Kee Patterbee - Hannah Starvling 02 - The Gourmet Who Kept Diamonds in the Kitchen Read Online Free

bad.”
    Before exiting the vehicle, the young driver turned to Hannah. “Ms. Starvling? I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you going to be creating for this event?”
    Taken aback, Hannah smiled. “You know me?”
    “ Well, yeah, I’m sure pretty much everyone at the festival does. You’ve turned up in magazines and the net a lot. You’re part of Food Critic’s feature this month. Top Culinary Consultants.”
    The man ’s knowledge of her intrigued Hannah. “You read Food Critic?” she said in a slight, disbelieving tone.
    “ Yes, ma’am. I like Louie Woolridge’s stuff in particular. You met him, didn’t you?”
    “ He’s a friend,” Hannah said with a relaxed smile.
    The driver nodded. “Wow, is he coming?”
    “ I’m afraid not. He took some personal time.”
    “ Ah, well, I’m hoping to attend the same school as you. That’s why I’m doing this.” He pointed around the van. “I work here and the show, saving money until next year. If all goes well, I’ll be in Paris at that point.” As he exited the vehicle, Ducky added, “If you or your family needs anything, ring the desk. I’ll be glad to do it.”
    “ Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”
    Ducky made his way to the back and unloaded the luggage with the help of a porter. A yellow Lamborghini pulled in behind and a handsome man stepped out. He tossed the valet his keys and turned. As they made eye contact, Hannah charted him out. Early forties. Crystalline blue eyes. Well kempt blond hair. Charming smile. Handsome. Fit.
    His eyes focused on the Victorian style top hat covering Hannah’s blonde, shoulder length hair before he gave an appreciative smile and headed into the lobby.
    “ Now that’s worth checking out.” Gran gasped.
    Through the glass door, Hannah watched as he made his way up to the reception desk.
    “ He has a nice butt,” Gran said in an appreciative tone.
    “ How about you stop drooling, and let’s get up to the room, Scooby,” Papa Jay said in a terse tone.
    “ Yeah, yeah,” Gran responded, never taking her eyes off the man.
    As they entered into the lobby, both Papa Jay and Hannah overheard Gran exclaim, “Jealous.”
    “ That woman’s going to leave you for a nice butt someday,” Hannah observed.
    Papa Jay shrugged his shoulders. “Well, she’s an adult. If she wants to ditch me and marry some ass, who am I to stop her?” He glanced over at his granddaughter and both laughed.
    Once inside, Hannah made her way to registration. As she finished picking up the key cards, a woman stepped up beside her. She noticed the woman’s pregnancy and the fact that her rounded abdomen overwhelmed her figure. Hannah charted the young woman off. Pretty. Short. Maybe 4’10” to 5’0”. Long auburn hair. Deep blue eyes. Light complexion. A smile ran across the amateur sleuth’s face. “Janine,” she asked.
    The woman turned with a questioning expression. “Yes?”
    Hannah extended her hand. “Hi. I’m--”
    The woman ’s eyes took in Hannah’s hat. An expression of recognition rolled across her face, followed by a broad smile. “Hannah, well hello.” She reached out, took the offered hand, and shook with vigor. “It is such a pleasure to meet you. Elias talks about you all the time. So much that I feel like I know you already.”
    “ Oh? Nothing bad I hope.”
    “ Heaven’s no. It’s all good. I’m so glad you made the trip.” Janine turned to Gran and Papa Jay and shook their hands as well while again introducing herself. When done, she addressed all. “I came down here to check to see if y’all made it. Lucky I ran into the three of you. Elias called me a bit ago, said he apologizes for not being here when you arrived. He wanted to, but he needed to check on something.” She flipped her hand in the air. “You know how he is. Most likely it has something to do with those mushrooms of his.” Noticing the porter behind them with the Starvling’s luggage, she added, “Oh heavens. Look