Kee Patterbee - Hannah Starvling 01 - The Chef at the Water's Edge Read Online Free PDF Page B

him. She nodded as he exited. She then stepped up beside the first woman. She was a familiar face to Buster, Hannah, and Louie from her official photos.
    “Jazlyn Karas!” Buster exclaimed much to the surprise of all present. “Wow!”
    Jazlyn looked surprised and pleased to find herself noticed by the handsome man. “Thank you,” she said. In a breathy voice she added, “You’re kinda ‘Wow,’ yourself.”
    The other woman who was passing out papers tapped Jazlyn on the shoulder and thrust some papers her way.
    Before he could stop himself, Louie blurted out, “Excuse me. But are you related to Julia?”
    Taken aback, the young woman paused. She turned to Jazlyn for answers, before turning back to stare at the group. “No,” she said in a sharp, stern voice.
    “Allow me to present to you Ms. Vera Bessinger,” Jazlyn explained to the group. Hannah noted a slight distaste in Jazlyn’s voice. “I suppose she does bear some resemblance to my late aunt, doesn’t she?”
    “Some?” Louie added in disbelief.
    Everyone turned to look at the woman, who fidgeted under everyone’s scrutiny. “Here’s the material for later on. If you’ll excuse me.” Hannah noted a hint of a foreign accent.
French, perhaps?
she questioned herself.
    Louie’s eyes followed Vera’s every step as she headed back toward the studio and exited the area through a large metal door. Cate put a comforting arm around his side, bringing him out of his thoughts, as Jazlyn called after, “Thank you, Vera. I will see you in a bit.” She then turned and looked at the group.
    “Vera has worked for Karas, Inc., for quite a while. Uncle Asa kept her on working with us in an executive position. She was going to take over Aunt Julia’s spot on the show. After the accident, he felt that her similar looks might cause problems for the audience. I guess that is why he brought me in to replace her on the show. I am a chef, as well, and a family member.” She then added with a smug air, “I guess her loss is my gain.”
    “Indeed,” Louie said in a noticeable, disappointed tone. He then extended his hand to Jazlyn. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Louie Wooldridge. These are my associates. This is Buster and Cate Jordan. And Hannah Starvling in the hat.”
    “Well, hello to you all. So nice to make your acquaintance.”
    Jazlyn looked up to Hannah’s top hat. “Nice hat,” she cooed. “Victorian?”
    “Yes,” Hannah answered.
    “Then we must talk sometime,” Jazlyn said in an interested tone.
    “I’m sure we will.”
    Looking Louie over, Jazlyn studied him. “But I do believe I have heard the name of Wooldridge before.” Turning to Louie, she asked, “Did you know Aunt Julia, by chance?”
    “Why yes, I did. We went to school together a long time ago. She became a chef. I became a critic,” Louie replied.
    “Oh, my, I can’t believe it is you. Julia often talked about her best friend in the world when she was younger. A thousand times. Louie Wooldridge. She called you … what was it now … Louie-Louie?” she said with enthusiasm.
    Louie blushed at the memory and nodded. “That she did,” he added. “Jules used to tease me like that.”
    “It is such a pleasure to meet you. We must have dinner soon so you can tell me all your stories about my aunt. I miss her so much,” Jazlyn replied.
    “Of course. I miss her, too. I will never forget her. I doubt anyone who ever met her would.”
    Buster stuttered. “Excuse me for butting in, but could I be so bold and ask you to sign an autograph for my mother?” he said to Jazlyn.
    Jazlyn was all smiles, and Hannah noted that she seemed pleased that handsome Buster asked.
    “Let me do something for you a little better than that,” she quipped. “Follow me up to the studio? I have some press photos there that I can sign … for your mother.” She was looking straight at Buster. There was no denying the instant chemistry between the two. “I can show you … all, around my