A Corpse in the Soup Read Online Free Page A

aspirations. If the calculating look in his eye was anything to judge by, Romano was already picturing her prancing around the Kitchen Coliseum during the upcoming Gourmet Gladiator competition.
    Godiva smiled. Mission accomplished. Time for me to take center stage.
    She pressed her hand to her belly, grimacing just a bit. “I hope my poor stomach can handle this rich menu. It hasn’t had much time to heal, you know.”
    Romano dropped his cleaver on the cutting board and rushed to Godiva’s side. “You’re not feeling well, my dear? I do hope you won’t have to call an attorn...er, doctor.”
    Godiva waved him away. “No, no. I’m sure I’ll be fine. Just let me sit down for a moment.” The words had barely left her lips when Romano whisked a tall-backed kitchen stool from the bar and seated her upon it as if she were a delicate soufflé.
    Godiva patted him on the arm. “Caesar, don’t worry. I’m fine. Really. Please don’t stop cooking. I’m looking forward to this peace offering.”
    He looked at her with concern and went back to his chopping. She sat perched on the stool watching. He returned every now and then to see how she was or rave about some piece of her kitchen equipment. And, each time he came back to her side he touched her a little longer, with a little more affection.
    Finally he said, “Lovely lady, its time for you to join la famiglia in the living room while I put the finishing touches on our meal.” He released her hand, though he seemed reluctant to do so. “Dinner will be served in about half an hour, I really must see how your maid is doing with the table settings.”
    Romano strode away, but Godiva lingered. “Chili, I’m so proud of you. You did such a good job of promoting yourself.”
    Chili winked at her. “You’re a great teacher, Auntie.” She leaned her head close to Godiva’s. “By the way,” she fanned herself, “he is so hot for you!”
    “Do you really think so? I think he’s more interested in my kitchen.” Godiva ran her fingers along the cold, smooth marble countertop. “And not getting sued, did you notice his accidental mention of a lawyer?”
    “No way. He was looking at you like he wanted to dust you with sugar and then kiss it all off.”
    Tantalizing aromas drifted through the house from the kitchen as Chili entered the parlor holding a beautiful tray. It was overflowing with canapés shaped like little space ships, vegetable swans, cream cheese roses and tulips, and turtles made out of truffles. Flossie raved over the spectacular creations, but Sterling simply popped a rose into his mouth and seemed more concerned with filling his rumbling gut than admiring Chili’s craftsmanship.
    “I thought you guys might like these little tidbits.” Chili lowered her voice and smiled at her captivated audience. “I made them mostly to impress Chef Romano. I learned how to do them on the ship.”
    “Well, you impressed me, Tottelah. ” Flossie tweaked her granddaughter’s cheek.
    “I’m so proud of her.” Goldie sighed as she watched her daughter disappear down the hall.
    Torch plopped down on the couch beside Godiva. “Hey, Mom, what about me? I blow up movie stars, I burn down skyscrapers, I destroy aliens. Don’t I get some credit for being clever?” He popped a spaceship canapé into his mouth. “Aren’t you all proud of me, too?”
    “Of course, dear,” said Godiva, giving her son’s knee a careless pat. “But tonight it’s your cousin’s turn to shine.”
    Chili burst back into the living room, “Dinner is served!” She grabbed Flossie by the elbow and dragged her into the glittering dining room.
    The room was the picture of elegance with its crystal chandelier ablaze, Waterford goblets twinkling beside the gilded Wedgwood plates, and the walnut sideboard polished to a fine patina. Guadalupe trotted back and forth covering the lace tablecloth with silver serving platters. Caesar Romano presented his piece d’resistance as Chili