Pastrami Murder: Book One in The Darling Deli Series Read Online Free PDF Page A

competitor. “A few months ago, I guess? During the fair in June. We both had tables for the food contest.”
    “Did you win?”
    “No, he did.” She smiled at the memory of the fair. It had been hot out, but with a gentle breeze. She and Darrin had been working the table; Candice had been out of town with some of her friends, and she hadn’t hired Danielle yet. In fact, she remembered seeing Danielle at the Soup Shoppe’s table. Even though she hadn’t won the contest, it had been a fun experience, and one that she was eager to repeat next year.
    “How did you feel about that?” he asked.
    “Oh, it was fun. It was a fair contest, and his soup was great,” she admitted.
    “And you haven’t seen him since?”
    “I don’t think so. I mean, I might have glimpsed him at the grocery store, or while I was out driving. It’s a small town.” She shrugged. “But I haven’t spoken to him since the fair.”
    “Not even on the night of his death? Saturday night?”
    “No. Like I told you before, I bought groceries and then I went home.”
    “Did Devou come into your restaurant before you left?”
    “He never comes to the deli. Saturday night wasn’t any different.” Moira frowned. “What is this all about?”
    “Ms. Darling, does your restaurant do deliveries?” Jefferson asked, ignoring her question.
    “We don’t deliver,” she said. “We do catering sometimes, but only after hours. It’s not something we advertise.” The detective raised an eyebrow.
    “Well, did you cater to Henry Devou’s house that evening?” he asked.
    “We haven’t had any catering jobs since November. You can check our schedule.” Sighing, she asked, “Will you please tell me why I’m in here? I really don’t have any idea what’s going on.”
    “A takeout container from your deli was found at Henry Devou’s house, Ms. Darling. It had the remnants of soup from your store in it.”
    “I have no idea why he would have bought soup from the deli, but I just don’t understand what that has to do with me or my employees.”
    “Henry Devou was poisoned, Ms. Darling,” the other detective, Fitzgerald cut in. “And your soup was the last thing that he ate.”
     

CHAPTER 8
    Moira was shocked speechless. Henry Devou had been poisoned? Who would have killed him? She had no doubt that the man had enemies, but things like this just didn’t happen in Maple Creek. It took her a moment to wrap her mind around the fact that someone that she knew had been murdered. Even though she didn’t like him very much—he was rude, ambitious, and didn’t seem to care who he stepped on his way to the top – it was a shock. Finally, she realized the real implications of what the detective had just said.
    “Wait, are you saying that you think I poisoned him?”
    “We’re just gathering information right now, Ms. Darling.” Jefferson made a calming motion with his hands. “We’re still investigating the crime. You’re just a person of interest right now. I’m going to have to ask you not to leave town without talking to me first. As long as you cooperate with us, all of this will be over soon enough. Is that understood?” Moira nodded, still in shock.
    “Am I… am I under arrest?” she asked in a quiet voice.
    “No ma’am, not at this time.”
    “Can I go then? My daughter… she’ll be worried about me.” Moira was sick as the thought of what she was going to tell Candice. Henry Devou had been murdered, and the police were pointing fingers at her store.
    “Just a few more questions, Ms. Darling, and then you can be on your way.”
    Moira went straight from the police station to the deli, where she was relieved to find Candice and Darrin already preparing for the day. Candice took one look at her mother’s face and rushed over.
    “What is it, Mom? What happened?” she asked. Darrin followed slowly behind her, concern creasing his forehead. Moira felt tears prick her eyes at the sight of their worried faces. Her world