The Billionaire Chef

by Kee Patterbee

  Hannah’s attention trained in on Wexler. He was growing excited, yet fearful. Animated. Agitated. Disturbed.

  “He says he can make it worth my while to give him information. All I have to do is say I’m going to be in the room. Elias and Janine leave. They come and get the case. I tell the police some men robbed me. That simple.”

  “What did they offer?”

  “$12,370.”

  “Odd number.”

  Wexler looked away as if staring into the distance. “That’s the thing. I owe a guy back home that exact amount from before I started meetings.”

  Hannah deduced the amount was a means of intimidation. In letting Wexler know the exact amount needed, whoever these people were, they were sending a message. They were letting him know they meant business.

  Wexler looked back to Hannah. “I’m paying it. I do him favors now and again, so he’s been letting me carry the debt. Now, he’s wanting me to do more than I’m willing. So, he wants everything plus interest, now. That’s why I agreed to help Elias. I didn’t want them involved in this, being my family and all. But he offered me a chance to be with Janine for a week, to get away, and earn three thousand. It’s better than what I make working gig to gig as security, so…” He shrugged and furrowed his brow, “… so, my fault. I never should have involved them.”

  “Did you take the money and something go wrong?”

  Wexler’s eyes shot back to the sleuth. “No, absolutely not. I told him where he could put it. I headed back to the hotel and told Elias. We talked about it. He thanked me for my honesty and promised me he’d take care of the money when we got back. We’re family now. You just keep going to meetings,” he said. “Elias is a good guy, you know.”

  “He is,” Hannah agreed. “During the week, did he meet with anyone?”

  “Twice. He sent Janine and me out for breakfast. We went to a little local place down the street. We were eating, and I saw him go into the coffee shop just up the way. He was with this young, black man, about Elias’ size. He never mentioned who it was.”

  Samori, Hannah thought.

  “We left before they came out. Janine acted as if it was no big deal. I can’t say I thought much of it either. He was always meeting with people about his truffles. People wanting endorsements and what not.”

  “The second time?”

  “A couple. I ran over to that same shop for something sweet for Janine. The further along she gets, the stronger her sweet tooth.” He smiled. “Just like her mother. Elias already said he had a meeting and would be back later. When I went through the lobby, he was sitting over to one side with a man and a woman. Late thirties the both of them, I guess. She was pretty. He was handsome for a guy I guess. I didn’t pay that much attention. Didn’t want to interrupt. Coming back, I noticed they weren’t there anymore though, if it helps.”

  “Everything does. What about Elias’ accident?”

  Hannah watched as Wexler’s shoulders slumped and he rested his elbows on his knees. He cupped his hands together. Almost as if he was praying for forgiveness, she thought. He issued a long sigh. “That fella sought me out again the next day after the first time. He was in the lobby waiting for me. Janine was getting low on medicine. Something stressed Elias out, so I volunteered to go. The concierge connected us to a pharmacy. On my way out, he just steps up and lays it on the line. He said that it would be in my family’s best interest if I took the money. Then he shows me a picture. It’s of the three of us. Only there’s a question mark over Janine. He tells me no one needs to get hurt. Just let them know when they’re going out and make myself scarce.”

  Hannah gave a nod to suggest understanding. Same tactic. A bribe. A promise. An added threat. She also noted the fearful tone in Wexler’s voice. “Why didn’t you go to the police?”

  “I don’t know. Him, knowing how much I owe. The picture. I just panicked. Before, Elias made me promise not to involve the locals. Wouldn’t say why. Just not to do it. I promised. Besides, now it wasn’t just him. It’s my daughter and my grand baby, now grand babies. So I agreed. They gave me a cell and said to text. All I had to say was ‘come now.’”

  Wexler rubbed his face in a vigorous manner. “When Janine told me about dinner, I knew that would be the best time. I told Elias I was going to another meeting and would be back before they left.” He gave a halfhearted, weak smile. “Right about the time they were to leave, I called and said I’d be a few minutes late getting back, maybe five or ten minutes. Elias is punctual, almost obsessive about time. I knew he wouldn’t hesitate. So I had it all timed out. I made the text. Normally, they would have been gone. Janine was already with you, but he came back for something.” He shook his head. “What are the chances?” Wexler frowned as he slumped back into his chair. “Another reason why it’s my fault.”

  Hannah considered the man’s story. “You were just trying to protect them. Given the circumstances, I think most people would have done the same.”

  “Yeah and look where it got us. I haven’t told Janine. Then they try this? They were lying when they said no one would get hurt. Elias did. I can’t let them get to Janine. So, I’m going to find the guy and tell him I’ll get Elias’ case for him. Just give me time. That’s why I called Janine. I wanted to explain and tell her to ask him when he wakes, then call me. I’d relay the information. They get what they want and everyone is safe. The police didn’t have to be involved until after it was all done. With them looking for me, they’ll keep the police watching Elias, thinking I might return. Janine won’t leave him now. Both will be in the hospital, under guard, and safe. I can take my lumps then. If it keeps them safe, they can do whatever they want with me.”

  “Interesting plan. You’re a brave man, but what makes you think you can find his case? And what makes you think they won’t get to the police? So far, they’ve tried to bribe you and managed to get to a nurse. I doubt that will stop them, but I’ll tell you what might? If you turn yourself in, they might see you as a better target than Elias. You fought them before you took off. I’d imagine they think you went for the case. With you caught, they’ll assume the police have it. Especially if I can convince them that the police have all the evidence they need, including the case.”

  The man studied the sleuth for a moment. “You think you can get that detective to do that? She didn’t seem to care for you much.”

  “Old history and a long story for another time. You in?”

  Wexler agreed and Hannah made the call to the station. She asked for Betts and dispatch connected them. After a few minutes of conversation, Hannah sat with Wexler to wait. Wexler grimaced. “I’m just a former football player, you know? I’d do anything for my daughter and her happiness. Make this right for them, please.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  In a short time, Betts entered through the exit with Bland and the first of the Brandon officers. Bland handcuffed Wexler and led him out front for everyone to see. It was part of the plan Hannah described to both the football player and the detective.

  “Thank you, Detective,” Hannah said.

  “You know that if you don’t find who’s behind this, he’ll likely go down for it, right?”

  Hannah nodded. “He did everything wrong for the right reasons.”

  Betts twisted her jaw. “Sounds familiar. This isn’t over. Same rules.”

  “Same rules,” Hannah agreed.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Hannah called the hospital to give and to get updates. She called Hymn first and found out Betts got the approval for twenty-four-hour watch on Elias. The first officer was already in place. Her concern turned to Janine.

  “Now, someone’s going to have to watch over her as well.”

  “Well, I’m already here. Your grandparents are downstairs. I’ll go talk with them and I can hold the fort while you get some rest.”

  There was a silence on the line before Hannah responded. “My knight in shining armor. No, if you stay, I stay. I’ll be back up in a bit. I�
��m going to shower and then I’ll bring food.”

  She gave Gran and Papa Jay a call. The doctor ordered Janine a sedative and kept her under tight watch. For the present, she was safe, but if things continued to deteriorate, she would need a cesarean. Hannah took the news with a sigh before she explained the arrangements. She suggested her grandparents enjoy a night out. Papa Jay laughed.

  “Sweetness, you and I both know Scooby is enjoying the night. She ain’t going nowhere. Not when there’s a pot for the stirring. We may get a solid night back at the hotel later, but you just bring us some rib spreaders for now and everything’ll be good.”

  After hanging up, Hannah showered and readied herself to head downstairs when her phone rang. Looking at the number, she smiled. Cate.

  “Hey, sweetie.”

  “Hey to you. Solved it yet or do you still need me?”

  “I always need you. But first…” Hannah paused and waited.

  “I’m fine. In fact, it looks good. They got it all this time. He’s certain of it. And don’t be mad, but Al and I went ahead with it. I’m styling the dome now.”

  “I bet you are jealous.”

  “Liar, but I appreciate it. Now, better things, girl. Here’s what I got.”

  Cate proceeded to give a rundown on the information of each of the names Hannah gave her. When done, she mulled them over.

  “It’s never what you expect, is it?” Cate said.

  “Not in the least, but it helps. Thanks, sweetie. You get some rest.”

  Hannah heard Cate laugh.

  “Like Al ever lets me get that. He’s worse than you are. Instead of politics, he should have been a nurse. Between him checking on me every five minutes and Buster calling a zillion times a day…” Cate made a ‘humph’ sound. “They’re killing me with the love.”

  “Well, there are worse ways to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  The two friends made their goodbyes as Hannah made her way to the lobby. She headed toward the concierge desk, but Ducky approached before she reached it. He held out a slip of paper to her.

  “Hello, Ms. Starvling. Someone left this for you at the front desk.”

  The sleuth greeted him with a smile as she took the note. “Working again, I see. I thought you were sick?”

  “Oh, yes, I was for a bit but I got over it. I switched with one of the other guys. Now, I’m making up the hours.”

  “Of course. Well, since you are working, are you on shuttle duty?”

  “I am.”

  “You have time to shuffle me to a Chinese place for some take out and then to the hospital?”

  “I’m sure I can work it.”

  Hannah got the name of a Chinese restaurant from Ducky and called ahead for food. Upon arriving at the business, they had a few moments before the order was ready. Hannah reached in her purse and retrieved a hotel key card.

  “Here’s your card. Thank you, by the way. It was a huge help.”

  “Not a problem. Is that journalist still bothering you? You could keep it if you like. Get it back to me when you leave.”

  Hannah declined. She considered him against the information she filed before and what Cate provided earlier. She recalled her friend’s words exactly.

  “There are no records for a living Serizawa Kamo, at least not that I could find. There was a nineteenth century samurai by that name. Kamo does mean goose or duck, so that’s where that comes from.”

  Listening to Ducky as they waited, Hannah regarded his deep rooted American accent. Suggests he’s been here a while. Should be some record. High school. College. Something.

  When the order came up, Hannah paid and Ducky took her to the hospital to drop her off.

  “I’ll be at the airport for about an hour. Should I come by and pick you up?”

  The question was simple, but Hannah wondered about it. Yet again, Ducky was on hand just as she needed him, and Cate could not find out anything about him. This, in particular, bothered her. Cate was a brilliant background investigator. If something was out there, no matter how insignificant, she would have found it, but Ducky remained a thorough enigma. So, the same questions about his motivations came to her once again. Could be just doing his job, she told herself. Or he could be keeping tabs on me. But for what reason?

  “No, we’ll be here the night through. Thanks though.”

  Ducky gave his usual friendly smile. “Well, call me when you need to come back. If I’m on duty, I’ll be glad to pick you up. Good night, Ms. Starvling. Thanks for the dumplings.” He pulled the van away and headed for the street.

  Hannah stood for a few seconds pondering everything. She was torn between seeing Ducky as a hard-working chef wannabe and of something more disturbing. Still, she could not dismiss her gut instinct. Ducky was too friendly and too curious about her comings and goings. He wanted to keep up with her. It was more than just professional fascination.

  She shook it off and headed inside with the food. A quick call found Hymn already with Papa Jay and Gran within eyesight of Janine’s room. At first, Hannah questioned the wisdom of leaving Elias with the guard. To her, the integrity of the Gresham police was in question. Nevertheless, when Hymn explained that Betts approved the officer guarding Elias, she relaxed. The sleuth explained her relationship with Betts. Though the detective and she had issues, she remained satisfied with Betts dedication to the law.

  “If she’s overseeing this, I trust her. She’s a good detective.” Anticipating the next set of questions, she agreed to explain the details of the relationship later. For now, she wanted everyone’s input on the ongoing events.

  As everyone dove on the food, Hannah showed Hymn the note Ducky gave her at the hotel.

  “It’s from Grimm. I’m meeting him tomorrow morning.”

  “You don’t have a take on him, do you? Did Cate find out anything?” Hymn responded, handing the note back.

  “Well, some. A general profile of him was easy enough to find. He’s been in several magazine articles over the past few years. According to one piece, he did work as an investigator with the Swiss military. After that, he moved into business for the most part. Guess what his favorite investment is?”

  “Food.”

  “Yup, and high end restaurants. He buys faltering chains, revamps them, turns them around, and sells them off.”

  “Sounds risky,” Papa Jay inserted. “Tell you from experience. Runnin’ a restaurant’s tricky business. He must be good at it. I could see someone losing their derrière in an Alabama hot shoe second.”

  “We didn’t do so bad, did we Grumpus?” Gran gave Papa Jay a smooch. “No,” Papa Jay replied, “but we never got fancy either. Burgers, fries, onion rings, and pies for the most part. Not much more. Kept it simple. Did well enough.”

  “Says a lot about the man, though, doesn’t it?” Hymn added.

  Indeed, thought Hannah. Risk taker. What happens when the risk is too great?

  “How does he revamp them?” Gran asked.

  “I’m not sure. As a consultant, I’d imagine by changing the image first. To do that, he’d have to jazz up the menu. If it’s high end he goes for, he’d be looking for unique items.”

  “Like truffles,” Hymn suggested.

  “Exactly.”

  Gran pointed at her granddaughter with her chopsticks as she ate. “I’ve been thinking about something. All this, it doesn’t make sense. You told me that Elias’ truffles were worth about one hundred thousand, right?”

  Hannah nodded as Papa Jay and Hymn listened.

  “It’s not enough.”

  Papa Jay poked at his food, dropping the bite he procured. “What do you mean, not enough? That’s a lot of money. Sweetness, did you bring any forks? Never did master these darn things.”

  Hannah produced a plastic utensil. Hymn gestured for one as well.

  “It is a lot of money, Grumpus, but think about it. How much have they spent trying to get the truffles? They offered Johnny almost $13,000. They’ve risked getting caught trying to fin
d out where he keeps them. And it’s been a couple of days now. How much of a shelf life do these things have, even in that fancy case?”

  Hannah swallowed and sat up straight. She gave her signature quirk and nodded. “You’re right.”

  Hymn studied the contents of his food box for a second. “When you had Johnny under, he said, ‘Tell me. Stop him.’ Maybe the guy was saying tell me. Stop him was what Johnny was thinking.”

  Gran grinned. “You’re good at this. We’re going to get along just fine.”

  Hannah enjoyed the interaction. “So you’re thinking it’s not the truffles they want. They want what Elias knows.”

  “Or just what he knows. Either he knows where something is that they want, like the truffles, or they want to know how much he knows and who he has told.”

  How much he knows and who he has told. The words echoed in Hannah’s head.

  “Maybe what they want is in the case, but it ain’t the fungi,” Papa Jay proposed. “Never thought of that? I doubt most criminal types would think to look where you keep food for something important. Scooby and I used to keep extra cash in the cooler at the diner, labelled it lima beans.”

  Papa Jay’s proposal intrigued Hannah. “Well, he was worried about something. Took extra precautions with his truffles. And for whatever reason, whoever is responsible came back a second time.” She balled her fist and bounced against the arm of her chair. “I’ve tried several times to get out to the storage facility. I’m pretty sure it’s where Elias moved his truffles. But every time, something interrupts me. I’m meeting Grimm tomorrow morning for brunch. Then I’m going out there, heaven willing and the creek don’t rise.”

  “You want us to go for you,” Gran chimed in with a hopeful voice.

  For a second, Hannah considered the possibility, but with all that had happened thus far, she hesitated. The uncertainty of events and motives, and the multitude of suspects, left her feeling unsafe doing so.

  “No, I got it covered. We still need to keep an eye on Janine, so if you don’t mind pulling a little more security duty tomorrow, it’d help.”