Chefs, Ceremonies and Crimes

by Cindy Bell

  “Don't worry, we'll take good care of her,” one of the medics assured Brian with a gentle smile. “She's doing just fine, now. We'll just need to evaluate her at the hospital and make sure she can maintain her body temperature.”

  Brian frowned and continued to clasp Wendy's hand. It was clear that he didn't want to let go of her.

  “Call Polson,” Wendy pleaded as she met his eyes again. “Get Mark out of jail and home to his father.”

  “I will,” he promised and drew her hand to his lips. He kissed each knuckle softly before finally letting go of her hand. The moment that he did Wendy felt the absence, and suddenly she was freezing. She watched Brian leave as the medics lifted her into the back of the waiting ambulance.

  Chapter Ten

  Once Wendy was in the hospital she felt more secure. The doctor informed her that her prognosis was positive and their intention was only to observe her for any potential complications. Wendy's mind was going a mile a minute. Of course she didn't have her cell phone anymore because it had either been lost in her attempt at escape, or had been lost in the water. She wasn't sure which, as her memory of the incident was very fuzzy. However, she wanted to call Laura so badly and warn her.

  Wendy was sure that Laura wouldn't continue with the wedding without her there to supervise, but even just the possibility made Wendy feel sick with dread. She couldn't have Laura's moment tarnished by a murderer. As she waited for the nurse to return with her discharge papers she felt such an urge to just leave. She had no clothes to change into as they had been soaked by the water. She only had her hospital gown on, and she knew that didn't cover much. She was sitting up in her bed with her feet dangling over the side of it when Polson walked in.

  “Oh, so sorry,” he said as he looked politely away from her in her paper gown.

  “Did you arrest, Kyle?” she asked urgently as she draped the sheet over her once more.

  “Yes, we've located him,” Polson nodded and looked nervously in her direction. “I was hoping that he would put up a fight after what he did to you,” he added.

  Wendy was a little surprised by that as Polson tended to be a by the book kind of police officer.

  “Thank you,” she said awkwardly, uncertain if that was the right thing to say.

  “I'm sorry you went through that,” Polson said quietly. “Kyle made a full confession once we told him that you had survived. He wants to try to make a deal, but he won't be able to.”

  “That's good,” Wendy said with relief. “I can't believe what he was willing to do just for some revenge.”

  “Well, I'm glad you're safe,” Polson said with a frown. “I wish that you had come to me with your hunch before putting yourself in such a dangerous position. Police work is best left to the police, you know.”

  “The police that arrested the wrong man?” Brian asked as he pushed past Polson and into the hospital room. He was carrying a dress bag over his shoulder. “Maybe if you guys had been a little more on point, Wendy never would have gone through any of this.”

  “Brian, that's not fair,” Wendy said with a slight frown but she couldn't help enjoying that he was rising to her defense.

  “What's not fair is facing a killer all alone,” Brian countered. “But Polson is right, you never should have taken a risk like that.”

  “So, now I'm getting a lecture from both of you?” Wendy laughed and shook her head. “In case you two haven't noticed I am fully capable of making my own choices.”

  “The only good choice you made was texting me where you would be,” Brian said as he sat carefully on the bed beside Wendy. “I knew where to look for you, but it was only by pure luck that I managed to find you under the pier.”

  “What luck?” Wendy asked curiously.

  “I found your cell phone on the path leading down beneath the pier. I thought it was strange so I snatched it up. That was when I heard you call for help. I only heard you once, and I knew, you were in the water,” his voice broke as he spoke. “Wendy, I've never been so scared,” he admitted though he avoided looking at Polson when he did. “I never want to be that scared again,” he added as he took her hands into his own. “I should have looked at Kyle more closely in the first place then we could have had him locked away before you were put in any danger.”

  “No one could have known for sure,” Wendy reminded him. “I did something foolish, luckily I had someone like you to look out for me,” she added and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

  “Of course there will be paperwork to fill out,” Polson said from the doorway of the hospital room. Wendy had almost forgotten that he was there. “I'll need your statement, but since Kyle confessed we will likely not need to go to trial.”

  “Isn't it strange that he's going to jail for a murder he did commit, over revenge for an innocent man going to jail?” Wendy mulled.

  “Actually, I looked into his brother's case,” Brian said grimly, still blushing slightly from the kiss on the cheek. “There was plenty of proof that his brother was the killer. As always there's a chance that he is innocent, but from the information I saw I highly doubt it. Maybe in Kyle's mind whatever crime his brother committed was justified, just like he thought killing Vic and framing Mark was justified.”

  “Mark,” Wendy said quickly. “Is he free?”

  “Yes,” Polson nodded. “He has been cleared of any crime.”

  “Good,” Wendy sighed with relief. “At least that has been set right, now I just need to get out of this place.”

  “Wait a minute,” Brian said and placed his hands lightly on her shoulders to prevent her from standing up. “What does the doctor have to say about that?”

  “I'm just waiting to be released,” Wendy replied with a frown. “I need to get in touch with Laura and get this wedding going.”

  “Don't you think that you need to rest?” Brian asked as he studied her intently.

  “Honestly, I won't be able to rest until Laura finally has the wedding that she's been dreaming of,” Wendy replied with a deep sigh. “Which is never going to happen if the nurse doesn't get in here with my discharge papers.”

  “I thought you might feel that way,” Brian said quietly as he smiled at her. “I was able to get inside your condo in order to bring you some clothes.”

  “Oh no,” Wendy moaned as she wondered what it must have been like for him to paw through her drawers.

  “Don't worry, I picked out something nice. I'm not sure if it's the exact right one but…”

  He opened up the dress bag to reveal the simple, peach dress she had been planning to wear to Laura's wedding. She stared at it with obvious surprise.

  “Is it the wrong one?” Brian asked nervously. “I thought it would be this one because it matched the colors of the flowers for Laura's wedding.”

  “It's perfect,” Wendy replied with a slight smile. “I didn't know you were paying such close attention.”

  “Well, I am a private investigator, details and all,” he muttered dismissively.

  “Okay,” Wendy tried to hide a grin. She wondered if he had enjoyed leafing through the plans more than he let on. “Thank you so much for bringing me this. Now, I can let Laura know that I will be there on time for her wedding.”

  “Here,” Brian said and reached into his pocket. He handed her the cell phone he had retrieved from the sand. “I think this belongs to you,” he said. “I'm sorry that I didn't call you back right away. I had my phone on silent while I was working a case, and I didn't see your calls until later. Once I did I came to check on things, to see what had happened.”

  “If it wasn't for you, Brian, I would be dead,” Wendy said incredulously. “You saved my life.”

  “I'll leave you two alone,” Polson said with a nod of his head. “We can catch up on the paperwork tomorrow.”

  Wendy smiled at him as he walked away. She was glad that he had been there to help her when she needed him, even if she didn't always like his methods. Once Polson closed the door Brian turned to look at Wen
dy.

  “I know you're dying to call her,” he laughed. “Go ahead.”

  Wendy quickly dialed Laura's number. Laura picked up on the first ring.

  “Wendy, are you okay?” she asked in a rushed voice.

  “Don't worry, Laura, I will be there,” Wendy said into the phone.

  “But Kyle, what he did to you, Wendy, I can't tell you how sorry I am…”

  “There's no reason for you to be sorry,” Wendy insisted. “You couldn't have known, and I put myself at risk, no one else did. The important thing is that now we know the truth, and you can have your beautiful day without worrying about any of that.”

  “Are you sure?” Laura asked nervously. “It won’t be too much work for you?”

  “It will be fine,” Wendy assured her. “I have everything lined up. I'm just going to be there in case you need anything, and in case anything gets out of sync. I am so excited for you both, and I am thrilled to be part of your special day.”

  “Oh, Wendy you truly are amazing,” Laura gushed into the phone. “But how can I have a wedding without a celebrant?”

  “Don’t worry I’ll sort something out on the way,” Wendy said with more confidence than she felt.

  “Ok, I'll see you soon,” Laura said with excitement.

  When Laura hung up the phone she found Brian studying her intently.

  “You've really made a difference for her,” he said with admiration.

  “To everyone else in the world this day is just another day,” Wendy explained with a small smile. “But to Laura this is the beginning of the next chapter in her life. It is the day she promises to share her future with her husband, the day that they become a family. It will be a day they both treasure for years to come. Today truly is a special day.”

  “I guess it is,” Brian nodded with warmth in his eyes. “So, about this wedding,” he said with a slight frown.

  “What about it?” Wendy asked and stood up from the bed. He reached out a hand to steady her as it was still a little strange to be standing on her own two feet.

  “I was just wondering,” Brian cleared his throat and looked down at his shoes.

  “I'm going, Brian,” Wendy said firmly. “No one is going to talk me out of it.”

  “I wasn't going to talk you out of it,” Brian replied, his voice roughened by a hint of frustration. Wendy was surprised by the emotion and turned to look him directly in the eyes.

  “What is it, Brian?” she asked in a softer voice.

  “I was just wondering if you might need a date,” he finished quietly without looking away from her. Wendy's confused expression grew into a bright smile.

  “I certainly do,” she replied and tried not to giggle. “Would you care to join me?”

  “It would be my honor,” Brian replied as he studied her. Wendy recalled the woman she had seen him with, and her heart slowed for a moment.

  “Are you sure that you're free?” she asked hesitantly.

  “Of course I am,” he replied.

  “I mean, not just for tonight, but free,” Wendy explained haltingly.

  “What are you talking about, Wendy?” Brian asked as he stood up from the bed and walked towards her.

  Wendy tried not to blush but she could feel the heat in her cheeks the more she struggled to ignore it.

  “I mean, could I consider this a real date?” she lowered her eyes feeling childish for having to ask.

  “I would hope so,” Brian replied and searched her eyes with confusion. “Have I given you some reason to think otherwise?”

  “Oh Brian,” Wendy sighed and sat back down on the bed. He turned so that he could stand directly in front of the bed. His gaze locked to hers.

  “Tell me, Wendy, what's wrong?” he frowned.

  “After what happened tonight,” she said as her dark green eyes widened. “I don't want to mince words anymore. I don't want to be too afraid to speak the truth.”

  “Then speak,” he breathed out and brushed his fingertips lightly along the curve of her cheek. “You can tell me anything.”

  “I have feelings for you, Brian,” Wendy explained, each word difficult to force out as she felt so vulnerable because of them.

  “So do I, Wendy,” he replied with a broad smile. “Was that what all of this was about? You'd have to be blind not to see the way I've been following you around like a puppy dog.”

  “Oh, well I,” Wendy laughed a little. She was both relieved and a little frightened to have the truth out in the open and to have her affection reciprocated. “I saw you with a woman and I guess I just…”

  “A woman?” he raised an eyebrow and looked puzzled for a moment. Then he snapped his fingers. “You must mean Alice. She's just a friend of mine that I've done some work for. She's always losing her…” he paused a moment and then lowered his voice, “her cat. Sometimes I help her find her cat.”

  “A cat detective?” Wendy giggled a little and Brian glared back at her playfully.

  “Somebody has to do it,” he pointed out.

  “I'm sure you're the best around,” she teased lightly. He leaned a little closer to her and looked down into her eyes.

  “I have my ways,” he said quietly. Wendy could sense the shift in his demeanor. “Do you remember what you said to me under the pier?” he asked. Wendy was silent as she drank in his hazel gaze. “When I first found you?” he reminded her. Wendy swallowed thickly and shook her head.

  “I'm sorry, I don't remember much.”

  “Okay then,” he nodded a little and took a step back. “You better get dressed, or we'll be late.”

  “I'll be right out,” Wendy smiled and carried the dress bag into the bathroom.

  When she stepped back out of the bathroom, Brian was waiting for her. He must have brought along a suit for himself because he was dressed from head to toe in black. It made his hazel eyes stand out brilliantly. His dark, wavy hair was carefully combed. When he took in the sight of Wendy in her peach dress with her strawberry blonde hair slightly mussed and her cheeks flushed from fighting with the zipper in the tiny bathroom, he took in a sharp breath.

  “Could you help me?” Wendy asked shyly as she pointed to the zipper that still had not made it all the way to the top.

  “I would love to,” he replied. She turned her back to him and felt the warmth of his fingertips as they glided up along her back. When the zipper reached the top of the dress and his hands came to a rest on her shoulders she felt like melting beneath them.

  “Ready?” he purred beside her ear.

  “She is now,” the nurse announced as she walked into the room. “I have your discharge papers, Ms. Reed,” she said warmly as she looked between the two. “Just promise me, no more swimming until the water warms up.”

  “I promise,” Wendy said with a soft laugh though Brian did not look nearly as amused. Wendy signed the papers and Brian led her out of the hospital.

  “Can I drive you?” he offered when they reached the parking lot.

  “Sure, I guess my car is still at the pier,” Wendy said as she shook her head. For a moment she was lost in the flurry of events that had taken place over the past few days. When her mind settled again she was already seated in Brian's car. He was humming softly to himself as he drove. The sound drew Wendy from her swirling thoughts. She began texting all of the vendors for the wedding to confirm that everything was arriving on time without any problems. Once she was finished they pulled into the parking lot of the venue. Wendy shivered a little as she recalled the time she was there with Kyle. Brian noticed and laid a hand lightly over Wendy's.

  “I'm here,” he said firmly. Wendy smiled as she looked up at him. It felt wonderful to have him there, like a rock supporting her no matter what.

  Chapter Eleven

  As Wendy and Brian walked into the large auditorium Wendy was startled by just how beautiful the decorating had turned out. With shimmers of gold and silver in all directions and large, silver statues filling up many of the open spaces, the auditorium
had the feeling of a botanical garden mingled with a museum. It was a beautiful combination and from the glow in the eyes of the wedding guests it was clear that they were enjoying it as well.

  “Excuse me for a moment,” Wendy said as she squeezed Brian's hand.

  “I'll be here,” he said as he sat down on one of the empty chairs that lined the aisle. Wendy slipped through the curtains that hung to create a doorway and the illusion of a smaller space. She stepped into the small room that they had decided would serve as the dressing room for Laura and her bridesmaids.

  “Hello?” she called out as she stepped into a bustle of full skirts and flowers.

  “Wendy!” Laura gushed out happily. “I'm so glad that you're here!” she stood up to show off her dress. It was white with silver accents. It flowed from her waist freely into a voluminous skirt along with a train. The bodice was pearled and heart shaped. It was a beautiful traditional gown.

  “You look amazing,” Wendy said breathlessly as she looked her over.

  “Oh, I'm sure you see brides all the time,” Laura said with a dismissive laugh.

  “You're gorgeous,” Wendy smiled warmly. She had never laid eyes on a bride that didn't look phenomenal on her wedding day. In her opinion it had less to do with the dress, or the make-up, and much more to do with the happy glow that seemed to infuse the eyes and features of brides. It was one of those sparkling moments.

  “Are you all set?” Wendy asked as she looked into Laura's eyes.

  “Yes,” she sighed and grabbed Wendy's hands. “I'm a little worried though.”

  “Worried? About what?” Wendy asked anxiously, she hated to forget a detail that would leave a bride concerned about anything on her special day.

  “I think I'm supposed to be nervous,” Laura confessed. “But I'm not at all. I mean, I'm excited, but I'm not nervous at all.”

  “So, you're worried that you're not nervous enough?” Wendy laughed lightly. “I think you'll be fine, Laura. Not everyone feels the same way on their wedding day. It's different for everyone,” she gave her friend a light hug careful not to wrinkle her dress. “I'll see you out there,” she said proudly.