The Secret Ingredient (A Place to Call Home Book 2)

by Laura Browning

  Eli nodded. As much as he wanted to get back to Becca and his son, this had to be handled. He’d known when he maintained a quarter interest in the restaurant that he wasn’t completely severing his ties to the coast. What he hadn’t anticipated was how quickly his ties to Mountain Meadow would develop.

  “When do you expect the investigator?”

  “I’ve spoken to the agency already,” Sean said.

  “And I’ve talked to the insurance investigator,” the fire marshal added. “She’s already gotten initial information from me, and I gave her a couple names of reporters who were on the scene. She’s driving in from out of town, so probably not until tomorrow.”

  Eli looked around. “What about office records and the computer files?”

  “We won’t know until we can get in and get that stuff out of the office. Since there’s no power to the building, we’re pretty SOL right now. But I think the investigator’s going to want to see all that stuff.”

  Eli looked at the marshal. “Are you wrapped up?”

  “Yeah. It wasn’t as if the arsonist made much attempt to hide what they were doing. We’ve lifted some prints as well, so we’ll run those. If your girl’s already got a record, finding a match shouldn’t be much of a problem.”

  As Eli studied the scene, his gut told him they’d discover Heather was behind it. “If it was my ex-wife, she’d go to prison, right?”

  “If she’s convicted?—most likely, since she has a prior record, but not for as long as you might wish. With the building apparently unoccupied at the time the fire started, sentences drop way down. She could be out in a year.”

  Eli stared at the crime scene tape. Even a year would be a reprieve. Maybe it would be enough time for her to truly sober up and get clean. As long as she was living, she would always be Bash’s mother. There was no getting around that. As much as Eli would like her to leave them alone, if she had to be in Bash’s life, then he’d prefer she was sane and sober.

  “Look, I’ll need to make a couple of phone calls to let everyone know what’s happening.”

  Sean squeezed his shoulder. “No problem, dude.”

  ****

  “Can my loaf go in the big oven with yours?” Bash’s blue-eyed gaze was round with excitement.

  “We’re going to bake yours in this smaller oven so we can make sure it gets done just right,” Becca explained as she picked up the baking sheet on which Bash’s half-sized boule rested and slipped it into a smaller oven she reserved for specialty orders.

  It was early Sunday afternoon. She had already sent Jared home for the day telling him to be in a little early on Tuesday so they could have plenty of fresh bread on hand for Mercer’s and any in-store customers. She had just a cake to decorate for a client who would pick it up by special arrangement on Monday, and then she was done.

  “After your bread is done, do you want to take it with us to the Richardsons?”

  “Who are the witch or sons?”

  Becca laughed. “Richardson not witch or son. They’re friends. Senator Richardson is kind of a business partner, but we’re all kind of like family I guess. He’s Peter’s grandpa. And you know Miss Tabby and Pastor Joe. He’s Tabby’s daddy.”

  “Okay. Will all the other boys be there...and the girls?” Bash tacked on as if he was trying to be fair even if it left a bad taste in his mouth.

  “You mean like Noelle?”

  Bash scuffed a foot. “Yeah. Her too.”

  Becca smothered a smile. “You like Noelle?”

  He pursed his lips and nodded reluctantly. “She’s okay for a girl, I guess. She’ll pway cars if Melodie and Emma aren’t there. Then she just wants to pway with them.”

  “Yeah, well with all the boys around her house, you have to cut her some slack, buddy. I know how that feels.”

  “You gots boys around your house?”

  “Well sure. You and your daddy. But I also have brothers and no sisters. Luke, Jared and Caleb are all my brothers, plus Noah. You haven’t met him. He’s a photographer.”

  “Can I take cars with me?”

  “We couldn’t possibly leave home without them. We’ll take your bathing suit too because the Richardsons have a pool like your grandma and grandpa.”

  Bash peered through the window on the oven door as if checking his loaf might make it bake faster. Without looking at her, he asked, “When you marry daddy and me and you’re really my mama, do you have parents who can be my grandparents too?”

  She squatted next to him. “Bash, I know my mom and dad would love another grandson. You can never have too many grandkids, and they’ll love you just like they do Jared and Noelle and everyone else.”

  Bash grinned. “Cool. I’m gonna get my cars and my bathing suit. My bread will be okay, won’t it?”

  “I’ll make sure it doesn’t burn. Don’t worry.”

  As she watched him go, Becca sighed. Yeah, there was enough stuff burning without his bread being one more thing. Eli had called earlier and told her it was going to be Monday afternoon at the earliest before he could get away. He’d called his parents and left a message, but didn’t anticipate they’d be able to get back any earlier. Of course she’d reassured him that she and Bash would be just fine. And they would be. In a way, Becca was glad she was getting a chance to test out the whole mommy idea for a couple of days. Even though she felt like she and Bash had bonded, it wouldn’t hurt for them to have some one-on-one time to cement it. He’d be in kindergarten by the time she and Eli got married, so the timing was good.

  Eli had told her that investigators had Heather near the top of their list of suspects. They’d managed to lift her print from the back door of the building. It also appeared she’d gotten a key from somewhere. Eli was beating himself up for not insisting they change the locks on the restaurant after his split with her. Although he’d never given Heather a key, it didn’t mean she couldn’t have copied it on her own at some point.

  Becca just wanted him to be careful and get home as soon as possible. She was afraid the fire was simply a ploy to get him to the coast where it might be easier to do something to him.

  She smothered a curse as she squeezed a little too hard on the pastry bag and very nearly squirted out too much icing. She managed to save it at the last minute. Concentrate, she reminded herself. She needed to keep her mind on business and wait until later to worry about Eli. He was a big boy and could take care of himself.

  “Is my bread done?”

  Bash was back and once more peering into the oven.

  “Just a couple of minutes. We’ll let it cool while I change clothes, and then we’ll head out to the Homestead.”

  Becca took Bash’s bread along with additional loaves. Stoner was grilling steaks for what was turning into a monthly gathering at the Homestead of Richardsons, Allreds, and all their kids. She was relieved to see Jake’s twins there with Evan and Doc Jenny’s son. Bash made a beeline for them, already pulling cars from his pockets. While the four boys bonded over snarling engines and squealing tire sounds, Becca carried her offering of bread into the Richardson kitchen.

  Stoner was standing behind his wife with his arms wrapped around her waist and his cheek resting against her hair. Becca cleared her throat, but the pair just turned to look at her and smiled.

  “I’m not interrupting, am I?” she asked with a grin.

  “I was just helping Katie chop vegetables.”

  Becca laughed. “So I see.”

  “Hold out your hand, Becca,” Catherine Richardson ordered. “I read the announcement, but I have to see the ring.”

  While Catherine cooed over the diamond, Stoner asked, “Where is the lucky man?”

  Becca shook her head. “Not here, I’m afraid. There’s been a fire at the restaurant he’s still partners in down on the North Carolina Outer Banks. He had to leave early this morning. Since his parents are in New York, he dropped Bash by, and I’m looking after him.”

  “Damn. I hate to hear that,” Stoner commiserated. �
��A kitchen fire?”

  She shook her head. “They suspect it was set. The damage isn’t all that bad, but enough to be irritating since it’s forced them to close during tourist season while they investigate and then repair the damage.”

  “How long will he have to stay down there?”

  “He thinks he’ll be able to head back tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Any suspects?”

  “His ex-wife.”

  “You told me about her coming around here.” Stoner rubbed the back of his neck. “You be careful, Becca. You should talk to Sam and Jake. Have them keep an eye out on the Mercer’s house as well as Eli’s, not to mention both businesses.”

  “I hadn’t really considered that, Stoner,” Becca admitted. “I’ll talk to them.”

  * * * *

  Eli took the beer his partner handed him and tossed back a swig. The cold beverage really hit the spot but did nothing to alleviate the tension in his neck and shoulders.

  “I can’t help wondering what the hell she’s up to, you know, Sean?”

  “Yeah. I’m kind of surprised she didn’t try this where you are now, but since it looks like she got hold of a key to this place...I don’t know, maybe it was just easier.”

  Eli rolled his shoulders as he watched the waves tumble to shore. “I just wish it would go away. It’s beginning to seem like a nightmare that just won’t end. Every time I think I’ve gotten Bash someplace where he can be secure and happy, she shows up. Do you know he’s actually asked to make sure he wouldn’t have to go with her? How sad is that? Five-year-olds should have mothers who read to them and tuck them into bed at night, who spend time teaching them about everyday things. Hell, Becca’s paid him more attention in just a few weeks than Heather has over the past year.”

  “Sounds like Becca’s made quite an impression on both of you.” Sean leaned against the railing, his green eyes glowing with an appraising light.

  Eli smiled, maybe for the first time that day. “I’ve asked her to marry me. She’s already got my ring on her finger, and Bash already calls her Mama half the time.”

  Sean’s eyes widened. “That’s pretty quick for someone who’s been burned like you have by Heather.”

  “Not quite as quick as you might think. Her older twin brothers were my best friends all through school. I’ve known Becca since we were kids. Honestly, I never paid her much attention until my senior year in high school—her freshman year.”

  “So did you go out with her?”

  Eli laughed. “Hell no, but Noah and Caleb Allred both tried to beat the shit out of me when they caught me trying to get a look at her naked.”

  “How’d that go?”

  “Not too good...for any of us. We finally called a truce, cleaned up the blood, then sneaked off somewhere to drink a few illegal beers. I never really forgot her, but I left her alone for the sake of my friendships.”

  Sean knocked back the rest of his beer. “Is this the same Caleb who’s been down here fishing with you?”

  “One and the same...and get this. He’s moved back too. Getting ready to open a sports bar.”

  Sean shook his head. “Well, I can’t say I get that. You couldn’t pry me away from here for anything. Hurricanes, Nor’easters...I don’t care. I love the tourist season when there’s plenty of women here for the taking, and I love it just as much when they leave for the winter.”

  Eli shook his head. “I can’t wait for some woman to come along and knock you off your feet.”

  “That is absolutely not happening. Want another beer?”

  “Any chance the insurance investigator or a police officer will show up again tonight?”

  “No.”

  “Then okay. I can’t think of anything better to do than sit out here on your deck, watch the waves and get lit.”

  * * * *

  “You know you and Bash are welcome to come stay with us until Eli gets back,” Jake told Becca after she finished explaining what was going on with Eli and his beach restaurant.

  Becca laughed. “I appreciate the offer, Jake, but even you have to admit you’ve got a houseful already. Besides, I feel comfortable staying where we are. Since my place is right above the business, we can be there without ever having to go outside. I’ll leave the security system on until it’s time to open, so that even while Jared and I are in there working, the alarm system will be set. Bash will be right upstairs, and I won’t need to drag him out of bed. We’re good. And hey, if there’s a problem, the police station is right there on the square with me.”

  Jake laughed. “All right, I see your point. I guess I’m just being the overprotective older brother.”

  “Nothing wrong with that,” Sam rumbled. He tugged at a lock of Becca’s hair. “Don’t forget, my guys are right there, too, if you need us.”

  She stood on tiptoe to give him a kiss on the cheek, then did the same for Jake. “Have I told you how great it is to have such wonderful family and friends?”

  “Does your gratitude extend to a free cup of coffee?” Jake asked.

  She patted his cheek. “If it will save you from drinking the crap in your place...sure.”

  Holly slipped an arm around Jake’s waist. “Is my husband trying to mooch coffee from you again?”

  “Always.” Becca looked around. “Where are the girls?”

  Holly grinned. “They’ve all been bitten by the horse bug. Emma and Melodie went with Luke to Amanda Brown’s place and fell in love with her horses, so now they’re out in Stoner’s barn cleaning saddles and bridles, and of course, Noelle’s right there with them.” Holly rolled her eyes. “It beats me how they’ll all spend time slaving over stinky leather, polishing and oiling it, and you can’t get any of them to help at home.”

  Becca laughed. “That’s work.”

  Sam nodded. “Erin went with them. I think she’s trying to convince them our stock horses are just as good as Miss Brown’s fancy fox hunters.”

  Jake rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I still haven’t forgiven her for the article that led to Holly’s former fiancé finding Noelle and taking off with her.”

  Holly laid her head on his shoulder. “That’s years ago, and it all turned out well in the end. We got her back just in time for Christmas.”

  Jake slung an arm around her shoulders. “I know. You’re just a lot more forgiving than me.”

  Becca relaxed. It was hard to stay worried about anything with all her family and good friends around. After a casual meal around the pool, the adults lounged in chairs while the kids played in the water. Bash made sure to show off his cannonball prowess, manfully imitating Jared and Tyler who’d stopped by to eat before they went fishing down on the river at the back of the Richardson farm.

  By the time Becca headed home with Bash, he was all done in. Thank heaven he was still small enough she could just tuck him in bed with her. She’d feel a whole lot better with him close by so there was no chance he might get up in the night and wander downstairs. She’d take him to the community pool the next day since he seemed to enjoy it so much. The only thing she had to do was make sure she was on hand when her customer came by in the morning to pick up the birthday cake she’d decorated. Otherwise, her day was free. She’d devote it to spending time with Bash but keep her phone close in case Eli called.

  Chapter 18

  The insurance investigator met Eli and Sean first thing in the morning. She’d called late Sunday night to let them know she’d arrived on the island, but it was too late to begin work at Windswept. Going into the building with her was Eli’s first chance to look over the scene. While the flames might not have done all that much damage, other factors would make reopening more complicated than anticipated. The entire restaurant reeked, smoke stains marred one end of the building and there was water damage to contend with as well.

  “It looks worse from inside,” Eli muttered as he surveyed the area.

  Sean rolled his shoulders as he looked around. “It’s more than we can do. We’ll have to get some pr
ofessionals in here.”

  Eli didn’t disagree. “Yeah, but let’s try to involve the staff as much as possible in the repairs. If we’re going to keep paying their salaries like we discussed, then I think we should get some work out of them as well.”

  A discreet cough brought their attention back to the adjustor. “Don’t get too far ahead of yourselves, gentlemen. You and I still have work to do. Since we are dealing with an intentional burning, we’ll need to take a look at business records to rule out...”

  “You think we did this?” Sean interrupted. Eli’s eyes widened. His partner had always been the laid back one in their relationship. Maybe the tension was finally getting to him.

  “Whoa, Sean. The lady’s just trying to do her job.”

  The adjustor tucked her pen in her clipboard and eyed Sean with one carefully shaped brow arched. “I’m not the enemy. I am trying to protect you and the company—make sure you get your payout, and if there’s a possibility the company can recover funds through the courts, then we need to look at everything. Not only do I need to document you had no financial motivation to burn it yourselves, I also need to be able to project lost earnings while you’re closed for repairs.” She stuck her hands on her hips, clipboard still clasped in one. “You got a problem with that?”

  Her gaze, as steely as a finely honed blade, locked on Sean.

  Eli had to hide a grin as he watched his partner shuffle his feet. “Uh no,” Sean finally muttered, then tacked on, “Sorry.”

  Her shoulders relaxed and she smiled. “Okay then. Is everything fed into a central server? Or do you have files stored anywhere else?”

  “The server. If we get that we should be good to go,” Sean said. “We can take it back to my place. I have the software on my computer at home so linking into the server will be no problem.”

  Eli chafed with impatience as the adjustor went through their books with a fine-toothed comb. While he understood the rationale, he would have preferred more was taking place to find Heather. And of course, he was anxious to get back to Bash and Becca. Once they were done with the books, she insisted on speaking with the employees working that night, and Eli felt he needed to be on hand.