“Did they steal appliances?” Angie wondered what exactly someone would do with a large microwave. With as many people coming through the fair, whatever was taken had to be small enough to be tucked into someone’s pocket to avoid the thief being seen.
“Mostly just trashed the place. We’re thinking teenagers. Don’t worry, your competition’s trailer will be up and functional long before your contest starts tomorrow.” Roger moved the wooden barrier that had blocked people from entering the area.
As they walked to the booth with County Seat’s banner on the top, Angie stared at the damaged booth. “David must be really unlucky to have his trailer be the only one messed with tonight.”
Ian held the door open as they climbed in the back of the booth and into a well-supplied and set-up kitchen. “Who said it was just bad luck?”
Angie ignored the comment, and they spent the next twenty minutes planning out her appetizer. When they were done, she had a lengthy shopping list that she handed to Felicia. “Check out the supply area at County Seat. We’ll have a lot of that. And it looks like I should have the equipment I need. As long as they don’t throw another curveball into the picture.”
Felicia glanced at the list. “You sure about this? I’m thinking most of the other guys are going a little fancier with their dishes.”
“Good food wins, no matter what. And if it doesn’t, well, then, I’ll be back working at the restaurant tomorrow instead of figuring out tomorrow’s recipe.” Angie glanced at her watch. “It’s still early. Do you want to join Ian and me for a drink?”
“One. Then I’m heading home.” Felicia paused at the door. “You didn’t go get pie.”
She handed off the piece of fudge they’d bought for Felicia. “I’ve got something better.”
As they walked to the beer garden to sit and talk, Felicia pointed out all the fun things they hadn’t gotten to do yet. “Tomorrow, after I drop off the supplies, I’m heading into the animal barns. I know I can’t get anything strange for a pet, but I am thinking of looking around for a kitten.” She glanced at Angie. “If my landlord says it’s all right.”
Angie shrugged, her mind on tomorrow’s competition. “You own half the building. I guess you need to ask yourself what you want.”
“I would like a kitten. I haven’t had one since I lived at home.” Felicia looked wistful.
“Where did you grow up, Felicia? Obviously, not here. You constantly look like you’re exploring a new country.” Ian studied her.
“Takes one to know one, huh?” Felicia said, referring to Ian’s English upbringing. She glanced at Angie. “I don’t think I ever mentioned it, but I’m from Boston.”
“Really? And you specialized in pastry, not seafood?” Angie studied her friend. Even in college, she hadn’t sounded like she’d come from New England.
“I’ve been worried about telling you this for years, and all you can think about is my food specialty?” Felicia hugged Angie, causing the crowd to swirl around them as they paused in front of the beer garden.
“Why would you be worried?” Angie eyed her suspiciously. “Do you have skeletons in your closet?”
“Probably some at the family home, but me? I’m as pure as the driven snow.” Felicia held up her hand. “And, with that, I’m buying the first round. Especially since I’m horning in on your date night.”
“You’re perfectly welcome to tag along anytime.” Ian motioned to a table. “Especially when you buy the drinks.”
The beer garden was crowded, as any alcohol consumed on the fairgrounds had to stay in the area. Guards stood at the entrances and exits keeping people inside if they tried to leave with a glass in hand and checking identification for customers who looked younger than the drinking age. Angie pointed to the entrance. “I’m surprised they’re letting us have leaded frozen cocktails tomorrow in the main area.”
“I think I heard the guard saying that you have to have a wristband to buy. Maybe that’s what they’ll do at the contest?” Ian pointed to Felicia. “She had to go to a different table and get tickets to buy the drinks.”
Just then, Felicia waved Ian over. When Angie started to stand, she shook her head. Ian laughed. “So much for her buying. I think they need two people’s ID for three drinks. Stay here and guard the table. Others are watching us closely.”
“I’ll guard the castle.” Angie leaned over the table, her arms outstretched, making Ian laugh.
He kissed her quickly. “We’ll be right back with refreshments.”
Angie leaned back in her seat and started thinking about the competition tomorrow. Twelve teams, and then there would be nine. Just like that. All they had to do was survive from day to day. The hair on the back of her neck bristled, and she got a chill. Was someone watching her? She scanned the crowded bar area and finally found the source of the ill will.
A man sat near the bar, beer in hand, staring at her. When she met his gaze, his eyes narrowed, and he lifted his bottle to her in some sort of salute. Angie glanced over to where Ian and Felicia stood. Had they given off the wrong impression? Did the creepy man think she was here single and looking for a hookup?
Felicia and Ian walked back to the table. Ian set a beer in front of Angie. He studied her face. “What’s wrong? Did someone bother you?”
Angie shook her head, feeling silly. “No. Someone was just watching me. It’s nothing.”
Ian scanned the area. “Who? Do I need to go defend your honor?”
She giggled, which was probably what Ian had intended. “No. Just a guy. He’s over there.”
But when she pointed, the seat where the man had been sitting was empty. And as she scanned the area, he was gone.
“He must have gotten the message,” Felicia said, then she took a piece of paper out of her back pocket. “I was thinking… If you want to deep fat–fry tomorrow, you could set the team up this way…”
Chapter 3
The group gathered promptly at nine to hear the judges’ decision on just what type of appetizer they’d be making. Matt, Hope, and Felicia all stood next to her, in front of the booth. Next door, the chefs from Copper Creek were gathering too. Sydney waved at Angie, then counted out her staff.
“You know you have one too many cooks in the kitchen, right?”
Angie stepped closer. “Felicia’s just here to see us off. Then she’s going to go play for the day. How have you been? I haven’t seen you since you guys came to chef table at the County Seat a few months ago.”