Darren makes a pained face. “Do the police have any idea what happened to her?”
“Not yet.”
“It must have been quite a shock,” he says, “finding her dead in your restaurant kitchen.”
“Lucy is used to it by now,” says Brittany. “Dead bodies seem to follow her everywhere. But she’s totally innocent. No matter what anyone else is saying.”
I still. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“What? Nothing!”
“Are people saying that I had something to do with Tara’s death?” I demand. “As my best friend, it’s your duty to tell me the truth here.”
“No. Maybe. Yes.” Brittany cringes. “Obviously, it’s people who don’t know you like I do.”
Jeez Louise. I really can’t wait for the police to clear this whole thing up so that my life can get back to normal.
“So sorry, Lucy, but Darren and I have to go or we’ll be late for the big meeting.”
“What big meeting?”
Brittany’s eyes go round. “Oh, um,
it’s just … well, a meeting for the show’s participants so that they can be brought up to speed with what’s happening.”
“Why weren’t Sarah and I told about this?”
“Gilly says you weren’t invited. On account of Tara kicking you off the show. She wants to respect Tara’s wishes.”
The back of my eyelids go hot. “Oh, she does, does she? Well, guess what? The Bistro is still part of the competition because we were never officially kicked off the show. So where is this meeting taking place?”
“The Harbor House. But Lucy, I don’t think it’s a good idea—”
I don’t wait for Brittany to finish before I start heading for the door. “Thanks. See you there!” I call on my way out.
Chapter Nine
The Harbor House, which happens to be owned by Brittany’s parents, is Whispering Bay’s fanciest restaurant. It’s located on the gulf and serves premium seafood in an elegant and upscale setting. It’s so “elegant” that you can’t park your own car, so I’m forced to leave my car with the valet. He takes one look at me and automatically points me toward the outdoor seating area.
I’d forgotten I’m wearing my JUST A MUFFIN LOOKING FOR HER STUD T-shirt. My hair is pulled back in a messy bun, and I’m still sweaty from my yoga workout.
“I’m not here to eat,” I tell him. “I’m here for the cooking show meeting.”
He looks at me with renewed interest. “Can I give you my headshots? Like I told that other lady, I’ve been taking acting lessons. Maybe you can find me a spot on one of your shows.”
One of my shows?
“I’m sorry, what?”
“I thought you said you were with the cooking show.”
“As a contestant. I’m not with the network.”
“Oh.” His voice goes flat. “Banquet room office. Straight down the hall and to the left.”
Gilly and the two other members of the production team, Alan and Pete, as well as everyone else involved in the competition are all here. There’s a refreshment table set up on the side of the room with coffee, tea and … doughnuts. Heidi catches my eye and smiles smugly. Show-off.
Carlos looks surprised to see me, but he waves me over to sit next to him.