The Billionaire Chef Read online

  “I’m going to kill him.” Hannah said aloud, looking around the room.

  “That might’ve been the other reason,” Papa Jay responded.

  Within twenty minutes, the Starvling’s were at the hospital by taxi.

  “What else could go wrong?” Hannah asked as she exited the taxi.

  “That’s a curse to say that, you know, Sweetness,” Papa Jay said. “Things can always get worse.”

  Once at the hospital, Hannah and the elder Starvling’s entered the ER area. Hannah approached the receptionist and found the room where Hymn was being treated.

  “Go on,” Gran insisted. “We’ll be in the waiting area.”

  Heading toward the bay where Hymn was, Hannah ran into Dr. Tompkins.

  “Ms. Starvling, wasn’t it? Your friend made it out of surgery and is in ICU.” Hannah realized the doctor was referring to Elias.

  Hannah nodded. “Yes, Starvling, but I’m here about another patient.” Anticipating his question, she said, “My boyfriend hurt his leg. On top of it all, he was on the mend from a gunshot wound, and I don’t know which leg it was.”

  Tompkins looked surprised. “Okay,” he responded as he yawned and began looking over his notes. “It’s been quite a long day for you.”

  “You too it seems,” Hannah replied with a noted urgency in her voice.

  “Hymnal Miles? Leg injury. It was the same one he was shot in a short while back. I’m on my way to see him again now. Would you like a moment alone first?”

  “Please.”

  Tompkins yawned again. “Sorry, I’ll be right back after I get some coffee. Long shift.” He led her to the room and opened the door for her. When she entered, Hymn looked up through his blue eyes with a pained smile.

  “Hey, Sweet Face,” Hannah said as she made her way over to him. She leaned in for a kiss.

  He returned the same, but stopped when pain shot through his leg. Hannah winced at the facial expression he made. “Hurt much?”

  “About as bad as getting shot again,” he managed. He then proceeded to explain what happened. “I got here early so I could surprise you in the morning. I went to the baggage claim and somebody bumped into me, making me lose my balance, and I fell over a cement planter. That’s when I felt a pop and pain.” Hymn shrugged. “Pretty sure I tore something,” he said. “After they patch me up, I should get on a plane and head back. There’s no reason for you not to enjoy your vacation. You can’t do that with a hop-a-long.”

  Hannah settled on the bed beside him. “No way, mister. Now that I’ve got you, you can’t get away that easy.” She laid her head on his chest. “Besides, I need your help.”

  Hymn sighed. “Uh huh, what now? Murder? Robbery? Stolen jewels or missing pirate treasure?”

  Raising up, Hannah looked him straight in the eyes. “What makes you think I have a case?”

  “Tell me I’m wrong.”

  “I have a case.”

  “Figured as much.”

  “It wasn’t like I was looking for one, you know. The plan was to bring Gran and Papa Jay to the festival and introduce them to you for approval.”

  “Approval? Are you serious?”

  “It’s no big deal, I swear. They’ll like you. You’re handsome, so Gran will love you. Papa Jay will approve because you’re ex-military.” Hannah ran her fingers from his lips to the top of his chest. “They want to be a part of my life. I want you in it, so they want to meet you. Gran claims she has a sixth sense about these things. That she will know the instant she meets you if you are suitable for her precious granddaughter.”

  “And if I’m not?”

  “She’ll have to consult with her seventh sense or get over it.”

  Hymn was speechless for a moment. He looked at Hannah and smiled. “Best behavior. Wouldn’t want to screw it up,” he assured her. “No more than I already have, anyway.”

  As promised, Dr. Tompkinsentered. He arranged for x-rays of Hymn’s leg and ordered pain medications. Waiting, they chatted. She explained the ongoing situation as Hymn tried to stay awake. In time, he succumbed to the lure sleep brought on by the medications. Hannah stayed with him, watching him as he slept. Gran may know when she sees him, she thought to herself, but I know now.

  It was right before 2:30 AM when Gran came into the room. It was much longer than Hannah suspected the elder Starvling would hold out against her curiosity. Upon seeing Hannah resting in the chair next to Hymn’s bed, her hand locked in his, Gran produced a broad smile. She walked over to Hannah and gave a gentle shake. “Dear.”

  Hannah woke and turned to check on Hymn, and then she yawned. “Gran? Oh, sorry, I fell asleep. I should have…”

  “Oh, it’s fine, dear. Your grandfather stepped upstairs to check on Janine and Elias. I thought I’d pop in and see if you needed anything.” Looking over at Hymn, Gran added, “and to meet Hymn.”

  “Afraid he’s out. He was hurting bad, so they juiced him up hard. What time is it?” She pulled out her cell and checked the time. “Wow, I’m so sorry, Gran. Some vacation.”

  “Oh, shush. It’s fun and exciting. Nice to be on a case again. And nice to meet my future grandson-in-law.”

  Hannah rose from her seat and hugged her grandmother. “I love you, Gran,” she said, squeezing her tightly. A knock at the door interrupted the moment. Dr. Tompkins announced himself and entered. After waking Hymn with some persuasion, he explained his fall caused a second-degree muscle tear. “You came close to ripping it in half and missed surgery on your calf by this much,” he said, pinching his fingers together. The treatment was pain medications and at least seventy-two hours with no pressure on the leg. “Sorry, Mr. Miles,” Tompkins said, “but your vacation is now relocated to your bed or wheelchair. Crutches when needed, but I wouldn’t err against it. More therapy when you get back. I’ll send your files ahead to your doctors back home. I had them give you some strong painkillers so you need to get to bed soon. I’ll have your discharge papers readied. Good luck.”

  There was a moment of silence after the doctor left. Hymn ran his hand through his short, dark brown, salt and pepper hair, and looked over at Hannah and Gran. He extended his hand to the elder Starvling. “You must be Sindee. Hymn Miles. Klutz extraordinaire.” Gran surprised him when she pushed it aside and moved in for a hug.

  “A pleasure. Don’t worry about all this. We’ll get you to the hotel and help Hannah get you into bed.”

  “Gran!” Hannah said, half blushing.

  Gran threw her hands up. “What? That’s what you are doing, right?”

  “Would you please go get Papa Jay? Tell him I’m taking Hymn… Hymnal… We’re going back to the hotel and get him into bed… settled in.”

  “You know, even with an injury, you can still make--”

  “Don’t you even go there,” Hannah interrupted. She pointed a finger and tried to stem Gran’s lascivious comments.

  “—the best of it,” Gran concluded with a smile.

  Hymn grinned, seeing the feisty Starvling pick on her granddaughter. “I haven’t made it to the room yet, so my bags are still here.”

  Gran turned toward the door. “I look forward to getting to know you, young man. We have a lot to talk about. Oh, and Hannah, dear, you better explain the sleeping arrangements before Two Gun upstairs does.” Opening the door, she looked at the couple. “I’ll leave you two to it. You should get something to eat. You have to keep your energy up, you know.” She waved as she closed the door.

  Hymn glanced over to Hannah, who was beet red in the face. “Was that a sexual innuendo?”

  “Yup.”

  “Grand babies?”

  “Two. Boy and a girl.”

  “Well, the doctor did confine me to bed, and your grandmother…” Hymn trailed off, seeing Hannah give a disconcerted look. He changed the subject. “Two Gun?”

  “Papa Jay is protective.”

  “I see. Forget what I said about the bed.”

  “Good, because I have you a room next to mine. I’
m between you and them.”

  Hymn assumed a stern, put out look. “Wait, a minute. Are you serious? I was joking. You’re telling me we are in different rooms?”

  For a moment, Hannah stood still, stunned by his words. She considered whether she was wrong about the man. He always was a gentleman. Now, he was assuming that she would fall into his bed, as if she belonged to him. She was about to do the unthinkable and put the brakes on what she believed to be someone she cared for. Then she noticed the vibrations of his body as he shook with ill-contained laughter. She tried to hold back her own smile, but managed just a second before she laughed. Mimicking her Gran, she reached out and popped Hymn on the arm. “Oh… you.”

  “No, seriously, I didn’t expect to be in your room. I wouldn’t, not with your grandparents here. Not until we’re, you’re… it’s… that…” His words trailed off. He made a nervous gesture with his hands and let the words fall.

  Hannah found herself relieved and her faith restored. “Ever the gentleman,” she said in a whisper. In her mind, Hymn could not even talk of intimacy yet. The fact he did not expect it until the relationship was ready for it, spoke volumes about the man. “So, now we have that out of the way… for now. How are you feeling?”

  “Tired and guilty and wondering how many zillions of roses amounts to forgiveness. I blew the perfect opportunity with a perfect woman.”

  Hannah’s smile deepened. Her eyes glazed over as she considered his words. “One. And a favor.”

  “Name it.”

  “Can you stay awake long enough to meet Papa Jay? It will give you a chance to impress him with your insistence when the two of you meet.”

  “My insistence?” Hymn joked. “Two Gun, huh?”

  “Yup, but he didn’t bring them with him, not that I know of, anyway. Let me find a wheelchair and we’ll get out of here.”

  Hymn sighed. “Joy, not even engaged yet, and already you’re pushing me around,” he added.

  Hannah laughed. She could not help feeling happy for the first time that day. The hours and Elias’ situation took their toll on her.

  As promised, Dr. Tompkins sent a nurse to Hymn’s room with discharge papers. She also brought a wheelchair. Not seeing Papa Jay and Gran in the waiting area, she assumed they were still talking to Janine and Wexler. She asked Hymn if it was okay to go up, and he agreed.

  As they made their way through the hospital toward the room, Hannah once again hit the highlights with Hymn on her trip. Approaching the area, she saw Janine leaning into Wexler. He was holding her, patting her back. It was clear something upset her.

  “Janine,” Hannah said with an inquiring tone.

  As with her father, Janine came and hugged Hannah. “He’s getting worse,” she whispered, before turning away. Her head dropped as she and her father headed back to be with her husband. Hannah turned to Papa Jay and Gran for an explanation.

  “I thought he was getting better.”

  “Was, but then he took a turn. All this moving I’d imagine. Staph infection. Fever. It’s not looking good.”

  “He could die?”

  Both her grandparents and boyfriend watched as a quietness overtook Hannah. Papa Jay’s face strained, as he said the words that his granddaughter did not want to hear. “It’s a possibility.”

  Hymn blew out a breath. “If that happens--”

  “It would make it murder,” Hannah interceded.

  Hannah ran her fingers through her hair and yawned. It caused a chain reaction of similar responses. Stretching, she looked at a wall clock and shook her head. She then made introductions between Hymn and Papa Jay, which they sealed with a handshake.

  “Don’t you have to work in the morning, Sweetness?” Papa Jay inquired.

  “I do. I need to be there around 10:00 AM.”

  “You two need to get to bed,” Gran said with a smirk.

  “Scooby,” Papa Jay responded in a harsh tone.

  The elder snoop gave her usual ‘what’ gesture response.

  Papa Jay rolled his eyes. Looking at Hymn through his wise eyes, he said. “Don’t mind her, son. She’s hell bent on great-grand babies. Something in her DNA, I suspect.”

  Hymn gave a forced smile. He pointed in the direction of Elias’ room. “Was that Johnny Wexler?”

  “Good eye, son.” Papa Jay nodded with approval. “That’s him.” He glanced back toward the room. “They both look worn out. I think I’ll stick around and catch some winks here. Make sure whoever did this don’t come back.”

  He turned to look at Hannah and Hymn. “You should go and get some rest before work, Sweetness.” Addressing Hymn, he added, “Take care of the ladies, will you, son?”

  Hymn agreed, but Gran would have none of it.

  “You think I’m leaving you up here alone with nurses. No way, mister. Where you lay your head, I lay mine.” She grinned at Hymn. “Get her to bed.”

  Both Hannah and Papa Jay rolled their eyes. Hymn took it in his stride.

  Hannah gave a thankful smile. “Papa Jay, you are the sweetest, but Gran and you came for a vacation, not to play security.”

  The elder Starvling waved off his granddaughter’s implied suggestion. “Nonsense. ‘Sides, do you think I haven’t been through this before? If there’s a case at hand…” Papa Jay motioned toward Gran, “Scooby there’s going to be in the thick of it.”

  “I’ll take a turn,” Hymn chimed in yawning, “tomorrow, when the medication wears off. Not like I’m going to be doing much as it is.”

  Papa Jay gave Hymn a head nod and a thumbs up. Hannah shook her head with frustration. “Are you now? And if they do come after Elias or Janine, what are you going to do? Roll over them?”

  Hymn removed his cell phone. “Throw this at their head. It’s says it has a security feature.” He suppressed the urge to laugh at his own wittiness. Gran and Papa Jay both laughed, but Hannah shook her head.

  “Fine, whatever, but that will have to wait until later. For now, I’m getting you in bed.” Hearing the words escape her mouth, Hannah paused and closed her eyes. She winced her face before turning to look at the others. Gran said nothing, but she grinned. “Let me rephrase that,” Hannah said. “I’ll be getting you to the hotel, in your room, alone. You will be alone. I mean I won’t be there. I’ll be…” Her words faded as even Papa Jay worked to cover his laughter. Now flushed with red, she added, “Right, we’ll be going now.”

  “Of course, dear, and don’t worry about us. You wouldn’t believe some of the places we’ve slept in.” She gave Hannah and Hymn a wink.

  “TMI,” Hannah said. “Too much information.” She began pushing Hymn toward the elevators.

  Chapter Six

  Though it was quick, the ride to the Hotel Victoria was pleasant. The conversation started on the case at hand, but silence overtook the two as Hannah leaned into Hymn’s shoulder. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered in his ear.

  Hymn’s face lit up. “Missed you too. I was so looking forward to this. I’m so sorry.”

  “No reason to keep apologizing. You’re here now. If you can’t go romping about with me, at least I can pick your brain about this whole mess.”

  Hymn drew his brow down as he nodded. “So, no idea who this Dahlia is?”

  “Not a clue, and I can’t think of any other connection. If Elias wakes up, he might be able to give a clue, but until then, I’m stumped.”

  “Sounds like you need to find that guy you saw at the location.”

  “Yeah, I do, but I’ve got to find out who he is first.”

  Hymn leaned over and kissed the top of Hannah’s head. “You will. You always get your man.”

  I hope that’s true, Hannah said to herself as she squeezed Hymn’s arm.

  Once at the Hotel Victoria, the pair ran into Serizawa ‘Ducky’ Kamo, the young hotel worker whom Hannah met on her first day. He insisted on carrying Hymn’s luggage, much to the chagrin of the on duty porter. After Hannah requested Ducky’s specific help, the porter gave into the deviation
in the usual work pattern.

  On their way, Hannah questioned the young man about any knowledge of the man she saw from the squad car where Elias fell.

  “I’m afraid I didn’t see him, Ms. Starvling,” Ducky said.

  Hearing him, Hannah thought she detected some hesitance in his response, but as tired as she was, she decided she would ponder it later.

  “Would you let us know if you run across someone of that description?” Hymn requested.

  Ducky agreed. “I’ll keep my ear to the ground.”

  Hannah reached in her purse and handed him a twenty. Looking the bill over, he shook his head. When he offered it back, Hannah held her hand up to halt the transaction.

  “Keep it. Think of it as a contribution. We might be working together someday after you finish school.”

  Ducky produced a smile. “Okay, an investment, but I consider myself on retainer with this. Anything else I can help you with, let me know.”

  Hannah and Hymn agreed as the young man departed. After getting Hymn settled, Hannah could see that her companion fought exhaustion. He struggled to remain alert.

  “You’re struggling,” she suggested.

  Hymn yawned. “You’re one to talk. Painkillers. I never can handle them.” Stretching, he lay back on the bed. “So what’s next on your agenda, Sherlock?”

  Looking out the window over the balcony, Hannah could see the sun beginning to rise. She walked over and looked out toward the shoreline. Already, the glow of the sun was lighting the area and people were making their way along the water’s edge. She thought back to Ducky’s words and his hesitancy, once again filing it for later consideration. She stretched, yawned, and looked at the time. It read 6:07 AM.

  “I think I’ll try to get a few hours’ sleep. When I get through judging, we’ll figure out what comes next.”

  Hannah waited for a response. She heard the sound of a low rumble. Looking back, she saw that Hymn was sound asleep. His mouth was open and snores rolled out in a rhythmic pattern. “Cute,” she said. The sound reminded her of her grandfather. Papa Jay was a snorer. Hymn was an amateur by comparison.