Kee Patterbee - Hannah Starvling 01 - The Chef at the Water's Edge (21 page)

“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, Hym 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 Hym, Hannah, and Cate waited. After letting out a quick breath, he asked, “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 soul 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, then that could taint 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. ”

Hym resettled himself. “Fair enough. But I do have just a few more questions. Would you prefer that lawyer present?”

Hannah and Cate watched as Miller studied Hym’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 Hym. “Fine. I’ve committed one crime, which I confessed to. I have nothing else to hide. Ask how many 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 then I 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.” Hym entered it all into his notebook and then 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 that 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 more a 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?”

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

“Is that a crime?”

Hym frowned hard. Hannah could tell he did not like Miller or his response. But the law man was a true professional, as well as a gentlemen. 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, then Jazlyn Karas would take over. Is that a fact?” Hym persisted.

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

“Is that a bribe?”

”No, I’m just trying to save lives,” Miller said with a smirk.

“Can we just stay focused here? So, then, 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. Look, I didn’t have a business contract with Jazlyn. If Julia stepped down or retired, my earnings would have diminish. 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?” Hymnal 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 said smirking, putting on his hat. Cate started to say something, but Hannah signaled for her not to. “Not worth it,” she said. With that, he strode out of the station, whistling a tune, while Hym glared. “Ass,” was Hym’s comment.

Hannah studied Hym for a moment. “Why’d he get to you?” Hym 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 then placed it in an evidence bag. “DNA background check,” he said. “Gotta love it.” Then he answered Hannah’s question. “Men like Miller always piss me off. No respect for anyone. Just 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.”

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

“Before you leave,” Hymnal 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 named mentioned. Cate assumed a knowing face and encouraged her friend on. “Uh, sure.” She walked back to Hym, 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 Hym stood, unsure of what to say or do. “So. Is that a … yes?” asked Hym.

“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 general 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.”

Hym smiled. “Those won’t be necessary,” he jibbed.

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 then headed in the direction away from Hannah, who just stood staring until Cate tapped her on the arm. “Come on, girl. We need to get you all gussied up.”

As Cate and Hannah drove back to Louie’s, Hannah was thinking about meeting Hym. It was unusual for her to take time for personal outings during a working case. So the excuse she made for herself was that she could pick his brain about the case. The reality was she wanted to meet him outside working conditions. There was something about the man that 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. Hym 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. Her thoughts were interrupted by Cate.

“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 said with reservation as she 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. “Ha. Ha. You’re so funny.”

“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 exiting the vehicle. “It’s not been that long. It was…” She thought for a moment, and her eyes widened.

“Uh huh,” Cate said.

Just then, Louie appeared at the door wearing his workout sweats and a huge smile. Critic stood beside him, awaiting pets. “Are you two hungry?” Louie called out. “We’ve been waiting. We’re ordering in.”

“I am,” Cate answered, “But little Ms. Hottie here has a date.”

Hannah stopped in her tracks and produced an displeased look. Then 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 just getting together to discuss the case and…”

“Don’t you mean ‘Hym’,” 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 admittance 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’ve got to…” She pointed up the stairs.

“Please. Go. Get ready. We’ll be fine without you,” Cate assured.

Buster nodded, then teased, “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. I hope you have a wonderful time, Hannah.” 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. “Aw, man!” Hannah then 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. Upon entering the dining room where everyone ate pizza, they agreed with her clothing choices. “Girl,” Cate said, “You are fine even in casual steam.”

Between bites, Louie informed Hannah that Cate had caught them up to speed.

“Where does Xabiere fit in?” he asked.

“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 onto 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 an accident. Vera wouldn’t be your daughter. And none 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 said as he scratched Critic’s chin. “I don’t know why Julia kept Vera from me. But at least this has all brought me her. But now, I can’t help wondering, is she 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,” he answered. “Real, real good.”

Hannah smiled, but then 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 then looked at Louie, adding, “or her father. If we keep that going then there is no reason for anyone to suspect anything.”

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