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

and her grandparents.  Janine ’s makeup ran down her cheeks and her eyes showed redness from crying.
    “ What’s his condition?”
    Papa Jay shook his head. “Not sure yet, they said it will be a while. Might as well take some seats and get comfortable.” He took Janine by the arm, adding, “Much as we can, given.”
    The elder Starvling led the young wife over to some chairs in the corner of the emergency room waiting area. Once they settled, Brandon studied everyone. After a moment, he said, “You know what? I’m feeling the need for some coffee. Can I bring anyone back a cup?”
    Hannah let out a breath. “Yes, thank you.”
    Everyone agreed to Brandon ’s offer and Papa Jay agreed to go with him in purchasing the drinks. “Be right back,” the young officer said with a smile. He then headed down a side hall with Papa Jay toward a sign indicating the cafeteria.
    Janine opened her purse and retrieved her cell phone. “I need to call my dad, if y’all don’t mind. He’s here, but was out and about when…” Her words trailed off as she dropped her head and tears ran the length of her face before dropping to the floor. Gran leaned over and wrapped her arms around the woman as she wept. After a few moments, she wiped her tears and gave a forced smile. “Sorry, that ain’t gonna do nobody any good.”
    “ It’ll do you good,” Hannah added, taking her new friend’s hand into hers. “You want me to give your dad a call for you?”
    Janine indicated no. “Thanks, but best this come from family.” She dialed as Hannah and Gran excused themselves to down the way. Hannah watched the conversation play out. Reading Janine’s body language, she found tension, some apprehension, and a lot of frustration. She managed to make out “You promised,” before Janine blew out a heavy, fast, puff of air, “ Because I… something, something… them ,” Hannah noted on Janine’s lips. The sleuth started filling in potential words and phrases. Because I need them. Because I know them. Because I… I… I don’t have a clue , she admitted to herself.  Don’t.  I don’t have them!
    Hannah stiffened. Her brow furrowed and her nose made its usual sign.  Gran, seeing this, turned to face her granddaughter. “Out with it. What did she say that has you going all Einstein?”
    Glancing down to the elder Starvling before refocusing on Janine, Hannah pondered. “I think she may have said, ‘I don’t have them.’”
    Janine tapped the phone off and closed her eyes for a moment. Hannah and Gran stood by, waiting for the young woman. After some time, she reopened her eyes and waved Hannah and Gran back. After they sat down again, Janine said, “He’ll be here soon. He was out, but nearby.” Hannah noted the tension in her voice, as did Gran, she assumed, given the concerned look the elder Starvling gave.
    “ Something wrong, dear?” Gran asked.
    Janine shrugged her shoulders. “It’s just Dad. He’s on his way. He came along to help guard Elias’ darn truffles, but earlier, he said he needed to step out. He hadn’t made it back and Elias was ready to postpone dinner until he showed up, but I talked him into going on.” She paused and peered at Hannah. “You think maybe this was my fault? If I hadn’t insisted on going out and all…”
    “ No,” Hannah interrupted, “it’s not. You did nothing wrong.”
    Janine gave an appreciative, yet doubtful smile. Hannah could tell she held onto her guilt.
    “Does your father usually work security for Elias?” Hannah asked.
    “ He’s never asked him before, but Elias seemed particular this time, more so than usual. Since he retired, Dad’s been working security jobs, being as he is so big and all.”
    The last bit of description caught Hannah ’s attention. Large enough for security, she contemplated. How big?  
    “ He used to play ball, you know. Professional. Played for the Birmingham Tornadoes. Linebacker.”
    Hannah knew little about football, but