This novel, while inspired by historical events, is entirely a work of fiction. All names, characters, and incidents portrayed are the product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or localities is entirely coincidental. 

                          The Chef

 After tidying up her office Aberdeen is finally able to leave, As she take’s the elevator she open’s the envelope that Louise had given her for her dreaded appointment with Walters. “Let see, A painting from France.., Great.” Looking through the papers she lightly glances at the information on them, Sighing she places them back in the envelope. “I really don’t want to see that creep!” The elevator chimes and she steps off heading toward the front door, As she open’s the door she slightly crinkles her noes from the cold breeze. “I forgot that the forecast said it was going to be quite chilly to night.” She said while letting out an exhausted sigh. “Well I do love the cold!” She happy said as she walked home.

 Walking up to her apartment she see’s a box outside lying next to her front door. “Oh, It finally arrive!” Opening her door and placing her bag’s inside first she then picks up her package placing it on the counter. “I need a shower first then I’ll open you” She said while pointing at the box, Walking to her fridge she grab a soda and a glass with ice in it, Taking a sip she let out a relaxed sigh. “I’m finally home!” She said in a comforted tone, then heading to her room she went to shower.

  “That was refreshing!” With a relaxed smile on her face she walked back to the counter where she placed the box. “I started to think it was never going to show up!” Grabbing a box opener in the shape of a dagger she opened the box inside was a vintage empire turntable record player, Carefully taking it out she slowly walked over to a cabinet placing it on top carefully adjusting it until all the edges alined just so. “It complements the space perfectly!” With a happy grin she walk back over to the kitchen, Turning on the oven she graded a metal tray from the top of the fridge and placed it on the counter going back to the fridge she pull’s out a glass container she pores it into the metal tray. “I can’t wait to eat! Lizz’s cooking is the best!” Picking up the tray she put’s it in the oven, Going over to the cabinet she opens a drawer pulling out a vinyl gently placing it on the record player it started to play Un Bacio a Mezzanotte. “It work’s perfectly!” She said with a beaming smile, Grabbing her phone from her bag she sat down on her sofa opening it she went strait to her messages. “Would it be too late to call her?” She started to type out a message. “Thank you so much Lizz for the meal prep that you gave me! I really appreciate it!! And I will see you tomorrow evening just let me know if anything changes,” Sending the message she hears the timer on the oven go off. “Yes! Food’s done!” Rushing over she quickly put’s on her oven mitts and grabs her food placing it on the stove top, Taking out a plate she meticulously places her food on it. “What should I drink with this?” Looking in her fridge she pull’s out a beer. “I want to have a beer.., But,” She thinks for a moment. “No, I’ll just go with another soda!” Pushing her plate to the other side of the counter she grabs another soda out of the fridge, Siting down on the bar stools she start’s to eat. “It’s so good!” She said with a somewhat full mouth, Happily eating she looks over to the envelope from earlier, “That’s right.., I have to fully look over that!” She reached for the envelope pulling out the papers once again, 

 Looking over the first one carefully while still eating. “Where did he even get this painting?” Looking at the information on the paper she looks somewhat confused. “I see he purchased it from a so called private seller! That little creep!!” With a suspicious look she continued reading through the pages, Reading through the last page she tried to read the somewhat smudged stickie note. “What is this?” Pulling the page closer to her face she squints as she reads it. “Remember to ask her what her favorite tea is!?” Her face went clammy. “OH that creeeeep!!” Crumpling the stickie note she throws it across the counter in the bin. “Just reading something that he wrote make’s my skin crawl!” She shivers, Placing the papers together she then started to clean up from her dinner when her phone started to ring. “Hello Lizz!”  Aberdeen said in a happy tone. “Hay girl! I got your message! And yes you are welcome for my divine food!” Lizz giggled. “And as for tomorrow everything is still on, I want you there on time please!” Aberdeen smiled as she held the phone to her cheek. “I would not miss! In fact I can’t wait to try your new menu!” She said as she placed her dishes in the sink. “I have a special place reserved just for you!” Aberdeen rolled her eyes. “Oh, Really now!” She said sarcastically. “Oh my! Is that sarcasm I detect in your voice?!” Aberdeen laughed. “Maybe, Oh! That reminds me I forgot to ask is it semi-formal or black tie?” She said while placing the wet dish on the drying rack. “Oh definitely black tie!” Lizz sighed before continuing. “There have been a few problems today..,” Aberdeen dried her hand’s with a towel on the counter, Heavily sighing she pressed her shoulder to her cheek to keep her phone in place. “What happened this time?!” Lizz nervously giggled. “Well…, I fired my line cook.” Aberdeen tilted her head. “Why? What happened with Nick?” Aberdeen said while she turned off the skipping recored player. “He said we should get back together again!” Aberdeen got a mad look on her face. “Why does he want to get back together with you! He was the one who said he needed space, Then when on a bunch of date’s with random girls!” Lizz grumbled through the phone. “That why I fired him! He is good at what he does but I don’t want to have to deal with that sort of drama right before the biggest night of my life!” Lizz’s voice cracked as she spoke. 

 Aberdeen looked annoyed. “No! Don’t even think of getting emotional over him! He did this on purpose!” Aberdeen said while waving her fist in the air. “Calm down Aby! There is no need to get mad, I feel the same way!” Lizz said calmly. “He is just mad that I was able to secure an investment in my restraint and not his cafa!” Aberdeen sat down on the edge of her bed. “Will you be able to find a replacement before tomorrow evening?” Lizz was silent for a moment. “Not a clue! I have called in some favors but no response yet!” Aberdeen loudly mumble. “When I get my hand’s on him!” Lizz stoped her before she could finish. “Don’t worry! I will just have to start my prep work earlier! And I have already called my investor and they are also looking to send someone over.” Aberdeen quickly replied. “I will help you if you need me!!” She said confidently, Lizz bursted out laughing. “What are you even thinking! You are my guest this time around! As it was you helped me so much with arranging this event!” Aberdeen smiled. “You’re my best friend! I would do anything to help you!” Rolling over on her bed Aberdeen continued chatting with Lizzy on the phone before switching off the light’s and tucking herself in for the night.