Mistletoe Moussaka and Murder Read online

  MOUTH-WATERING PRAISE FOR TINA KASHIAN AND HER KEBAB KITCHEN MYSTERIES

  ON THE LAMB

  “Just what I like, a cast of interesting friends, community members, and suspects in an enjoyable mystery.”—Lesa Holstine’s Book Critiques

  “A wonderfully diverse and entertaining read.”—Reading Is My SuperPower

  “The perfect amount of mystery, humor, and romance.” —Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews

  ONE FETA IN THE GRAVE

  “With engaging dialogue, an eclectic cast of characters, and a perfect beach setting on a cold winter’s day, this was a delightfully charming adventure.”—Dru’s Book Musings

  “Top notch!”—Lisa Ks Book Reviews

  “The pacing of the clues, the red herrings, the revelation of the secrets are all well-placed and make for entertaining reading.” —The Cozy Pages

  STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA

  “This novel should be at the top of the to-be-read list for culinary mystery readers, not to mention those who appreciate their reads full of intrigue, romance, and humor.”—Kings River Life

  “With a warm cast of characters and an ingenious main character, this is a series that will prove delightful for cozy fans.” —The Parkersburg News and Sentinel

  “A fun cozy mystery that continues a great series. Grab a plate of hummus and some baklava for dessert and sit back and enjoy.” —Carstairs Considers

  Readers Selection Fresh Pick!—Fresh Fiction

  HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE

  “Clever and charming . . . A culinary delight that will have readers salivating over the food and hungry for literary answers.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

  “Likable characters and colorful kebab restaurant setting may whet the appetite of devotees of foodie mysteries.”—Library Journal

  “A delectable read.”—Shelley Freydont, best-selling author “With a great heroine and an interesting setting, this is a fun start to a new cozy series.”—The Parkersburg News and Sentinel

  The Kebab Kitchen Mystery Series by Tina Kashian

  Hummus and Homicide

  Stabbed in the Baklava

  One Feta in the Grave

  On the Lamb

  Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder

  MISTLETOE, MOUSSAKA, and MURDER

  A Kebab Kitchen Mystery

  Tina Kashian

  KENSINGTON BOOKS

  KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

  www.kensingtonbooks.com

  All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

  Table of Contents

  Praise

  Also by

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Author’s Note

  RECIPES

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Teaser chapter

  KENSINGTON BOOKS are published by

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  119 West 40th Street

  New York, NY 10018

  Copyright © 2020 by Tina Sickler

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

  If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

  Kensington and the K logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

  ISBN: 978-1-4967-2607-0

  ISBN-13: 978-1-4967-2608-7 (eBook)

  ISBN-10: 1-4967-2608-1 (eBook)

  For my parents, Anahid and Gabriel.

  Some of my favorite memories are of growing up and

  working in the restaurant.

  I miss you both every day!

  Chapter One

  “Let me get this straight. You want me to run into the freezing Atlantic Ocean in the middle of winter?”

  Lucy Berberian’s lips twitched as she gave her best friend, Katie Watson, her most convincing look.

  “That’s right,” Lucy said. “This year’s Polar Bear Plunge is to benefit the Ocean Crest senior center.”

  It was early December and the two friends were decorating a seven-foot Christmas tree and hanging wreaths and mistletoe throughout Kebab Kitchen. Lucy scanned the restaurant, noting the cozy maple booths, the tables covered with white tablecloths, and the neat stack of menus on the hostess stand. It was early morning and Kebab Kitchen wouldn’t open until the lunch shift, when it would serve its Mediterranean specialties. Through the large bay window was a lovely view of the Ocean Crest beach and the boardwalk, now covered in a sprinkling of snow. The Ferris wheel and old-fashioned wooden roller coaster on the boardwalk pier stood motionless and wouldn’t operate until the start of the summer season. But the small town was just as lively as ever and gearing up to celebrate the holidays. Festive parties, boardwalk craft shows, a town Christmas tree lighting, and much more was planned.

  Katie removed a bell ornament decorated with glitter from a stack of boxes and hung it on one of the branches of the artificial tree. “This year’s Polar Bear Plunge may be for a good cause, but I’m still not certain I want to—”

  Lucy reached into a box and pulled out a string of lights. “Of course you do! Don’t be a crab. It’s only a quick dip in the ocean. Don’t you want to help the seniors fundraise?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “My landlady, Mrs. Lubinski, told me the seniors are excited about the renovation, and they’re planning a dance to celebrate before construction begins. Plus, your grandma will have a nice new facility to play designer purse bingo in.”

  Katie pursed her lips. “You’re using my grandma as leverage?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Katie let out a puff of air. “Fine. You drive a hard bargain.”

  “Good, because if I’m going to freeze my butt off, I want my best friend by my side.”

  Lucy managed to untangle the string of lights and plug one end into the closest electrical socket, only to find tha
t just half the string lit up. Ugh. “One light must be bad. Why does this happen every year?”

  “It wouldn’t be Christmas decorating without a bad string of lights.” Katie stood on tiptoe to hang a reindeer ornament near the top of the seven-foot tree.

  Katie was much taller than Lucy, who was only five-foot-three inches. The two had been best friends forever, but were opposites in appearance. Katie had poker-straight blond hair, blue eyes, and skin that sunburned easily, whereas Lucy had dark curls, chocolate-colored eyes, and an olive complexion that resulted in a summer tan that lasted long after fall. Lucy’s Armenian, Lebanese, and Greek ethnicity definitely contributed to her ability to tan.

  “I’m flattered you want me by your side when we run into the ocean, but why not your hot chef-turned-fiancé?” Katie asked.

  As if on cue, the kitchen doors swung open and Azad Zakarian walked out carrying a loaded tray. No matter how many times Lucy saw the restaurant’s head chef, her heart did a pitter-patter. He was tall, dark-haired, and dark-eyed, but it wasn’t just his good looks and lean build that attracted her. He had a certain confidence, especially in the kitchen, that she found compelling.

  Nothing like a skilled chef in the kitchen, her mother often said. Over time, Lucy had grudgingly come to respect her mother’s opinion.

  “Hi, Katie. You’re just in time to taste test today’s specials.” Azad pointed to each dish on the tray, “Moussaka and chicken shish kebab as entrees; and the appetizers are octopus with olive oil, fennel, and lemon; tabbouleh salad; and spicy black bean hummus, artichoke hummus, and our traditional hummus. The pita bread is hot from the oven.”

  Katie’s face lit up like the star that topped the Christmas tree. “Bill’s going to be so jealous,” she said, referring to her husband, an Ocean Crest detective.

  Both Lucy and Katie picked up a small plate and fork and tasted each dish. The shish kebab was delicious, the tabbouleh nicely tart, and the hummus smooth with sesame seed puree, lemon, and garlic. But it was the moussaka, the layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, that melted in her mouth. Azad had outdone himself.

  “Oh my gosh!” Katie said. “It’s all so good, but the moussaka is fabulous. I could devour all of it.”

  Azad’s grin transformed his face into something even more striking. He picked up the tray and his muscles flexed beneath his chef’s coat. “I’ll pack a take-out container for Bill and some of the cops at the station.”

  “They’ll love it.” Katie set down her empty plate. “Hey, Azad. Are you going to do the Polar Bear Plunge?”

  Azad shook his head. “Someone has to hold down the fort here. I’ll be in the kitchen and Lucy’s parents agreed to help run the restaurant. But I promise to take a break and get to the beach as fast as I can with hot chocolate and towels for you both. Now, if you’ll pardon me, ladies, I’ll leave you to your decorating. I need to finish preparing for today’s service.” Azad disappeared into the kitchen.

  “You’re a lucky lady,” Katie said as she reached for some fake mistletoe. “Bill can’t boil water.”

  Lucy hadn’t always been so lucky, especially in the romance department. But since leaving her Philadelphia job at a law firm, a lot had happened, in and out of the kitchen.

  The sleigh bells above the door chimed and a slim blonde stepped inside. With a heart-shaped face and blue eyes, Susan Cutie was dressed in a mauve blouse and a stylish skirt that emphasized her slim waist. She was the owner of Cutie’s Cupcakes. Since returning to Ocean Crest, Lucy had been hooked on Susan’s lemon meringue pie. Lucy’s fondness for pie and baklava, combined with working in a restaurant all day, inspired her to jog the boardwalk three times a week.

  “Nice tree,” Susan said as she picked up an ornament that had fallen from a low tree branch and handed it to Katie. “I heard you are doing the Polar Bear Plunge. I came to tell you that Jake and I also just signed up to do it.”

  “You signed up together? Things must be heating up in the bakery with your new boyfriend,” Katie said.

  Susan’s face turned a shade red. “Jake’s been wonderful, and he’s taking me out for a romantic dinner tonight. I need to thank Lucy’s mom for introducing us.”

  Lucy rolled her eyes. “My mom already thinks she’s quite the matchmaker. This will encourage her to no end.”

  Angela Berberian was a fixture in town and had been head chef of Kebab Kitchen for thirty years before retiring. Lucy’s mother had tried to play matchmaker between Lucy and Azad for as long as Lucy could remember. Of course, that meant Lucy had avoided giving Azad a second chance after he’d broken her heart after college. But time, and Azad’s help with the restaurant, had a way of changing a lady’s mind.

  “If you and Jake get engaged, I’ll have lots of tips for you,” Katie said. “I’ve been taking my role as Lucy’s matron of honor seriously.”

  Lucy shot Katie a sideways glance. “A bit too seriously.” Her friend had been even more gung ho than her mother. Lucy hadn’t seen that coming. She’d always assumed her mother would be too meddling.

  “Nonsense. It’s never too early to start looking for reception halls. Not to mention bands, florists, and wedding gown shopping. I’ve been looking at catering halls online.”

  “We haven’t even set a date yet,” Lucy protested.

  Katie waved a dismissive hand. “Reception halls fill up. You need to plan months in advance. As soon as we’re finished here, I’m taking Lucy to one of the sites today.”

  Lucy looked at her in surprise. “Today?”

  “Yup. I already made an appointment,” Katie said.

  Lucy turned to Susan. “Take your time, Susan. There’s no pressure to get engaged.”

  A dreamy look crossed Susan’s face. “It doesn’t seem like pressure when you’re in love. Does it, Lucy?”

  “Susan’s right,” Katie said. “Love is what matters. As for the perfect wedding, what can go wrong when you plan in advance?”

  * * *

  Lucy held on to the handle above the Jeep’s door as Katie took a turn a bit too fast. “Jeez, Katie. Slow down. What’s the rush?”

  “You still haven’t gotten used to my driving, have you?” Katie asked as she sped down Ocean Avenue.

  “I don’t think I ever will.” Katie had a tendency to drive like Mario Andretti. Even worse, she’d often glance from side to side, sometimes waving at people on the sidewalk. Lucy wanted to turn her friend’s chin back to the road.

  Katie pushed through a yellow light. “Don’t get your panties in a twist. We’re almost there.”

  “Where are we headed again?” Lucy’s mind had gone blank a few blocks back from Katie’s driving. Self-preservation had kicked in.

  “I told you. The Sea View was closed for renovations, but reopened about six months ago. We need to check it out to see if it would be good for your reception.”

  “I still don’t see why we couldn’t wait to visit.”

  “I’m saving you time. Azad works all day in the kitchen. Would you rather go by yourself?”

  Good point. It was much nicer to tour possible wedding reception halls with a friend. This way, if Lucy really loved the place, she could bring Azad to look at it later. Thankfully, he was easygoing when it came to wedding planning. He’d often said he wanted her to be happy and would like whatever she liked. He also deferred to her about setting a date, which suited Lucy just fine.

  “I have another reason for visiting this place,” Katie said as she halted at the second of the two stoplights in the small town. “The township employees and their families have a holiday party at Rocco’s Ristorante every year, but Rocco retired without notice and moved to the Virgin Islands.”

  “The Virgin Islands? Wow! I know the restaurant business can be stressful, but that’s a big life change.” She couldn’t image her parents just closing shop and taking off for the Caribbean.

  “Tell me about it. Rocco abandoned a lot of people who had events booked. I need to find a new venue for our holiday party an
d fast. I was tasked with pricing the Sea View. Since the renovations, we hope the owner, Deacon Spooner, cuts the township a deal to help promote his business.”

  Katie worked for the Ocean Crest town hall and handled everything from collecting real estate taxes, to issuing dog and cat licenses, to handling zoning applications, and more. Her duties had expanded to being in charge of the township holiday party.

  They came to the edge of town. “I had no idea you were in charge of finding a new place for the township holiday party. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I would have happily come along,” Lucy said.

  “I want you to focus on your wedding—whenever it may be—and I’ll focus on town business.”

  They left Ocean Crest and arrived at their destination less than five minutes later. Katie slid into a spot and thrust the Jeep into Park.

  Lucy opened the door and stepped out. Her gaze was drawn to the building before her. An old, two-story manor house, it had eight white columns and looked like an elegant Southern plantation house. “Wow. I didn’t know this place existed.”

  “The renovation must have cost a pretty penny,” Katie said.

  They walked up the stone driveway, opened the double front doors, and stepped inside. A large chandelier in the vestibule cast a kaleidoscope of color on the floral, patterned carpet.

  “Hello?” Lucy called out.

  No answer.

  Katie shrugged. “Let’s check out the catering hall. Someone has to be around.”

  They pushed through a set of doors and entered the dining room. “From the looks of things, they are getting ready to have a party tonight,” Lucy said, gazing at the dozen tables set up around the room.

  Each was covered with alternating pink or white tablecloths and set with silver-rimmed china and flatware. Matching pink-and-white napkins were folded into elaborate swans. Flower arrangements of pink and white carnations with baby’s breath in vases graced each table, along with tea lights in glass holders. A wooden dance floor gleamed with polish, and an elevated stage showcased where a band could set up and play. The floral carpet they had seen in the entrance hall was repeated here. In the corner was a bar, the counter glossy and recently polished. Large windows were covered with custom gold drapes held back with gold tassels.