannah. “You read Food Critic?” she said in a slight, disbelieving tone.

  “Yes, ma’am. I like Louie Woolridge’s stuff in particular. You met him, didn’t you?”

  “He’s a friend,” Hannah said with a relaxed smile.

  The driver nodded. “Wow, is he coming?”

  “I’m afraid not. He took some personal time.”

  “Ah, well, I’m hoping to atte
nd the same school as you. That’s why I’m doing this.” He pointed around the van. “I work here and the show, saving money until next year. If all goes well, I’ll be in Paris at that point.” As he exited the vehicle, Ducky added, “If you or your family needs anything, ring the desk. I’ll be glad to do it.”

  “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Ducky made his way to the back and unloaded the luggage with the help of a porter. A yellow Lamborghini pulled in behind and a handsome man stepped out. He tossed the valet his keys and turned. As they made eye contact, Hannah charted him out. Early forties. Crystalline blue eyes. Well kept blond hair. Charming smile. Handsome. Fit.

  His eyes focused on the Victorian style top hat covering Hannah’s blonde, shoulder length hair before he gave an appreciative smile and headed into the lobby.

  “Now that’s worth checking out.” Gran gasped.

  Through the glass door, Hannah watched as he made his way up to the reception desk.

  “He has a nice butt,” Gran said in an appreciative tone.

  “How about you stop drooling, and let’s get up to the room, Scooby,” Papa Jay said in a terse tone.

  “Yeah, yeah,” Gran responded, never taking her eyes off the man.

  As they entered into the lobby, both Papa Jay and Hannah overheard Gran exclaim, “Jealous.”

  “That woman’s going to leave you for a nice butt someday,” Hannah observed.

  Papa Jay shrugged his shoulders. “Well, she’s an adult. If she wants to ditch me and marry some ass, who am I to stop her?” He glanced over at his granddaughter and both laughed.

  Once inside, Hannah made her way to registration. As she finished picking up the key cards, a woman stepped up beside her. She noticed the woman’s pregnancy and the fact that her rounded abdomen overwhelmed her figure. Hannah charted the young woman off. Pretty. Short. Maybe 4’10” to 5’0”. Long auburn hair. Deep blue eyes. Light complexion. A smile ran across the amateur sleuth’s face. “Janine,” she asked.

  The woman turned with a questioning expression. “Yes?”

  Hannah extended her hand. “Hi. I’m--”

  The woman’s eyes took in Hannah’s hat. An expression of recognition rolled across her face, followed by a broad smile. “Hannah, well hello.” She reached out, took the offered hand, and shook with vigor. “It is such a pleasure to meet you. Elias talks about you all the time. So much that I feel like I know you already.”

  “Oh? Nothing bad I hope.”

  “Heaven’s no. It’s all good. I’m so glad you made the trip.” Janine turned to Gran and Papa Jay and shook their hands as well while again introducing herself. When done, she addressed all. “I came down here to check to see if y’all made it. Lucky I ran into the three of you. Elias called me a bit ago, said he apologizes for not being here when you arrived. He wanted to, but he needed to check on something.” She flipped her hand in the air. “You know how he is. Most likely it has something to do with those mushrooms of his.” Noticing the porter behind them with the Starvling’s luggage, she added, “Oh heavens. Look at me running off at the mouth. I bet you’re tired. Can I walk with you up to your rooms? Ours is along the way up.” She patted her belly.

  Hannah and the elder Starvling’s agreed, and they took the elevators up. As they waited and rode up, all agreed to meet at 5:30 in the lobby and have dinner.

  When the door to the third floor opened, the Starvling’s, and the porter stepped out as Janine waved goodbye. When the elevator doors shut, Gran glanced back, then at Hannah.

  “Not a word, Gran,” Hannah said, never looking at her grandmother.

  “Spoilsport.”

  Four hours later, the Starvling’s all met in the hall to make their way to the lobby. Gran changed into a cool pink and blue floral print blouse, blue knee pants and sandals. Papa Jay wore his usual jeans, white canvas sneakers and loud, yellow Hawaiian print cotton shirt.

  “Oh, that hideous old thing,” Gran commented. “We’re supposed to be going to dinner. You make us look like tourists.”

  “We are tourists.”

  “It’s okay. I spoke to Janine. We’re going casual.”

  Gran sighed and rolled her eyes. Still, taking in her granddaughter made her smile. Dressed in a light blue sundress with yellow daisies imprinted, she almost glowed. The outfit hung perfectly, making her slim legs and tall, thin frame look even longer. Set against her blonde hair, Hannah was an eye turner.

  Everyone stepped off the elevator and made their way to the lobby. Janine was already there. The woman stared at her phone with a look of impatience. Elias was nowhere in sight. Hannah glanced at the large clock on the wall. It read 5:38. Late. That’s unlike him, Hannah noted to herself.

  They approached Janine and exchanged greetings. The woman dressed in a beige, sky blue, and black cap sleeve color-block dress with beige flats.

  “Wow, look at you. Topping seven months and you are still rocking the stylish.”

  Janine smiled. “Aren’t you sweet? To be honest, I feel like a turkey in a basting bag.” She paused and put her hand on her belly. “Wanna feel?” she asked.

  Hannah and Gran both nodded and complied. After a second, Hannah grinned and pulled her hand back. “He… She… is not happy,” she responded.

  Janine smiled and gave a big grin. “I’ll let you in on a secret. I got two in here. Hope y’all don’t mind, but I haven’t told Elias. I was waiting. The doctor let it slip right before we came. We didn’t want to know anything, but well, what can you do? Anyway, tonight seems good enough. I figured it might be nice if y’all got to see Elias’ face when I tell ‘em.”

  “Oh, congratulations,” Gran exclaimed.

  Hannah looked around. “Where is he, anyway?”

  “Oh, he forgot something he wanted to give you. Not sure what. Went back to get it. Should be right down.”

  Hannah, Gran, Papa Jay, and Janine took seats in the lobby while waiting for Elias. They chatted until Janine looked at a clock on the wall. “What is keeping that man?” she said. “I’ll give him a call.” As she fumbled around her purse, Hannah saw Ducky walk into the lobby area. He made a beeline straight to the concierge desk. She noticed the disturbed, anxious look on his face. She watched as he leaned in and whispered. All she could make out from his lip movements was, ‘fell.’ In turn, the concierge’s face went pale, and he disappeared into a door behind registration. Moments later, both the concierge and a woman that Hannah took to be management appeared and talked with Ducky. He pointed to the other side of the lobby and then dropped his pointing hand downward in a gesture. The motion caught Hannah’s eye, and she made a quick assessment: disturbed employees. Fall. Someone fell. It was at that moment when the sound of a siren hit Hannah’s ears.

  “He’s not answering,” Janine said, holding up her cell, “he must be on his way down.”

  Down, thought Hannah. She glanced in the direction that Ducky pointed before glancing over to the elevator and then considered the placement of her room. She was in 3108. She remembered that Janine told her they were, by coincidence, in the room above. 4108. Same side. The siren got louder as it passed in front of the lobby doors. Hannah listened as the sound subsided, but was still loud and remained so. In the distance, she could hear another two approaching sirens.

  “Goodness,” said Gran, “wonder what all that is about.” Hannah rose to her feet. “Try Elias again, please,” she said, pointing to Janine’s phone but looking straight ahead. After another try, the young woman shook her head. Hannah glanced over to Papa Jay and Gran. Gran’s eyes shot to where the sound appeared to be emanating. The elder Starvling turned to Janine and said, “So dear, how did you an Elias meet?”

  Chapter Three

  “I’ll be right back,” Hannah announced as she headed for the lobby door. When she made it out of Janine and her grandparent’s sight, she ran toward the corner of the hotel’s main building. As she rounded to the crossing street up the way, she made out a large crowd of individuals gathered aro
und something. She wanted to close her eyes and pray her instinct read the situation wrong. As she darted toward the group, she glanced up and counted four floors. The glass door to the balcony stood open. No, she thought. She would be proven wrong.

  Elias lay on top of the vehicle, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He appeared dead. A paramedic crouched on the roof of the vehicle checking his eyes. A second man stood below. Several firemen stood ready as two police officers tried to maintain the crowd’s distance.

  The shock of the scene sent Hannah reeling back. She took in the sounds of hysteria from the crowd. For a brief second, everything overwhelmed her, as if she might faint. She shook the sensation off before pushing her way through toward the man who lay on the roof of the car. As she reached forward, she cried out, “Elias!” A police officer attempted to grab her, but Hannah made a quick move and slid past him. Elias groaned, and she almost breathed a sigh of relief to find him still alive. As she reached up to take his hand, the officer caught her and dragged her backwards. Eyes half open, Elias looked straight at her. He said a single word, “Dahlia,” before he fell unconscious.

  “Miss, I need you to stay back. Let the paramedics do their work,” the officer said as he released her. Hannah looked into his face and blinked before nodding. He turned and called out, “Everyone. Back. Now.”

  Hannah felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Ducky staring at her. “You okay, Ms. Starvling?” The lights, noise, shock, all again led to a lightheaded sensation for Hannah. Her knees went weak, and she almost collapsed when Ducky stepped up. “Careful, I got you,” he said, catching her as she staggered forward. He led her over to the curb and sat her down.

  “You good?” he asked.

  Hannah shook her head in an attempt to clear herself of the light-headedness. “I’ll be alright in a minute.” To herself, she added, keep yourself together. Stay focused.