“Pack your knives and leave,” Miquel called out, and nervous chuckles came from some of the other contestants.
“Rudely said, but yes.” Ann Cole opened another envelope. “For the rest of you, your challenge tomorrow is to make a milkshake to die for.”
A quiet fell over the room.
Ann’s face burned bright red. “Sorry, that was an insensitive way to put it, but these challenges were made weeks before the fair even opened. The dairy commission is sponsoring this event, and not only will the winning team earn immortal glory, but five thousand dollars as well. Remember, your milkshake needs to be able to be served with or without liquor.”
Angie had been right again. She’d planned on shopping tonight, but if she had to drive Sydney home, it would have to wait until tomorrow. She glanced at Hope and Matt. “Any ideas?”
“Tons.” Matt glanced around the room. “But are you sure this is the best place to talk about them?”
“Good point.”
When the security officer came into the room, Angie’s plans were changed anyway. “I’m Harry Bodley, and I’m head of security here. Ladies and gentlemen, if you need to get into your trailers, please line up by the door. I’ll have officers ready to escort you to gather anything you need to take home. The rest of you are free to leave. Your event will be delayed until ten tomorrow, so don’t bother coming early. You won’t be able to get inside the area.”
Sydney smiled at her as she made her way to the line. “You’re off the hook. I just texted Brandon and told him what happened. He sent me straight home and up to bed. I guess he’s sending over dinner tonight. The good thing about living with another chef, right? Someone always wants to cook.”
Angie hugged her. “If you’re sure you’re okay. You’re not feeling dizzy or anything?”
“I’m pregnant, not sick. And I feel a lot better than poor David. Can you believe he’s dead?”
Angie twisted that question around all the way home. She could have gone shopping, but she really didn’t feel like it. All she wanted right now was to check on Precious and Mabel and then go inside and cuddle up to Dom.
When she got home, the lights were on in the house, and Ian’s wagon was parked in the driveway. She didn’t make it into the house before he’d opened the door and pulled her into his arms. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. It’s just a shock. We didn’t know anything had happened until they announced that the Sandpiper had won the contest.” She stayed in his arms for a minute longer, then felt the gentle nudge on her leg. She moved into the house before sitting down and pulling Dom into a hug. “Hey, big boy. Did you get a visitor today?”
“We went out and fed the zoo, and Dom even let Precious sniff his nose before he barked and sent her scurrying.” He shut the door behind them. “I told her you’d see her in the morning.”
“I should go out to see her.” Angie picked up the glass of water Ian had set in front of her. “I just don’t have the strength.”
“Well, you’ll be glad to know I cooked. Felicia sent me here with takeout, but I added a fresh salad and garlic bread. It kept me too busy to worry.” He nodded to the water. “You want some wine before dinner?”
“Sure. There’s an open bottle of white zin in the fridge.” She closed her eyes, but then reopened them. “Wait, how did you know something happened? Who called you?”
“Who didn’t? But I knew because I was at Allen’s house when they called him in to help out. I guess they’re trying to be open about jurisdiction, probably because Garden City’s police force got slashed last year due to budget cuts.” He poured two glasses of wine. “Then Felicia called to see if I could stay with you since she was stuck at the restaurant. She bribed me with food.”
“Well, at least we know your weak spot.” Angie sipped the wine. “Did your uncle let slip any information about how David died? All I know is his pastry chef went into the trailer and started screaming.”
“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but they’re suspecting poison. At first, the EMTs thought it was a heart attack, but he had foam coming out of his mouth when they turned him over.” Ian studied her. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I didn’t accept any gifts of poisoned apples today, so I’m thinking I’m fine. Why would someone take him out during the competition? I mean, the guy had already won this round. And seriously, the prize money isn’t large enough to kill for, right?” Angie closed her eyes, reliving the scene. Sheila’s happy face leaving the front of the trailer, then her horrified screams later. It seemed like a bad movie, not a low-key game at the fair.
“You never know. Some people want to win at all costs, no matter what it takes.” Ian took a bowl of salad out of the fridge and set it on the table. He continued setting up dinner while he talked. “Besides, we don’t know that it was someone from the competition. Maybe he owed the mob money and couldn’t pay.”
Angie narrowed her eyes at Ian as he took a plate out of the microwave. “Does Boise even have a mob?”
“Organized crime is everywhere. We’re too close to Nevada and real gambling for me to assume we’re outside their influence.” He put a second plate into the microwave to warm and carried the first over to the table. “Go ahead and eat. I’ll grab the second plate.”
The smell of meat loaf with garlic mashed potatoes made her stomach rumble. Glancing at the plate, it looked like Estebe had made a demi-glace to go with it and some butternut squash puree for the base. She took a small bite, wanting to taste all the flavors in the glaze as well as the puree. “Just what I needed after a long day at the fair.”
“Felicia’s good like that. I don’t even order anymore when I go in. I let her pick my meal.”
Angie decided not to nitpick the plate; instead, she decided to just enjoy dinner. For once. “She knows what’s coming out of the kitchen.”
“She knows what the diners need. I see her do this all the time. People will ask her suggestions, and she will give them exactly what they need. She can read people. Barb says she’s got a bit of the gift.” When the bell dinged, he grabbed the plate and took it to the table. Sitting down, he started eating, only then realizing that Angie was watching him. “What?”
“I can’t believe you think there’s actually something supernatural going on with her.” Anger seethed through her body. And with that one over-the-top emotion, she knew she was too tired for company.
“I don’t think she’s different. I’m just saying she knows, somehow.” He shook his head. “But that’s not what you’re upset about, are you?”