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

earlier words echoing through her head. “I’m staying, at least until I find out about Elias. They should know what to do at that point. If they’re staying or going.  I’ll let you know either way. If they suggest going back to the hotel, I’ll insist they stay with us because of the room. That way, we can all keep eyes on Janine and Mr. Wexler.”
    Once more, Gran looked back over her shoulder. She studied Janine, and Wexler, who talked with Papa Jay, before she turned back. “I doubt they’ll be going anywhere. She seems pretty dedicated to Elias. Mr. Wexler seems protective of his daughter. I’ll bet you a cookie that they stay here tonight, together.”
    “ What do you want us to bring you back?”
    “ Anything… and that cookie.”
    Gran grinned. “White Chocolate Macadamia. But just one.” She poked at her granddaughter’s side. “Got to watch your figure if this young man is going to show up.”
    “ Hym,” Hannah said with a broad smile. “I pray he does.”

Chapter 5
    Hannah made it back to the hotel just before midnight. Tired but in a good mood, the thought of the lengthy call to Hym earlier made her glow as she open ed the door to her room.  The conversation left her encouraged that he would be able to make the trip. When they finally hung up, she felt a mixture of emotions. Ending the call saddened her. Thinking of Hym made her smile.
    Once inside, Hannah ’s stomach rumbled. The late night fare that Gran and Papa Jay dropped off before they went back to the hotel left her still feeling hungry. Glancing around, she found two small bags from a nearby coffee shop setting on her bed. Each had a yellow sticky note. One was from Gran, the other from Papa Jay. She opened Gran’s first, finding a single, white chocolate cookie. The note read, “For you dear. One cookie for obvious reasons. Love, Gran.” Hannah smiled as she bit into the treat and her sea green eyes danced with delight at the taste. Opening the second bag, she found three more of the treats. Papa Jay’s note read, “Sweetness, don’t matter what’s on the outside, so long as what’s good is on the inside. Love, Papa Jay.”
    “ Love you,” she whispered to the air as she lay down.
    Hannah ’s intent was to finish off her cookies and get ready for bed. Instead, there was a knock on the door from her grandparent’s room. Her first thought was that it was one of the two checking to see if she made it in. But again, after checking the time, she found it to be approaching midnight. They would not interrupt her under normal circumstances. However, with Elias’ fall, normalcy is relative , she thought. She opened the door to see Papa Jay standing dressed. Gran was readying herself in the background. Fear crawled through Hannah’s gut.
    “ What’s wrong,” she asked in a desperate voice, “is Elias…”
    “ Fine as can be, I suppose.” Papa Jay twitched a little. “Now, Sweetness, don’t get upset, but your friend called.”
    “ Cate?”
    “ Boyfriend.”
    “ Hym?”
    “ You got any others?” Papa Jay said in a sarcastic tone.
    “ Jayland Michael!” Gran interceded. “Now is not the time.” She came to the door. “Your man called. He’s on his way to the hospital.”
    “ Back home?”
    “ Here,” Papa Jay stated, “he hurt his leg.”
    Hannah gave a confused look. Papa Jay frowned and scratched at his chin.
    “Well, seems he was gonna surprise you. Show up in the morning and take us all to breakfast, that sort of thing.”
    “ It’s called being romantic,” Gran said with a huff. “You could learn a thing or two.”
    Gran huffed, but Hannah encouraged her grandfather to continue with an urgent gesture.
    “ Anyway, he got here and fell at the baggage claim area and tore something loose. He’s on his way to the hospital by ambulance and should be there any minute.”
    An expression of utter disbelief fell on Hannah. She blinked as her mouth fell agape. Gran reached up and popped Papa Jay on the