The Death of a Celebrity Chef

by Kee Patterbee

  “Because of her murder.”

  Upon hearing Hymn’s accusation, Miller shot straight up in his chair. “Murder? What? No! Because she overdosed. I didn’t want the public to find out. It would ruin her squeaky-clean image. Bad business.” Miller paused and looked at Hymn, Hannah, and Cate. “Murdered?”

  Hymn leaned back in his chair and studied Miller’s reaction. He came to the quick conclusion either he did not know, or was an Oscar worthy actor. “You can see how this looks. You had the records changed that gave the true reasons for her death.” Miller was in a near state of panic. He shifted in his chair as Hymn pressed on. “You interfered with an ongoing investigation into her death.”

  “Yes, her death disturbed me and I was thinking like a businessman. I tried to protect her good name, and of course, her causes,” Jack interjected.

  “What was your relationship with her?”

  “I was her media manager.”

  “Did you have a romantic relationship?”

  Jack’s face changed to one of disappointment. “In the beginning, I wanted more with Julia. That was no secret. I realized that it was never going to happen after she met her husband and married him.”

  “Was there a physical relationship at any time?”

  “Never.”

  Upon occasion, Hymn scribbled down some notes on a small notepad. He hesitated for a second or two after each question was answered. It was intentional. The pause allowed suspects to feel the so-called heat of the interrogation.

  “You had volatile arguments with Julia quite often, even the day of her death. Why was that?”

  “When you have two passionate people, there will always be friction. We had a history, and it led to disagreements.”

  “On the day she died, you told her in a loud voice that you would kill her.”

  Pausing after dropping that last nugget of information, Hymn watched and waited for him to respond.

  “We both said things while arguing that we both came to regret, but never that.” Miller looked around as Hymn, Hannah, and Cate waited. He let out a quick breath. “Do I need my lawyer present?”

  “If you have something to hide.”

  Jack pondered the situation for a moment before continuing. “On record, I will state that my sole intent was to protect Julia’s name and reputation after her death. She built her life on the purity of her image. If the information got out about the overdose, it could have tainted her memory. She had no children. No legacy. All there was for her was her foundation, the charity. And it would have killed it off. I didn’t want that. So, I arranged for it to go away. I don’t think any jury would put me in prison for that, do you?”

  “That isn’t for me to decide.”

  “I know you have to charge me with something to keep me. So, get on with it so I can post bail and we’ll get this behind us.”

  Hymn resettled himself. “Fair enough, but I do have just a few more questions. Would you prefer that a lawyer be present?”

  Hannah and Cate watched as Miller studied Hymn’s face, contemplating his next move. Cate leaned over and whispered in Hannah’s ear, “He’s far more calculating than he appears. It wouldn’t be out of the range of possibility for him to arrange this.” Hannah agreed with a quick nod which caught Miller’s attention. He lifted one eyebrow and looked them up and down before turning back to Hymn. “Fine, I’ve committed one crime, which I confessed to. I have nothing else to hide. Ask whatever questions you want.”

  Hannah noted a sharp increase in the confidence level of his voice. If he did do it, she considered, he’s certain there’s nothing left to disclose.

  “Where were you that night?”

  “I dropped off some papers for Julia around 8:30, 9:00, and hopped a flight up to Atlanta.”

  “Can anyone verify that?”

  “I had a meeting the next morning with Karas’ corporate legal team. They can vouch for me that I was there.” Hymn entered it all into his notebook. He looked up to Miller. “More? Fine. It was all charged to the company so they can get you whatever you need. Hotel receipts and such. Plus, you’ll see by the charges that I made a call from my hotel room to the studio and spoke to Jazlyn. She can also verify my call.”

  “Yes, I wanted to ask you about her. Did you have or do you have a relationship with her?”

  “We play around from time to time, but we’re not a couple,” Miller answered. It was evident to all present he was proud of the fact.

  “What about the rumor she had a similar relationship with Asa Karas?”

  “I have no idea what they do or don’t do when they are together, but I’m not into the whole love triangle/three-way thing. I’m a more one woman at a time kind of guy.” Miller looked at Hannah and Cate, producing a slick, slimy, and lecherous smile. “And given that they’re related, well, that’s just a little beyond me, you know what I mean?”

  Hymn sent Miller a look. “You are a real ladies’ man, aren’t you, Mr. Miller.”

  “Is that a crime?”

  Hymn frowned hard. Hannah could tell he did not like Miller or his response, but the lawman was a true professional, as well as a gentleman. The thought added to her growing sense of admiration for this man she had just met. Catching herself drifting away from the interrogation, a sudden shudder rolled up her spine. It caused her to jump. She looked around to see if anyone noticed. Finding all still locked on the conversation, she shook off her personal feelings. She refocused before dropping back in on the task at hand.

  “It was my understanding that if Mrs. Karas was gone, Jazlyn Karas would take over. Is that a fact?” Hymn persisted.

  Miller took up the coffee and took a drink. He made a sour face. “That was Mr. Karas’ arrangement with her as I understood it.” He set the cup down. “Wow, that is rank. I should send you guys over a coffee maker.”

  “Is that a bribe?”

  Miller smirked. “No, I’m trying to save lives.”

  “Can we stay focused here? So I’d guess that you and Jazlyn Karas would benefit if Julia Karas was out of the picture.”

  Miller half laughed. “And you’d guess wrong. You see, I didn’t have a business contract with Jazlyn. If Julia stepped down or retired, my earnings would have diminished. That wouldn’t be wise on my part to kill her, now would it? As it is, my contract with Karas is coming to a close. Without Julia, I’m pretty much out.”

  “I’ll need to see that contract.”

  “And I’ll need to see that subpoena.”

  “Something to hide?” Hymn quipped.

  “No, I just don’t like you people. Are we done here?”

  “My office will be in touch with you after verification, and I’d appreciate it if you stuck around Zebulon. I’d rather not have to send for you.”

  Jack got up to leave and turned to Hannah and Cate. “Ladies.” He smirked putting on his hat.

  Cate started to say something, but Hannah signaled for her not to. “Not worth it.”

  With that, he strode out of the station, whistling a tune, while Hymn glared. “Ass,” was Hymn’s comment.

  Hannah studied Hymn for a moment. “Why’d he get to you?” Hymn gathered up his notebook and pulled out a rubber glove from his pocket. Sliding it on, he grabbed Miller’s left over cup. He tossed the liquid in the trash on the way out of the small room and placed it in an evidence bag.

  “DNA background check.” He grinned. “Gotta love it.” He stood to face Hannah. “Men like Miller always piss me off. No respect for anyone. They’re leeches. If he had a role in this murder, I’m going to find out.” Having reached his desk, he picked up a permanent marker and filled out the information on the evidence bag. He let out a slow breath. “I’m going to have to do some high preaching to get this approved.”

  Cate nodded. “Well, I guess we’ll leave you to it.” With that, both Hannah and she headed for the door.

  “Before you leave,” Hymn called out, “Ms. Starvling, might I have a word with you in private, please?”


  Hannah looked back over her shoulder and stopped when she heard her name mentioned. Cate assumed a knowing face and encouraged her friend on. “Uh, sure.” She walked back to Hymn, who shifted his stance.

  “I, uh… I was going to see if you had time later to have dinner with me. I understand if this is--”

  “Oh, no, no it’s fine,” Hannah interrupted.

  Hannah and Hymn stood, unsure of what to say or do. Finally, Hymn broke the silence. “So, is that a… yes?”

  “Yes, uh. That… Dinner. Yes.” Hannah surprised herself answering.

  “So, what kind of food do you like?”

  “Well, let’s see. I’m a chef. So...” Hannah threw her hands up. “Pretty much anything, but can we just not go to Julia’s restaurant again? I’m pretty sure there are other places.”

  “Of course, let’s just keep it casual. Is that good with you?”

  “Sure. Where and when?”

  “Well, let me see…”

  As he considered his schedule, Hannah looked him over. Under normal circumstances, she would be making her mental notes by now. Studying his behavior. Watching him. Assessing. But something about this man dulled her senses. All she could think about was what she wanted from him, not about him. And it unsettled her. Not in a bad way, but unsettling all the same.

  “… So, I guess, 6:30. Is that good for you?”

  The question brought Hannah back around yet again. “Great. Perfect. 6:30. I’ll be ready… with bells and whistles.”

  Hymn smiled. “Those won’t be necessary,” he jibed.

  Hannah tried to say something, but no words came forth. Smiling, he confirmed. “I’ll pick you up then.” With that, he waved down the hall to Cate, who returned the same. He headed in the direction away from Hannah, who stood staring until Cate tapped her on the arm. “Come on, girl. We need to get you all gussied up.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  As Cate and Hannah drove back to Louie’s, Hannah was thinking about meeting Hymn. It was unusual for her to take time for personal outings during a working case. So, the excuse she made for herself was she could pick his brain about the case. The reality was she wanted to meet him outside working conditions. Something about the man drew her to him, and she needed to know why before she could begin to put it behind her.

  Thinking back over their encounter, Hannah grinned. Hymn was trying to be a combination of masculine and gentleman while flirting. The awkwardness revealed a man way out of touch with the latter. The image almost made her laugh, but she suppressed it. “It’s been a while since that man has been opposite a woman,” she chortled to herself. Cate interrupted her thoughts.

  “Hey, do you know what? We need to go to the event tonight and leave the case behind us. I want to rest my brain and see how this production of a TV show rolls out.” Cate grinned as she goaded her friend into admitting what she already knew.

  “I can’t.” Hannah turned the car into Louie’s driveway and shut off the engine.

  “What? You got something better to do?”

  Hannah looked over at Cate, who was grinning ear to ear. “You are so not funny. You know that, right?”

  “Come on, now, couldn’t resist. When was the last time you had a date? Let’s see now, the dinosaurs were still roaming the earth and…”

  Hannah interrupted by pushing her friend before getting out of the vehicle. “It’s not been that long. It was…” She thought for a moment, and her eyes widened.

  “Uh, huh. That’s what I’m talking about.”

  At that moment, Louie appeared at the door wearing his workout sweats and a huge smile. Critic stood beside him, awaiting pats. “Are you two hungry? We’ve been waiting. We’re ordering in.”

  “I am.” Cate thumbed at Hannah. “But little Ms. Hottie here has a date.”

  Hannah stopped in her tracks. Her eyes narrowed as she waited for the jibes. Buster appeared from the door, holding a huge, half-eaten sandwich. “A date?” The genuine shock on his face made Cate and Louie laugh. Both laughed harder when he dropped his hand long enough for Critic to have a go at his sandwich. The ensuing food battle even amused Hannah, though, at the moment, she was not owning up to it.

  When the struggle was over, Hannah tried to clarify. “It’s not a date. Officer Miles and I are getting together to discuss the case and…”

  “Don’t you mean Hymn,” Cate pointed out, smiling.

  Cate, Louie, and Buster all waited for her explanation with skepticism ready. It was not forthcoming. Throwing her hands in the air in frustration, Hannah conceded. “Fine, it’s a date.” Her admitting to it being a date brought on a round of applause, which caused her to roll her eyes in embarrassment.

  As she walked past everyone to enter the house, they congratulated her as though she had achieved the impossible. Once inside, she turned to her friends. “Cate can catch you up. I have to…” She pointed up the stairs.

  “Please, go and get ready. We’ll be fine without you,” Cate assured her.

  Buster nodded as a smirk crossed his face. “You think he’ll bring a corsage? Louie, can I borrow your camera? We need proof of this historic occasion.”

  Louie stepped in. “Okay, guys, let’s leave the lady alone.” He gave Hannah a warm smile. “I hope you have a wonderful time.” He put his hands on the back of Cate and Buster’s necks. “Come on, you two. I say pizza, deep dish.”

  As they left the room, Hannah heard Cate say, “No anchovies,” to which Buster whined in disappointment. “Drat it!” Hannah shook her head as she made her way upstairs to ready herself.

  About forty-five minutes later, Hannah emerged from upstairs. She wore a black cavalier shirt and jeans, with black leather mid-calf boots. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and though she wore makeup, it was light. On entering the dining room, where everyone ate pizza, they agreed with her clothing choices. Cate looked her friend up and down. “Girl, you are fine, even in casual steam.”

  Between bites, Louie informed Hannah that Cate had brought them up to speed. “Where does Xabiere fit in?”

  “Not sure. He might not fit in at all. He has an alibi that appears solid, but he is not off my list as a possible accomplice.” Hannah considered grabbing a slice but thought better of it.

  Louie frowned before tossing Critic the crust from the slice he had just consumed. “You two have done a remarkable job, but how is it the police never caught on to this?”

  “Well, they had nothing to look for. The ME said it was accidental. No one would dare think otherwise and Julia’s will was unknown. So, you’re the reason this is going down right now. If you hadn’t questioned the findings, Julia’s death would remain on the record as an accident. Vera wouldn’t be your daughter, and no one would be the wiser.”

  Everyone paused to consider the implications of Hannah’s words.

  Louie was silent for a while before speaking. “I almost regret knowing what I know.” He scratched Critic’s chin. “I don’t know why Julia kept Vera from me, but at least this has all brought her to me. Now, I can’t help wondering if she’s safer for the knowing? Whoever is behind this could come after her, if they learn who and what she is.”

  Running his hand through his hair, he sighed. “I want her to stay here, of course, until this is all resolved, but it’s too soon. I just worry about her now, you know?”

  Cate leaned over and hugged him. “Look at you, pulling off the whole worried papa thing. How’s that feel?”

  Louie smiled. “Good. Real, real good.”

  Hannah smiled, but turned serious. “As long as we keep her true identity a secret, I think she’ll be fine. But we need to keep this all centered on this house and not act like her best friends.” She turned to Louie. “Or her father. If we keep that going, there is no reason for anyone to suspect anything.”

  Louie gave a weak smile, but agreed. He pointed at the Kit-Kat clock on the wall. “We have to get a move on or we will be late.”

  It was at that moment that Hannah’s cell buz
zed. Checking it, she found a text from Hymn saying he was on his way. In part, it read, “Tell your posse that I want to talk to you about official business.” It made her smile. A little late, she thought to herself. This man has no sense of timing.

  “Is that Prince Handsome?” Cate inquired.

  “He’s just up the street.” Hannah held the phone up to everyone. “Let me know if you find out something.” Everyone agreed as she picked up her small purse, put on her hat, and headed out the door.

  “What?” Cate pulled up a mock look of disapproval. “He’s not coming to the door? Oh, come on. Louie needs the practice. He’s a dad now, you know.” Louie bumped Cate with his shoulder before waving goodbye and shutting the door behind Hannah.

  Moments later, Hymn pulled into the driveway. Hannah removed her hat and got inside. She waved, as did Cate, Louie, and Buster, all who peeked from the recently replaced front window. “Even the dog,” Hannah mumbled, as she saw Critic, tongue wagging, peering out the window along with the rest of the crew.

  “Next time, I get to meet Mom and Dad, right?” Though his tone was dead serious, Hymn gave a you’ve got to be kidding me look that made Hannah laugh.

  After a few minutes of aimless chitchat, the conversation turned to the one thing they had in common at the moment - the case. As they rode along, Hymn handed her a file. “Part of my dinner invitation was to let you in on the findings after the deposition of Niu. According to her, Asa stated that Julia started taking sleeping pills in the last months of her life.”

  Hannah flipped through the report, scanning the pages in the dim light. “So, he knew she would have drugs in her system.”

  “Yeah, and to get her to alter and hide her report, he put up the money for Miller to make the arrangements.”

  “That kept him out of the direct line of sight. If anything happened, Miller would fall and fall hard. Clever.”

  “Indeed, it is. Now check out the next report.”