***
On the walk back to their vehicle, Lucinda released a quiet scream and shivered.
“That was freakin’ scary,” Regan said while the two grannies blew out a hefty breath and slid across the seat. Starting the engine, she put the car in gear and stepped on the gas.
Chapter Six
THE CHEMIST leaned against the kitchen island the next morning while the rest of the family sat around the long dining table. Clemson placed a small stack of papers down next to him and stood waiting for everyone to stop talking.
“Okay, Clemson, tell us what you found.” The man looked exhausted from working through the night. Dark bags circled under his brown eyes and his face was drawn. Shoots of curly hair stuck out everywhere like a like a coil had sprung.
“Thanks for allowing me to analyze the ingredients. Even though you weren’t able to get into the Auberge, I would imagine the outcome is pretty much the same in both places, even without the actual desserts. Honestly, it doesn’t matter because I’ve figured out what poison was used. It’s a deadly herb called Monkshood. Stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness, and then your organs shut down. The symptoms are all pretty much the same for all the deadly herbs, as well as arsenic and cyanide. Monkshood is just easier to get because it grows wild.”
Everyone around the table looked from one to the other in confusion. “What is Monkshood,” they asked at the same time.
“It’s a poisonous plant that grows in the foothills,” he said holding up a photograph for them to see. “As you can see from the photo, these innocent looking blue flowers, each petal is shaped just like a Monks hood and they’re deadly.” Gabe walked over with hot coffee and refilled all the cups. “These plants are the most poisonous of the seven deadly herbs. Even touching the flower causes a reaction because the toxins seep through your skin and then create a tingling sensation. Not long after, the person will have a heart attack.”
“Is it always deadly?” Marco asked.
“Yes.”
“Is there an antidote to offset the poisons?”
“I keep very current with the latest drugs and antidotes, so if there is one, then I don’t know about it.” He looked around the table. “Who had someone die in their restaurant?”
“Two of our family members,” ChiChi said, “who are currently being held for seventy-two hours in the county jail while the sheriff’s office does its thing. The first death was at the Sweet and Savory Bistro owned and operated by Lexi,” ChiChi pointed, “Marco’s wife. She’s in partners with her grandmother, Priscilla, who is also being held. Then there’s Nico, my nephew, who worked at La Bonne Auberge.”
“If there were no prior deaths, then I’d venture to say, the person who brought it into the restaurant kitchen knew exactly what they had because they’d be dead, so I guarantee you they’re wearing gloves,” Clemson offered.
“It could be anyone in the Auberge because they have a large staff, but how the heck did it get into the Bistro’s kitchen? Someone had to break in.” Gabe stared at his wife through squinted eyes. “And speaking of which, Regan, how did you guys get in last night?”
“A Slim Jim,” she said matter-of-factly without an ounce of remorse and turned back to Clemson waiting for a response.
“Where in god’s name did you get a Slim Jim?”
“Remember when I locked my dumb keys in the car, I ordered it the next day through Amazon Prime and they delivered it the next day. Like Lucinda wouldn’t dream of leaving Mr. Puffins home, neither would I. Jim travels everywhere I go. You never know when it’s going to happen again.”
“What?” Marco’s eyes rounded in surprise. “You actually ordered it?” she nodded with a grin.
“Hey Gabe,” he said turning to his brother, “did you know you were married to a felon in the making?”
Regan chuckled. “Hey, you do whatcha gotta do when it calls for desperate measures.”
“What were you before you married me? A carjacker?” Gabe asked.
“I’d rather not say,” she said and winked, “but it appears we both have minds like a criminal—you with the glass cutter and me with old Jim.”
“Point well taken.”
ChiChi actually laughed. Something she hadn’t done since the fiasco began. “She knows her stuff too. You should have seen her skillful hands at work.” Gabe’s head jerked back in surprise.
“Gabe, I think we need to have a talk or two . . . and soon,” Marco said.
When Clemson cleared his throat, everyone stopped talking.
“I’m sorry for getting us off track, Clemson,” Gabe apologized.
He acknowledged with a nod and listened to Marco question. “Do you think Monkshood is growing in the garden behind the Auberge?” he asked.
“Did anyone check the garden?” Clemson asked
“No. I only thought of it just now,” Marco continued. “But that can’t be a coincidence. It sounds more deliberate to me.”
“Most definitely. After analyzing the pantry items from the Sweet and Savory, I found the root that had been ground up and mixed in with the flour, sugar and cornstarch. The naked eye probably wouldn’t have noticed it. I assume Lexi was wearing gloves when she made the dessert otherwise, she’d be dead.”
“She must have been,” Marco said. “And praise God for that favor. From the sounds of things, it’s looking like all the restaurants, even those without a homicide are going to need to replace the entire contents of their kitchen pantries.”
“My final point on planting the herbs: it’s my opinion that whoever this person is, they have a major vendetta against this family,” Clemson pointed downward. “What I’m finding so interesting is why there weren’t more fatalities? Those desserts are usually made in quantities, aren’t they?” Clemson inquired.
“From what Nico said, it was early for dinnertime, and after his guest died, everyone cleared out of the restaurant anyway, so no one else was served. If there were more desserts laced with the poisonous herb, they’re still in the walk-in or in PCC’s hands.”
Regan slouched back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “This is surreal.”
Clemson continued. “Since you were unable to get into the Auberge, does anyone know what Nico served?”
“He said it was a chocolate sampler.”
“Has he spoken to anyone from the restaurant since the crime?”
“Not that I’m aware of, but Nico was fired before he was taken in for questioning.”
“That’s unfortunate. I sure hope your insurance premiums are up to date,” Clemson said.
ChiChi rose to her feet and reached for her coffee, taking another sip. “Do you think the lab the police are using will reach the same results you did?”
“I hope so, but not if they aren’t looking for it.” He shrugged. “I’m going to type up a report and you can do what you want with it. I don’t know if you want to discuss it with the sheriff.” He waited for a response. “I don’t imagine he takes kindly to you butting in.”
“No, he doesn’t,” she said, “but knowing what we do, how can I keep silent? Maybe send an anonymous letter to the sheriff?” The more she thought about it, the more she decided she was going to show him up.
“Where do these plants typically grow?”
“These plants can grow anywhere in this climate,” Clemson said, “but the most common is the foothills where it grows wild.” A minute later and he was removing a book from his briefcase. “Do you have a copier in your office?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I’d like to make copies of the deadliest herbs to give as handouts to help you identify the plants. But like I already covered, these current deaths have been caused by the tainting with Monkshood.”
“You can’t buy these plants or the ground up roots on the open market, can you?” Regan asked.
“No, you can’t.”
Lucinda was the first one to comment when she received the picture of the plant. “I’ve seen this Monkshood . . . just r
ecently as a matter of fact, but I can’t remember where.”
Chapter Seven
WHEN THE DOORBELL rang, Holly and Sonia, barreled down the stairs at Nonna ChiChi’s house. The remaining members of the family had stayed at the house with her for the seventy-two hours. Sofia squealed when she saw Nico get out of the police car. Holly yelled for the rest of the family and opened the door for Nico, and the two hugged tightly.
“Mommy,” Holly yelled. “Nico’s back.”
Family members practically trampled over one another getting down the stairs. Nico just stood and watched, with a wide grin on his face. He looked tired and unkempt with the three-day stubble on his chin, but his smile was filled with the undeniable love he felt for his family.
“Oh my God,” ChiChi screeched with excitement. “You’re home.”
“I am. They said they couldn’t find anything to prove I put the poison in the ingredients because there were others in the kitchen that could have done it. When I was walking out, I saw one of the other chefs walking in.”
“Thank God. Now, go shower because you smell like a goat,” ChiChi said.
He laughed. “I know,” he said as he mounted the stairs. “It’s good to be home,” he shouted as he made his way to the top.
“Where’s Lexi and Priscilla?” Marco asked.
“The patrol car dropped them off at home. Priscilla went with her.”
“Then I guess I better hit the road.” Marco kissed his grandmother. “Thanks for everything.” Looking up at Nico who’d stopped on the landing to say goodbye, “Good to have you home, Bud.” He waved and walked out.
It wasn’t long before Nico was bounding back down the stairs. Walking into the kitchen where everyone sat, the first words from his mouth made Nonna ChiChi happy. “All I could think about while I sat in that filthy, smelly cell was your home cooking. I’m very blessed to be a member of this family.”
“Come,” ChiChi said, “you sit and tell us all about it while I cook for you.”
Chapter Eight
DRIVING DOWN Main Street in St. Helena, things seemed to be getting back to a semi-normal state, although the restaurants had very few people in them. This afternoon, on the eve of Halloween, it was always fun watching the children dressed in the Halloween creations marching down the street with their trick or treat bags hoping the merchants would fill them with candy. Most of the leaves had fallen off the trees and the onset of the crisp October weather had taken hold.
Outside the stores, bales of hay and pumpkins decorated the entryways. Wooden wine barrels filled with colorful Mums in golds, burgundy’s and brilliant oranges created an inviting distraction from the chilly weather.
The merchants were thankful the recent homicides had not destroyed sales, and chances were those three days of quarantine had only put a slight kink in their fourth quarter profits. An occasional curious visitor asked questions, but for the most part, talk was minimal and avoided at all costs.
Fortunately, time had a way of healing itself and the residents of St. Helena seemed to be handling business as usual, even though neither case had been solved.
Although not as crowded as the streets of New York, the foot traffic was enough to give the merchants hope that things would soon be back to normal.
Three hot-air balloons had just taken off and had created a lot of excitement and chatter coming from several small groups of people who’d stopped to watch.
Nico parked his car in the public parking lot and cut the engine, locked his Corvette and walked down the street to Juliana’s shop. Pulling the door open, he could see it was busy with customers. He smiled at those leaving with filled bags from their purchases, happy she was busy. Juliana hadn’t spotted him yet, but watching the expression on her face as she spoke to her customers made his heart melt, especially when she talked to the dogs. He’d thought a lot about her over the last several weeks and was waiting for the right time to ask her out on a date.
When she saw him, her face cracked into wide grin. Hearing Beth moving about in the kitchen was a good sign that she was replenishing the doggie treats.
“I am so happy to see you,” Juliana said. “I was so afraid the police were going to pin something on an innocent man.”
“Thank you. That’s very nice to hear,” he said.
“I’m a pretty good judge of people . . . except maybe my ex-husband,” she said with a snicker, “but you have an honest face. I just knew it was someone else.”
“I appreciate that vote of confidence. Sadly, I can’t put this behind me until they find the person who did it. Lexi, her grandmother and I will be considered people of interest until they do find the person who tainted the ingredients, but we’re trying to put that behind us and focus on the future—the future where I don’t have a job.”
“How about your family?” she asked. “Won’t they give you a job?”
“It may turn out that way, but I really don’t want to work for family. We love each other, but it’s not a good idea to go into business with them.”
“I can understand that. I wouldn’t want to do it either. It’s hard enough working with my best friend.”
“Is she tough to work with?” he asked in a low voice.
“Don’t get me wrong, she’s an absolute sweetheart and a hard worker, but sometimes she forgets this is my business and tries to tell me how to run it.”
“I understand.” Nico wasn’t about to get involved in that conversation.
“So what will you do for work?”
“I’m going to let the dust settle a little and then, if I can’t find anything, I may have to move. Even if I’m not charged, some people will never believe I didn’t have anything to do with it. All I can hope for is that my family’s spotless reputation and business dealings will shine through and they’ll eventually change their minds about me. In the meantime, I need a bag of treats for Wingman, my cousin Marco’s dog.” He pulled his money clip from his pocket. “Do you also have feline treats?”
“I do. You have a cat too?”
“No. A good friend of Nonna ChiChi’s has a cat called Mr. Puffins, who thinks he’s a real person, but that’s a story for another day.”
Juliana giggled. “I’ll look forward to hearing that story.”
“By the way,” he said looking around, “you’re doing great.”
“Yeah, I am, aren’t I?” Her shoulders rose in excitement. She looked around the shop. “If this is any indication of how busy I’m going to be, then I think I might just make it after all.”
“I have no doubt.”
“Have you found a job yet?”
“No, but then, I haven’t been really looking?”
“I was hoping we could get to know one another better,” she said.
“So, you’re feeling it too?”
“Feeling what?”
He chuckled. “Never mind. Have an awesome day.”
“You too, Nico. Thanks for stopping by.” She crinkled her nose. “It’s good to see you.”
Outside, Nico liked the way his heart was pounding. Juliana was a beautiful woman and even though she’d just played that little game with him, he knew she was interested, otherwise, she wouldn’t have suggested they get to know one another. Nico smiled to himself. He couldn’t wait to get to know her better.
Walking down the street, he entered the bistro where Wingman stayed during the day with Lexi and Priscilla. He always had treats for Wingman and the dog expected them whenever he saw Nico. The bell on the door chimed out a toon when he entered and signaled Lexi to come out from the back.
“Hey, partner in crime,” she said, “what are you doing here?” Before he could answer, Wingman, shoved his nose in Nico’s pocket and pulled the package out with his teeth. Nico laughed and bent down to open the package.
“There’s no fooling you. Is there boy?” he said ruffling his hands between Wingman’s ears. Wingman promptly scarfed the treat down like he hadn’t eaten in a week.
“So what are you doin
g here?” she asked again.
“I wanted to say hello to Juliana,” he nodded, “at The Doggie Bone, and since I liked the taste of the treats myself, I thought my bud over here should taste them.” Lexi gave him an odd look. “There’s no byproducts. It’s okay for humans to consume.”
“Ok,” Lexi said giving her head a slow shake, “I did wonder how long it was going to take you to meet that gorgeous creature.” She smiled. “I don’t know why I always underestimate the power of the DeLuca men, but I do. Do you have a date yet?”
“No.” He snickered. “I don’t work that fast. How’s business?” he asked.
Lexi shook her head. “It’ll happen, as soon as this blows over. I keep telling myself to have faith, but . . . you know how that goes.”
“I do. It’s the same thing with me finding a job.” Lexi blinked her eyes close when Priscilla walked out from the back with Lucinda, who had Mr. Puffins in her arms. “Every new beginning is the first step,” she said, and then lowered her voice. “But the grannies aren’t finished yet. You know us. We’re not about to give up until the guilty party is brought to justice!”
Wingman shoved his nose back inside Nico’s pocket, which reminded him he had treats for Mr. Puffins. “Nothing more for you, bud, it’s up to your mom now,” he said leaning over the dog. He pulled the package out and handed it to Lucinda.
“That was a very nice gesture,” she said. “Thank you.”
“Well, I’ve got to get out of here and try to figure out my next course of action.”
“We’ll clear our names again, Nico,” Priscilla said walking him to the door. He waved and headed down the street toward the parking lot when he noticed a large crowd gathered around his car. He walked over.
St. Helena Vineyard Series: Desserts Can Be Deadly (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 4
