Kee Patterbee - Hannah Starvling 02 - The Gourmet Who Kept Diamonds in the Kitchen (20 page)

Hannah exited the vehicle. She played the part of avoiding journalist by glancing through the lobby entrance. After a moment, she turned toward Ducky and gave
a thumbs up. He returned the same as she made her way inside. She waited long enough to spot whoever was following her.
The second Brandon brother
, she said to herself. Acting as if nothing were wrong, she made her way over to the elevators. As she boarded the car, she caught a glimpse of the officer watching. She grinned, as her planned took form.

When she stepped off the elevator, Hannah made her way to her room. Once inside, she checked the clock and waited. She had
twenty five minutes until the scheduled meeting time. That would give Officer Brandon, downstairs, time enough to settle in and relax. This gave the sleuth the best opportunity to escape his watch.

At around seven minutes
till meeting time, Hannah exited her room. She checked to make sure the officer had not come to her floor. Finding he had not, she then proceeded to the service elevators. Within a moment, she headed down, avoiding the lobby altogether.  She made her way to the agreed meeting room, and opened the door. Wexler stood waiting. She urged him in, and then offered a chair opposite herself. For a moment, neither spoke a word. Then she informed him of the graveness of Janine’s condition.

“
So you can see why we need to get this sorted out. Janine needs you and thus, the whole great escape thing, made things worse. Now, what’s going on? Why’d you run?”

Wexler rubbed his hand across the top of his
baldhead. “Because of Janine.” He looked at Hannah with pleading eyes. “Elias asked me to come along, which was not the usual case. But this time, he said he was working on something big. He needed more than just his case. The one he carries his truffles in that matches his luggage.” Wexler indicated a general size that matched that which Ducky gave before. “We get along well enough, but I’ve had some problems,” He stared at the floor. “I’m addicted to gambling.” He looked up at Hannah with mournful eyes. “I have to admit that it’s part of the deal. Odd, but it helps.”

Hannah gave a reassuring and sympathetic smile, but said nothing. Wexler continued.

“After we got here and settled in, I told them I wanted to go out for a bit, just to look around. Janine was just about tuckered out, so Elias agreed. He’d stay with the case. The thing is, I wasn’t just out looking. I was going to a meeting. I got the number from my group sponsor back home and he arranged for me to meet up. Right now, I’m going as often as I can. Three, four times a week. Believe me, I need it. I didn’t want Janine to know, so I kept it to myself.”

As she watched Wexler explain himself, Hannah assessed his body movements and gestures. She also studied his pupils and tonal inflections. She looked for any signs that he might be lying.
So far, just the truth
, she confirmed.

“
After the meeting, this guy comes to me. He says he’s a fan from back in the day and asks me if I want to grab something to eat. I called Elias, he says fine. They’re ordering in, so we go. We’re having a hot dog down by the shore, then he goes all dark on me. He says he knows what I’m doing there, and then makes me an offer.”

Hannah
’s attention trained in on Wexler. He was growing excited, yet fearful.
Animated. Agitated. Disturbed.

“
He says he can make it worth my while to give him information. All I have to do is say I’m going to be in the room. Elias and Janine leave. They come and get the case. I tell the police some men robbed me. That simple.”

“
What did they offer?”

“
$12,370.”

“
Odd number.”

Wexler looked away, as if staring into the distance.
“That’s the thing. I owe a guy back home that exact amount from before I started meetings.”

Hannah deduced that the amount was a means of intimidation. In letting Wexler know the exact amount needed,
whoever these people were, they were sending a message. They were letting him know they meant business.

Wexler
looked back to Hannah. “I’m paying it. I do him favors now and again, so he’s been letting me carry the debt. Now, he’s wanting me to do more than I’m willing. So he wants everything plus interest, now. That’s why I agreed to help Elias. I didn’t want them involved in this, being my family and all. But he offered me a chance to be with Janine for a week, to get away, and earn three thousand. It’s better than what I make working gig to gig as security, so…” He shrugged and furrowed his brow, “…so, my fault. I never should have involved them.”

“
Did you take the money and something go wrong?”

W
exler’s eyes shot back to the sleuth. “No, absolutely not. I told him where he could put it. I headed back to the hotel and told Elias. We talked about it. He thanked me for my honesty and promised me he’d take care of the money when we got back. We’re family now. You just keep going to meetings,” he said. “Elias is a good guy, you know.”

“
He is,” Hannah agreed. “During the week, did he meet with anyone?”

“
Twice. He sent Janine and me out for breakfast. We went to a little local place down the street. We were eating and I saw him go into the coffee shop just up the way. He was with this young, black man, about Elias’ size. He never mentioned who it was.”

Samori
, Hannah thought.

“
We left before they came out. Janine acted as if it was no big deal. I can’t say I thought much of it either. He was always meeting with people about his truffles. People wanting endorsements and what not.”

“
The second time?”

“
A couple. I ran over to that same shop for something sweet for Janine. The further along she gets, the stronger her sweet tooth.” He smiled. “Just like her mother. Elias already said he had a meeting and would be back later. When I went through the lobby, he was sitting over to one side with a man and a woman. Late thirties the both of them, I guess. She was pretty. He was handsome for a guy I guess. I didn’t pay that much attention. Didn’t want to interrupt. Coming back, I noticed they weren’t there anymore though, if it helps.”

“
Everything does. What about Elias’ accident?”

Hannah watched as
Wexler’s shoulders slumped and he rested his elbows on his knees. He cupped his hands together.
Almost as if he was praying for forgiveness
, she thought. He issued a long sigh. “That fella sought me out again the next day after the first time. He was in the lobby waiting for me. Janine was getting low on medicine. Something stressed Elias out, so I volunteered to go. The concierge connected us to a pharmacy. On my way out, he just steps up and lays it on the line. He said that it would be in my family’s best interest if I took the money. Then he shows me a picture. It’s of the three of us. Only there’s a question mark over Janine. He tells me no one needs to get hurt. Just let them know when they’re going out and make myself scarce.”

Hannah gave a nod to suggest understanding.
Same tactic. A bribe. A promise. An added threat.
She also noted the fearful tone in Wexler’s voice. “Why didn’t you go to the police?”

“
I don’t know. Him, knowing how much I owe. The picture. I just panicked. Before, Elias made me promise not to involve the locals. Wouldn’t say why. Just not to do it. I promised. Besides, now it wasn’t just him. It’s my daughter and my grandbaby, now grandbabies. So I agreed. They gave me a cell and said to text. All I had to say was ‘come now.’”

Wexler rubbed his face in a vigorous manner.
“When Janine told me about dinner, I knew that would be the best time. I told Elias I was going to another meeting and would be back before they left.” He gave a halfhearted, weak smile. “Right about the time they were to leave I called and said I’d be a few minutes late getting back, maybe five or ten minutes. Elias is punctual, almost obsessive about time. I knew he wouldn’t hesitate. So I had it all timed out. I made the text. Normally, they would have been gone. Janine was already with you, but he came back for something.” He shook his head. “What are the chances?” Wexler frowned as he slumped back into his chair. “Another reason why it’s my fault.”

Hannah considered the man
’s story. “You were just trying to protect them. Given the circumstances, I think most people would have done the same.”

“
Yeah, and look where it got us. I haven’t told Janine. Then they try this? They were lying when they said no one would get hurt. Elias did. I can’t let them get to Janine. So I’m going to find the guy and tell him I’ll get Elias’ case for him. Just give me time. That’s why I called Janine. I wanted to explain and tell her to ask him when he wakes, then call me. I’d relay the information. They get what they want and everyone is safe.  The police didn’t have to be involved until after it was all done. With them looking for me, they’ll keep the police watching Elias, thinking I might return. Janine won’t leave him now. Both will be in the hospital, under guard, and safe. I can take my lumps then. If it keeps them safe, they can do whatever they want with me.”

“
Interesting plan. You’re a brave man, but what makes you think you can find his case? And what makes you think they won’t get to the police? So far, they’ve tried to bribe you and managed to get to a nurse. I doubt that will stop them, but I’ll tell you what might? If you turn yourself in, they might see you as a better target than Elias. You fought them before you took off. I’d imagine they think you went for the case. With you caught, they’ll assume the police have it. Especially if I can convince them that the police have all the evidence they need, including the case.”

The man studied the sleuth for a moment.
“You think you can get that detective to do that? She didn’t seem to care for you much.”

“
Old history and a long story for another time. You in?”

Wexler agreed and Hannah made the call to
the station. She asked for Betts and dispatch connected them.  After a few minutes of conversation, Hannah sat back down with Wexler to wait. Wexler grimaced. “I’m just a former football player, you know? I’d do anything for my daughter and her happiness. Make this right for them, please.”

“
I’ll do my best.”

In a short time, Betts entered through the exit with Bland and the first of the Brandon officers.
Bland handcuffed Wexler and led him out front for everyone to see. It was part of the plan Hannah described to both the football player and the detective. 

“
Thank you, Detective,” Hannah said.

“
You know that if you don’t find who’s behind this, he’ll likely go down for it, right?”

Hannah nodded.
“He did everything wrong for the right reasons.”

Betts twisted her jaw.
“Sounds familiar. This isn’t over. Same rules.”

“
Same rules,” Hannah agreed.

Chapter 15

Hannah called back to the hospital to give and to get updates. She called Hym first and found out that Betts got the approval for twenty four hour watch on Elias. The first officer was already in place. Her concern turned to Janine.

“
Now, someone’s going to have to watch over her as well.”

“
Well, I’m already here. Your grandparents are downstairs. I’ll go talk with them and I can hold the fort while you get some rest.”

There was a silence on the l
ine before Hannah responded. “My knight in shining armor. No, if you stay, I stay. I’ll be back up in a bit. I’m going to shower and then I’ll bring food.”

She gave Gran and Papa Jay a call.
The doctor ordered Janine a sedative and kept her under tight watch. For the present, she was safe, but if things continued to deteriorate, she would need a cesarean. Hannah took the news with a sigh before she explained the arrangements. She suggested that her grandparents enjoy a night out. Papa Jay laughed.

“Sweetness, you and I both know Scooby is enjoying the night. She
ain’t going nowhere. Not when there’s a pot for the stirring. We may get a solid night back at the hotel later, but you just bring us some rib spreaders for now and everything’ll be good.”

After hanging up, Hannah showered and
readied herself to head downstairs when her phone rang. Looking the number over, she smiled.
Cate
.

“
Hey, sweetie.”

“
Hey to you. Solved it yet or do you still need me?”

“
I always need you. But first…” Hannah paused and waited.

“
I’m fine. In fact, it looks good. They got it all this time. He’s certain of it. And don’t be mad, but Al and I went ahead with it. I’m styling the dome now.”

“
I bet you are jealous.”

“
Liar, but I appreciate it. Now, better things, girl. Here’s what I got.”

Cate proceeded to give a rundown on the information of each of the names Hannah gave her.
When done, she mulled them over.

“
It’s never what you expect, is it?” Cate said.

“
Not in the least, but it helps. Thanks, sweetie. You get some rest.”

Hannah heard Cate laugh.

“Like Al ever lets me get that. He’s worse than you are. Instead of politics, he should have been a nurse. Between him checking on me every five minutes and Buster calling a zillion times a day…” Cate made a humph sound. “They’re killing me with the love.”

“
Well, there are worse ways to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”

The two friends made their goodbyes as Hannah made her way to the
lobby. She headed toward the concierge desk, but Ducky approached before she reached it. He held out a slip of paper to her.

“Hello
, Ms. Starvling. Someone left this for you at the front desk.”

The sleuth greeted him with a smile as she took the note.
“Working again, I see. I thought you were sick?”

“
Oh, yes, I was for a bit but I got over it. I switched with one of the other guys. Now, I’m making up the hours.”

“
Of course. Well, since you are working, are you on shuttle duty?”

“
I am.”

“
You have time to shuffle me to a Chinese place for some take out and then to the hospital?”

“
I’m sure I can work it.”

Hannah got the name of a Chinese restaurant from Ducky and called ahead for food. Upon arriving at the business, they had a few moments before the order was ready. Hannah reached in her purse and retrieved a hotel key card.

“Here’s your card. Thank you, by the way. It was a huge help.”

“
Not a problem. Is that journalist still bothering you? You could keep it if you like. Get it back to me when you leave.”

Hannah declined. She considered him against the information she before filed and that which Cate provided earlier.
She recalled her friend’s words exactly.

“
There are no records for a living Serizawa Kamo, at least not that I could find. There was a nineteenth century samurai by that name. Kamo does mean goose or duck, so that’s where that comes from.”

Listening to Ducky as they waited, Hannah regarded his
deep rooted American accent.
Suggests he’s been here a while. Should be some record. High school. College. Something
.

When the order came up, Hannah paid and Ducky took her to the hospital to drop her off.

“I’ll be at the airport for about an hour. Should I come back by and pick you up?”

The question was simple
, but Hannah wondered about it. Yet again, Ducky was on hand just as she needed him, and Cate could not find out anything about him. This, in particular, bothered her. Cate was a brilliant background investigator. If something was out there, no matter how insignificant, she would have found it, but Ducky remained a thorough enigma. So the same questions about his motivations came to her once again.
Could be just doing his job
, she told herself.
Or he could be keeping tabs on me. But for what reason?
              “No, we’ll be here the night through. Thanks though.”

Ducky gave his usual friendly smile.
“Well, call me when you need to come back. If I’m on duty, I’ll be glad to pick you up. Good night, Ms. Starvling. Thanks for the dumplings.” He pulled the van off and headed for the street.

Hannah stood for a few seconds pondering everything. She
was torn between seeing Ducky as a hard working chef wannabe and that of something more disturbing. Still, she could not dismiss her gut instinct. Ducky was too friendly and too curious about her comings and goings. He wanted to keep up with her. It was more than just professional fascination.

She shook it off and headed inside with the food. A quick call found Hym already with Papa Jay and Gran within eyesight of Janine’s room. At first, Hannah questioned the wisdom of leaving Elias with the guard. To her, the integrity of the Gresham police
was in question. Nevertheless, when Hym explained that Betts approved the officer guarding Elias, she relaxed. The sleuth explained her relationship with Betts. Though the detective and she had issues, she remained satisfied with Betts dedication to the law.

“
If she’s overseeing this, I trust her. She’s a good detective.” Anticipating the next set of questions, she agreed to explain the details of the relationship later. For now, she wanted everyone’s input on the ongoing events.

As everyone dove on the food, Hannah showed Hym the note Ducky gave her at the hotel.

“It’s from Grimm. I’m meeting him tomorrow morning.”

“
You don’t have a take on him, do you? Did Cate find out anything?” Hym responded, handing the note back.

“
Well, some. A general profile of him was easy enough to find. He’s been in several magazine articles over the past few years. According to one piece, he did work as an investigator with the Swiss military. After that, he moved into business for the most part. Guess what his favorite investment is?”

“
Food.”

“
Yup, and high end restaurants. He buys faltering chains, revamps them, turns them around, and sells them off.”

“
Sounds risky,” Papa Jay inserted. “Tell you from experience. Runnin’ a restaurant’s tricky business. He must be good at it. I could see someone losing their derriere in an Alabama hot shoe second.”

“
We didn’t do so bad, did we Grumpus?” Gran gave Papa Jay a smooch. “No,” Papa Jay replied, “but we never got fancy either. Burgers, fries, onion rings, and pies for the most part. Not much more. Kept it simple. Did well enough.”

“
Says a lot about the man, though, doesn’t it?” Hym added.

Indeed
, thought Hannah.
Risk taker. What happens when the risk is too great?

“
How does he revamp them?” Gran asked.

“
I’m not sure. As a consultant, I’d imagine by changing the image first. To do that, he’d have to jazz up the menu. If it’s high end he goes for, he’d be looking for unique items.”

“
Like truffles,” Hym suggested.

“
Exactly.”

Gran pointed at her granddaughter with her chopsticks as she ate.
“I’ve been thinking about something. All this, it doesn’t make sense. You told me that Elias’ truffles were worth about one hundred thousand, right?”

Hannah nodded as Papa Jay and Hym listened.

“It’s not enough.”

Papa Jay poked at his food, dropping the bite he procured.
“What do you mean, not enough? That’s a lot of money. Sweetness, did you bring any forks? Never did master these darn things.”

Hannah produced a plastic utensil. Hym gestured for one as well.

“It is a lot of money, Grumpus, but think about it. How much have they spent trying to get the truffles? They offered Johnny almost $13,000. They’ve risked getting caught trying to find out where he keeps them. And it’s been a couple of days now. How much of a shelf life do these things have, even in that fancy case?”

Hannah swallowed and sat up straight. She
gave her signature quirk and nodded. “You’re right.”

Hym studied the contents of his food box for a second.
“When you had Johnny under, he said, ‘Tell me. Stop him.’ Maybe the guy was saying tell me. Stop him was what Johnny was thinking.”

Gran grinned.
“You’re good at this. We’re going to get along just fine.”

Hannah enjoyed the interaction.
“So you’re thinking it’s not the truffles they want. They want what Elias knows.”

“
Or just what he knows. Either he knows where something is that they want, like the truffles, or they want to know how much he knows and who he has told.”

How much he knows and
who he has told
. The words echoed in Hannah’s head.

“
Maybe what they want is in the case, but it ain’t the fungi,” Papa Jay proposed. “Never thought of that? I doubt most criminal types would think to look where you keep food for something important. Scooby and I used to keep extra cash in the cooler at the diner, labelled it lima beans.”

Papa Jay
’s proposal intrigued Hannah. “Well, he was worried about something. Took extra precautions with his truffles. And for whatever reason, whoever is responsible came back a second time.” She balled her fist and bounced against the arm of her chair. “I’ve tried several times to get out to the storage facility. I’m pretty sure it’s where Elias moved his truffles. But every time, something interrupts me. I’m meeting Grimm tomorrow morning for brunch. Then I’m going out there, heaven willing and the creek don’t rise.”

“
You want us to go for you,” Gran chimed in with a hopeful voice.

For a second, Hannah considered the possibility
, but with all that had happened thus far, she hesitated. The uncertainty of events and motives, and the multitude of suspects, left her feeling unsafe doing so.

“
No, I got it covered. We still need to keep an eye on Janine, so if you don’t mind pulling a little more security duty tomorrow, it’d help.”

Although Gran produced a disappointed smile, Papa Jay agreed with enthusiasm.
While the former enjoyed sleuthing, the latter felt most at home on guard duty, ‘protecting the ladies’. Hannah then insisted they go back to the hotel and enjoy the room. “You’ve got to be exhausted. Besides, what good’s a comp’d room if you don’t put it to good use?”

Gran snuggled up to Papa Jay and squeezed his arm.
“Well, when you put it that way…” She pulled up a devious smile.

Papa Jay gave a knowing wink. All made their goodbyes and the elder
Starvlings headed out.

Hannah and Hym settled in. They could see down the hall toward Janine
’s room from where they sat.

“
Should one of us be in there?” Hannah asked.

“
The nurse said no, unless we were family. This is the best we can do.” He pointed toward a long couch. “I’ll keep an eye out for now. You get some sleep. You’ve got to meet this Grimm fellow in the morning.”

“
What about you? You’ve not slept much either.”

“
I’m good for it, besides, I couldn’t sleep much anyway. You’re meeting this guy alone.”

Hannah leaned over and turned Hym
’s face to hers. She leaned in and kissed him, soft at first, then deeper. Pulling back, she smiled. “I’ll be fine, Mr. Miles. We’ll be in a public place, and I’m not the only one who can take care of themselves. Besides…” She patted his injured leg. “I’m also not the one who got shot and then attacked by a rabid planter.”