Murder at the Cooking School: Book 7 of the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Series

by Dianne Harman

  In a shaky voice filled with fear, Kelly said, “All right, Chef Bianchi, I can understand that you murdered Signora Nardo because you thought your husband would inherit the property, but what I don’t understand is why did you do it now and not years ago?” Kelly wished she hadn’t left her purse with her cell phone back in the room. There was no way for her to get in touch with Mike. She didn’t notice that Caesar was no longer sitting at the spot outside of the kitchen door where she’d left him.

  “I did it because I overheard her talking to Elena Oberti, the chef who’s on television, and the chef everyone is talking about these days. I knew she was going to let me go, and I couldn’t have that. Anyway, the castle is rightfully my husband’s and with Tonia alive, there was no way he was going to get it.”

  “What made you think your husband would get the castle rather than her husband?” Kelly asked.

  “When Sal proposed to me he said his mother had told him there was a clause in her Will stating that in the event of Tonia’s death, the castle would be bequeathed only to a Nardo, and my husband was the only other living Nardo. I knew someday it would be ours. I simply made it happen a little sooner rather than later,” she said giggling. “Just like the two of you are going to die a little sooner than you thought you would. We’ve talked long enough. I want both of you to go into the wine cellar. The walls in it are very thick, and it’s soundproof, so when I pull this trigger, no one in the castle will hear a thing.”

  “Since you’re going to kill us anyway, would you tell me how you poisoned Signora Nardo? I’ve been trying to figure that out, and I can’t.”

  “It was easy. I ground up sleeping pills and put them in special cookies which I gave to her maid. Everyone knew Tonia liked to have a little sweet before she went to bed. Her maid always came into the kitchen to get something to take up to her. I waited for an hour and went up to her room. She never locked her door. I went in and put a needle in her arm with the poison in it. It was so easy I should have done it a long time ago.”

  At that moment the loud blast of a gunshot reverberated through the kitchen. The gun which had been in the chef’s hand flew to the floor and she clutched her bleeding hand and cried out in pain as she fell to the floor.

  “Don’t move,” Mike yelled, walking over to the chef and kicking her gun away from where she’d dropped it. “Kelly, pick her gun up and keep it on her while I call Chief Varano.”

  CHAPTER 26

  “Carlo, it’s Mike. You need to come to the castle immediately and bring a couple of men. Kelly’s holding a gun on the person I’m pretty sure murdered Signora Nardo. It’s Chef Bianchi. I don’t know the details, but I’ll find out and fill you in when you get here.” He turned to Kelly. “I’ll take the gun, but I have to ask, what were you two doing here in the kitchen?”

  “We didn’t know she’d be here or that she was the one who murdered Signora Nardo. I’d left my apron from the cooking class in the kitchen, and Dominico was getting ready to take a couple of bottles of wine back to the wine cellar when I saw him in the library. We walked here together, and when we got here we overheard her talking to her husband. Unfortunately, one of the bottles of wine rolled off the counter and shattered on the floor. When she heard the crash she turned and saw us. Honest. Now I have a question for you. How did you know I’d be here, and what made you come here with a gun?”

  “Your friend here,” he said, motioning to Caesar who was standing at the entrance to the kitchen. “I’d just opened the door to our room when he came racing up the stairs and literally head-butted me toward the stairs. He ran down them and then looked back to see if I was following him. I had my gun with me, and I figured when you weren’t around, and Caesar was in that much of a hurry, something must be happening to you. I was right. I just followed him, and he stopped at the kitchen door. I stood there for just a few moments before I ran in, so you’ll have to fill me in on everything she said. I don’t speak Italian, but the gist I got was that she was going to kill both of you.”

  “Mike, she’s the one who killed Signora Nardo.” Kelly told him what she and Dominico had overheard and what Signora Bianchi had said to them about Signor Nardo being next.”

  “I thought it was her when I realized what was happening, but prior to that I never suspected her. It seems out of character, and she was the Signora’s sister-in-law. You just never know about people. Even after all I’ve seen, I still get surprised,” Mike said.

  Dominico was pale and shaking when he turned to Mike and said, “May I leave? I really want to get home to my wife and children. I’ve never been involved in anything like this, and I feel sick.”

  “I’m sorry, but I know the chief’s going to want to talk to you and have you tell him exactly what you saw and heard. I imagine your story and Kelly’s will be identical, so it’s pretty much a formality. Would you like to use my phone to call your wife?”

  “Please.”

  Mike handed it to him, and Dominico walked to the far side of the kitchen to make his call. Kelly turned to Mike and said, “Where did you get the gun? I remember you decided not to go through the hassle of trying to bring one into the country, and you left yours at home.”

  “The chief gave it to me. Since the murder took place at the castle, and people knew I was involved in trying to solve it, he was worried that someone might try to do something to me. I never imagined you’d get in a situation where you’d need a gun.”

  “Believe me, neither did I. You know I almost feel sorry for her,” she said, looking at Luisa softly sobbing on the floor. “She’s lived most of the last twenty years or so believing that someday she would be the one to live in the castle and run it. Not only is that never going to happen, she’ll probably go to prison for a long time for committing murder and attempting to commit more. The Signor has no idea how lucky he is that we wandered into the kitchen and Caesar found you, because if that hadn’t happened she would have killed him.”

  “Actually, I’m the lucky one. If Caesar hadn’t found me, more than likely you wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

  They heard the sound of sirens getting louder and within minutes Chief Varano strode into the kitchen, followed by two of his policemen. “Mike, what’s going on?”

  Mike told him what had happened. The chief turned to his men. “I want you to handcuff Signora Bianchi and take her to the station. Book her for murder and attempted murder. When you finish, go to her home and tell her husband what’s happened. Kelly, Dominico, I need to take statements from both of you. May I have your permission to record your statements? If you allow me to do that, it will save you a trip to the station to sign a written statement there.”

  Kelly and Dominico both told him that would be fine, and each of them gave him their version of what had happened from the time they had entered the kitchen. When they were finished, the chief turned to Mike and said, “I’m going to need a statement from you as well. How did you happen to show up at the perfect moment?”

  Mike told him about Caesar, and how he had overheard enough standing outside the kitchen to cause him to come in and shoot the chef’s gun out of her hand.

  “What is going on?” they heard a voice ask, and a moment later Signor Nardo walked into the kitchen.

  “I heard sirens and looked out my window to see the blue and red lights on two police cars. I saw one of them leave. What has happened? Why are all of you in my kitchen? Chief Varano, we’ve met before. I know you’ve been calling me wanting to talk to me about Tonia’s murder, but I am so heartbroken, I couldn’t do it.”

  The chief told him what had happened and that Chef Bianchi was the one who had murdered his wife. The man was clearly distraught about his wife’s death and finding out that his sister-in-law had been the one who murdered her only added to his grief.

  Kelly told him about the conversation they had overheard between the chef and her husband. She also went on to tell him she had overheard the argument between Salvadore and him earlier in the day.

/>   “I told him the castle had been willed to me by Tonia, and that he had no right to it. He didn’t want to believe that. From what you are telling me he must have called Signor Conti and found out from him that what he’d believed for over twenty years wasn’t true. In a way I feel sorry for him. I wonder what will happen to him now that Luisa will be going to prison.”

  The police chief’s phone rang and he listened for a few minutes. He pressed end and turned to face Signor Nardo. “Signor, I’m sorry to tell you this because I know you’ve had enough shocks the last few days to last a lifetime, but my deputy went to Salvadore’s house to tell him about Luisa and discovered his body. He had committed suicide. It was very apparent from the position of the gun and his hand. Additionally, there was an empty bottle of grappa next to him.”

  Signor Nardo walked over to a chair and sat down heavily in it. Everyone was quiet, and then he spoke. “The family I have known for the last twenty years is gone, gone in a few days. Tonia murdered, Sal committing suicide, and Luisa going to prison, probably for life. I don’t know how I can go on.”

  Dominico walked over to him and said, “Signor Nardo, your staff loves you. We want you to continue to use the castle as a hotel. See if the chef your wife was talking to will take over as the chef of the cooking school. You have several rooms that are not being used here at the castle. Why don’t you make those into a restaurant? I will be your sommelier, and we will create a restaurant worthy of Michelin stars. I’m sure that would appeal to the new chef as well. Have her create signature dishes. Yes, you can never go back to the life you had, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a new and wonderful life. Many of us would like to help you. Please, let us.”

  Signor Nardo looked up and said, “Thank you. I appreciate that. Maybe getting completely involved in something new would help me get over these losses. Come back tomorrow, and let’s talk about this. Do you really think we could have a Michelin star restaurant here at the castle?”

  “No, I don’t think so, I know so. It would be an honor to help you.” He held out his hand, and the Signor shook it. Dominico looked at the chief and said, “May I leave now?”

  “Yes, and thank you.”

  “I did nothing. I think the hero tonight was Caesar. By the way, I have two little boys who would love to have a big dog. If no one has spoken for him, I would love to have him.”

  “Consider it a gift from the Castello di Nardo for your life being in danger. From what I learned tonight, I imagine Signora Reynolds would like one more night with him, but since I inherited everything that was Tonia’s and that includes Caesar, it would be my pleasure for you to have him. When you come tomorrow you can take him with you.”

  Dominico walked out of the kitchen, petting Caesar on the head as he left.

  “I think that’s everything,” Chief Varano said. “It’s getting late, and it’s been a long day for all of us. Mike, I’d still like to talk to you tomorrow and wrap up a couple of loose ends. Is it okay with you if I pick you up about ten?”

  “Of course, Carlo. I’m happy to help in whatever way I can. With everything that’s happened, I think I’ll keep the gun with me tonight and return it to you tomorrow.”

  “Let’s hope it won’t be needed. Kelly, thank you very much for everything. I hate to say this, but without you I’m not sure this murder ever would have been solved. You American women are different from the Italian women. You don’t listen to your husbands, but in this case I’m glad you didn’t. Good night.”

  Kelly, Mike, and the Signor walked out of the kitchen and were joined by Caesar. “Would you like me to accompany you to your residence?” Mike asked Signor Nardo.

  “No, thank you. I think it’s very safe now. We have security here at the castle, but who would have thought we’d have to worry about one of our own?”

  “Absolutely no one. Good night,” Mike said. He, Kelly, and Caesar headed up the stairs, looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

  CHAPTER 27

  The next afternoon they took the train into Florence from the village and from there a taxi to the hotel where they would be staying for the next two days. The beautiful old brick hotel was very close to the massive cathedral and when they’d made the hotel reservations, they’d requested a room that overlooked the Duomo. The bellboy opened the room for them and put their luggage on the luggage racks. He pointed out some of the features of the room and asked them if they would like some ice.

  “No, thanks,” Mike said as he gave the bellboy a tip.

  “Mike, did you do this?” Kelly asked.

  “Did I do what?”

  “Arrange for this his huge bouquet of flowers. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I can’t believe it. Thank you so much. That’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done,” she said, walking over to him and hugging him while she kissed him.

  “Darn. Hate to tell you this, but they’re not from me.”

  “You’re kidding! Who else knew we were going to stay here? I didn’t even tell Julia or Cash we’d be staying here, and my staff has my cell phone in case there’s a problem, so I didn’t see any need to give them our itinerary.”

  “Is there a card with the bouquet?” he asked.

  “I was so sure it was from you, I didn’t even think to look.” She walked over to the large bouquet. “Yup. I can see a little white envelope. I’ll get it out. Who knows? Maybe I have a secret admirer.”

  “A secret admirer sending you flowers on our honeymoon? That wouldn’t set real well with me. Open it up, and let’s see what it says.”

  She tore the envelope open and read, “Signora Reynolds. I want to thank you once again for solving the murder of Signora Nardo. Enjoy the flowers while you are in Florence, and although I know Mike said he was going to buy you a keepsake at a jewelry shop on the Ponte Vecchio, please don’t buy anything there. They are known to be tourist traps. Tomorrow afternoon there will be a package for you at the front desk of the hotel. Enjoy it and thank you again. It’s signed by Chief Varano.” She put the card down on the desk and turned to Mike.

  “What a nice thing for him to do,” she said. “Did you tell him I’d asked you to buy me something from one of the jewelry shops there?”

  “I think I might have said something in passing. What do you make of his comment about a package for you being at the front desk tomorrow afternoon?”

  “I have no idea. You’re the one who spent all the time with him. He may be a male chauvinist, but he sure has good taste in flowers. I’ll call him tomorrow and thank him. I am so excited to be here. Let’s wander around for a couple of hours and then eat at a romantic little Italian ristorante that serves pasta. I’m starving for some. I thought I’d get a lot more of it at the cooking school, but we really didn’t get much at all. Okay with you?”

  “Absolutely. That sounds delicious. Tomorrow we can visit a couple of museums. I really want to see Michelangelo’s David, and I definitely want to go to the Uffizi Gallery. Other than that, I’m pretty open. After the art we can go to the Ponte Vecchi shops. They may be tourist traps, but they’re known worldwide, and we can at least say we’ve seen them. The chief told me there’s a very good restaurant in the square beyond the Ponte Vecchi. We can have lunch there. Are you about ready to go?”

  “Give me five minutes.”

  Swell. Might as well sit down and see if I have any messages on my phone. Knowing Kelly, it will be at least twenty minutes.

  Thirty minutes later she said, “I’m ready. See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? I’m really getting much better at being ready on time. You can stop the raised eyebrow routine. This is our honeymoon, if you remember.”

  “Oh, I remember. It was the murder and Caesar that got in the way of it. Maybe we can resume tonight when we get back.”

  “Just might do that, Sheriff. Now, let’s get some pasta and get a sense of the lay of the land.”

  *****

  “Mike, my brain can’t take in any more art. Seeing the David was one of the high points of
my life, and I loved the Uffizi, but let’s go to the Ponte Vecchio. I really want to see it.”

  They got in one of the waiting cabs, and Mike told the driver to take them to the Ponte Vecchio. They wandered from one jewelry store to another, amazed at the array of gold and other jewelry that was on display.

  “Mike, I know the chief said this was a tourist trap, but I’m really tempted to get something from here. I probably won’t pass this way again.”

  “Let’s hold off. He said there would be a package for you at the front desk this afternoon. Since he said it in conjunction with telling you not to buy anything here, let’s see what’s in it. If you still want something from here, we have plenty of time to get it tomorrow. Our plane doesn’t leave until late afternoon. Deal?”

  “Deal. Right now I’m ready to eat. All this walking is making me hungry. Did he tell you the name of the restaurant on the square?”

  “No, he couldn’t remember it, but he said I couldn’t miss it because it had a bright red awning and the name was written on it in white letters.”

  “Mike, there it is,” she said a few minutes later. “It looks like we were supposed to eat here. There’s only one empty table.” They hurriedly walked over to it and sat down.

  “The chief was definitely right,” Kelly said an hour later. “That was the best seafood pasta I’ve ever had, and the bread was just as good. How was your lasagna?”

  “Every bit as good as your dish. All this walking, the food, and a glass of wine have made me sleepy. Can I interest you in going back to our room and taking a nap before we head out again?”

  “That sounds wonderful. I wonder if the package has arrived yet.”

  When they got to the hotel, Kelly walked over to the clerk who was standing behind the front desk. “Excuse me, my name is Kelly Reynolds. I was told a package was going to be delivered to the front desk for me. Has it come yet?”