Death By Darjeeling

“Drayton, Tanner Joseph is hiding something. Every time Hughes Barron’s name is mentioned, he gets this hard, calculating look.”

Drayton stared at her for a moment and stroked a hand across his chin. “I thought you were casting your suspicions toward Timothy Neville. Or Hughes Barron’s awful partner. What was his name again?”

“Lleveret Dante. Yes, I have been,” Theodosia said. “But that was before Tanner Joseph reacted so oddly.”

“Oddly like a murderer?”

“I’m not sure,” answered Theodosia. “But my main concern right now is with Bethany.”

“She went out with him,” Drayton said, suddenly catching on to why Theodosia seemed so upset.

“Yes, she did,” said Theodosia.

“Then let’s talk to her,” Drayton urged. “See if we really do have something to fret over.” He rose from the desk, moved swiftly to the door, and opened it. “Bethany,” he called.

Haley appeared in the doorway. “We just sold two of those Hobbs teakettles, isn’t that a scream? Two of them!” she announced delightedly. “One stainless steel, one millennium style.” She paused, staring at the grim faces on Drayton and Theodosia. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything,” snapped Drayton.

“For gosh sakes, Drayton, lighten up a little,” said Haley. She smiled brightly at Theodosia. “Hey, don’t quote me on this, but I think business is turning around.”

“We’re not pulling our hair out over business,” said Theodosia. “It’s about Bethany. And Tanner Joseph.”

“Oh,” said Haley. She frowned quizzically and stared at the two of them.

“Theodosia thinks there’s something a trifle off about Tanner Joseph,” said Drayton.

“More than a trifle, Drayton,” interjected Theodosia.

“In particular,” said Drayton, “his attitude toward the late Mr. Hughes Barron.”

Haley sobered immediately. “I think Bethany really likes that guy Tanner.”

“What time is it?” asked Theodosia.

Drayton consulted his wristwatch. “Four-twen... four-thirty.”

“Let’s close early,” suggested Theodosia. “Haley, would you latch the front door? And send Bethany back.”

Haley glanced from one to the other, knowing something was up. “Sure.”

Bethany had gathered her notes from her earlier brainstorming session on the teddy bear tea, fully prepared to present what she thought were some fun, innovative ideas. But the moment she set foot inside Theodosia’s office, she knew the conversation was going to be a serious one.

“We want to ask you a few questions, Bethany,” Theodosia began.

“Okay,” said Bethany. She awkwardly shifted from one foot to the other.

“Do you want to sit down?” offered Theodosia.

“I’m fine.” Bethany tilted her chin up, preparing for whatever was about to come her way.

Theodosia fumbled about, trying to figure out just where to start. Finally she plunged right in. “When you were with Tanner Joseph the other night, did he ask questions about Hughes Barron’s death?”

“Not exactly,” said Bethany slowly. “I mean, Tanner was already aware Hughes Barron had died. And we did sort of chat about it, but I think he could see it made me uncomfortable.”

Bethany’s eyes sought out Theodosia’s and silently appealed to her. See, her eyes pleaded, this makes me uncomfortable, too. This makes me relive that terrible night.

“Did Tanner Joseph ask probing questions?” asked Drayton.

Bethany frowned. “No. At least they didn’t feel probing. We talked, that’s pretty much it.” She stared unhappily at the two of them. “What is this really about?”

“We think Tanner Joseph had a slightly unhealthy interest in Hughes Barron’s death,” said Theodosia.

“Theodosia,” returned Bethany, “I think you have more than a passing interest in Hughes Barron’s death.”

“Tell Drayton about the frogs, Bethany.”

Now Bethany just looked confused. “The frogs?”

“You know, the rain forest frogs,” prompted Theodosia.

“Oh, God,” said Drayton.

“Tanner Joseph just told me about his work in the Amazon rain forest. Studying the ecosystem up in the canopy.”

“And he told you about poison frogs, Bethany. Frogs that exude toxins. Tanner Joseph knows all about toxins,” said Theodosia determinedly.

Haley had suddenly appeared back in the doorway, anxious to know what was being said. Each time Theodosia’s voice hit hard on the word toxins, she grimaced.

“There have to be dozens of plants and animals in the Amazon that are toxic,” countered Bethany. “So what! To even think that Tanner Joseph had something to do with Hughes Barron’s death is so unfair!”

“No, Bethany,” said Theodosia. “Unfair is Bert Tidwell thinking you killed Hughes Barron.” Tears streamed down Bethany’s face, and Haley quickly went to her side and put an arm around her.

“There, there,” Haley tried to reassure Bethany. “Don’t cry,” she cooed softly. She gazed up at Theodosia. “You don’t need to do this!” Her voice was strident, defensive.

Drayton’s face blanched white. “Please!” he cried out. “I cannot stand to have us all squabble and argue. This terrible thing is wrenching us apart!” His hands were outstretched, as if imploring them all to calm down.

“Drayton’s right,” said Theodosia finally. “I’m so sorry, Bethany. I truly didn’t mean to upset you.” She slipped out of her chair and squeezed around her desk. Putting her hands on Bethany’s glistening cheeks, she stared raptly into the girl’s troubled eyes. “Know this, Bethany. I did not mean to push this so far.”

Tears continued to stream down Bethany’s face, and she hiccuped softly. Haley continued to pat her back and murmur, “There, there.” Drayton twisted his hands in anguish at this display of feminine angst.

Finally, Bethany was able to stem her flow of tears and blow her nose. She took a deep breath, held her head up high. “I’m not upset that you think Tanner Joseph might be a murderer,” she declared.

The three stared at her in stunned surprise.

“You’re not?” said Theodosia.

Bethany stared at Theodosia. “I’m upset because he asked so many questions about you!”

Chapter 35

While spaghetti noodles bobbed and swirled in a pot of boiling water, Theodosia heated butter and olive oil in a large skillet. “How are you coming with the pancetta, Drayton?” she asked. He was bent over the cutting board, knife in hand, chopping the pancetta into thin strips. “Done,” he said, stepping away. “Want me to add it to the skillet?” Theodosia checked the wall clock. Everything seemed to be timing out just right. “Yes.”

Through the arched doorway they could hear Haley and Bethany talking quietly, setting the table. Ever since Theodosia had made the suggestion that everyone come upstairs for dinner and all had enthusiastically agreed, the mood had been considerably calmer and more copacetic.

Theodosia popped the cork on a bottle of Vouvray and measured out a third of a cup.

Drayton peered at the label. “You use this for cooking? This is awfully good wine.”

Theodosia interrupted her stirring to reach overhead for two wineglasses. She poured each of them a half glass. “That’s the whole idea,” she said. “Salut.” Drayton tipped the glass toward her, took an appraising sip. “Excellent. Love that dry finish.” Theodosia poured her one-third cup of white wine into the skillet and watched it hiss and bubble.

“Now reduce it to half?” asked Drayton.