A Corpse in the Soup Read Online Free

on the menu. I really want to make up for what happened, although I still can’t imagine what went wrong. Vinny’s Vegetable Mart has nothing but the finest produce. Still...maybe...no, that’s ridiculous…”
    As Romano sat there contemplating, Goldie interrupted the silence.
    “What’s ridiculous? What are you talking about? It sounds like you think there was something more? You owe us an explanation, if you have one. After all, that’s my sister lying in that bed. And, you...you almost killed her!”
    Romano’s mustache twitched up and down. “I don’t want to talk about it now. All I can say is this poisoning wasn’t the first bizarre incident on the show. When I come over to cook for you, we’ll have plenty of time to discuss all the strange things that have been going on. Truthfully, I really do need to talk it over with someone. Don’t worry, I promise you’ll be safe.”
    Godiva fluttered those luxurious lashes again. “Well, I don’t know. I’m not really sure I’m up to it.” But for a split second she allowed her eyes to bore into his. Just name the day and time and I’ll preheat the oven, Romeo.
    “Come on, Aunt Godiva. Repeat after me, ‘yes.’ Okay? Maybe Chef Romano would even let me help him.”
    “Okay, okay, you win, Chili. Let’s see, the doctor said he would release me in the morning, so I should be able to handle one of your fabulous dinners by Monday.”
    Romano made a tent with his fingertips, “Oh, excellent!”
    “Not so quick, my dear Chef, part of the deal is that the dinner includes my mother and my uncle, you’ll like them, they’re old vaudeville magicians. My son Torch should be back from location so include him, too.” She puffed with pride. “He’s a special effects man, been blowing up spaceships in the Mojave Desert.”
    Romano’s moustache wiggled. “Do tell?”
    “Ummhmm...got an academy award nomination for The Legend of Zork ...don’t think you saw it, not your kind of movie...”
    “OK, dinner for six, any other conditions?”
    “Yes, the most important one. Chili gets to help you cook.”
    Her voice trailed off as her eyes began to close. “...work out the details with Goldie and Chili. They’ll tell you how to get there...I’m very tired now...” Godiva started to fall asleep.
    Her eyes shot open for just a moment as Romano blew a kiss off his fingertips before the door clicked shut. She focused on Chili and winked. “Play your cards right, Sweetie, and Aunt Godiva might help you snag a job with Romano. Replace whazzer name? Taffy? Cookie? All you girls sound like food these days.”
    The eyelids drooped again. Delightful thoughts ran through her slumbering mind. Not much to being a TV chef’s assistant. Plenty of time to help me read letters. Godiva drifted off again. Just a hint of a smile remained.
     

CHAPTER 7
     
    Caesar Romano swept into the house with the majestic flourish of a philharmonic maestro, issuing rapid-fire instructions to Godiva’s mousy little maid. Guadalupe staggered behind him carrying so many bags she looked like a pack mule.
    Godiva patted down her dress and fluffed up her hair as she heard him approaching. She struck a nonchalant pose against the center island in the kitchen.
    “My dear Mrs. Dubois! You look extraordinary. Thank you again for giving me a chance to make up for last week’s terrible incident.”
    He gave her fingers a slight squeeze and then released them, studying his surroundings. He nodded with apparent approval at the double Viking six-burner stoves, Sub Zero appliances, marble-topped dough island and every other extravagance a chef could hope for in a huge residential kitchen. He threw his arms open wide. “Such a magnificent room. Truly, a thing of beauty, like its owner.”
    Godiva watched Chili chatter non-stop as they unpacked all the food. Just as Godiva had coached her, she let him know about her formal cooking training, her current position on the cruise ship and her lofty