“This is totally insane,” Jesse exclaimed. “It’s like something straight out of an Indiana Jones movie!”

  Stella slowly shook her head in disbelief, “I had no idea that was down here.”

  “The bookcase was the door all this time?" Max asked.

  Detective Connors nodded. “So none of you knew?”

  “No,” they all said.

  “Do you think any of your other employees would know about it?”

  “We’re new owners,” Max said. “We’re still getting familiar with the ins and outs of this property, but some of our staff have been working here for decades. Lucina, our vineyard manager, has been working here the longest.”

  “I will be questioning her and everyone else on staff again,” Detective Connor said, looking at everyone, including me, searchingly. I could tell he believed the Amandes. They were not suspects. They were new in town, just as I was. I breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Can we see the cellar?” Jesse asked, sounding excited. “I mean, after your team finishes in there?”

  “It’s still a crime scene,” Detective Connor said. “Everything is evidence, and the space is off-limits for now.”

  Jesse looked disappointed.

  “What’s in that wine cellar?” Max asked. “What was Caleb looking for?”

  Detective Connor exhaled slowly; he seemed a little uneasy. Instead of sharing his suspicion of the wine forgery, all he said was, “We’re still working out what happened here. If there’s anything I need to know, I’ll ask.”

  “Whoever didn’t want Caleb into that secret cellar was the killer,”Max said.

  The detective looked reluctant to respond, but he gave a slow nod. “This is why it’s imperative to talk to everyone on your staff. Someone in this inn might know about the secret cellar.”

  “I can’t imagine someone on our staff being the killer.” Stella shook her head, not wanting to believe it. I knew she already thought of the staff as family. I did too. Wanted to, anyway.

  Max gave Detective Connor instructions on how to find Lucinda in the vineyards. I wondered if Lucinda really did know anything about the secret wine cellar.

  Lucinda was a wine expert. Could her extensive knowledge and years of experience have been used for something more sinister? Was it possible she had used it to fake rare varieties to be passed off as the real expensive stuff? I tried not to jump to conclusions, and she seemed like a friendly, pleasant woman. But what did I truly know about Lucinda anyway?

  When I was down there, the cellar had looked a little dusty, and no one had been in there for a while. I wondered when was the last time someone had been in there trying to forge a bottle. If Lucinda was the forger, she would’ve been down there working recently.

  Unless the operation had been shut down long ago because whoever was involved didn’t want to get into trouble. Could Lucinda have killed Caleb because he was poking his nose where he didn’t belong? Did she kill him so she wouldn’t be implicated in the crime ring?

  It was out of my hands now. Detective Connor would get to the bottom of it.

  He seemed open to my help. I hadn’t gotten into trouble yet, even though I shouldn’t have touched that note. He didn’t even reprimand me for being down in the restaurant when it was a crime scene. If I hadn’t looked at that piece of paper or went back into the restaurant yesterday, I wouldn’t have found the secret cellar.

  Maybe I could be of more use. But how? I had to balance being respectful of Detective Connor’s process and helping. I would just have to keep my eyes and ears open.

  I decided to stick around the inn in case Detective Connor wanted to find me. I took up Stella’s offer to pick wildflowers in the garden. Aside from the wine, it was what the inn was known for, hence the name. She handed me one of her baskets, and we started picking. It was fun and relaxing. I could see why she did this all the time.

  Stella created bouquets for the guest rooms, two restaurants in town, and even made an exquisite wedding bouquet for the last bride. But with no idea when guests would return, these beautiful creations might sit unappreciated around the inn.

  Jesse, having no other guests to cook for lunch, came out to chat with us in the garden as we worked.

  “An oven-roasted lemon and herb chicken was on the guest menu for today,” he said. “It’s a new recipe that I had tweaked into my own.”

  He loved cooking for people, seeing their delight as they took the first few bites.

  “I’m sure you’ll be able to make it soon,” I said.

  He shrugged. “I take comfort in schedules, but what can I do? Life is unpredictable.”

  “Are you bored, son?” Lucinda asked.

  “Maybe a little. I can experiment with new recipes, but I’m just not in the mood.”

  “Oh, you should definitely read those old mystery novels,” Stella said, smiling. “The Byrons left them there. Or was it the Reynolds? Sometimes guests leave books behind around the inn too. I still can’t believe that bookcase downstairs is a trap door. Anyway, those Agatha Christie novels are fun.”

  “Is that why Max is reading those mystery books?” I asked.

  “He reads?” Jesse joked.

  We all laughed and continued to chat about what Jesse should read. It was nice to take a break from the stress of the murder investigation and enjoy each other’s company.

  As we finished picking the flowers, we went back inside, and Stella showed me how to arrange them into beautiful bouquets. I watched in awe as she effortlessly created the perfect balance of colors and textures.

  “You know, Stella,” I said, “I think your bouquets could easily be sold as a separate business. They’re absolutely stunning. Have you thought about doing dried flower bouquets? They last longer, and I’m sure you can sell them in the gift shop or other shops in town.”

  Stella blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, Sophie. I’ve never thought of that. That could be another backup business plan. In case things drag on here at the inn. So much for retirement.” She chuckled.

  Every so often, I’d look at the door to the downstairs restaurant, hoping Detective Connor would come up again and talk to me. When Stella went to take a nap, I puttered around the garden again, breathing in the fresh air. I sat on the bench lost in my thoughts, and lost track of time. I didn’t expect Detective Connor to come by when the sun started to set.

  He approached me with a serious look on his face. “Sophie, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have some news I need to share with you.”

  I faced him. “What did you find?”

  “Exactly as you said. It was definitely an old wine forgery business. We’ve taken the notebooks we found as evidence.”

  “Did Lucinda tell you anything?”

  “She claims she didn’t know about it.”

  “And you believe her?” I asked.

  “That’s what I want you to help with. If you hear anything from anyone on the staff, tell me.”

  He gave me his business card. It included his cell phone number.

  “The notebook is dated from over twenty years ago, and I don’t know if this person even works here. But just in case you learn something new, call me. And be careful, Sophie. We still don’t know who the killer is and if they’re still around this inn.”

  I nodded, feeling a sense of duty. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  "Good," he said, his expression softening. “Thank you.”

  “I won’t let you down, Detective.”

  He gave me a small smile before standing up to leave. “My team will still be here for a couple more hours, but I have to go back to the station now. Be in touch. And again, be careful. Stay vigilant.”

  I watched him walk back into the inn. What else could I do to help? Maybe nothing. Or maybe this inn was still full of surprises.

  CHAPTER 10

  I didn’t know who to begin questioning. Since I was the only one who lived at the inn, albeit temporarily, I was allowed to be on the premises, but most of the staff weren’t here. I couldn’t think of anyone who would have been involved with this mess. Then again, I didn’t know them well since I was so new.

  At the front desk, I took a pen and a notepad embossed with the Wildflower Inn logo. I made a list of the staff: Fred, the experienced forty-something chef who Jesse hired for the restaurant in the basement. There was Fred’s kitchen crew. James and Eliza were the only full-time waitstaff working there, plus some part-time waitstaff whose name escaped me. Simona, the housekeeper manager, and her team of cleaners. Of course, Lucinda and her crew who worked in the vineyard or nearby wine-making facility on the property. Then there was Marty, the retiree who did odd jobs here for fun. In fact, I had just seen him trimming the bushes in the gardens. Stella or one of her sons must have told him he could hang around as long as he stayed outside and out of the police’s way.

  As I scanned this list of over two dozen people, I felt a mixture of awe and anxiety. It took so much work and so many people to keep this place running seamlessly. And so many employees’ livelihoods depended on the inn. It would break my heart if this murder was the reason for shutting us down.

  Out of everyone, I talked to Simona the most. She was closest to me in age, and we got along really well so far. I knew Simona had an older sister who ran a restaurant in town, and Simona often picked up work there when things were slow at the inn or when she needed extra cash. I decided to head over there to talk to her.

  I grabbed my purse, threw it over my shoulder, then topped off my outfit of a blue floral sundress with a sunhat. It was only an eight-minute walk to the restaurant and the main strip of the town. The sun was barely peeking through the clouds, and a cool breeze brushed against my face.

  I had barely walked beyond the entrance of the inn when a car slowed down next to me. It was Jesse in his beat-up Jeep.

  “Going somewhere?” he asked with a small smirk.

  “Just walking to town, maybe lunch at Simona’s sister’s restaurant,” I said casually.

  “Not dining alone, are you?”

  “Not if Simona’s around…”

  I didn’t know whether I should tell him I was really going there so I could ask Simona some questions. I decided not to; it was still better to keep my investigation discreet for now.

  “Mind if I come with you?” Jesse asked.

  I shrugged. “Sure, why not?”

  “I was going to drop off some of Mom’s jams to the tea shop, but it’ll only take a sec.”

  That was another thing Stella did, make jams for fun. It seemed like Stella had enough profitable hobbies to start an empire.

  “Okay.” As I got in the car, I asked, “What was the name of the restaurant again?”

  “It’s called La Bella Vita. I’ve only been there once, but great Italian food.”

  After Jesse ran his errand, we parked in front of La Bella Vita. It was almost lunchtime, and the place was already filling up. When we entered, we were greeted by a tall, slender woman with dark hair pulled back into a bun.

  “Are you Simona’s sister?” I asked.

  “Yes.” She gave me a flat smile. “I’m Mariana. And you are?”

  “I’m Sophie.” I motioned to Jesse behind me. “This is Jesse.”

  Mariana’s expression lit up. She gave Jesse a much friendlier smile. “Yes! Jesse! You had the Al Fredo pasta last week, didn’t you?”

  Jesse chuckled. “Yeah, that was me. It was amazing.”

  “We work at the Wildflower Inn with Simona,” I said.

  “Oh. You work there too? With Jesse?” Mariana fixed me with a questioning look, her eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly.

  “Yes, and Simona. I recently started as the reservation manager. She told me about your restaurant. I’ve heard it’s the best Italian in town.”

  “Thank you.” Mariana sounded bored. “Oh, I heard about the death of one of your guests. Was it murder?”

  Jesse and I looked at each other. This was a conversation we were not ready to have.

  “We don’t know,” Jesse said slowly. “That’s up to the police. Is that what people are talking about?”

  “I just heard it from Simona,” Mariana said, shooting Jesse another flirtatious smile.

  “Do you mind not telling anyone about it?” Jesse said, smiling back. “We don’t want gossip to spread when we don’t really know what happened.”

  “Oh, of course not!” Mariana exclaimed. “I haven’t told another soul. You can trust me!”

  “Good. I’d appreciate that.” Jesse grinned. Was he flirting with her?

  “Is Simona here?” I asked.

  “Not yet. She should be here in half an hour to help with the lunchtime rush. One of our waiters called in sick.” Mariana rolled her eyes.

  “Well, I’m starved,” Jesse said.

  Mariana took two menus from the stand. “How’s the table by the window?”

  “Perfect.” Jesse said.

  As he pulled out the chair for me, I had to agree. It was the best spot, with an incredible view of the small town. I’d imagine it would be romantic at night, when the street lanterns were on.

  I saw Mariana gazing down at Jesse, admiration glittering in her eyes. As he studied the menu, I took note of his good looks. There was no denying he was attractive with his chiseled jawline, full lips, and bright blue eyes that crinkled when he smiled. But I knew better than to get involved. He was also my boss and coworker, not to mention that I already had a small crush on his brother. After what happened with Ansel, the last thing I needed was more drama in the love department.

  Finally, Mariana managed to tear herself away from Jesse. We were left alone to discuss what looked good on the menu. She came back a little too fast with glasses of water for us. Did she pull her black scoop neck shirt lower to show more cleavage? Jesse didn’t seem to notice even when she bent down extra low to set down his water. He ordered the lasagna, and I asked for spaghetti bolognese. She was pleasant and laughing whenever he spoke, yet all her charm disappeared with me, her expression becoming a bland mask of indifference.

  I was amused, but I also found myself feeling annoyed. A pang of jealousy seeped in as well. Her flirtations with Jesse made me uneasy. How could she be so forward? Maybe a part of me wished I had the same confidence. And how did she know Jesse wasn’t with me? Wasn’t that a little presumptuous of her?

  We sat in silence as we waited for our food to arrive. Jesse looked at me with his easy smile while I fiddled my fingers on my lap. I was feeling awkward.

  “This is so nice,” he said as he stared into my eyes. “It’s almost like we’re on a date.”

  I felt a blush creep across my face and chest. I hoped it wasn’t too noticeable.

  “Almost,” I said with a chuckle, trying to be as nonchalant as he was. “It is a good date spot.”

  Mariana kept darting glances over at us even as the restaurant grew busier. She didn’t seem to think we were on a date, and I bet she was just waiting for another chance to flirt with Jesse.

  He looked at me again and seemed to want to say more, but I dropped my eyes down to the table, suddenly finding the restaurant logo embroidered on the cloth napkin overly fascinating.

  When the food arrived, my awkwardness was overtaken by my hunger. We dug in. I had to admit the bolognese was incredibly delicious.

  Halfway through my meal, I looked around the restaurant. “Simona is still not here,” I said.

  “Did you come just to see her?” Jesse asked.

  His eyes were inquisitive, and I knew he was curious about more than just Simona and my friendship. I debated telling him my real intentions—that I was investigating Caleb’s death. I looked at him for a moment then decided it was safe to tell him. After all, Detective Connor didn’t seem to consider the Amandes suspects, and neither did I. Not really.

  “Actually,” I began, “I wanted to ask Simona some questions about Caleb, whether she saw or heard anything. I don’t think Simona was involved with what happened,” I added quickly. “I’m just trying to see if I can get more information to help the police.”

  “So you are going Nancy Drew on me,” Jesse sat back, chuckling.

  “I know I should be more patient,” I said. “But I can’t just sit around and do nothing when the inn’s closed.”

  Of course, I didn’t mention the part about Detective Connor asking for my help. Then I would have to explain a lot more to Jesse.

  Outside the window, a car pulling into the lot caught my eye. Simona got out of the passenger side. The driver followed. It was Jack, the bartender. When they walked up to the restaurant, they were holding hands.

  CHAPTER 11

  Jesse turned to look in the direction I was staring.

  “I didn’t know they were dating,” I muttered.

  “Oh. I didn’t either. Well, it’s not against the rules to have employees date as long as they don’t bring it into the workplace.” He glanced at me as he said it.

  Jack and Simona stepped into the restaurant, past a small group waiting for a table. Simona spotted her sister seating to a table near the back and waved. Mariana rushed over to them.

  “Thank goodness you’re finally here,” Mariana said to Simona and Jack. "I’m getting swamped playing double duty as hostess and waitress today."

  “I’ll get ready right away,” Simona said.

  “Oh and your friends are here,” Mariana said, gesturing to us.

  Simona and Jack both turned to face us, their faces lighting up with surprise and delight.

  “Hey guys!” Simona exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. “What are you doing here?”

  “We wanted to see you,” I said. “Hey Jack.”

  Jack was tall and muscular, with dirty blonde hair and dark eyes. He had a confidence and ease around other people that came from years of experience as a bartender. He was dressed in a black t-shirt and jeans that hugged his frame, and he looked like he belonged in a magazine. It was easy to see why Simona was attracted to him.

 

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