Death on a Silver Platter Read Online Free PDF Page A

think I haven’t given it some serious thought. But I don’t have the money to start from the ground up, and besides, I’d be competing against myself, against what I created. When it comes right down to it, I’ve spent twenty years developing the Veelund name, creating new products, new technology. I shouldn’t have to start all over from scratch. I loved my father, Sophie. I want this connection to him. Damn it, I’ve earned it. But Mom’s using my division to finance the failure of Alex’s acquisitions. Short of a bullet to the head— her head—I don’t know what to do.”
    Sophie grimaced.
    “Don’t get excited. I not saying I’ve bought the gun.”
    “You don’t need to. Your father’s gun cabinet is still in the basement rec room.”
    “Perhaps this isn’t a good moment for you to remind me of that, Soph.”
    “If it wasn’t for your mom, do you think Alex would let you have that part of the company?”
    She shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it.”
    When Sophie looked up, she saw that Nathan had entered the dining room. He was welcoming customers, stopping at various tables, making his way slowly through the room. He looked incredibly handsome in his white chef’s coat and checked pants.
    Elaine took hold of Sophie’s hand. “Don’t look so worried. I’m not going to murder my mother.”
    It took an effort of will for Sophie to return her eyes to Elaine. “What?”
    “I said, ‘Don’t look so worried.’ Unless you’re worried about something else. What’s wrong, Sophie?”
    “What could be wrong?” She glanced back at Nathan.
    Elaine followed her gaze. “Hey, isn’t that Nathan Buckridge? Your old boyfriend? I read he was back in town.”
    “Chez Sophia is his restaurant.”
    “Right. He looks pretty much the same . . . except he’s filled out, grown into a man. A very attractive man, I might add. I wonder if he’s married.”
    “He’s single,” said Sophie. “Look, if he comes over here, you do the talking. It’s possible the waiter tipped him off that we were ordering a lot of food. He may smell a reviewer. Deny it, okay? And remember, I’m your date.”
    “Like hell you are. I’d never date someone who looked like you.”
    “Gee thanks.”
    “He won’t recognize you in that disguise. You look like a miniature version of Mike Myers impersonating a British lord. Then again, I suppose your voice might give you away.” She tapped her finger against the side of her wineglass. “I wonder if he’d remember me.”
    “Here he comes,” said Sophie. “Just act natural.”
    “I always act natural,” said Elaine, smiling seductively. “Elaine ‘Au Natural’ Veelund, haven’t you heard?” She turned her smile on Nathan as he stepped up to the table.

3
    “Evening,” said Nathan, smiling at Elaine. “You look familiar. Have we met?”
    “Elaine Veelund.” She offered her hand. “I knew you in high school. We have a mutual friend—Sophie Greenway?”
    “Of course,” he said, folding his arms over his chest.
    Sophie could see the wheels turning inside his mind. He looked like he hadn’t shaved in several days, which she knew was trendy. It also accentuated the rugged angles in his face.
    “This is my friend, Tom . . . Jones,” continued Elaine. “We’ve been enjoying your food. Tom tells me you own the restaurant.”
    Nathan gave Sophie a nod. “I do. So, what’s it been, Elaine?”
    “Too long. I don’t like to talk years. It makes me feel old.”
    “You don’t look old,” he said, his smile turning to a flirtatious grin.
    “You’re still quite the charmer.”
    “That’s what they tell me. What did you order?”
    “I think it’s more a question of what we didn’t order.”
    He laughed. “And you liked it?”
    “Everything was wonderful.”
    “Then, in honor of old times, the meal is on the house.”
    Her smiled clicked into high-beam. “In that case, you’ll have to let me return the favor. I don’t cook as