Mrs. Tedesco's Missing Cookbook (A Hannah and Tamar Mystery 2) Read online

  MRS. TEDESCO’S MISSING COOKBOOK

  A Hannah & Tamar Mystery

  CHRISTA NARDI

  and

  CASSIDY SALEM

  Copyright © 2017 Christa Nardi

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-10: 0-9910547-9-2

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9910547-9-4

  This is a work of fiction. Although some of the locations may be real, others are fictitious. None of these events actually occurred. All characters are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real people is entirely coincidental.

  The reverse engineering, uploading and/or distributing of this ebook via the Internet or any other means without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and punishable by law.

  Cover Design by Victorine Lieske

  Previous books in this series:

  The Mysterious Package

  Table of Contents

  CHAPTER 1 The Plan

  CHAPTER 2 Parkview Heights

  CHAPTER 3 Mrs. Tedesco

  CHAPTER 4 House on Ellsworth Street

  CHAPTER 5 Mrs. Tedesco’s Next Request

  CHAPTER 6 The Search

  CHAPTER 7 Hidden Papers

  CHAPTER 8 Missing Money

  CHAPTER 9 More Finds

  CHAPTER 10 The Pantry

  CHAPTER 11 More Surprises

  CHAPTER 12 Follow the Money

  CHAPTER 13 Don’t Give Up

  CHAPTER 14 The Cookbook

  CHAPTER 15 Leonard’s Story

  CHAPTER 16 Answers

  CHAPTER 17 Celebration Time

  Authors’ Notes

  CHAPTER 1 The Plan

  The Senior Girls Service Club gathered in a classroom at Rosedale High. With ten members present, youthful laughter and chatter filled the room. After a few minutes, Hannah banged on the desk to get their attention.

  “Okay, we need to come up with our senior community service project. Anybody have any ideas?” Hannah looked around at her friends and hoped someone had a project in mind.

  “What about something with Parkview Heights – the housing for senior citizens? They aren’t destitute or anything, but I bet they’re lonely. Maybe we could visit and read to them or something.” Abby looked around to see who liked her idea.

  “Great idea, Abby! My grandma and poppy live in senior housing and always thank us for coming by since so many of their neighbors don’t get any visitors.” Trisha chimed in.

  Priscilla shook her head. “How long would we have to go there? Couldn’t we come up with something that doesn’t take a long time? Maybe offer to help with gardens or yard work?”

  It was Hannah’s turn to shake her head. “The Senior Boys Service Club took that on as their project already. We’ve put this off too long – I know we’ve all been busy with college applications but now we need to get back to what the Girls Service Club is about.”

  No one said anything for a few minutes. “Abby made a suggestion. Anyone have any other suggestions?”

  Trisha broke the silence. “I say we vote on it if no one has a better idea.”

  With no arguments or discussion, Hannah called for a vote. Priscilla was the only one who voted against it.

  “Okay, so what’s the next step?” Abby asked.

  “Someone needs to contact the manager at Parkview Heights and set up a time for a few of us to go meet with them. They have to agree to let us come out there and identify the people interested in our project. Abby, can you make contact? Then maybe you, Trisha, and I can meet with them? Anyone else want to go to the meeting?” Hannah looked around as she stopped speaking.

  Abby and Trisha nodded, and Hannah continued, “Okay, this meeting is dismissed – We’ll keep you posted.”

  Hannah scribbled a quick note for the faculty advisor, Ms. Simmons. Girls jabbered as they picked up their books and jackets and left. Except for Priscilla. Hannah looked up and saw her classmate’s eyes brimmed with tears.

  “Priscilla, what’s wrong?”

  “I can’t do a project with old people. Old people die.” Priscilla sobbed. Hannah put her arm around her but didn’t have a clue what to say.

  “My granny died last month. I can’t… I can’t…”

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. Was she sick long?”

  “Uh huh.” Grabbing some tissue, Priscilla wiped her tears and blew her nose. “She’d been sick for the past year. My mom says she’s at least not in pain any more. I still miss her.”

  “I understand… Let’s see what happens. A lot of the people who live at Parkview Heights aren’t sick at all and aren’t that old.”

  The girls walked out together. Hannah hoped they could come up with some way for Priscilla to be involved in the project that wouldn’t upset her.

  Hannah smiled when she saw her sister, Tamar, waiting in the parking lot by the green Subaru Outback they shared. Tamar was a year younger, and a junior. The sisters looked so much alike people often mistook them for twins. Both girls had dark brown hair and hazel eyes, and shared many expressions. When they both wore their hair loose, the natural curls in Hannah’s hair made it appear shorter than Tamar’s straight mane.

  “Glad you smiled when you saw me. You walked out the door like the world might end. Something happen between you and Scott?” Tamar rattled.

  “I keep telling you Scott and I are just friends. Saw him at lunch and we talked about that new fantasy movie that came out. He’s gonna check and find out when it opens.”

  Tamar laughed. “Hannah, that’s called a date! Or at least it will be when you go to the movies. I saw the trailer for that one – it looked awesome.”

  Hannah shook her head, not quite sure it was a date and not wanting to get her hopes up. Not quite sure Scott thought it was a date either. She was sure they were friends though.

  “So how’d your American History test go?”

  “Okay, I think. It was much harder than I expected.” Tamar grimaced. “Oh, and Mr. Bell caught Connor cheating, again. This time he tried to look over Ben’s shoulder to see his answers.”

  Hannah’s eyes widened in surprise. Rosedale High has a zero tolerance policy for cheating. Second chances were rarely an option. Then again, Mr. Bell was a dedicated teacher who would give students every chance to succeed.

  “Sounds like he’ll have to do summer school.”

  “Yup. Or redo the entire year.” Tamar gazed out the window. “Can you imagine Dad’s reaction if one of us got caught cheating?”

  “No. And I don’t plan on ever finding out.”

  The girls put away their books and started dinner as soon as they got home. The girls’ mother worked as a paralegal for the Assistant District Attorney at the county courthouse. Most days she left directions and everything that could be done ahead of time was already done. That made it easy for the sisters to have dinner ready when both parents got home.

  Mr. Bertolet took a deep breath as he entered the house. “Smells good. You two are great cooks just like your mother.”

  The girls chuckled and came downstairs in time to hear Mrs. Bertolet call out from the kitchen. “Thanks for getting everything finished up girls. Let’s get all this food on the table and then you can tell us about your day.”

  “So who’s going first tonight?” their dad asked.

  The girls exchanged looks and finally Hannah began, “I guess me. The Senior Girls Service Club met today to try to figure out our senior project. It’s hard to come up with something original.”

  “Shouldn’t that have been settled by now?” he asked.

  Han
nah took a deep breath. “Yes, Dad it should have been. Ideally, by the end of last year. But it wasn’t. I had a hard time finding a date to meet and we all have been overwhelmed with college stuff.”

  “They have a cool idea!” Tamar interjected to lighten the tension.

  “What’s the idea?” their mother asked.

  “You know that development over near the mall? Parkview Heights? It’s for senior citizens.”

  With nods from her parents, Hannah continued, “Abby suggested we could do something for them – visit, read with them. Some of the residents may be all alone and no one visits them. We could certainly do that. Maybe run errands for them, even.”

  “Have you talked with the Parkview Heights management office?” Mr. Bertolet’s law firm specialized in estate law and probate. “I do a lot of consulting out there and I know Mr. Asher. If I can help you set something up, just ask. You’re right that many of the people there have no one to visit or talk to them.”

  “Abby is setting up a time for us to meet with the manager. I’ll let you know if we need you to run interference.”

  “Okay, Tamar, your turn.”

  Tamar repeated most of what she had told Hannah already.

  The girls’ father shook his head. “His parents must be so disappointed. I hope you both know how proud of you we are.”

  After clean up, the girls started toward their rooms.

  “Not so fast, girls. Did you feed Sheba?” their dad asked. At the girls’ nods, he added, “And your dog needs some exercise.”

  The girls shrugged and nodded at each other. Hannah leashed the pudgy yellow lab, and they took her for a walk.

  CHAPTER 2 Parkview Heights

  Abby, Trisha, and Hannah arrived at Parkview Heights a few minutes early for their meeting and got a feel for the place. The development looked like a neighborhood with townhouses surrounding a central set of buildings. The girls headed for the one marked “Management” to meet with Mr. Asher.

  “Good afternoon. Can I help you?” The receptionist smiled.

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m Hannah Bertolet. My friends are Abby Jones and Trisha Kirkland. We have a meeting with Mr. Asher at 4 o’clock.”

  “Nice to meet you. You can take a seat over there. Mr. Asher will be with you in a few minutes.”

  The girls sat down on the leather couch to wait. Brochures were scattered on a nearby table. Hannah picked out one of the brochures and passed the other girls some of the others. The brochures talked about the different housing options for residents, the availability of nursing staff, and various activities available in the Community Center. Meal plans were available as well as other services. Hannah gasped at some of the prices.

  A door opened and a tall, bearded man with greying hair walked into the room. “Hello girls. I’m Mr. Asher. Won’t you come in to my office? I’m very excited about your proposal.”

  The girls jumped up, all smiles. Hannah took the lead with introductions again.

  “Nice to meet you girls. Hannah, I’ve met your father. He comes out here to meet with some of his clients. Did he prompt this idea?”

  “No, sir. I didn’t know he came out here at all before last week. Abby was the one who suggested Parkview Heights.” Hannah nodded to Abby.

  “My grandparents live in a development like this in New Jersey. Whenever we visit them, they’re glad to see us. They always mention how sad it is that some of the people never have visitors. I brought up the idea that the Girls Senior Service Club could come here to visit with residents whose families might not live close by and who might be lonely.”

  “That’s absolutely correct. Many of the residents are retired and no longer needed their bigger houses now their children are grown up and moved away. They worry about keeping up the house and yard. Here at Parkview, we take care of the upkeep and management, and as needed, provide other services as well.”

  “Mr. Asher, do you have some way of finding out who might want visitors or someone to read to them? Maybe run errands for them?” Trisha chimed in.

  Mr. Asher smiled and tapped his fingers together. “We have a social director, Melanie Meeker. If you girls can put together a one-page summary of what you might be able to provide, Melanie can share that with our residents. Then if they are interested, they can sign up.” He leaned back before he continued. “I suspect there are a few we might think would be interested, but who won’t sign up – at least not right away.”

  “So what would our next step be, Mr. Asher?”

  “Well, Hannah, once you get me a description, I’ll share it with Melanie. She will contact you as soon as the first few residents sign up, and then as more sign up. We’ll need to do basic background checks. I’m sure that won’t be a problem for you girls. Will that work?”

  The three girls nodded, all smiles. Mr. Asher stood and the girls followed suit. He walked them out. Once away from the building their excitement erupted. Any residents who saw them jumping and clapping and laughing have to wonder what was up. They went right to work on the summary and a list of potential activities.

  At home, Hannah shared what had transpired at the meeting. Her mother and Tamar were very excited.

  “Dad, Mr. Asher asked about you. He said you work with many of the residents at Parkview. If you know of some who are lonely or need someone to read to them or something, can you mention the project to them?”

  “I’ll give it some thought and see if anyone comes to mind. In the meantime, you have schoolwork and chores, so be careful not to take on too much. Some of the residents… some of them are so lonely they’ll want you there all the time. You’ll need to set limits.”

  “I get it. What we are offering is an hour once or twice per week. It shouldn’t interfere with my other responsibilities any more than the volunteer work Tamar does at the animal shelter.”

  After dinner, Hannah emailed the information to Ms. Meeker. She also emailed the service club members and scheduled a meeting for later in the week. Excited to finally get the service project going, Hannah had trouble concentrating on her studies.

  Barely on time for the Service Club meeting, Hannah received an email from Ms. Meeker with the names of interested residents. She expected more to sign up in the next few days.

  “Okay, let’s get this meeting started. Trisha, Abby and I met with folks at Parkview – our project is a go. In fact, we already have three people interested. Their social director, Ms. Meeker thinks there will be more by the end of the week.”

  Everyone started talking at once and the noise level escalated. Hannah noticed the only one quiet was Priscilla.

  “Here’s what I suggest. First, Priscilla, could you track the residents who are interested, the activities, and who is available for which options the residents might request?”

  Priscilla smiled in relief. “I can do that – I’ll set up a spreadsheet. Easy. Then I’ll share it with you guys on Google docs.”

  “Okay, that’s one piece. We’ll each need to complete basic background checks, so get me a copy of your driver’s license and the signed form I emailed you this morning. We need for someone to meet with these three women to find out what we can do to help them. We don’t want them to have to wait too long to hear from us or no one will take us seriously. I can meet with one of them tomorrow. Who else for this week?”

  Abby and Trisha raised their hands first. “Awesome. Can the rest of you let Priscilla know your availability – both time and what you would be willing to do? Once we get started, we could be very busy!”

  “Hannah, what should we say or do the first time we meet with them?”

  “We need to keep it simple. Introduce yourself, tell them about the project and how glad we are they signed up. Ask them how we can be of service. Give some suggestions – reading to them, running errands, playing cards, and such. What do you think?”

  Trisha shook her head. “That sounds good. I guess we’ll see how it goes.”

  “Remember, these women – well, so far only women –
are probably lonely, so we may not have to do a lot of talking. That’s certainly what I’ve found with my grandparents,” Abby offered.

  “My dad said something similar and stressed the need to be clear about how long we stay there and how often,” Hannah added.

  “After you each meet your person, can you share how it went?” Cassie asked.

  Hannah, Abby, and Trisha exchanged glances and all three nodded. “Sure, we can give you a general idea and keep you posted of anything you need to be careful about,” Hannah offered. “If someone decides they’re not interested, just tell Priscilla and she can assign you someone else.”

  The girls discussed the project, their classes, and their social lives for a while longer. Priscilla tried to nail down each one on when they were available and Hannah gave her the names of the first three women with the assignments. Hannah collected the paperwork from Abby and Trisha to deliver to Mr. Asher. All three girls would meet their ‘match’ the next day.

  CHAPTER 3 Mrs. Tedesco

  Hannah was nervous about her first meeting with Mrs. Tedesco. She’d searched social media, but wasn’t surprised to find almost nothing. All she found was a newspaper clipping and photo from thirty years ago. In the photo, Mrs. Tedesco was a beautiful woman at a charity event for the Heart Association.

  At Parkview Heights, Hannah parked across the way from Unit 1277. It was a stand-alone unit. The brochures has indicated that these self-sufficient units were bought and owned by their residents, who were more or less able to care for themselves. Mrs. Tedesco’s pale blue unit was located midway down a row of almost identical single-story units, all in pastel colors with uniform landscaping schemes.

  Before she could knock, the door opened and a woman smiled at her.

  “Hannah? Are you Hannah Bertolet?”