Crêpe Murder: Book 4 (A Patisserie Mystery with Recipes) (11 page)

Slowly, the Hulk reached into his back pocket and pulled out a gun.
 

CHAPTER 14

The Hulk pointed the gun at Juan and slowly walked towards him.

Juan’s eyes widened. He backed away, looking furiously between Adana and the Hulk.

“Wait, what are you guys doing?”
 

“You’ve been a nuisance long enough Diego,” Adana said in her cold, calm voice. “This was supposed to be simple. You seduce one of these rich bimbos, we get the money, and we move on. Now that you’ve become a weak link, we have to get rid of you.”
 

“But—but I’m your brother.”
 

“Oh please. I never liked your mother She spoiled you rotten. And that bitch never liked me. What did you expect? You really think we’d be dumb enough to let the girl go free? You just had to take off her blindfold. She knows what we look like, she knows where she is. You’re stupid if you don’t think that the first place she’s going to run to when she’s freed is the police station!”
 

“No. She won’t. Sophie loves me!”

“Look how insane you are!” Adana said, even though she was laughing like a madwoman herself. “You’re crazy and delusional. The girl is terrified. And she should be. Like I said, this is our last job. Once we get the money from these girls, we don’t have to do this ever again. Bobby and I will have enough money to retire for the rest of our lives.”

“Adana,” Juan croaked. “Please—”

“Do it, Bobby.”
 

The Hulk obliged and shot Juan in the chest. He stumbled around for a couple of seconds before falling at the girls’ feet. Sophie’s screams, once again, were muffled by the tape. Clémence only looked away.
 

The Hulk put the gun away and started pulling Juan’s feet to drag him away.

“Oh, leave him,” Adana commanded. “Let the girls enjoy the view for a bit. Ugh, I need to get out of this ugly dress.” She glared at Clémence. “Yes, I followed you into the store earlier. I thought sharing the same designer would be a good icebreaker, but you found me first. Stupid girl. We were going to take you yesterday, but you were lucky your boyfriend was hanging around your bed. Maybe we would’ve taken him too if there were more people—competent people—on my team. Instead, we found your phone in the living room and I bugged it so we could hear what you were up to. Not bad for a girl who never finished high school, don’t you think? How does it feel to be checkmated by a girl who couldn’t even read until the fifth grade?”

Clémence stayed silent, knowing whatever she said wouldn’t matter. She had to stay silent so she wouldn’t be beaten or killed.
 

After Adana’s laughter subsided, she jerked around to face the Hulk. “Hey, I’m starved. There was barely any good food at that dumb party. Let’s go eat. Got any leftovers or do we have to eat at that crappy Italian restaurant nearby again?”

She stormed out and the Hulk followed, locking the door behind him with a key. Her heels clunked down the stairs, followed by the Hulk’s heavy thuds.
 

Sophie was crying. Her eyes were closed and her head turned away from the dead body by their feet.

Clémence had seen enough bodies to get used to them—somewhat. She looked around desperately for an escape, a solution, anything.
 

As soon as the kidnappers got the money from their parents, they are going to kill both of them.
 

They were both handcuffed to chairs. Nobody knew where they were. Nobody could hear their screams. Her phone was taken away from her—her phone…

She wondered if Juan’s phone was still on his person.
 

She looked down and noticed a bulge in Juan’s pant pocket. Could it be it?
 

Taking a deep breath, she kicked off her heels. With a big toe, she nudged whatever it was out of the pocket.
 

Sure enough, it was his smartphone. Clémence wanted to squeal from excitement. She prayed. This was their only chance.

With both feet, she turned the phone so that the screen was facing up.
 

Her breathing turned heavy. She was anxious and too afraid to hope. With a big toe she pressed on the Home button on the phone.
 

The phone was locked.
 

CHAPTER 15

Thank god for technology. Even though the phone was locked, it still allowed her to make emergency calls, which was what Clémence did. In a low voice, she explained who she was and what had happened. She kept the call connected so that the police could trace their whereabouts.
 

They didn’t have to wait long before the police showed up. They ambushed Adana and the Hulk by surprise in the kitchen while they were eating the dessert portion of their dinner—homemade crêpes. The Hulk was multi-talented; he also knew how to cook.
 

While they were being arrested, Sophie and Clémence were uncuffed. When her hands were freed, Sophie peeled off the tape from her mouth, but she didn’t say anything. She just sobbed and put her face in her hands.

 
The police gave them a ride back into the city.
 

“Are you okay?” Clémence asked Sophie in the car.

Sophie gave an exasperated sigh. Her breath smelled funky and she hadn’t showered for days. The tears still hadn’t dried on her cheeks. “I don’t even know where to begin to explain how I’m feeling,” she said in a small voice.
 

“I understand,” said Clémence. “You don’t have to say anything right now.”
 

Having fallen for Juan/Carlos/Diego once, Clémence could easily have been in Sophie’s place. Even though Diego professed genuine love to Sophie in the end, how much would that mean coming from a con artist, a kidnapper and a madman? To add more fuel to the fire, he was killed by his sister, who was crazy in her own right.

In the Paris police station, Arthur rushed to Clémence as soon as they came in. He held her in a tight embrace.

“You crazy, crazy girl,” he whispered. “I thought I lost you.”
 

Clémence felt numb after what she’d been through, but she knew that Sophie had it much, much worse. Sophie couldn’t stop crying into Madeleine’s shoulder. Theo was there too, and he stood beside the girls in silent support.

“I’m sorry I didn’t keep an eye on you at the party,” Arthur continued. “I just let you out of my sight. I thought you were safe in the crowd.”

“It’s my own fault,” Clémence said. “My own curiosity gets me into a lot of dangerous messes. I should be sorry for worrying you. “I guess we’re never safe anywhere, huh? But at least it all worked out in the end.”
 

“You’re the most dangerous part of my life, you nut. I’d hate you if I didn’t love you.”
 

Clémence looked up at him. “You love me?”
 

Arthur smiled and nodded. Clémence hugged him tighter.
 

Sophie’s parents came around and they thanked her, and so did Madeleine. Sophie only looked at her with tear-brimmed eyes, and that was all the thanks Clémence needed.
 

Then the familiar lanky figure of Inspector Cyril St. Clair loomed over her.
 

“Well, you did it. You almost got yourself killed.”
 

“I did,” Clémence calmly agreed.

“But you’ve also inadvertently solved the case.”
 

He shook her hand. That was the extend of his kindness.
 

Clémence couldn’t help but smile. “It’s my job to make your job easier. I should be getting paid for this.”
 

“You’re lucky you’re not thrown in jail for all the ruckus you’ve caused in recent months,” he quipped.

He asked her a series of questions about the evening’s events. After speaking for over an hour, she had trouble keeping her eyelids open.
 

“I’m exhausted,” Clémence said, “and I’ve told you everything you need to know. Can we go now?
 

“Yes, fine.” Cyril turned to Arthur. “Be careful with this girl. She can’t seem to stay out of trouble.”
 

“You don’t need to tell me,” Arthur replied.
 

Clémence took out her smartphone, which had been given back to her by the police, and called a taxi.

After saying goodbye to the Seydoux family, Clémence stood up to go. Madeleine hugged her and told her she’d get in touch soon.
 

With Arthur’s arm around her shoulders, she walked out the front entrance. To their surprise, a crowd of paparazzi and news cameras were waiting outside.
 

“
Merde
,” Arthur swore under his breath. “Why didn’t they warn us they were here?”
 

News must’ve finally spread about the kidnapping. Clémence looked down and realized she was still in Marcus Savin’s lavender dress. It was torn in places and a little dirty. She probably wouldn’t be able to return it now. At least she held up her end of the bargain by being photographed in the dress. But she wasn’t going to be recognized in the papers the next day for wearing a Marcus Savin dress. Clémence would be known as the heiress who was kidnapped.
 

Book 5 of The Patisserie Mysteries,
Croissant Murder
, will be available soon. Sign up for
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RECIPE #1: Thin Crêpes + Filling Ideas

Sweet crêpes are like French-style pancakes. They can be eaten for breakfast, dessert or as snacks. The French enjoy crêpes so much that they sometimes throw crêpe parties. A variety of ingredients are available to guests so they can make the crêpe of their choice.
 

Thin Crêpe Recipe

makes about 13-15 crêpes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 1 1/2 cups milk
  
• 2 tbsp sugar
  
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  
• Butter for cooking
  

Combine flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add eggs, vanilla and half of the milk. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Add remaining half of milk, stirring constantly. Whisk in melted butter.

Preheat a non-stick skillet or a frying pan. When the skillet is hot, brush with butter.

Use 3 tablespoons of batter for each crêpe. Pour it in the center and tilt the skillet to spread the batter evenly. When the edge begins to brown and peel off easily, flip the crêpe with a spatula. Continue cooking for 10 seconds and then remove from skillet.

Stack them on a plate as you cook them. Cover with aluminium foil to keep them warm and from drying. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge after wrapping them in plastic, and reheat them when you are ready to eat them again.

You can use a variety of fillings. Here are some ideas to use alone or to combine as you desire:

• Jam
  
• Nutella
  
• Whipped cream
  
• Chocolate sauce
  
• Ice cream
  
• Sliced bananas
  
• Raspberries
  
• Strawberries
  
• Blueburries
  
• Dark chocolate
   
  
• Nuts
  
• Nut butter
  
• Maple Syrup
  

My personal favorite combination is Nutella with sliced bananas and whipped cream.

RECIPE #2: Whole Wheat Crêpes

Here is a healthier, whole wheat alternative.
 

Makes 13-15 crêpes

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
• 2 egg whites
  
• 2 tsp olive oil
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• Non-stick cooking spray
  

Blend smooth the first six ingredients in a blender or food processor. Refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 8 hours covered.
 

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. Transfer 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter onto the skillet. Spread with a small spoon or spatula. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are brown and it starts to dry out on top. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
 

RECIPE #3: Gluten-Free Crêpes

A gluten-free alternative for those with gluten allergies. The recipe is for only five because they are meant for immediate consumption. If they’re left out for more than 20 minutes, they start to become chewy.

Makes 5 crêpes

• 1 cup brown rice flour
  
• Egg substitute for 3 eggs
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Use just enough water so that the batter is smooth.
 

Pour a small amount in a skillet or frying pan. Tilt skillet so the batter speeds across the pan. Flip and cook the other side.

They should be slightly golden brown when done.

RECIPE #4: Crêpe Suzette

This is an old-school French classic and the most famous crêpe flavor. Crêpe Suzette is a sweet crêpe flambéed with orange liqueur. They can be ordered from five-star restaurants, but here’s a simple enough recipe for you to master at home.

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  
• 1/3 cup orange juice
  
• 3 tbsp orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
  
• 2 tbsp grated orange rind
  
• 4 crêpes (see Recipe #1 to #3)
  

Melt sugar with butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add orange rind, orange juice and 1 tbsp of orange liqueur and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.
 

Add 1 crêpe to the skillet. Turn to coat. Use tongs to fold crêpe into quarters. Move crêpe to side of skillet. Repeat with remaining crêpes, overlapping around the edge of the pan. Drizzle with remaining liqueur. Remove from heat and ignite pan. When flames subside, serve crêpes.

RECIPE #5: Chocolate Crêpe

• 10 crêpes (Choose from recipes #1 to #3)
  

Filling: