A Deadly Dinner in Dionis: A Nantucket Murder Mystery Series

By Hunter Laroche

A Deadly Dinner In Dionis is Hunter Laroche's Third book in the Nantucket Murder Mystery series.
Its takes place in the spring, summer, and fall seasons on Nantucket Island. When The Dionis Dinner Club guests gather once a month for gourmet dinner parties, the wines and delicious dinner courses flow, but after one of these lovely gatherings one guest falls ill. Could that have any ties to the last dinner party?
Be careful whom you choose to dine with!
Ahh the plot thickens......

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781728361123

Hunter Laroche

Hunter Laroche arrived on Nantucket Island in the late 1970s and has continued visiting during the summer months ever since. He still spends most of his time traveling the globe, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and Florida, to mention a few.

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Copyright © 2020 Hunter Laroche. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/12/2020

ISBN: 978-1-7283-6113-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-6112-3 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Asparagus

Prosciutto And Asparagus

Broccoli

Broccoli Saute

Lentil

Winter Lentil Soup

Spinach

Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing

Mussel

Mussels A’la Anisette

Clam

Clams Casino A’la Homer Ray

Pork

Pork Roast With Sweet Balsamic Glaze

Eggplant

Eggplant Caponata Appetizer

Cauliflower

Gratin

Crab

Crab Pesto Pasta

Avocado

Avocado And Feta Dip

Butternut Squash

Wine Is The Best Social Lubricant

Spaghetti Squash

Primaveralooks Like You Are

Using An Invalid Zip Code.

Brussel Sprout

Roasted Brussel

Sprouts And Bacon

Green Bean

Green Beans Almandine

Acorn Squash

Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash

Zucchini

Spaghetti Squash With Goat

Cheese And Zucchini

Cucumber

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Cantaloupe Melon

Cantaloupe

Bananna

Banana Pudding

Apple

Apple Waldorf Salad

Carrot

Carrots With Butter Honey And Lemon Juice

Roquefort

Roquefort Dressing

Strawberry

Strawberry-Lemon Lattice Pie

Kale

Kale And Cranberry Salad

Olive

Blue-Cheese Stuffed Olives

DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this book in memory to an old friend, Leonard Drabkin. Who to me was a truly inspired wine and food lover!

His wife Ann of many years was, and I am sure still is, a fantastic cook. They warmly invited me into her kitchen where I enjoyed several fantastic meals complimented with wonderful wines from Lenny’s cellar. The dinners were prepared in their lovely Connecticut home. Everyone would gather around their dining room table enjoying marvelous several coursed meals, fine wines and ports, and warm conversations.

Leonard had a massive cellar of white and red wines, not to mention his separate cellar that contained many different vintage ports.

The fun times on Nantucket as well as in Connecticut, will always remain in my mind. You’re often and fondly in my thoughts Lenny.

There are other characters in my books that are constantly in my thoughts who have, sadly to say, departed this world;

John Krebs, Ken Welch (K.W.) Joe Pantorno, John Billings, Dr. Tom and Ann Sollas, Rob Asbell. These days I have a hard time reading the obituary pages as I am hoping not to see my name listed!

Hunter

For Nick….

May the light from the diamonds always guide your way

The same water that softens potato, hardens an egg, as it’s all about what your made of, not the circumstances

Pathologists Report

Summary

The following is a summary on Case Docket #254019 recorded in Nantucket Cottage Hospital, 7-24-1974

Assisted and recorded by staff nurse Kate O’Riordan.

Complete blood work and temperature and other statistics are on attached pages.

Date July 8th, 1974

Dr. Thomas Brielman, Pathologist, registered at Cape Cod Hospital Hyannis Mass. Operating Physician Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

Telephone [phone] extension 4

Date of recorded death July 5th, 1974 confirmed at Nantucket Cottage Hospital by the nurse in charge of the fourth-floor nurses’ station, Lori Caputo time recorded 10:30 A.M.

The deceased had been transported by ambulance from patient’s home to the Nantucket Cottage Hospital after an emergency call was received by the dispatcher at the Nantucket Police Department at 8:45 A.M. The call was made by the patient’s spouse, regarding an unconscious person. Reason of death with this finding is inconclusive.

The patient was reported ill and resting at home, as reported from the spouse for two days. The patient was examined at Dr. Christopher Meyers office after making an appointment for 2 PM on July 2nd, 1974.

The patient had been complaining of a dull headache for a few days followed by bouts of vomiting, faintness, blurry vision and feeling terribly fatigued. The patient also had Diarrhea and muscle cramps along with a high fever which had lasted over a forty-eight-hour time frame.

Two prescriptions were written (see attached notes) and the patient was sent home for extended bed rest and recommended to drink plenty of liquids, along with a rice and hamburger blend for meals, and clear soups in between.

No caffeine drinks were to be consumed for at least the first 24 hours, possibly longer if patient was still feeling poorly.

The mucosa and the wall of esophagus were found intact and had a gray-pinkish color.

Blood samples were taken, all pertinent findings appear to be in line without any abnormalities. (see attached sheet 1B for completed blood work)

To the best knowledge, my pathology report findings are that the patient expired from ailing natural causes aggravated by fever leading to the death. There was no conclusive signs of a stroke or heart problems.

A urine screen was Negative for any drugs.

Body temperature seemed high at time of death recorded by nurse Caputo. For more detailed notes refer to report on attached pages, items 6A and B.

Dr. Thomas Brielman

Nantucket Cottage Hospital

ASPARAGUS

Asparagus, or garden asparagus, scientific name Asparagus Officinalis is a spring vegetable a flowering perennial plant. It was once classified in the lily family, native to most of Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia and is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.

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"A DINNER IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE

FORK YOU CHOOSE TO USE"

In the past several weeks Kosmo would wake up from the same reoccurring dream… and remember it vividly exactly as it happened during his sleep. It began the same way each dream at least once a week if not more.

It was always the same where he was taking his time strolling up Broad Street late in the afternoon in early September. He looked up at the trees that were slightly blowing in the breeze. The brownish coloring of the leaves we’re already close to beginning their slow descent off their branches and collecting on the sides of the street, as the fall temperatures in New England were becoming cooler rather quickly for this time of year. The days wore on and the sun started to set earlier with each passing day. Except for a warm front every now and then, it was unseasonably cool.

Something about the autopsy report on the death that occurred back in early July was still bothering him. It just did not seem correct to the Constable. It was continually weighing heavy on his mind. Kosmo still could not get a grasp on it, but something just did not fit in correctly with this death. He thought about how and where he could try to find the truth that he was searching for.

Again, as he slowly walked up the street, he asked himself, what is it about this death? There was something not quite right, but he could not figure out what was the rhyme or reason it bothered him so. Even after such a busy summer, why did this remain in his thoughts?

Even after all these months that had passed, why was he still questioning the findings of the coroner’s office as inconclusive?

Kosmo was puzzled, repeatedly. Why did this death that seemed to be so normal keep him awake at night? His thoughts often drifted while reading a book or writing a memo, always bringing him back to the day the call came into the police station. Even with all the things that occurred during the busy summer months, this was always in the back of his mind.

Something did not feel right in his gut from the very start when he had the first meeting with the coroner about the cause of death. Kosmo had gone over it several times in the last few months. He read the autopsy report and went over all the interviews with the people who knew the victim at the time of death personally. He was also confused about the state of health of the deceased.

The unsettling feeling always haunted him in his late evening thoughts and visions while sitting in his study at home and in his dreams while in a deep sleep, where he believed the true answer was to be found on this untimely and what he personally believed to be a strange and questionable death. He knew there was an answer and it kept nagging at him from inside.

But this time the answer he was looking for evaded him. Never in the past had an answer been so prolonged in coming forth in his mind.

This vision usually could take anywhere from a couple of weeks or longer possibly up to a month and a half, which was the longest time frame ever for the correct answer to come clearly into his focus. This time, it was now almost four months later, he felt no closer to the correct outcome or the true answer to his theories and thoughts. Maybe he should just let it stand to reason and let a sleeping dog lay.

A few scenarios had come into his thoughts but none of them made any sense. Even with all the different ideas that he added into his thoughts many times over in the last few months. None made enough sense to find a clear outcome. Something was bothering him. Something did not fit. What was it, he asked himself?

Kosmo decided to stop into the Tap Room as he had reached the top of Broad Street, which was located inside the lower part of the Jared Coffin Hotel. The moment he entered June Hutton the hostess greeted him with a smile. She stepped around from the podium and gave him a warm hug. Kosmo how are you? she asked.

Hey there June, I’m good, really good. I heard that you recently took a trip to Florida. Naples was it?

"Yes, you are correct Kosmo. I went down to see some family friends who have been asking me for several years to come and visit them. I finally booked the trip and I spent five glorious long days walking along the beautiful gulf beach, reading a couple of books, mainly relaxing and watching the amazingly breath taking and beautiful, sunsets.

I am already planning on going back down for six weeks in the beginning of January which is great time to depart the ‘rock’ for more of the glorious sunshine and the warm surf!"

Kosmo gave her a wink and said, Send me a post card while you’re there soaking up the sun. I have heard that Naples is really a beautiful spot. He gave her another wink and approached the bar where John Krebs the bartender had already started placing empty shot glasses in front of the Constable. Krebs, as everybody called him, started naming off everyone who offered to buy him a drink. Kosmo said, Krebs, my friend, I will gladly have a ginger-ale in a large pint glass and please thank all the fine citizens of this establishment that have offered the drinks. Please tell them the same thing I say every time they offer to purchase me a drink, let them know they are recognized and thanked but it might be considered ‘bribing of a law official’ if I accepted their graciousness.

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Prosciutto and Asparagus

12 shaved thin Asparagus

12 sliced prosciutto slices

½ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Par boil prepared Asparagus for 4 minutes until slightly tender

Chill in an ice bath for ten minutes, pat dry, wrap each Asparagus with the Prosciutto, sprinkle with the Parmesan. Bake in oven at 375* for 5 minutes

BROCCOLI

Broccoli is an edible green plant from the cabbage family, who’s large flowering head is eaten as a vegetable the word broccoli come from the Italian plural word broccoli which means The flowering crest of cabbage and is the diminutive form of Bracco meaning small nail or Sprout" Broccoli is often boiled or steamed but may be eaten in its raw form.

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"THERE IS NO SINCERE LOVE MORE

THAN THE LOVE OF FOOD"

May 1974

As Roberta Reis was sitting at her brightly sunlit solid oak kitchen table that was surrounded with bay windows on three sides, she took a sip of her steaming cup of Ceylon tea, a blend she always picked up from a specialty store in the north end of Boston on one of her frequent trips off the island.

Roberta glanced out of the large kitchen window that overlooked Dionis bay, and she could see Tracy Dyment along with her three boys McLain, Brady, and Will loading their kayaks into the water, it was a weekly ritual for all of them when the weather permitted.

Mornings like these gave her such a great and wonderful zest for the days that lay ahead. In the sky there were a few low hanging scattered clouds, but the bright glowing sun was starting to break the clouds away.

Roberta had already written a preliminary letter, similar to the ones that she had sent out in previous years to the members of the Dionis Dinning Club, as she had nick named their little group gatherings that were held once a month in the summer season while many of the couples were on Nantucket.

These fun gourmet evenings were almost always planned to take place on a Saturday evening, unless a prior engagement precluded that day of the week with some their friends.

Roberta’s thoughts, although they were always far in advance of even the first get together, were don’t forget to purchase some Cabot cheese the Signature Collection while on her next trip to Boston. She chuckled to herself remembering one evening several years prior before her guests were to arrive for the gathering of the Dionis Dinning group. Roberta was in her kitchen sitting at the counter enjoying a small plate of Cabot Signature Collection, the Extra Sharp White Vermont Cheddar with an assortment of crackers, when unexpectantly someone was knocking on her front storm door. Roberta looked up and saw that Logan Cate had appeared on her front stoop. Roberta opened the front storm door. There stood Logan in his tweed sports coat and kerchief. Hi there, sport. Roberta greeted him.

Logan began telling Roberta that he had been to a gathering at the Nantucket Yacht Club, where he was cornered by Ken Vanslette who had just returned from a two-week trip from Iceland, explaining to Logan that he stayed mainly in Rejavik, the capital.

Mr. Vanslette was going on and on about the benefits of the thermal baths, natural hot springs that are native to Iceland. At one point, not missing a beat, Ken pulled out an envelope that contained a stack of poorly focused photographs. Most likely taken with the old antique looking camera that he always had hanging around his neck.

Mr. Vanslette had been known to take photos of almost any gathering he attended, whether it be on Nantucket or while he was traveling. He was always letting on that he had done a brief stint working for Life Magazine, which no one could either confirm or deny.

Mr. Vanslette would often invite people over to his small old-fashioned home for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, which consisted of usually pigs in a blanket. Everyone would whisper to others in the group that he probably bought them on sale at the grocery. He also had some squeeze packets of mustard and some Cheese Whiz spread on stale crackers.

Mr. Vanslette had wine that everyone figured was most likely from the bargain bin at Hatch’s Liquor Store. He would put the wines in old chipped foggy looking decanters, both the white and red wine. He also offered Vodka or Gin that people swore was rot gut poured into the Smirnoff Silver or Tanqueray bottles repeatedly.

Mr. Vanslette had taken a hold of Logan’s elbow and began flipping through the photographs. At times he was a mere few inches from Logan’s face and as he was speaking to him, parts of food that was left in his mouth from the hors d’oeuvres he had been scarfing down, were now ending up on Logan’s face. The more Logan tried to break away the more intense and closer Mr. Vanslette became. He was rambling on and on about the Mineral baths.

Logan was finally able to break free with the arrival of Shelia Egan stopping by to say hello to both men.

Logan quickly seized the moment to make a break for it. Logan told Mr. Vanslette that he must let Shelia in on this marvelous find, as they both knew she was the owner of Swains Travel Agency. He told Mr. Vanslette that Shelia loved to discover new and exotic destinations around the world and with Mr. Vanslette’s vast knowledge of different parts of the world that she could place some expert knowledge that he had to offer into her files at the office. Logan then quickly slipped away leaving Sheila and Mr. Vanslette engrossed in conversation.

Logan made a quick glance back towards Mr. Vanslette and Shelia, he noticed Mr. Vanslette had already grabbed a hold of Shelia’s elbow.

As Logan briskly walked away, he said to himself, better her than me to be stuck with old man Vanslette. and gave a slight chuckle. Logan then quickly drained the last of his vodka, grabbed the toothpick with the olives out of the ice cubes and set the glass on the round cocktail table by the exit and headed out the door.

Logan was headed home when he thought to himself that maybe he should stop by and see Roberta and Myles. He knew that they were most likely, well actually more than likely since it was the correct Saturday of the month, they would be having one of their gourmet dinner gatherings and how he wanted so badly to be invited. The word was that someone would have to die or cancel due to an obligation, before they gave up their seat at the dining table for one of these gourmet wine and food feasts.

There were numerous people who were hoping for an invite to one of these gourmet gatherings. Rumor was that several people would stop Myles or Roberta while they were out and about and mention that they had an exceptional bottle of wine that they would be more than happy to uncork if they were invited to one of their legendary dinners.

Roberta and Myles had worked out a standard response to these inquisitions when they happened. We will gladly keep you in mind for one of the dinners if an opening happens, but it will take either a Magnum or at least two bottles of the same wine, as we are usually a party of ten or twelve guests. But thanks for thinking of us.

Logan arrived at Roberta’s house, parked his car on the road at the edge of the driveway, walked up the beautiful inlaid stone path, he admired the beautifully manicured landscape that Myles was always so proud of.

As Logan approached, he could see the living room through the glass storm door and all looked quiet, but past that upon the granite countertop with the bar stools around it, he saw numerous wine glasses awaiting to be used by Roberta’s and Myles future guests.

Logan gently knocked on the front glass storm door, the inside door was open, Roberta arrived after a few gentle taps on the glass. Logan quickly and cheerfully said hello, figuring to himself that maybe she might want him to possibly join them as to liven up their dinner party. Logan mentioned to Roberta that he just happened to be passing by.

Roberta welcomed him inside with a slight roll of her eyes. Logan was then offered a very small glass of wine that Roberta had taken out of the refrigerator, a very simple but flavorful Pinot Blanc from Alsace that had already been opened with just the cork loosely stuffed in the neck of the bottle.

Robert also placed a small plate with crackers and a few slices of Cabot Signature Cheese that she had hastily placed out for Logan just trying to be a gracious host.

After about fifteen minutes and some small talk about the weather, Roberta shooed him out the door stating that she had several more things to get finished before her Dionis Dinning Group arrived.

Logan was so hoping that she would have said, Logan, such and such can’t make it this evening, would you like to join us?

But that wasn’t the case, and this was not the first time he had, conveniently, just happened to be in the neighborhood on such an evening.

Roberta had some of the sliced cheese on the plate with the crackers left over after Logan departed. She was going to cover it and place it back in the refrigerator but then thought there was only had a small portion of the cheese left and there was extra space on the large oval platter of sliced Prosciutto di Parma from Italy with some mixed olives and roasted red peppers that was for the upcoming dinner, so she added the cheese to the platter.

While their guests were enjoying the array of intricate Hors d’oeuvres almost everyone commented on the Cabot cheddar stating it had such a nice bold flavor, asking what brand it was, where did she get it, and was it available on the island?

So, the Cabot cheese Signature Blend then became a standard selection with the assorted Hors d’oeuvres for each gathering at her home with the Dionis Dining group guests. Roberta wondered what funny things would happen this summer with people who just happen to be in the neighborhood all dressed like they were ready for a dinner party on the selected evening for their dinners.

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As Roberta was sipping her tea this morning, she was lost in her advance thought about the upcoming gatherings when Marshmallow, her cat who always seemed to work the neighborhood following the warmth of sun at different times of the day, moseying over to several of the neighbor’s porches, hopping upon any free chair or sofa, table or warm spot on their deck and making herself at home at anyone of them. Her neighbors would often stop her in the grocery, or while she was walking around town among other places and say Marshmallow was over on our deck for a while yesterday, she’s so cute, or I made a small dish of Cod for Marshmallow the other day!

Marshmallow must have thought that it was time to head home for a snack. She hopped up onto the outside ledge of Roberta’s kitchen window, seeing Roberta through the window, she let out her usual loud meow, followed by the wave of her paw. Roberta glanced over to Marshmallow and said quietly, Yes princess, as your personal servant I will get up and let you in.

Marshmallow quickly hopped down and sat by the kitchen door, as Roberta let her inside she said, You know you have your own cat door that allows you to come and go at your leisure, so why do you make me get up several times a day to let you in through the door?

With that Marshmallow let out her usual meow and hopped up on to the counter and dug into her cat food, seeming not to have a care in the world. Roberta went back to finish her cup of tea.

Roberta watched Marshmallow and gently stroked her fur, she started to remember how she had found the kitten. Myles and Roberta had purchased their property from a friend of Myles, Tom Kendrick who owned Kendrick Real Estate Office on Main Street. Myles had asked Tom if he knew of any hot deals not on the market yet. Tom said he had lunch with Bill (Pully) Pullman a few days prior and Pully mentioned to him that heard the Wooldridge property in Dionis was possibly coming up for sale and Pully was looking to get the exclusive listing. He mentioned that it needed quite a bit of T.L.C. but it was a superb location high on the hill with astounding views of the Dionis waterfront. Myles asked Tom to call to Pully, see if the property might be coming on the market and if so set up a viewing and they would go from there.

The next afternoon Tom, Pully, Roberta and Myles did a walk through. The Wooldridge’s were at the grocery store so they could take their time. Roberta had brought a pad and pencil so if she thought the property had numerous upgrading possibilities, she could make some notes and sketches. They all agreed the house needed a lot of work.

The current owners bought it and it looked as if they never made any improvements to the home, so the house was seriously in need of some updates and the asking price of $130,000 was not realistic for the shape it was in. As they departed, Myles, Pully and Mr. Kendrick were standing on the front porch having a conversation. Roberta walked back to their car, as she opened the car’s door, she heard a very faint meow. The wind was blowing quite briskly so she thought she might have been mistaken. She listened again looking around but then nothing.

Myles and Roberta drove to the Mad Hatter Restaurant, took a table off to the side, and started dissecting the house room by room. Roberta was referring to her notes and sketches. They agreed that the property was magnificent, and the views could not be beat.

But it would take a good amount of work, new windows, doors, decks, walkways, lights, sliders, a few walls would have to be removed and the garage might have to be totally renovated but it had great potential.

Myles said, That’s it. We are putting in a low offer. If they take it great. If not, we will regroup.

The very next day, early morning, the offer was presented and was quickly accepted. Myles had written in the offer that this would be a cash deal, and closing would be as soon as possible.

Mr. Wooldridge said that he and his wife wanted to sell it fully furnished, as all they needed were a few pieces of furniture, and their personal effects, otherwise the rest was theirs to do with whatever they choose.

They had plans to go to Virginia for a family wedding in a few days and with the sale of the house happening so quickly they figured they did not have to return to the island. Mr. Wooldridge stated they will have their lawyer get the Reis’s the keys on the day they were to depart.

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Roberta returned to the house a few days later even though the closing was four weeks away. Roberta was with Susanna Kendrick, Tom’s wife and asked her to start making notes in more detail, room by room. As they were getting out of the car Roberta said, Wait. Susanna looked at her and said, Did you forget something?

No, but the other day when we were getting ready to leave, I heard a cat’s meow, very faintly and I swear I just heard it again. They stood there in the driveway quietly. Susanna said, I think I just head a meow. Did you?

Roberta replied, Yes I did, but it’s so faint. Where’s it coming from? They both stood still. Susanna made some kissing sounds and started saying, Here kitty-kitty. Here kitty-kitty.

As they looked around trying to figure out from what direction the sound was coming from Susanna said, Its sounds like it’s coming from the area near the end of the driveway. As they slowly walked towards the street, Susanna was still making the kissing sounds and saying, Here kitty, kitty.

They reached the edge of the driveway and they both heard it again, slightly louder this time. Roberta said, I think it’s coming from that storm drain. They both hurried over and peered inside. About two feet down on a dirty ledge, was the smallest little black and white kitten.

My god! Susanna said. How are we going to rescue it? Oh, the poor little thing. It looks so frightened. How long do you think she’s been down there? What are we going to do?

Roberta tried to remove the steel grate that covered the drain, but it would not budge.

Oh, my what are we going to do? asked Susanna.

I can go and try to call Myles. I bet the phone inside the house must still be connected.

Right then, the kitten let out several more meows, then looked to Susanna like it had tears in the kitten’s tiny eyes. Now Susan started tearing up. We have got to save it quickly as it might slip off that ledge and drop down into eternity.

Luckily a white truck was driving down the street towards them. Roberta got up off her knees and flagged it down. You have got to help us! There’s the tiniest kitten stuck in that storm drain and I think it’s been there for a few days. Oh please! Please help us.

The men got out of the truck and surveyed