Page 174 of Triggered By Love
“They’re understudies for the stars,” Jason said. “I went over the program and they used the names of the stars. The understudies are usually in the chorus line.”
“What about Harvey Leach?” Avery pointed out. “He was dancing in the chorus line. He knows everyone.”
“He’s also a suspect,” Jason said. “I’m not sure how we’re going to trap any of them.”
“Didn’t Blade spill the beans?”
Jason’s frown ran deep, furrowing his brow. “He claims you received a message inside a box of chocolates.”
“That’s funny.” Avery scratched her head. “A few days back Richie called and asked if I got a box of chocolates. I was busy, so I said I enjoyed the treat. He seemed confused and asked if there was anything more. I told him they were delicious and hung up.”
“Why would Richie ask about chocolates with Larry Leach’s fingerprints on them?” Jason asked. “Which box are we talking about?”
“Did you eat them already?” Avery asked. “The box I gave you?”
“Oh, shit!” Jason slapped the side of his head. “I gave those chocolates to Mrs. Bonet before the fashion show.”
“We have to get to her place,” Avery cried. “The chocolates could be poisoned. No wonder she got sick.”
Chapter Fifty-Seven
“Why,Jason, Avery, how wonderful to see you.” Mrs. Bonet hustled Jason and Avery into her apartment. “Jason, I was so worried when I heard you got shot. Avery, I understand why you didn’t call me. The news was horrible, but your darling brother called to let me know you two are fine, although getting your arm shot out is not really okay, is it?”
“No, ma’am.” Jason’s weight shifted from foot to foot as if he had to pee. He glanced around her apartment and spotted the bouquet of tulips, looking slightly wilted, but no box of chocolates.
Mrs. Bonet was obviously still alive, so maybe there was nothing wrong with the chocolate.
“Avery, darling, did you know Jason stopped by before the show and brought me those beautiful tulips?” Mrs. Bonet steered Avery toward the flowers. “He’s a very thoughtful man.”
“Yes, he is,” Avery said. “Did you also enjoy the chocolate?”
“I still have some left,” Joan answered. “They’re much too expensive to indulge in alone. Shall we share them? Let me brew some coffee. Jason, how do you take yours?”
“With cream, no sugar,” he answered. It was hard to wait because he wanted to rip the box open and see what was inside.
He was on pins and needles until Joan poured the coffee and opened the gold-leafed box.
“Were they good?” Avery asked. “Which one do you recommend?”
Joan pulled out the guidebook high-end chocolatiers included in their package. “It depends on what you like. The one I ate was heavenly.”
She pointed to the one which had a cherry center soaked in whiskey and vermouth surrounded in a dark ganache.
“Did you eat it before the fashion show?” Avery asked.
“I thought to share some with you,” Joan said. “I tucked a few in a sandwich bag. I have to admit I nipped one at the after-party, but when you got sick, I forgot about the rest of them. Let’s try another one now.”
Jason held his breath while Avery put her hand on Joan’s to stop her from taking one.
“I’ll replace this box with a new one,” she said. “But we have reason to believe the chocolates have been tampered with.”
“That’s so romantic,” Joan said, placing a hand on Jason’s shoulder.
“Romantic?” Jason blurted, wondering what the heck was going on.
“Yes, Avery, dear,” Joan said. “I do believe Jason meant for me to share the discoveries with you.”
She bustled into her kitchen while Avery gaped at him. “Are you setting something up I don’t know about?”
