Hope waited until they were out of earshot. “That guy is certainly full of himself. Kind of what Estebe would be if he didn’t have such a kind soul.”
Angie pressed her lips together. Estebe did have a kind soul and a hardened exterior, but Hope was also his favorite student in the County Seat kitchen. The guy would do anything for the woman he called his “little sister.” Luckily Matt joined them, so Angie didn’t have to respond.
“Who wants fried chicken? If we hurry, we might even get somewhere to sit.” He put his arms around the two women and aimed them in the direction of Food Row. Angie listened as the two young people talked about their fair memories.
“After tonight’s announcement, why don’t you two go have some fun? I’ll do the shopping,” Angie said as they sat down at the table. They’d already ordered, and she’d paid for the meal. Now they were just waiting to eat.
“I thought I was shopping.” Matt frowned. “Don’t you have something to do?”
“If I go back to River Vista, I’ll stop at the restaurant and get in the way. You know how Estebe gets when he’s ‘in charge.’ I’ll do the shopping tonight. You can make up the hours during prep next Friday.” Angie wanted to get out of the crush of people and walk the aisles, surrounded by food. Besides, she hadn’t quite decided on what she was doing tomorrow. Or at least her Plan A until they told her the actual item they’d be preparing. Maybe walking through the grocery store would spark some ideas.
“I don’t know. I’ve been studying for pastry class in the evenings,” Hope commented.
Matt and Angie stared at her.
“What?” Her face reddened under the LED lights.
“School doesn’t start until next week. You need to have some fun. Working all the time makes Jill a dull girl.” Angie moved her arms so the server could drop off their dinner. Angie had ordered fried chicken, potato salad, and corn on the cob. The corn was on a stick and drenched in butter and salt. Her mouth watered.
“Besides, we have all those access passes to the rides the fair guys gave us.” Matt held up his wrist. “This puppy isn’t coming off until the carnival leaves next Monday.”
“I don’t know…”
Matt picked up a piece of chicken and pointed to it. “That’s what you are.”
“I don’t get it.” Hope took a bite of a leg.
“Bawk, bawk, bawk…” Matt said through a mouth full. “You’re scared. You’re a chicken.”
“I can outride you with my eyes blindfolded.”
Matt shrugged, apparently disinterested now in Hope’s involvement in his plan. “Whatever.”
“Fine, I’ll go ride with you. But not on weekdays. Only on weekends.” Hope shook her head and focused on Angie. “It’s really sad. He doesn’t have any friends but me.”
“That’s so not true. You’re just the one I see all the time.” He tipped his head toward his plate and started chowing down. “This is really good,” he said through a mouthful of potato salad. They’d just finished eating when Angie’s timer on her phone went off. “We have five minutes to get back.” She took a deep breath. “I’m so nervous. I know I said all I wanted was to stay in the competition, but maybe…”
“Our corn dog was the ultimate best.” Hope took the plates and trash off the table. “But if they can’t see that, they’re idiots. It’s not a reflection on us or our food.”
“Okay, Sally Sunshine, let’s go see who won.” Matt stood up to guide them out of the tent and back to the Restaurant Wars site. The area was overflowing, but Matt grabbed both women’s hands and moved them through the crowd. The judges climbed to the stage just as they arrived in front of their trailers. The area was blocked off by a velvet rope. Matt pointed to the trailer, and the man standing guard at the entrance let them inside.
Hope grabbed Angie’s hand, jumping up and down a little. “Sorry, nervous energy.”
Angie smiled and glanced around the area at the other trailers. Miquel stood in front of his trailer, signing autographs for the teens who crowded around his area. Angie turned away, not wanting him to see her. Then she glanced the other way. All the booths had people in front of them, but the Sandpiper booth only had two people. Maybe Mr. Nubbins was still off getting dinner and had sent representatives to the meeting.
Finally, Ann Cole tapped on the microphone. After a few seconds, everyone quieted. Then she began to thank everyone who had even considered being part of the competition. Angie felt Hope’s hand relax and finally, she dropped her hand to her side. The nerves must have been bored away.
When Ann Cole finally handed the microphone over to a second judge, he held up an envelope.
“Our winner is…” He grinned, then opened the envelope. “David Nubbins, from the Sandpiper.”
The crowd cheered, and the two prep chefs looked at each other. Finally, one held up his hand. “I think David must be in the trailer taking a nap. Sheila will go get him.”
That got a chuckle from the group. But when Sheila opened the door to the trailer, she froze. Then she started screaming.
All Angie could hear was her sobs.
“David, oh, no, David…”
Chapter 4
Security quickly started ushering people out of the area. Angie saw what was happening, and she and Hope went into their trailer and grabbed their purses and Matt’s backpack. He stood guard at the door. Luckily, they had enough time to make sure they had their keys before they were escorted out of the area.
The chefs were all moved to a small security office in the middle of the fairgrounds. Sydney pointed at Angie’s purse. “You were smart. I just have my phone. I didn’t even think to grab my keys. Do you think they’ll let us back in to get our things? Brandon’s working the dinner shift. He can’t leave to come get me.”
“If they don’t, I’ll take you home,” Angie promised.
Ann Cole walked into the room. “I’m sorry to inform you that David Nubbins is dead. The police aren’t releasing any more information than that, but his trailer is being moved off-site so it can be examined. Of course, his winning status will stand, but I’m afraid the Sandpiper has declined our offer of replacing the trailer and continuing in the competition. Therefore, only two booths will be eliminated tonight.”
She glanced over at the other judges. “And, due to the special circumstances, tonight and tonight only, we are giving you all the information for tomorrow’s contest.” She opened an envelope and listed off two restaurants. “I’m sorry, your entry just wasn’t as good as the rest of the groups.”