Murder on the Half Shell (A Red Carpet Catering Mystery Book 2)

by Shawn Reilly Simmons

  Jeanne’s expression became grave and she lowered her voice. “From what I heard, both girls overdosed on something and they haven’t woken up yet. Sabena had a seizure and now she’s on life support, and they’re not sure if she’s going to make it through, poor little thing. It’s really terrible, Penelope.”

  Penelope’s heart sank. “How terrible.”

  “Yes, it is. Between you and me, I don’t understand why young people today get into drugs. When we were that age no one told us anything, we had to figure it all out for ourselves. But there’s so much information available now. I just hate thinking about the state they’re in.”

  They all sat in silence for a moment, unsure of where to take the conversation from there.

  “Even after all of this ugliness, I still hope you enjoy your vacation,” Jeanne said, attempting to lighten the mood. “Enjoy your breakfast and let me know if I can get anything else for you.”

  Jeanne began to turn away from the table and Penelope said, “Jeanne, can I ask you a favor?”

  “Of course, dear,” Jeanne said, her smile reappearing.

  “I want to have a quick meeting with my chefs a little later. Can I use your library for fifteen minutes or so?”

  “Yes, that would be fine. Just poke your head in and let me know and I’ll remember not to go in and disturb you.”

  “Thanks, Jeanne.”

  After breakfast Joey and Penelope walked hand in hand down the sidewalk to Rose’s. The door was propped open with a large piece of coral and they entered, their eyes adjusting to the dark interior from the bright morning sun. Rose was sitting on a stool behind the counter, a mug of coffee in one hand and a paperback in the other.

  “Good morning, Penelope,” she said, looking up from her book.

  “Hi, Rose. This is my friend Joseph Baglioni. He rented a cabin and needs to pick up the keys.”

  “Sure, I’ll just need a picture ID and a credit card,” Rose said. She set down her coffee mug and placed her book facedown on the counter.

  Joey pulled his wallet from his back pocket and flipped it open to retrieve his driver’s license and credit card. His New Jersey police identification was visible behind the plastic of the flap. Rose glanced at it. “You’re a detective? Are you here about those poor girls?”

  Joey handed Rose his cards and flipped his wallet closed. “Yes, I’m a detective, but no, I’m not here on a case, just vacation.”

  “I see. Well, I think you’re the first police detective we’ve had staying on our beach.” She wrote down his license number and credit card information in her binder and had him sign on the line next to his entry. She grabbed a set of keys from the wooden cabinet. “You’re in number thirteen, the blue one farthest down the beach. My phone number is on the key ring if you need anything once you’re there. I’ve got you booked until Saturday, but if anything changes just let me know. Your card will be charged when you check out.”

  “I’m looking forward to relaxing on the beach,” Joey said.

  “I sure do hope you enjoy your stay.”

  “Rose, have you heard any news about Rebekkah and Sabena?” Penelope asked.

  “No,” Rose said, shaking her head quickly. “Saw all the commotion over there though. They arrested that big-shot chef right outside on the sidewalk after they found them inside.”

  “Yeah, I saw that too,” Penelope said.

  “Well, it’s good they got him off the streets, if he’s that kind of person,” Rose said, pursing her lips.

  “Do you know the girls well?” Penelope asked.

  Rose shrugged her shoulders in a quick snap. “A little. I know everyone around here. I can’t think of either of them ever getting into trouble before. But then again, it only takes one time to make a big mistake.”

  “I guess,” Penelope said.

  “It’s the truth, dear. Kids make stupid decisions, end up in the path of the wrong person…I feel real bad for the parents.”

  Penelope nodded and studied the wooden cigarette display case behind the counter. She didn’t see any of the silver cigarette packs mixed in with the other brands on the wall.

  “Do you carry imported cigarettes?” Penelope asked.

  Rose looked behind her at the display case. “No, just the usual American brands. That English actor, Gary? He was asking me the same thing. I told him to try American Spirit if he wanted something different.”

  “Gavin,” Penelope said.

  “Huh?” Rose said.

  “His name’s Gavin.”

  “Right, Gavin. Well, Gary, Gavin, whatever his name is…I can’t bring in L&Bs for him. I don’t have the license.” She reached down, patted the cigarette pack in her pocket and stepped around the counter.

  “Have you decided to start smoking, Penny Blue?” Joey asked.

  “No,” Penelope said, sighing. “Let’s go see your cabin.”

  Penelope suggested they check out the cabin first, make a trip to Sackler’s to pick up anything Joey might need and then swing back by the boat to get his suitcase. They walked past Josie’s, heading for the blue cabin about a half-mile down the beach.

  Penelope loved all of the multicolored cabins that dotted the shore. They were all unique, differing slightly in style and shape. But they were all in good condition, considering they were older buildings. Joey’s was set up much like the cabins her fellow crew members were staying in. It had a spacious sitting room, a small kitchen with white countertops and appliances off to the right and two bedrooms and a bath down a small hallway to the left.

  “This is perfect,” Joey said. “I’m going to give up my apartment and move in here permanently.”

  Penelope laughed. “Joey Baglioni, professional beach bum. I can see that.” Penelope’s phone buzzed in her backpack and she pulled it off of her shoulders to take the call. She glanced at the screen before answering. “Hey, Francis.”

  “Hey, Boss,” he said. “Everyone’s back. The guys were on the morning ferry. You still want to get together with us today?”

  “Yes, let’s all meet at the Inn’s library at noon. Let the guys know, okay?”

  “Sure. See you then,” Francis said.

  Penelope hung up. “Ready to get some groceries?”

  “What do you want for dinner, Penny?” Joey asked as they wandered through the aisles of Sackler’s Market. He stopped suddenly. “I mean, would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I’d love to cook for you.”

  Penelope laughed. “Yes, I would, thank you.”

  Joey chuckled. “Sorry, I just assumed we’d have dinner together, but then I realized you could already have plans.”

  “No, I just have my meeting and then I’m free. I want to spend as much time with you as I can while you’re here.”

  Henny helped Joey pick out some chicken breasts and steaks in the back case. “So, this is the New Jersey police detective I’ve been hearing about today,” Henny said when Penelope introduced him.

  “You’ve heard about me?” Joey asked with a cautious smile.

  “Sure. Jeanne said you had breakfast this morning with Penelope up at the Inn,” she said.

  “That was an hour ago,” Joey said. “You must be on a news hotline.”

  “Well, me and Jeanne, we talk every day, sometimes a couple times a day. She keeps tabs on the north end, and I keep her posted on the south end of the beach,” Henny said in a matter-of-fact tone.

  Joey thanked her and picked out some additional groceries in the pantry area. By the time he headed to the register his arm was straining under the weight of the basket. He held a case of Corona in his other hand.

  “You have to get all of that back down the beach, you know,” Penelope teased him. She started placing his purchases on the frayed conveyer belt that led up to the register manned by Henny’
s son.

  “I’ll make it,” Joey said. “It looks like more than it really is.”

  When it was their turn at the register, Penelope said hi to Bradley.

  “Hey, Miss Sutherland,” he said, scanning through their groceries and placing them into paper bags at Joey’s request.

  “Your mom’s got you working today, huh?” Penelope asked.

  “Yeah. It’s been busy too,” he said, sighing. “She’s going to have to find someone to replace me in the fall. I’m off to school in Texas.”

  “That’s great, congratulations,” Penelope said. “What are you going to study?”

  Bradley continued to scan the items across the foggy scanner screen, stopping occasionally to punch in numbers on the register. “I’m not sure. Business maybe. I’m going to play baseball. I’m hoping to play professionally after school. I got a full scholarship.” He spoke quietly and focused on the groceries, not looking at her.

  “Wow, Bradley. That’s really something,” Penelope said. “An out-of-state school can be so expensive; that’s got to be a big relief for your mom.”

  Bradley nodded quietly and gave her a quick smile, then went back to focus on his work.

  Penelope decided she would never understand teenagers. Bradley didn’t seem very excited about his scholarship. If Penelope had gotten a full-ride to culinary school at his age, she would’ve been bouncing off the walls with excitement. “Are you looking forward to school?”

  “Yeah,” he said, scanning the last item and looking up at her. He seemed on the verge of saying something else, then paused and said, “I’m glad I got the scholarship. It’s my ticket out. We probably couldn’t have swung the tuition ourselves. When my dad got sick…well, there wasn’t much left in the savings when he died.”

  “I’m so glad that worked out for you. Are you worried about leaving home?” Penelope asked.

  He looked at her and thought for a moment. “No,” he said finally.

  Joey and Penelope headed down the sidewalk back towards the cabin, loaded down with groceries.

  “That kid looked familiar,” Joey said. “I’m pretty sure I saw him in a couple of the Facebook photos we were looking at earlier.”

  “Yeah? It’s got to be a small school. He plays baseball and the girls play volleyball. I’m sure they all know each other.”

  Joey was quiet for a moment then said, “Why don’t you go on ahead to your meeting? I’ll get everything back to the cabin and get set up.” He motioned for her to give him the shopping bag she was carrying.

  “Are you sure?” Penelope asked, reluctantly handing it over.

  “Yeah, I’ll pick up my suitcase too, get settled. And then I’m going to camp out on one of those deck chairs outside of my temporary home with a book.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you later,” Penelope said, kissing him on the cheek before turning to head back to the Inn. She greeted a few crew members she passed on her way and thought about Bradley and his scholarship. Then she thought about Regan, who might just be stuck there, anchored by a family business. She tried to put herself in their shoes, just out of high school, trying to find their way. Andrea Island was a paradise for vacationers, hikers and fishermen, but she didn’t imagine there was much opportunity for the younger generation to explore new things. Some of the established residents of the island were so resistant to outsiders and change, getting approval and all of the necessary permits needed to film for three months had delayed the start of production two months longer than any other movie she’d worked on.

  As she passed by the path that led to the marina, she saw the Isn’t She Lovely bobbing up and down in its slip and heard the midday ferry horn sound as it pulled away from the dock. The flash of a Hawaiian shirt and spiky black hair caught her eye. She stopped short to pull her sunglasses down, took another look and saw Emilio Babineau walking towards her.

  Chapter 14

  When Emilio met up with Penelope at the end of the path, his expression changed from anxiousness to relief.

  “Chef,” Penelope said. “What are you doing here?”

  “I made bail this morning. Had to wait until Monday for the court to be in session. Don’t get arrested over the weekend if you can help it,” he said, grimacing. “I’ve got a meeting with Shane and the developers in a few. I’ve got to get to the house to shower and change.”

  “What’s happening with your case?” Penelope asked.

  Emilio shrugged. “I don’t know. I have good lawyers on my side. They’re not going to get me on this, Penelope. I haven’t done anything illegal.”

  “I know the girls were with you on Friday night, Chef,” Penelope said. “Regan told me all three of you went into your house after he dropped you off. Did you tell the police the truth about that?” She folded her arms across her chest and took a step back from him.

  Emilio squinted at her behind his sunglasses. He smelled like sweat and his face was shiny under his spiky black hair. “Yeah, that’s what he told the cops. But then he drove away. Those girls came inside for a few minutes to sober up. They were going to get in trouble with their parents for being wasted. I went upstairs to call Dominique, and when I came back down they’d taken off.”

  “You lied to me,” Penelope said, color coming into her cheeks. “I never wanted to believe the rumors about you back in school, you know, the ones about you messing around with your students? You never acted that way around me, and I defended you when everyone was talking about what happened with Christine and Summer behind your back. Looks like I was a fool.”

  “Penelope, Summer lied about what happened between us. We were never romantically involved,” Emilio said.

  Penelope looked at him skeptically, trying to contain the anger that was bubbling to the surface. “Then why did she say you two slept together? That’s what she said, isn’t it? That’s why you left school in the middle of the term…you couldn’t keep your hands off of her?”

  “Penelope, don’t say that. You know she took the story back, that we all signed an agreement,” Emilio said, his voice hardening.

  Penelope sighed. “What was in the agreement you signed?”

  “Both girls recanted their stories to the dean, and I agreed to sever ties with the institute,” Emilio said quietly.

  “But if you didn’t do anything wrong, why leave? If they lied, then…” Penelope said, trying to fit the pieces together.

  “They were students, so the benefit of the doubt fell in their favor. Nothing could be proven, because nothing happened,” Emilio added quickly, “but it was a disruption that the administration didn’t appreciate. Then some of the parents raised concerns about me. Sometimes the appearance of impropriety is just as bad. In the end, it was agreed I should leave, and I took a severance settlement and went. Opened Craw Daddy’s with it.”

  Penelope thought again to her days at culinary school, about how young she was, roughly the same age as both Summer and Christine. The memories of their faces began to mix with the slightly younger ones of Rebekkah and Sabena, and she felt a sense of helplessness come over her.

  “You were right to defend me back then,” Emilio said, “And I’m sorry I disappointed you. I’ve had some problems in my past, but I’ve remade myself. I’m happy, I love my wife. She’s the only woman I ever want or need.”

  Penelope wished she could see his eyes behind his dark lenses.

  “And I didn’t lie to you about Friday night, I just knew how the truth would sound, so I just didn’t tell you everything that happened,” Emilio said in a soothing tone. “I need someone on my side in this.”

  “Not telling me the whole story and asking me to help you is the same thing as lying,” Penelope said. “I don’t know how to feel about you anymore. It’s like the whole thing that happened with Christine and Summer is happening all over again. And here I am again, being p
ut in the position to defend you.”

  “Penelope, believe me, please,” Emilio said, scuffing the toe of his boot on the sidewalk. “I’ve always been good to you, helped you whenever I could. We worked closely together back in school all the time…did you ever feel threatened by me or feel like I was being inappropriate?”

  Penelope looked out over the water, not responding. She filed through her memory, thinking of all the times they’d been alone in the kitchen, him leaning over her to demonstrate the perfect technique. She had to admit, she’d never felt an inappropriate vibe from him, but she also struggled with separating those feelings from the various accusations she’d heard.

  “Thanks for getting that paperwork to Dominique,” Emilio said, interrupting her thoughts.

  Penelope said flatly, “I didn’t love being the one to tell her and Shane about you being arrested.”

  “Shane?” Emilio asked.

  “I went over there right after you got…right after it happened. Shane was at your house, so I told them both at the same time.”

  Emilio paused for a beat then smiled widely. “I see. Sorry about that too, but I appreciate that he heard it from you than from someone else.”

  “Shane also said you were running late for lunch on Saturday. I thought you said he picked you up,” Penelope said in an accusatory tone. She was having a hard time looking directly at him, and continued to gaze at the ocean.

  “He did pick me up, but I had him drop me at the city council building for a meeting first. It ran long because the town manager had more papers for me to file,” Emilio said evenly. “You been checking up on me?”

  Penelope unfolded her arms and shrugged, pulling her gaze to his sunglasses. “I have no idea what to think or feel. And you just said you keep things to yourself when they make you look bad. Why should I believe you now? None of this makes sense and those girls—”