by Jenny Kales
Callie nodded, remembering how Natalie’s tresses had appeared in the water, the back of her head a mess of blood. Better not mention that to Max.
“I’m sorry Max. I liked her a lot too. It hasn’t really hit me yet, to be honest. We had a nice chat this morning and then…” Callie trailed off. Then she remembered what Sands always said – don’t discuss the case. “Uh, Max this is kind of awkward, but can you please not repeat any part of this conversation with anyone? Even Piper?”
“You don’t like her, do you?” Max asked, grief perhaps making him more blunt than usual.
“It’s not that at all. It’s just that … Ian… always says that you can hurt an investigation by revealing too much about it. I shouldn’t have said anything.” She’d been about to say “Sands,” but that sounded so formal when speaking of him to others. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just upset.”
“Sure thing. I understand. Really.” Max took up his dishwashing again, soberly this time.
“Hey, aren’t you learning a lot about detective work, these days?” Max sounded sarcastic. “For all the good it’s doing us. I can’t believe it,” he said, shaking his head back and forth. “Another murder. I really just can’t believe it.”
Callie went over to him where he stood at the sink, hanging his head. She patted him on the shoulder. “Max, I’m truly sorry that I had to be the one to tell you about Natalie. Just forget about the dishwashing for right now. We’ll get to it later.”
Max nodded somberly, wiped his face with a paper napkin and washed his hands, silently. Taking a deep breath, he headed back to the front of the shop to serve customers while Callie worked on her chicken and potato dish. She was pretty sure she’d seen him wipe another tear out of his eyes. She hadn’t realized that Max would have taken the news so hard and she vowed to be patient with him over the next few days.
The tinkling of the bell over the front door as it opened to admit customers was a cheery, welcome sound, even on this terrible day. Callie remembered a recent lack of clientele that threatened to close her business after she’d been a suspect in Drew’s death.
Being a murder suspect killed the public’s appetite for your food, she had learned. Now that she had been exonerated, business wasn’t 100% back to normal, but it was on a better track. Would finding another murder victim repel customers once again?
Callie shuddered and got back to work but her arm froze in the middle of slicing a fragrant, juicy lemon when she heard the unmistakable voice of her father, George, deep and raspy. After being in the U.S. for so many years, his English was nearly perfect but his accent remained strong.
“I’ve got a big surprise for my daughter,” he was saying to Max. “Where is she?”
“In the back room,” Max replied woodenly. Poor Max. Callie felt her hackles rise. Experience had taught her to wonder what George had up his sleeve whenever he dropped by on one of his “surprise” visits. Her father, unfortunately, had never warmed to Sands the way she had hoped, so she was apprehensive that he was planning to introduce her to yet another Greek or even part-Greek bachelor looking for a wife. George seemed to have an endless supply that he found through his connections at his diner, The Olympia, despite the fact that the Greek population of Crystal Bay was small. Callie wondered sometimes if he’d taken out personal ads.
Take the bull by the horns. Callie set down her knife. There was no way she was dealing with this right now. In fact, the full, ghoulish impact of Natalie’s murder was starting to hit her. She would simply tell the nice bachelor that it was lovely to meet him but she couldn’t chat during working hours. Especially today.
Squaring her shoulders, she walked into the front of the shop with a determined step. But instead of an awkward-looking guy in his mid-forties, a pretty, petite and slightly round lady in her sixties smiled back at Callie, her smile as warm and sweet as one of the confections on display in her bakery cases.
“Calliope! Hrisi mou!” George frequently used this affectionate term when speaking to his daughter. It translated roughly to “my dear.” “Look who I’ve brought to see you! It’s my cousin, Glykeria, all the way from Greece! She’s come to spend Christmas with us. I didn’t want to tell you before – are you surprised? She just made it – snowstorms are cancelling the other flights.” George’s brown eyes crinkled at the corners, his smile wide enough to split his face.
“Thea!” Callie called running to her father’s cousin for a warm hug. “Thea” was the Greek term for “aunt.” Even though Glykeria was George’s cousin, it was Greek custom to refer to your elder female relatives or even close friends as “aunt” and that’s how Callie had always regarded her.
“Yassou, my dear,” Glykeria said, grabbing Callie in a fierce embrace. Finally, she stopped squeezing and stood back for an appraising look. “You are beauty! I know this happen one day.”
Callie blushed, remembering her last trip to Greece, at probably age 13, when she was experiencing an extremely awkward stage. It had been shortly after the death of her mother and the trip was intended to surround her with family and take her mind off of her troubles. Of course, it hadn’t really worked, but Glykeria, which translated roughly in English as “Sweetie,” had been especially kind to Callie. However, she hadn’t ever been one to mince words.
“Thank you, Glykeria,” Callie said, unoffended.
“Call me Sweetie,” the older woman said, brushing back her thick, dark auburn hair, probably dyed, but it was very becoming to her. “Glykeria too hard for you to say, I remember.”
Callie laughed. “I was only 13. I can say Glykeria now.”
“Eh. Call me Sweetie anyway. Like you used to.”
That settled, Callie asked the group if they’d like some Greek yogurt coffee cake and a cup of coffee.
“I always eat cake,” Sweetie said, gesturing at her round figure. “You no need to ask next time.” Callie laughed, remembering how she was constantly being offered food in Greece and to reject it was taken as an insult.
Max and Callie went to the back room to get the goodies while George and Sweetie found a table near the window. Their loud conversation in Greek, punctured by laughter, filled the shop.
“I don’t think this is the right time to tell them about Natalie,” Callie said quietly to Max. “They’re so happy right now and they’ll only worry. My dad will find out soon enough. Sweetie doesn’t really even need to know.”
Max gave her a sidelong glance. “I won’t say a word.” Max’s normally spirited face was completely glum, his movements slow. Callie wondered if she should tell him to go home. There was so much work to do – she really couldn’t. Well, maybe he could leave early.
The coffee break and family time were a nice respite for Callie, despite her internal turmoil. She was impressed that she was able to get through it without breathing a word about Natalie Underwood.
Soon, though, worry about the snowy roads prompted George to get his cousin back to his house where she would be staying for the next few weeks. Enthusiastic goodbyes and promises to see each other took up the next several minutes. By the time George and Sweetie were safely out the door, people looking for their ready-made dinners were starting to show up, despite the weather. Callie found that being snowbound made people hungry, and fighting through the storms drained them of energy for cooking at home – which was fortunate for her business. She glanced gratefully at Max, who was doing his best to appear friendly and cheerful.
As Callie and Max served customers and alternately checked on their baking and cooking in their backroom workspace, Callie’s work phone rang. She hoped it was Sands, checking in, but her heart sank a little bit when she saw the Caller ID: Emma Cayden, owner of The English Country Inn. How was she going to console her friend?
“Emma, I take it you heard the terrible news,” Callie said. “I am just so sorry. Natalie was a great person. It’s tragic.” She and Emma had been friends ever since the inception of Callie’s Kitchen and had met through the Crystal Bay Chamber of Comm
erce.
“Yes, I heard all right. This has been a nightmare. Natalie was always a great asset to my team. She was really just a lovely person.” Emma’s voice broke on the last word and she was quiet a moment. “I don’t remember if I told you, but I’m in Arizona right now. It was supposed to be a quick business trip but it doesn’t look like that’s what it’s going to end up being.” Emma sighed. “My flight was cancelled due to weather. Huge snowstorms across the country are making a mess of the airlines. Anyway, I’ve got a favor to ask you.” Emma’s voice crackled over the line.
“Yes, my aunt just arrived from Greece and apparently, she just made it ahead of the snow. What can I help you with, Emma?” Callie had a sinking feeling she wasn’t going to like whatever it was.
“I’m devastated about Natalie, so don’t take this the wrong way, but…well.” Emma hesitated. “A scandal like this could destroy my business. You know exactly how that feels, right?” Did she ever. A business in jeopardy was a problem she could definitely relate to.
“I understand wanting to protect a business,” Callie said. “But what would you like me to do? Shouldn’t we let the police figure this one out?”
Emma sighed gustily. “I heard that you were the one who found Natalie.”
“Yes, I was. Who told you?” Callie blinked, her mind wrenched back to the tragic scene of the crime. She gulped, not wanting to see the images that kept flickering into her brain.
“I can’t remember who told me. Sorry. Everything has been so chaotic and I’ve been on about a hundred calls today. The thing is, until I get home, I need someone to be my eyes and ears at the inn. After what’s happened, I’m not sure who I can trust. Can you do some digging on your own, ask around and just, I don’t know, keep your ear to the ground? Please, I know I can trust you and I’m scared.”
Emma’s voice was tearful as she continued. “I don’t want you to be in any danger. I would just really appreciate it if you would let me know about any new developments without letting anyone at work know that you’re keeping tabs on them.”
Awkward, as Callie’s 10-year-old daughter Olivia would have said. Callie knew that Sands wouldn’t want her involved, but Emma was an old friend and fellow business owner. It wouldn’t be that difficult to just check in on things from time to time. She’d just have to watch her back – it was hugely unsettling to know that another Crystal Bay resident had been murdered. However, in this case, she couldn’t say no to Emma. Callie of all people knew what was at stake for her friend.
“Of course I’ll help you if I can. But remember, if I found out anything of significance, I have to share it with the police. That’s my one condition.”
“You mean, share it with your cute detective boyfriend?” Emma said wryly. “That’s fine, just so long as you’ll help me out.”
“I will,” Callie said, realizing that perhaps she agreed too soon. How was she going to explain her presence in and around The English Country Inn? Well, she’d just have to think of something.
The two said goodbye, one of them relieved, one of them stressed. Emma was a good and loyal friend, but Callie had that familiar feeling that she was about to get in way over her head.
Four
Several hours later, despite the fact that she’d felt the urge to curl up in the fetal position on the couch with her Yorkie, Koukla, Callie was seated in a cozy booth with her best friend Samantha. Samantha had insisted on taking Callie to The Elkhorn, a traditional Wisconsin supper club. Sam had been adamant about not letting her friend brood at home. She had also promised not to talk about the murder – unless Callie wanted her to.
After a lot of protesting and despite Sands’ earlier warnings to “be careful,” Callie had finally given in. Viv and Sweetie were entertaining her 10-year-old daughter, Olivia, and Callie felt that a little time with her friend might just make her feel human again. George was supposed to be working at the diner, but Callie suspected he’d find a way to leave early and join the trio of females at his home.
Anyway, eating at The Elkhorn was practically the definition of “soul-soothing.” Locals and tourists flocked to the supper club’s friendly confines not only the delicious food, but for the spacious, wood-paneled dining room, set off by an enormous stone fireplace that went right up to the ceiling.
The Elkhorn was known for not only its tasty food and cocktails, but also for its festive and over-the-top seasonal décor. At Christmastime, Gary Schnittger and his wife, Doris, went all out. Two Christmas trees flanked the fireplace, along with numerous Santas, sleds, elves, nativity scenes and blinking lights. To the left of the fireplace, a small bandstand featured local musicians. The lobby separated the dining room from the barroom which featured a large, half-moon shaped bar, red leather seats and small booths. The wait staff wore Santa hats and overall, the dining room had the feeling of being at a Christmas party in somebody’s home.
In such a festive setting, the tragic events at The English Country Inn softened a bit in Callie’s mind, almost as if she were looking at a blurry photograph. Everything did seem a little bit off, however. Callie felt herself glancing around the dining room at The Elkhorn’s patrons as they ate, drank and chatted. Could one of them be a killer? Would one of them be a victim? Would she?
Suddenly Callie felt very dizzy. She tried to bring herself back into the present by asking Sam how Bix was coping with playing a jazz gig after trying to revive Natalie. Sam had said that he was upset, but he couldn’t cancel on The Elkhorn. Well, Callie certainly understood that. He probably needed the money.
Taking a sip of water, she breathed slowly and deeply and tried to calm herself. It wouldn’t pay to fall apart. She felt the need to remain alert.
As the jazz trio headed by Bix Buckman played a soft tune, Callie felt her body relax just a little. Samantha had insisted on springing for steaks and potatoes and Callie was hoping the comfort food would help her forget her nightmarish experience earlier that day. She’d barely eaten anything all day after the shock of finding Natalie and to her surprise, she discovered that she was hungry – ravenous, in fact. Comfort food had its charms and there was no better place to indulge than The Elkhorn.
“I wonder if I should go up there and say hi?” Samantha said, nodding at Bix onstage. Sam was dressed in a fuzzy light blue cowl neck sweater, slim-fitting jeans and boots. As usual, her makeup was soft and perfectly applied, and her shoulder-length layered hair was attractively tousled. Her friend always looked well put-together, but Callie suspected she’d made an extra effort for Bix.
Callie appraised Bix’s well-toned physique and chiseled features as he stood onstage. He’d been fairly calm and collected at the crime scene, something she’d appreciated at the time. For example, he hadn’t hesitated to attempt CPR on Natalie.
Just thinking about Natalie’s lifeless form again made Callie shudder in the warm room. Poor Natalie. For the hundredth time she wondered if it had been a mistake to come out tonight. Suddenly, she longed to join George, Sweetie and Olivia at home, her Yorkie Koukla sitting warmly by her side. Sighing, she turned to Sam so that she could respond to her question.
Sam looked into her face. “Callie, are you all right?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. And of course you should go say hello to Bix. He’s had a tough day, just like I have, so I’m sure he’d like to see a friendly face. Anyway, didn’t you tell him that you’d be here?”
“I may have mentioned it.” To Callie’s surprise, Samantha had lost some of her usual poise and her cheeks were flushed.
“Wow, you’ve got it bad, don’t you?” Callie asked, jolted out of her own apathy. Calm, cool Sam sure wasn’t acting like herself.
“I don’t know,” Sam said. “We’ve gone out maybe three times. I just don’t want him to think I’m following him around. I’m only here because Sands had to ditch you tonight and I didn’t want you to be sitting around thinking about everything after what you’ve been through today.” She nudged Callie good-naturedly.
“He
didn’t exactly ‘ditch’ me, “Callie knew Samantha didn’t mean any harm but the words stung nonetheless. “He had to work a murder case, remember?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way,” Sam said, dunking a piece of celery from the classic “relish tray” into its homemade cheddar cheese spread. “Maybe I shouldn’t have dragged you here tonight. Do you want to talk about Natalie?”
Callie swiftly shook her head “no.”
Sam patted Callie on the arm and smiled at her friend. “I understand. Listen, I do think that Sands is a good guy. It’s just – I know the long hours that guys like him are forced to work. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” She took a sip of her old-fashioned – a supper club signature cocktail. Like many other Wisconsin supper clubs, The Elkhorn’s “old-fashioned” cocktail was made with sweet and warming brandy, rather than bourbon or whiskey.
Callie felt her hackles rising. Why was she feeling so defensive about this? She willed herself to calm down. It wasn’t like Sam to be so discouraging. There was also the possibility that the day’s events had made her hypersensitive. Well, who could blame her?
Callie took a cracker from the bread basket, smeared the rich, luscious cheese spread on it and popped it into her mouth, in lieu of responding right away.
“I won’t get hurt,” she finally said after another cracker or two. “We don’t have anything serious – yet. And anyway, I work long hours too, so maybe it’s a match made in heaven.” As she spoke, she realized that her tone was sharper than she had intended.
“Oh, just listen to me after the day you’ve had! I’m sorry,” Sam said again and reached out to grab Callie’s hand. “I know how much you like him. It’s me. I’m probably projecting onto you. Bix isn’t exactly the type of guy I usually go out with. I guess I’m the one who’s afraid I’ll get hurt.” Sam sighed.
Callie smiled at her friend. “What’s the harm in liking someone? Just say hello to the guy and then let’s order something caloric for dessert.”
