Eat, Drink and Be Wary Page 18

  Chapter 22

  “We were getting to that detail,” Pep said. “I can hardly remember who I’ve told what.”

  “Well, your family should be the first you tell,” Sherry said.

  “Noted,” Pep replied.

  Ray blinked hard and softened his tone. “Can we stay on track, Oliveri family? You can talk about these issues when I’m done. Oxana?”

  “Vilma tried calling Oxana, around midmorning,” Sherry said. “Oxana didn’t have her phone with her. She’d left it in Roe’s guest room at the inn when she cleaned it. I don’t know what could have happened to her, and I’m worried.”

  “Why was Ms. Pitney calling her?” Ray asked.

  “She’s her aunt. I imagine she calls her often. Oxana had some information that could possibly be of use in the murder investigation.”

  “Continue,” Ray prompted.

  “I had a conversation with Uri a few minutes ago.” Sherry looked to Pep for any sign she should or should not continue providing details of the meeting. His disengaged expression left her on her own. “Uri took it upon himself to browse Oxana’s photo library. He found she’d snapped a shot of a Maine Course Foods inspection report prepared by none other than Shrimply Amazing’s fishing expert slash food inspector, Roe Trembley. Uri told Vilma. Nice to have someone on the inside authoring a report that could make or break the company’s success.”

  “It’s interesting that Oxana knew to capture the moment.”

  “No doubt at Vilma’s urging. Her hand seems to be in every pot. The woman’s out of bounds and should be penalized for interference,” said Pep, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “There was more to the argument between Fitz and Lyman than anyone has let on. I was hoping not to be the one to have to provide details.”

  “Go on,” Ray gently encouraged.

  “Fitz was being served by Lyman as part of an investigation into false product representation.”

  “What was Fitz falsely representing? His buildings?” Sherry asked.

  “Fitz wasn’t at fault. He was being served to provide any knowledge he may have about one of his tenants,” Pep replied.

  “Maine Course,” Ray mumbled.

  “Actually, Shrimply Amazing. A Connecticut State Consumer Bureau investigation is getting underway. Shrimply Amazing sells their fish under the guise of local and sustainable. No chemicals, no GMOs, etcetera. Unfortunately, for the buying public, folks aren’t getting what they’re paying for,” Pep explained.

  “And you know that, how?” Ray said.

  “One night, while Charlotte and I were staying in the apartment in Fitz’s building, I couldn’t sleep because of all the truck noise outside. Apparently, pregnant women can sleep through anything because she didn’t even stir. After wallowing in my insomnia for an hour, I got up and went outside. I met Uri and Roe on the loading dock. When I say they were shocked to see me, I mean more shocked than my family was today when I gave them the baby news.”

  Sherry met Ray’s judgmental gaze. “Don’t look at me that way. You don’t know Pep like I do. I was shocked to learn he’s going to be a father so soon. I didn’t even know he had a girlfriend. A girl needs a little warning for news of that caliber.”

  Ray shrugged his shoulders. “Can’t relate. Continue, Pep.”

  “After introductions, the men couldn’t get rid of me fast enough. Not fast enough to keep me from taking note of what was printed on the trucks—PRODUCT OF THAILAND. Thailand’s not local, last I checked.”

  “Why didn’t you get served if you had that information?” Sherry asked.

  “Uri and Fitz knew I knew what was up. Even though I wasn’t interested in using the info about where their product truly came from, I needed help finding our next residence, and I figured they could be useful. I made a deal with Fitz. We’d move out the next day to a townhouse Uri rents to visiting clients, and he’d handle Shrimply Amazing his way. I’d keep their secret. Even from Charlotte.”

  “You didn’t tell Charlotte?” Sherry’s mouth remained open.

  “Wanted to keep her out of the loop. Even so, I didn’t think we’d ever see Uri and Roe again. Well, small world of small worlds, they show up at your cook-off. Another shocking turn of events. Needless to say, Fitz and I had words at the contestant party.”

  “You told Charlotte you had an argument with Fitz over apartment damage.”

  “Another bad attempt to keep Charlotte safe.”

  “The argument was really about . . . ?” Ray asked.

  “I warned Fitz to be very careful. I didn’t know he’d be served that evening, or at all, for that matter, but I knew he was playing with fire, housing Shrimply Amazing in his building.”

  “Veshlage and Trembley are in cahoots to flim-flam the fish-loving public.” Ray jotted down notes on his pad.

  The corners of Sherry’s mouth curled up. “They’re up to some shenanigans.”

  Ray glared at Sherry from under the brim of his hat. “You know what I’m saying.”

  “Fitz promised the scheme was ending and Shrimply Amazing was back in financial good standing, back to selling products as advertised,” Pep said.

  She turned to Ray. “If someone killed Fitz to keep him quiet, why didn’t whoever it is kill”—her voice broke—“Pep?” Sherry shivered.

  “Hard to say. Most likely, Pep was considered the average Joe, living in a warehouse with his girlfriend, and no threat to their scam,” Ray said.

  “Way to make my life sound utterly unromantic,” Pep scoffed.

  Sherry’s expression sobered up. “If Fitz knew Shrimply Amazing was selling fishy products, pardon the pun, would they kill him to silence him? What do you think, Pep?”

  Pep squeezed his eyes shut and lowered his chin. “I’ve been hoping that’s not the case.” His eyes popped open.

  “What does that mean?” Sherry asked. “What are you not telling us?”

  “I’m the one who made sure Fitz understood what was going on in his building. I had to, knowing Charlotte would, despite my efforts to protect her, find out. She would say it was the right thing to do.” Pep paused.

  “Go on,” Ray urged.

  “Fitz was livid at the party because Maine Course was a last-minute addition as a sponsor at the cook-off. He claimed the company’s participation in the cook-off was Uri’s attempt to save face with consumers. Uri, in turn, was livid Fitz was also a last-minute addition. Uri chided Roe for not controlling the situation. The blame game was in full force that night.”

  “I’m beginning to think the coincidence of Maine Course Foods personnel and Fitz being at the same event wasn’t a coincidence. Could Vilma have had a hand at setting up the chance meeting?” Sherry’s gaze traveled over Ray’s shoulder and stalled on the maze.

  “Need proof.” Ray turned his head in the direction of Sherry’s gaze. “So tempting.”

  “Never too old for fun.”

  Ray jerked his head in Sherry’s direction. “No time for fun. Too much to do.”

  “Who took it to the next level, murder? Fitz had a reason to kill Lyman, I suppose, but not vice versa. Uri had a vendetta against Fitz for spilling his company’s secret. Definitely. But, Uri’s just secured an investor in Ginger. She told me she was giving Uri her retirement savings. I highly doubt he’d commit a murder and spoil his sweet deal. What if Roe, Uri’s henchman, did the dirty work as payback for Fitz’s double-cross?” Sherry smiled at Ray. “A fifties reference in your honor.”

  “Appreciated.”

  Ray tipped his wrist toward his face and glanced at his watch. “Late. I gotta hit the road. Thanks for the chat. I’ll be in touch.”

  “Do you ever get the impression he’s not even listening?” Pep asked when Ray had walked away.

  “He’s a man of few words,” Sherry explained.

  “We need to get going.” Pep motioned Sherry forward with urgency. “Charlotte texted she’s not feeling well. She’s sitting in The Ruggery, and Amber’s out finding her a cup of chamomile tea with hone
y and cream. One of the odd foods she’s craving right now. I told her we’d swing by and bring her a sandwich. If she doesn’t eat every hour, she gets a terrible sour stomach.”

  * * *

  Sherry and Pep arrived at The Ruggery to find Charlotte resting in a chair at the sales counter. Charlotte lifted her teacup and toasted their arrival.

  Sherry raised an imaginary cup in response. “Glad you’re feeling better. Hope you got through the tour of the store. We brought you this.” Sherry handed Charlotte a sandwich loosely wrapped in foil.

  “Thank you so much.” From the seat Charlotte was resting in, she scanned The Ruggery showroom. “The store is beautiful. I was so honored to have a private tour.”

  “How does everyone feel about eating Pep and Charlotte’s farewell dinner at the Augustin Inn, courtesy of Ginger? She extended the invite this afternoon. Says there is tons of leftover party food that will otherwise go to waste.” Sherry watched her father defer to Pep and Charlotte. “Amber, you are, of course, invited.”

  Charlotte massaged her belly gently and stood. She rested her hand on a sample rug strewn across a display railing. “That sounds glorious. I’m feeling a lot better after a bite of that bacon avocado turkey sandwich. Eat, rest, pee, repeat. That’s my life now.”

  “Thanks for sharing, Char,” Pep laughed. “Sounds like we have a dinner plan. Then we need to pack up so we can get an early start in the morning.”

  Sherry watched Erno’s gaze drop to the floor. “Should we call Ruth and invite her to dinner, Dad? Why isn’t she here with you guys?”

  “She was invited to dinner with the Van Ardans. We both were, so we’re splitting the good fortune between two dinner parties. You’ll have my full attention, Pep.”

  Outside The Ruggery’s front door, the CLOSED sign rattled against the glass windowpane as someone twisted the door handle.

  “I was afraid that would happen if we put on too many lights. Someone thinks the store’s open.” Sherry approached the door.

  Through the glass, she made out a figure dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt. The face was obscured by the interior light’s reflection and a hat. Sherry waved her hand in an attempt to signal the store was closed, but it only served to draw the person closer to the windowpane. A sun-kissed face peered in. The man tapped on the door.

  “Is anyone going to do something about the gentleman peeking in the window, or are we pretending he doesn’t see us all in here? What’s the matter with you all?” Erno passed the frozen bodies and made his way to the door. He opened it a crack and wedged his face in the opening. “So sorry. We’re closed now. Can you please come back tomorrow?”

  Before Erno could close the door, Sherry shimmied between her father and the door opening.

  “I’ve got this, Dad.” She pulled the door open. “Lyman. What can I do for you?”

  As the fresh air wafted through the doorway, Sherry’s sense of smell was overwhelmed with the memory of childhood afternoons at the beach. The salty brine of the ocean baked onto skin combined with coconut-scented sunblock tantalized her nose. “Coming from the beach?”

  “I worried I needed a shower. Sorry if I offend. Couldn’t resist one last sail before I leave town. The wind is perfect today.”

  Behind Sherry, a manly throat clearing broke the small talk. “Lyman, this is my father, Erno, my friend Amber, and Pep’s friend Charlotte. I think you know Pep.”

  “Hi, everyone,” Lyman offered. “I took a shot you’d be here, Sherry. Can I come in for a sec?”

  Sherry made no attempt to move out of Lyman’s way. “This is our day off. If you’d like to come back when we’re open, we can help you then. We were about to leave.”

  Lyman strained to get a better look over Sherry’s shoulder. “Beautiful rugs. I’ll definitely be back. For now, I need a quick word. Will only take a sec.”

  Sherry nodded. Lyman walked forward in flip-flopped feet. He glanced at the group assembled around him. No one relinquished their spot to give him room to pass. He was forced to park himself just inside the door.

  “I have some information to share about Fitz. It’s been bugging me since I found out he was murdered. I didn’t mention it to the detective at the time he interviewed me. I don’t know how important it is, but I need to get it off my chest. I called the number the detective left me in case I remembered a detail. He didn’t answer, and I didn’t leave a message. I know you’ve done some investigating in the past. Everyone knows that.”

  Sherry shifted her weight from one leg to the other. “Only to get my name off the suspect list in a murder investigation.”

  “And another time to clear my name from the suspect list,” Erno added.

  “And a third time to keep the legacy of an Augustin family from being tarnished with a false murder wrap,” Amber said.

  Lyman removed his hat. His hair was plastered flat on his head. His forehead sported an upside-down half-moon sunburn where the opening in the backward cap didn’t shield his skin from the sun. “See? Good results prove you’re a natural. What’s nagging at me is what Fitz told me about his reason for participating in the Fall Fest cook-off, despite the fact he was fully aware he didn’t qualify in the traditional way.”

  “It’s not unusual he’d be in it. I’ve run into him at other cook-offs,” Sherry suggested. “He is, I mean, was, a fantastic cook.”

  “I know. He told everyone how he beat you the last time you two cooked off.”

  Pep grumbled something she couldn’t make out. All heads turned his way.

  “Lyman’s right. He had other reasons.”

  “The night of the contestant party, I knew I had a job to do. But I’m not heartless. I engaged in a pleasant conversation with Fitz before serving him his papers,” Lyman said.

  “You get more bees with honey than with vinegar.” Erno’s eyes twinkled. “You get a bear that way, too.”

  Lyman nodded in agreement. “Things took a turn when I asked him how he picks the cooking contests he enters. He told me normally he’s inspired by the theme of the cook-off, but, in this case, he wanted to beat Sherry Oliveri one more time.”

  Pep sucked in a deep breath. “That wasn’t all Fitz said. Right, Lyman?”

  Lyman wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “He’d had a few cocktails by the time I caught up to him. His tongue was kinda loose. He asked me if I knew you, Sherry. Since I didn’t, it gave him license to speak freely. He said he’d done some legwork. He found out what recipe you were making at the cook-off. Said he went out of his way to create a dish similar to yours.”

  “That’s why he should have never been let in, based on last year’s withdrawal. They must have let him prepare any recipe at the cook-off since he was so last minute. Normally, cooks qualify with a current recipe, so the judges know what they’re dealing with.” Sherry lowered her head and sighed. “I don’t begrudge him trying to beat me. We’ll never know who had the better recipe.”

  “Thing is, he wasn’t trying to beat you. He was trying to get your attention,” Lyman said.

  “Huh?” Sherry studied Lyman’s face for any hints of meaning.

  “His girlfriend, Kelly, I think her name is, joined us midconversation that night. When I say joined, I really mean she took over the conversation. She has a big presence for a petite gal, and Fitz couldn’t get a word in edgewise. It was almost like she was trying to prevent him from saying too much.”

  “What did she say?”

  “The pint-sized powerhouse said the reason Fitz found himself at the Fall Fest, even though he had no intention of being there, was pressure from a journalist named Vilma Pitney. She convinced him to pursue whether he was eligible to enter the cook-off, due to last year’s circumstances. She felt strongly he was eligible, because she had spoken to a cook-off official regarding his situation. She told him if he entered, she’d provide him with the recipes the other finalists were preparing. She recommended he specifically take on Sherry’s recipe for shrimp lettuce wraps, because the judges
would love to see two cooks with competition history face off against one another.”

  Sherry shook her head. “What is that woman up to? She’s inserted herself into every aspect of the cook-off. Now I see why she cozied up to Uri, one of the largest sponsors. It’s almost as if she were trying to shape the outcome of the contest, but that’s not how it works. The best cook wins. Period. No funny business.”

  Chapter 23

  “I’m just telling you what I know,” Lyman replied. “Don’t shoot the messenger.”

  “I still don’t get why a seasoned cook-off competitor, lucky enough to choose the recipe he prepares without having it go through the rigorous vetting process the rest of us go through, would choose a recipe so similar to mine or one of the other finalists? There’s no advantage there,” Sherry pointed out.

  “What’s the chance Fitz knew someone was trying to kill him?” Amber asked. “The old saying ‘keep your friends close but your enemies closer’ might apply here.”

  “Enemy? Did he think I was his enemy?” Sherry asked.

  “No, no,” Pep said. “Amber means if Fitz was being threatened, he might consider jumping into the snake pit with the vipers. Not the cooks, in this case. Peripheral vipers outside the kitchen. A sponsor, perhaps? A sponsor with a secret? That way, there might be a better chance of survival. Like hiding in plain sight.”

  “Kelly said something very interesting to me on behalf of Fitz,” Lyman continued. “At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Now it makes perfect sense. She said Sherry would welcome the challenge of figuring out why Fitz chose the shrimp wrap recipe. That’s why I think he set out to get her attention rather than win the contest.”

  “And then he was murdered,” Erno said.

  “I feel awful I served him in such a public way.” Lyman shook his head slowly. “That may have given the green light to the killer—time to act.”

  Sherry’s thoughts began to race. The facts and theories were colliding, but none were willing to rise to the surface, leaving her thinking harder. “The timing is interesting. Fitz entered the cook-off in the eleventh hour. Every cook I spoke to didn’t know there was an added contestant until the day of the cook-off, including myself. How did you know where to find Fitz, Lyman?”