Page 85 of The Chef and the Countess

“Northrup, disperse the crowd.”

“Aye, Sergeant.” The copper put the run to the people lingering about, then entered the restaurant, slamming the door behind him. He then turned the sign so the ‘CLOSED’ side faced the street. It took over an hour to take everyone’s statement, and once Liam apologized to his customers, the least injured ones were allowed to depart. The ambulance wagon was called for two older ladies who’d been sitting by one of the windows. They had glass fragments embedded in their face and hands and needed hospital care. It was lucky no shards had hit their eyes.

“We’ll take these suspects to the station to be questioned,” Morrisey told Liam.

“I’ll tell ya all,” the short one yelled. “Some snobby toff hired us.”

“We will continue this at the station.” Morrisey motioned to the men tied in the chairs. “Take them to the wagon.” After the officers escorted the men outside, Morrisey took Liam’s arm and led him away from everyone. “You will have to close. The pub, too. You will need that time to clean up the mess and board your windows. I will get to the bottom of this. And today—I promise you. I will come by as soon as I have any information.”

“Thank you, Sergeant.”

Liam stood among the wreckage, taking in the broken glass, the smashed chairs and food all over the floor. He felt heartsick.

Celia came to stand at his side. “We will clean it up, Liam,” she murmured as she slipped her hand in his. “Everything will be well. I have every faith in Sargeant Morrisey.”

God, how he loved her. He needed that love and her strength.

“You’re so right, love,” Liam whispered. Louder, he said, “Staff, meet Paul Tyler.” He let go of Celia’s hand and pointed at the young man near the door. “He’s working here now.”

The staff came up one by one and introduced themselves to Paul.

“Want to start work today?” Liam asked him.

“Aye, sir. I do.” Paul replied. Liam liked the look of the young man. Earnest, tall and good-looking, Liam could eventually use Paul for serving. But one step at a time.

“Then let’s all get to work. But first, Morrigan, is there enough salvageable food for us to share a meal?”

“Yes, Chef,” she replied with a smile.

“We should eat before attempting this cleanup. Morrigan, please direct everyone to cook and serve. Paul, Bruce, and I will board up these windows. Tommy and Timmy, you’d best hie off to school.”

In the past, an incident like this would have enraged Liam and made him gloomy for days. Not anymore. And not with Celia by his side, along with his restaurant family—particularly his son.

As Celia said, they could accomplish anything as long as they were together.