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

later, with a pre-rented car in hand, the group headed out for Zebulon.
    As they drove into the town, Buster noted an addition to the ‘Welcome to Zebulon’ sign. It displayed in bold lettering, Home of Julia Karas: The Darlin’ of America’s Kitchen. Driving through the small community, they found banners and street signs announcing the festival. Most read
Celebrating Julia’s Legacy. First Anniversary Memorial. Saturday, September 20, 8:00 P.M
. Other announcements praised the late star. Or they stated how missed she was in handwritten signs and window paints. Many had the words, “Always with love, Julia,” repeating the signature sign off of her television show.”
    The three friends found themselves amazed at the love the town showed for Julia. It was as if she had never met with her accident. The obvious devotion showed on almost every business window and on houses and lawns throughout.
All this joy
, thought Hannah,
despite it all representing a resurrection, so to speak
.
    “This is it. Just pull up in the driveway,” Buster said. Louie’s house was a small, two story, wood framed, yet well-maintained gray house with white trim. Once the car stopped, he headed around to the trunk and pulled out the bags. He followed Cate and Hannah up the front steps, and watched as his cousin rang the doorbell several times. Hannah smiled as she noted their anticipation at seeing Louie.
    While waiting, Hannah caught herself assessing the scenery. To take in her surroundings was one aspect that came along with her inquisitive nature. “Comes with the territory,” she would say when someone called out her curious nature.
    After a moment, Louie appeared at the door and opened it. His appearance was just as Hannah had imagined. Still, she began making a mental chart of him. “Large, maybe 6’1”. Not unfit, but not athletic. Late forties. Looks younger because he has the happy thing going on. Graying, faded reddish hair and day old beard growth. Hazel eyes that twinkle when he smiles, seeming so big he appears to be squinting. Casual style. Over-sized purple t-shirt. Faded blue jeans and worn out running shoes.” On a first impression, she found him likeable.
    “Hey, big guy!” Buster cried out, dropping the bags to hug his friend.
    “Hey! Back at you, man. Don’t you both look great,” Louie shouted with laughter. He released Buster and took Cate in his arms in much the same manner. After a brief exchange with his lifelong friends, he turned to Hannah. His eyes immediately focused on the Victorian style top hat with mechanically enhanced goggles over the brim that rested on her head. “And you must be Hannah?”
    “Guilty,” she said, extending a hand. She was rather shocked when he pushed it aside and hugged her as he had done with her friends. “Pleased to meet you. These two have told me all about you. Makes me feel as if I have known you forever. Thanks so much for coming.”
    Hannah grinned as she looked over Louie’s shoulder at Cate. “My pleasure,” she said, catching her breath.
Louie’s hug was ‘breathtaking’ in a literal sense
, she thought to herself.
    Everyone proceeded to make their way inside. Louie gestured around the interior of the large room with oversized furniture. “Kick off your shoes, make yourselves at home.”
    On one wall was a huge LED TV that had to be 60 inches or more. Sports memorabilia covered the wall at the end of the room, with signed jerseys from top athletes from many teams. It did not take a detective to surmise from Louie’s passion and the room’s décor that he was a confirmed bachelor.
This is the definition of ‘man cave’
, she thought.
    “I can show you where your rooms are now or in a while, whichever you prefer?”
    Since Buster had already dropped their luggage in the entry, all agreed to go relax for a bit. As they started to find places to sit, Hannah noticed many items on the other wall in the massive room. She walked over to find pictures of Julia