Deep Fried Revenge (A Farm-to-Fork Mystery Book 4)

by Lynn Cahoon

  “Too busy to feed the father of her child,” Brandon added.

  She turned to him and patted his face. “An expectant father who has two good legs and his own source of money to get his own food. Anyway, we didn’t put it together until your local sheriff started asking me about where the food came from. Then, I talked to all my staff. No one remembers seeing anyone come with the nachos.”

  Brandon pointed over to one of the professors. “There’s Tina. I told her that I’d bring you over to show off the alien growing in your body.”

  “He’s really excited about the baby.” Sydney pointed to a row of tables. “Make sure you try the shrimp veggie wraps. They’re amazing.”

  Angie watched as they walked away. “So, the killer didn’t focus on Sydney as head chef like he did for Chef Nubbins.”

  “Maybe he didn’t realize that there might be others around who might eat the food?” Estebe led her to the tables. “Are you hungry? I could taste-test for you so you know what’s safe to eat.”

  “I doubt anyone’s using a wake to try to kill off all the chefs in Boise.” She glanced up at Estebe. “Right?”

  He set down the plate he’d just picked up again. “So much for eating. I’m glad I ate before we left the fair.”

  Angie nodded. “Me too. This is just too random. I know there has to be some reason someone would kill Nubbins and then try for Sydney.”

  “If they were even trying for Sydney,” Estebe corrected.

  “Well, if they were, I’m next on the winner list.” Angie nodded over to a gathering near the kitchen. “I think the widow is over there. Let’s make an appearance. Then let’s go home. I’m too tired to play Nancy Drew tonight.”

  Chapter 19

  She called Ian to talk as she was driving home. “I’m on my way home now. Thought you might have some time to burn.”

  “I wondered what you had going on. Meeting after the contest?” Ian didn’t seem surprised that she’d called. She was just glad she hadn’t woken him. He was an early riser.

  “No. Well, kind of. Estebe and I went to a wake for Chef Nubbins. His widow put it on for all the culinary professionals who had been at Restaurant Wars the day he died.” She turned off the freeway and onto a highway that would take her to her house. Soon she’d be out of town and on a two-lane road. “A lot of the university culinary professors were there too.”

  “Sounds like a nice idea.” He paused. When she didn’t say anything, he pushed on. “But from what I’m hearing, you didn’t think it was such a nice idea.”

  “I just don’t understand her, I mean, the widow’s intentions. According to Tara—who came by to congratulate me, by the way—Mrs. Nubbins knew about the affair. His assistant said the same thing.” She passed a large sedan that was crawling down the road. “To each his own, but if that was you in the coffin and I knew about an affair? I’d be mad as heck. I wouldn’t be throwing parties and inviting your girlfriend.”

  “Good to know. Of course, I wouldn’t have put myself in Nubbins’s position anyway. Cheating isn’t just a sin, it’s a betrayal. If you don’t want to be with me, go, have fun. But not if you’re with me.”

  Angie could hear the sound of the television in the background. “See? You get it. Why would she have thrown a party to celebrate someone like that?”

  “Maybe his public persona was too important to her to damage it. I hear he’s been working on a cookbook. She could finish it and make him a hero after death.”

  “That makes sense. She had to protect the chef from being seen as a bad person.” Angie nodded, even though she was alone in the car. She yawned. “So, tell me about your day. I need a story so I don’t fall asleep on the drive home.”

  Ian entertained her as she drove. When she pulled into the driveway, she sighed. “I’ve got to go feed Precious and Mabel before I go in. If I don’t, I’ll fall on the couch and be out.”

  “I ran over on my way back from seeing Mildred at Moss Farms. They’ve been fed, even Dom. Although I’m sure he’s going to try to tell you different.”

  Angie was so glad Ian had a key to her house. “Thank you, again. I owe you a home-cooked meal. Early next week, okay?”

  “Sounds good, since we missed our date this week.”

  She smiled at the dash. “We went out. We went to Tara’s Tea House for dinner.”

  “To try to find a killer. I’m not sure that’s really even on the list for possible date ideas.” He chuckled. “Go to bed. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

  “You coming over?”

  His answer surprised her. “Yeah, I thought I might just so I can see my girlfriend. It’s been a while since we’ve just hung out.”

  “What time?” She would have to leave for Boise by nine to be on time for the last contest.

  “Set your alarm for six. I’ll bring doughnuts and fruit. You can make the coffee.”

  “I’ll see you then. And this totally counts as a date, by the way.” She glanced over at the Potter house. The outside light was on, but all the other lights were off. Erica must already be home. Early for a Friday night.

  “Works for me. Sleep well and have happy dreams.”

  “You too.” She hung up and headed to the house. Before she even thought of sleep, she needed to spend some time with the other guy in her life. Dom would be on her as soon as she walked in the door. For a Friday, she’d be home early. Maybe she’d surprise him.

  He had heard the car because when she opened the kitchen door, he was waiting. His tail beat the floor in greeting as she set her tote down and relocked the door. “Nine on a Friday. Don’t get used to this. Next week we go back to our normal late hours.”

  He barked as if to say he understood, but for tonight, he wanted snuggles on the couch. With popcorn if she didn’t mind. Or at least that’s what she thought he’d say if he could talk.

  So that’s what they did.

  * * * *

  The next morning, she was up before her alarm and sitting in the kitchen answering emails when Ian arrived with the doughnuts. He glanced at the pot, which was half empty. “You didn’t sleep in.”

  “I couldn’t. I was thinking about Felicia’s plan to open up the new room, and I had some ideas I wanted to run by her. Then I just got lost in email.” She closed her laptop and moved it to the side. “How was your week?”

  “Mildred lost a milker and she wanted me to go through the applications she got before she hired someone new. I don’t think she realizes that running a dairy is just like running her nonprofit.” He got napkins out and set a maple bar in front of her.

  “Or she just wants your attention.” Angie shrugged. “You know she leaned on your expertise way too much during the time she took over the dairy. She should be paying you for your knowledge.”

  “You’re right. I let her get away with too much. Mostly because she pulls the grief card over Gerald. But I’ll be stronger.” He made a movement with his arm showing his muscle. “Besides that? It was just normal busywork. Closing out the farmers’ market for the season is always a crazy-busy time.”

  “You’re doing the once-a-month thing for the next few months, right?” Angie needed the market to be open so she could pick up last-minute produce items for the restaurant.

  “Don’t freak out, yes, we’ll be open. It might just be for you, but at least most of the tables will sell something that day.” He leaned back with a sprinkles-covered doughnut. “So, how did yesterday go? You were so busy telling me about the wake you didn’t mention the contest.”

  “I didn’t tell you I won?” Angie held up her hands. “We took the contest with chicken and dumplings on a stick. It was brilliant and so, so good.”

  “Congrats. How did Bleak do?” He polished off the doughnut and let one hand drop to pet Dom, who’d moved to a seated position next to Ian’s chair, hoping for some droppings.

 
; “She did great. She did a sleepover at Hope’s last night. I love that she’s acting a little bit more like a kid. I know she needs to get back into school, but I’m hoping once she starts feeling safe here, she’ll go back on her own.” Angie took a bite of the maple bar. Flour, sugar, fat, and egg. The treat didn’t have much in nutritional value, but she loved it anyway. “I was happy for about five minutes. Then we went to the wake and I got depressed. Sydney and Brandon are so into this whole baby thing. I can’t believe anyone would even try to hurt either one of them.”

  “It gets worse. Allen’s convinced that the target wasn’t Brandon, but actually was Sydney. If she’d eaten those nachos, who knows what might have happened.”

  They both were silent for a while, thinking of the averted disaster. “If that’s true, whoever is doing this is an awful person.”

  “Even if it’s not true, the guy killed Nubbins. Just that one death makes them screwed up.”

  Angie grabbed a second doughnut. This one was blueberry cake. “I don’t want to think about it anymore. Felicia is coming with me today to do a dessert. I haven’t even had time to ask her what she’s planning.”

  “Apples are just starting now. An apple turnover would be portable and yummy.” He took a second doughnut. Dom beat his tail on the floor reminding Ian he was still there, waiting for a crumb to drop. “You should go eat your dog food. Drooling isn’t a good look for you.”

  “And it gets my floor dirty.” Angie snapped her fingers to get Dom’s attention, then pointed to the bed. “Go lie down and stop coveting Ian’s doughnut.”

  Ian watched him turn and stomp to the bed. He made three circles before settling down in the oversized dog bed. “I think the first part of that order is easier to follow than the second. Your dog has a gluttony problem.”

  “My dog has a sweets problem,” Angie corrected him. She glanced at the clock. She still had time. “What’s on your plan today?”

  As Ian ran through his schedule, Angie thought of her own busy day. She’d be on her feet for hours at the contest, but she really wanted to take Dom for a walk before she left for town.

  “So, do you want me to meet you tonight at the fair? This will be the last chance we’ll have to explore. And they have a great band playing over at the racetrack.” Ian sipped his coffee. “I’ll buy you a corn dog.”

  “It’s crazy but I love those things. The cornmeal covering is always so crunchy. And the mustard, yum.” She glanced at Dom. He wouldn’t be expecting her until late anyway, since it was Saturday and a normal workday for him. “Why not?”

  “Not the rousing answer I’d hoped for, but I’ll take it.” Ian stood and leaned down to kiss her. “I need to go. I’m meeting with a farmer who might be joining us next year in the marketing coop.”

  “Yeah, I need to get ready as well.” At her words, Dom lifted his head from his bed, watching her. She nodded. “Yes, we have time for a short walk.”

  “Be careful.” He glanced at his watch. “Text me when you’re on your way to Boise.”

  She laughed as she followed him to the door. “There’s nothing wrong with walking through Celebration Park on a Saturday morning. It’s going to be filled with hikers and families today.”

  “And somehow you keep running into the most interesting people there.” He squeezed her arm. “I know, I worry too much. But I kind of like having someone to think about during the day.”

  Angie thought about Ian’s words as she drove to the park. As she’d expected, even though it wasn’t quite 8 a.m., the parking lot had several spots already taken. Some were hiking the cliff trail. Today, she wanted to meander through the flatter trail that ran the length of the park. Besides, there was a loop there she could take and still be home in time to shower and change before heading into Boise and the last day of the Restaurant Wars contest.

  They were on their way back from Message Rock where early day travelers left messages to family following behind, when she saw the dog. Timber, the man had called him. They were ahead of them on the trail and close to the parking lot. Angie wouldn’t catch them before they got into their car and left. But at least it explained why she’d seen him at Mrs. Potters’ place. Maybe he lived closer than she’d thought. It wasn’t unusual for people to drop in and talk, especially if they were related to someone. Besides, Erica hadn’t seemed worried about the guy. He’d seemed normal when Angie had talked to him.

  Yet as they arrived at the parking lot, she still glanced around to see if Timber and Jon were still around. Ian’s words echoed in her head, and she repeated them aloud. “You meet such interesting people at the park.”

  Dom sat at the back door, waiting for Angie to open it so he could climb inside. He stared at her, apparently curious about who they’d met as they hadn’t stopped to talk to anyone the entire trip.

  “Don’t mind me, boy. I’m just thinking out loud.” She opened the back door to the SUV.

  Back home, she checked Dom’s food and water, then got ready. Next week she’d be back to her normal routine, and boy, was she looking forward to it.

  The phone rang when she was in the car. She pressed the hands-free button to answer it. “Hey, Felicia, I’m on my way.”

  “Hey, winner, congrats. And I’m glad you lived through the night. Did you get sick at all?”

  “No, but I don’t know about the others. Estebe was fine when he dropped me at my car last night. And if something had happened to Bleak or Hope, I think we would have heard about it.” Now Angie felt bad that she hadn’t reached out to the others this morning.

  “They’re fine. I talked to Estebe earlier. And I just called Hope and told her to meet us at the grocery store next to the fairgrounds. I want them to be part of the shopping for today’s event too.”

  “I’ll be there in about forty minutes. Or do you want me to go right to the trailer and start setting up?” Maybe she hadn’t had time to walk Dom this morning. She was always trying to fit in one more thing and misjudging her time.

  “Come shopping with us. I want to run this dessert idea by you in case you have some last-minute changes.” She paused, then continued. “How are you really? Estebe said you were a little bummed out after talking to Sydney and Brandon last night?”

  “I just freaked out a little thinking that someone would be so cruel.” Angie thought about the pang in her chest when she saw the two of them together, their lives ahead of them. “Sometimes I just don’t understand people.”

  “You understand people fine. There are just some that are totally screwed up. Whoever killed Chef Nubbins and poisoned Brandon isn’t a normal person. That’s why you don’t understand them. You’re way too nice sometimes.”

  “I’m way too focused on my little world sometimes,” Angie corrected. “Anyway, I’m glad we’re working together today. Ian and I are going to play at the fair after this is done today. Want to hang out with us?”

  “Sounds like a plan. Although Ian might not like me horning in on your date.”

  Angie smiled, thinking about all the times she, Felicia, and Todd, their ex-partner and Angie’s ex-boyfriend, had hung out after events. “You’re part of my life. My tribe. Ian gets that.”

  “You make our friendship sound like a cult.” Felicia laughed, the sound tinkling over the speakers in the car. “Of course, with our work family added in there, maybe we are a little like a cult. One that worships food.”

  “Excellent food,” Angie corrected. She had another call coming in. It was Ian and she’d forgotten to text him. “Hey, I’ve got to take this. See you in a few.”

  She connected with Ian. “Sorry, I forgot.”

  “I figured. I had some time while he was talking to his wife about the program, so I stepped out to the car to get a flyer and call you. I take it you’re in the car?”

  “Yep. Felicia and I were chatting about today’s event. I’m meeting her at the store. Okay if s
he hangs with us tonight?”

  “I’ll have two beautiful women on my arm. What could be wrong with that?” He covered the phone. “Looks like we have an answer. I’ll see you later. Good luck today.”

  “Good luck to you too.” Angie turned up the music and pushed everything else out of her head. Today was about the cooking. No stress, no worry. Just cooking and feeding people. Those were the best times.

  When she pulled up at the store, she found Hope, Bleak, and Felicia standing outside by Hope’s little car. Bleak kept pointing toward the road. Angie parked and hurried over. “What’s going on?”

  “Bleak says…” Felicia started, but Bleak cut her off.

  “That was Martha. I know it was.” She pointed to a line of cars heading up the hill toward Cole Road and the west side of Boise. “In that VW Bus. That’s her car. She’s here to get me.”

  “Who’s Martha?” Angie followed the vehicle with her gaze until they couldn’t see it anymore. It had already been too far away to get a plate number. She couldn’t even tell if they were Idaho plates, or Utah.

  “Martha’s my aunt. My father’s sister. She didn’t want me to come here. I shouldn’t have trusted her. But she seemed like she cared about me. Like she didn’t want me to have to…” Bleak swallowed. “I need to keep moving.”

  “No way in heck. We’re going to call Sheriff Brown and have him check into this. Right now? You’re under his house and his protection. If you don’t want to go home, we’ll figure something out.” Angie glanced at Felicia, who had her arm around Bleak. “Why don’t you two go inside and start our shopping. I’ll talk to Hope, then I’ll call the sheriff. There’s no way that bus is getting close without one of us seeing it.”

  Felicia nodded and turned Bleak toward the store. “We’ve got some fun stuff happening today. If you don’t want to leave the trailer, we’ll get permission for you to stay inside with us. You can switch places with Hope and find out why she’s so crazy about cooking.”