Harrowing Hats

ISBN: 978-0-425-24277-3

From Berkley Prime Crime

The Three Chocolatiers (two, really, now) were always a sight to behold. They did elaborate shows of swordplay in the Village outside their shop each day. All three brothers were handsome, virile specimens of manhood. Wrap that up in red and gold costumes that featured capes, knee high boots and large, plumed hats, and you have the best chocolate commercial ever.

The chocolate was really good too. They formed it into cute little shapes. I think the mainstay was hearts wrapped in red foil but there were also doves, dragons and the piece-de-resistance was the giant chocolate sword. Five pounds and a month’s salary for a Village resident. I’d never had one but I’d seen plenty of them around the Village, usually devoured by some large Viking or knight.

I wasn’t sure what the brothers would do without the third Chocolatier. Everything was based on the three brothers. Bernardo and Marco looked a little lame without Cesar. And I certainly didn’t understand why they had chosen Andre for vengeance.

But there they stood with their swords pointed at Andre’s chest. Without warning, Andre fell to the cloth covered floor in a dead faint. A few of his assistants hurried to his side, disregarding the swords still held in his general direction.

Fortunately, Queen Olivia chose to exert her Royal Presence with the men. “What do you think you are doing? How dare you threaten our hat maker and confidant? Have you taken leave of your senses? You have raised your swords in our presence. We have a good mind to call our Bailiff and have him put you both in the stocks.”

Bernardo looked at Marco then they both dropped to their knees, groveling to their queen. “It is the sorrow and grief we feel for our brother who was murdered most violently whilst making chocolate last evening, your majesty,” Bernardo explained.

“And when we learned that the hat maker was to blame, we, of course, came to avenge our brother’s death,” Marco added. “We beg leave to skewer the culprit, your majesty. We demand justice for Cesar.”

Livy tapped her chin with her bright red fingernail. “You have a grievance, gentlemen. We understand and appreciate your position. But this is neither the time nor the place. My new hats are not as yet ready. Killing Andre would be very bad for my wardrobe. I forbid it.”

Bernardo and Marco argued with Queen Olivia but the verdict was set. They were welcome to get revenge after the King’s Feast in two weeks when her hats would be ready, but not before. Such are the ways of the Village.

A moment later, Chase was there to sort through what was happening. He had a quick smile for me and kissed the Queen’s hand, but then he was all business.

Andre had revived but was still sitting on the floor. His kiss-up assistants were gathered around him, rubbing his head and handing him a glass of water. I didn’t bother to intrude but the Two Chocolatiers accusation about him was intriguing.

“What’s this all about?” Chase demanded.

“It matters not, my fine Bailiff,” the queen told him. “I have forbidden Andre’s death until after the King’s Feast in a fortnight.”

“I beg your pardon, my queen.” Chase put one hand on his heart and bent his head. “But it might be a good idea to clear this up now. It is not only a matter for your majesty to deal with but also for the police.”

Bernardo and Marco took their opportunity. “Andre killed Cesar,” Bernardo claimed, one side of his large hat sliding down his face in his unaccustomed outrage. “We found out there was a hat pin involved. Who else would use a hat pin as a murder weapon?”

“I know a hat pin was found on the body—” Chase began.

“—in the body,” Marco corrected. “In my brother!”

Livy had her handmaiden start waving her fan to cool her face. “We may not be prepared to hear such delicate information.”

“My apologies, Queen Olivia,” Marco said. “But it is true. One of Andre’s hat pins was found in my brother’s eye.” He broke down in tears and large gulping sobs. “This man has done the most terrible curse known to man. He has stuck a needle in my brother’s eye.”

Livy copied Andre and slipped to the floor unconscious.

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