“Who did this?” repeated Dean.
Hudson looked up at him, his eyes half closed from exhaustion. “I’ve missed seminars.” He stood up and stumbled.
“Don’t worry, people have been covering for you. Let’s get you into the fresh air.” I held Hudson’s arm to steady him.
“Okay, I’m a little woozy on my feet. Nothing that some food and a glass of wine won’t fix.” He smiled weakly as the three of us walked out of the closet.
The head chef clapped and the rest of the staff waited for a moment before proceeding with their work for the day, retrieving items from the storage closet.
We reached the dining room and I pulled out a chair for Hudson. “Here, sit down. I’ll find you a glass of water.” I motioned to a waiter.
Dean took out his phone.
“What are you doing?” asked Hudson.
“Reporting this.”
“Don’t,” he replied. “It’s all a misunderstanding and I’m not pressing charges.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“Doesn’t matter.” Hudson shook his head. “How long was I gone?”
“We don’t know,” I replied. “It depends on when you were taken, but people have been looking for you since this morning.”
Hudson rubbed the back of his neck. “What a weekend. Thanks for rescuing me. If you guys hadn’t found me, I don’t know how long I would have been in there.”
A waiter brought a glass of water over to the table and set it down.
“Thank you,” said Hudson, but he didn’t reach for it. He rubbed his wrists again and looked at his watch. “Wow, it’s that late? No wonder I’m starving. I think there’s a dinner I have to get to.” He stood up. “Hopefully I can come up with a good reason for missing the seminars.”
“The authorities need to be notified of this,” said Dean.
“No, they don’t. Everything is fine now. If I don’t want to press charges, there’s nothing you can do, right?” He looked at both of us. “Thanks again for your help.”
“Hudson, you can’t be serious. You were kidnapped and tied up.” I stared at him.
“I am serious. Katie Stillwell, promise me that you won’t call the police.” He was unflinching in his response.
I didn’t move, but he seemed to take my lack of rebuttal as a positive.
He downed the glass of water and placed it on the table as he put on a rehearsed smile. “It’s time to see the festival goers.” He walked out of the restaurant, the door swinging as he went.
I stared after him. “What was that about?”
“I don’t know,” said Dean.
“Do you think he’s faking it? Did he tie himself up?”
Dean shook his head. “The knots were tight and he couldn’t have locked the door. Either someone actually tied him up, or he has a helper.”
“But why would he do that?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m calling this in.”
“Dean, he said he didn’t want the police.”
“Between this and your car incident this morning, I think someone is coming after both of you. It’s better to be on the safe side and keep them updated.”
I stared at the door, which was still swinging from Hudson’s exit, while Dean made his call. How was being tied up in a closet a misunderstanding, and why didn’t Hudson want the police involved? He was hiding something and I wanted to know what it was. I rushed to the entrance of the restaurant and looked into the hall. Hudson had already vanished.
twenty-seven
pairing suggestion: cabernet franc—bourgueil, france
A red wine with high acidity that pairs well with food and situations.
“The Standard room,” replied Dean as he met me at the door, the folded festival booklet in his hand. “That’s where the wine dinner is.”
“How did you know that’s where I was going?”
“Because, Katie Stillwell, I know you.”
“Are the police coming?”
“Not at the moment, but they’ll keep a close eye on Hudson. Come on.” Dean grabbed my hand and we headed down the hall. When we reached the main lobby, we found Hudson in a heated discussion with Mr. Tinsley near one of the ballrooms.
“I’d fire you right now, Mr. Wiley, except I don’t want the negative media attention. I’ve built this festival from the ground up and I won’t let your shenanigans ruin it.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Tinsley. I don’t know how many times I can say it, but this wasn’t my fault.”
“If he had reported it to the police,” I whispered to Dean, “at least there would be some backup to his story.”
“A likely excuse, Mr. Wiley. You’ve been nothing but trouble since the moment you arrived. I don’t know how I can salvage this festival with only one day left.” He straightened the clipboard in his hand. “You’re lucky I can’t express my full disappointment at the moment. I have to maintain some dignity—or what little is left after yet another disaster.”
“Believe me, I was kidnapped and tied up. I wouldn’t have missed the seminars otherwise.”
“Really?” said Mr. Tinsley with a heavy tone of skepticism. “Who did this so-called injustice?”
Hudson paused. “I don’t know.” He glanced around and noticed us watching from the side. “There. They can back me up. Katie and Dean. They’re the ones who found me.”
Mr. Tinsley studied us. “Is this correct, Ms. Stillwell?”
I nodded but didn’t step forward. I wanted to keep my distance for the time being. “He was locked in the food supply closet in the kitchen.”
Mr. Tinsley put his hand to his head. “I guess that means police will be back here any minute. Wonderful. Another distraction,” he said with exasperation.
“They’re not coming,” replied Dean.
Mr. Tinsley’s eyebrows creased together.
“At the request of Mr. Wiley,” he added.
Mr. Tinsley returned his attention to Hudson. “Well then, that’s the first positive thing I’ve heard all day. No matter the reason, I don’t like when drama comes into my festival. Are you someone who attracts drama, Mr. Wiley? We’ve worked together a long time but perhaps this is a new side I haven’t seen.”
“No, everything is fine. I will be at every single event the rest of the festival, even if it kills me.”
I winced at Hudson’s choice of words.
“We’ll see,” said Mr. Tinsley as he turned on his heels and walked away.
Hudson rubbed his forehead. “Thanks for helping me out there. I appreciate it.”
“I can’t understand your reasons for the delay,” said Dean as he approached Hudson. “I think it’s time you gave a statement to the police about the kidnapping.”
“No, I need to focus on the festival. In fact, everything is fine,” said Hudson, a distant look on his face as he stared down the hall. “It’s all going to be fine.”
“Mr. Wiley,” started Dean.
“No.” He put his hand on the back of his neck and stretched. “It’s okay.”
“Wait,” I said, wanting to take advantage of the moment with him. “When you mentioned Tama yesterday, did you mean the winery?”
He nodded.
“What’s the connection? Why did you say it?”
“You don’t know?”
“Perhaps you can enlighten us,” added Dean.
“It’s Jocelyn’s company.”
“Except her name wasn’t Jocelyn,” I said.
“The woman who was killed has been identified as Rachel Carlson,” added Dean. “Sound familiar?”
Hudson continued to stare at us but didn’t say anything. He looked at his watch and back at us. “I have to get to the dinner, but here,” he said as he brought out two paper tickets from his pocket. “You can be my guests tonight.”
“Did you know her name was Rachel?” I pressed.
“No, I didn’t. But you both should come to the dinner.” Hudson pushed the tickets forward again. “Please.”
I hesitated and took them.
“Katie,” said Dean in a nervous tone as Hudson walked away.
“There’s no way I’m missing that dinner. I want to find out what’s going on.” I looked at Dean. “Want to be my date?”
“To a suspicious dinner? Of course.” Though his tone said differently. “But primarily because I refuse to leave your side.” He stayed silent as we reached the Standard room and handed our tickets to the attendant.
Four tables with ten chairs each filled the room, with several people already sitting and more flowing in behind us.
Dean and I took seats at the table closest to the door. Two large shrimp on a bed of lettuce with a wedge of lemon had already been preset as the first course and a small menu above each plate denoted the upcoming dishes and the wines complementing each one. The fifth and final course included one of my favorite classic pairings: Stilton and Port. The sweetness of the Port paired perfectly with the tangy blue cheese.
“This looks like it’s going to be a good dinner.”
“I agree,” said Dean, but his focus was on Hudson, who stood at the front of the room. “It’ll be interesting.”
“I want to apologize for my absence at certain events this weekend,” said Hudson to the group once everyone was seated. “I know I’m not the only reason you came to this festival, but if I was a reason, I do apologize. I’ve spoken with Mr. Tinsley.” He motioned to the row of waiters standing to the side. “And we’re providing everyone here with a glass of Champagne in addition to the preset wines.”
The waiters walked along the rows, pouring the Champagne.
“I don’t think that was Mr. Tinsley’s idea,” I whispered to Dean. “I have a feeling Hudson is paying for it out of his own pocket.”
Dean nodded.
“I know it doesn’t make up for my absences,” continued Hudson with a heavy tone of fatigue, “but I hope it will help. For now, please enjoy the Champagne and our first course.”
“His game face isn’t hiding his stress.”
“He was tied up all day,” replied Dean.
“And then dismissed it as if it was nothing. I wonder if his attacker is here.” I glanced around the room and noticed Anita sitting at one of the tables. I hadn’t talked to her since the bellhop confirmed she lied about talking to Rachel that night.
“I’d also like to announce,” said Hudson as he stood up once more, “that I’m excited to start on a new adventure. An opportunity has come up this weekend and I’m happy to share that I’m going to be working with Tama Winery.”
I looked at Dean so fast, I nearly tweaked my neck. “That’s Rachel’s company. The one she wanted him to join.”
He nodded. “And he was determined to stay out of it. I wonder what changed his mind.”
twenty-eight
pairing suggestion: cabernet blend —columbia valley, washington
Often referred to as a red blend or a Bordeaux blend, these wines are well balanced and notable.
After the last course was served, guests chatted in groups, but Anita was nearly on her own after several people left her table.
“You know how Rachel waved to someone at the bar that night? It was Anita,” I said to Dean as I motioned to her. “I talked to her and she said that Rachel only said hi, but I know she was lying.”
“How so?”
“I’ve learned a lot about people over the years while working at Trentino. I can tell when people are on first dates, when they’re having an awkward family gathering, or when it’s friends meeting up after years apart. I can tell without even hearing a word. It’s in their body language. So I did a little investigating and the bellhop said they not only talked, they also left the lobby together. I think it’s time I called her on it. Do you want to come?”
Dean glanced at the last bite of Stilton tart on his plate and then at Hudson. “No, I’ll stay here and keep an eye on him. Be safe.”
“I promise I won’t leave the room without you.”
“You better not.”
I squeezed Dean’s shoulder in reassurance as I stood up and approached her table. “Anita?”
She looked up from her phone. “Yes?”
“Remember, we met the other day.”
“That’s right! We’re old friends.” She grinned.
“Mind if I sit?” I motioned to the empty chairs.
“Sure thing, but isn’t the dinner over?”
“It is, but I just want to chat for a second.” I sat down. “Did you enjoy the dinner?”
“I did. What great dishes! And I love all that wine. It’s fun, isn’t it?”
“It is.” I debated on how to proceed. “Listen, since you and I are old friends, can we be honest with each other?”
Anita stared at me but didn’t visually or verbally respond.
“It’s nothing bad,” I added.
“Okay,” she replied slowly. “I just feel like you’re about to drop a bomb on me and I haven’t had enough wine for that.”
I glanced at the five glasses on the table in front of her from the pairings. All of them were empty. “I’d like to know more about Jocelyn Rivers.”
“Who’s that?”
“The attendee who died. The one you waved to.” I didn’t want to say her real name was Rachel. Not yet.
“Oh, that’s right. That poor girl.” Anita picked up a wineglass and shook the remaining drops into her mouth.
“So here comes the moment I need you to be honest with me. You only met her at the opening ceremonies, right?”
“That’s right.” She moved her bangs out of her eyes.
“Are you sure about that?”
“What do you mean?”
“I have a feeling there’s more to that story,” I remarked. “When Jocelyn waved to you from the bar that night, she said that you were an old friend. I think you guys said more than just a quick hi.” I took a breath as I decided to put all of my cards on the table. “There’s a witness who said you talked for a bit, and I’d like to hear the truth from you instead of the police. They’re already involved and I’m going to have to tell them you know more.” It was a risk saying it, but it was almost a relief as I did.
“There’s definitely not enough wine here,” Anita replied as she picked up another empty glass and set it down. “But fine, so here’s the deal. I only met her on Thursday. That part’s true. But I may have fibbed a little when you asked me earlier.”
“Why? And which part?”
“Because you said she died and you had seen her wave at me. It scared me. Maybe you thought I knew something. Why would I give you more reason to think that?” Anita shook her head. “You can’t blame me for that. That’s just human nature.”
Several guests were leaving the room and I knew my time was running out to ask Anita more questions.
“Totally valid,” I replied. “So what part did you fib about?”
“If I tell you, does this mean I have to talk to the police?”
Dean had finished his tart and was pretending to look at his phone, but I could tell he was watching Hudson. “I’m not sure. What was it?”
“Okay, it’s not a big deal, but she paid me a hundred dollars to make sure she talked to Hudson Wiley.” Anita shrugged. “It had nothing to do with her death.”
“How do you know it had nothing to do with it?”
“Because it was all over and done with before she died. The reason she waved to me in the bar was because she’d reached her goal. She was sitting with Hudson, so I didn’t need to do any more after that.”
“What would you have done?”
“I was going to be her wingman, of sorts. Start
talking to Hudson and then she could come up and join us. That’s all.”
“Why would she pay you one hundred dollars for that?”
“She saw me talking to him at the opening ceremonies and figured I knew him. She asked if I was looking to make a quick buck.” Anita laughed. “At first I thought she was hitting on me. Jocelyn was pretty, but not my type.” She took lipstick out of her purse and applied it. “But I decided to help her because a little extra money never hurt.” She shrugged. “We all have our secret agendas or conquests, if that’s what Hudson was for her. But I let each person do their own thing, you know? It’s better that way.”
I nodded. “Since you didn’t exactly do what she wanted, I guess you didn’t get paid.”
“Oh, I got paid. Right after the wave. She was so happy that she was with him in the bar and apparently she was getting a lot of money to talk to him. She wanted to pass along the ‘joy’ she called it.” Anita looked at the nearby empty tables. “We should go. I don’t want to be the last ones.”
I glanced around the room. There were only four people left, including Hudson and Dean. “Who was paying her?”
She looked at me, her green eyes strong and focused. “I’m telling you the truth this time. I really don’t know.”
I processed the information. “She waved to you, came up to you in the lobby, and paid you right as I was watching.” Though I didn’t see it happen. At the time, I was focused on the blind tasting.
“Actually, it was kind of funny because she ushered me into the ladies’ room, like it was all clandestine and stuff. I don’t know why she didn’t want anyone to see us. The money transfer was quick and it’s not like the lobby was full of people. But I guess everyone has their reasons. Maybe she didn’t want people to see me with the money, in case I got mugged or something.” Anita thought for a moment. “Actually, that was rather sweet of her.”
“In the bathroom? Did she have anyone waiting in there?”
Anita laughed. “It was the ladies’ room. Who would she have with her? She said thanks and she handed me a hundred-dollar bill. I tried to push it back. Frankly, I felt guilty for taking that money. Like I said, I didn’t do anything. But she insisted, so I put it in my purse, thanked her, and went on my way.”
Pairing a Deception Page 14
