Ellen McKenzie and her fianc, Chief of Police Dan Dunham, are on their way to the very upscale Harvest Festival Dinner, hosted by Ellens niece, Sabrina, and her husband, Mark Tortelli. They are seasoned winery professionals. What could go wrong?
New to Silver Springs Winery, the Tortellis have been worried for weeks that their jobs depend on the success of this event, and the reputation of the guest chef hasnt helped calm their nerves.
Otto Messinger is noted for his temper tantrums. Ellen is hoping hell keep himself in check. Dan is hoping the Tortellis, who have been staying with Ellen for a month, will triumph and soon find their own place to live.
Tonights guest list seems to include everyone who has ever had a feud with Otto, a fact the little chef is thoroughly enjoying. The dinner progresses, a little shaky but without disaster. Then its time for dessert. But where is Otto?
It is Sabrina who finds him, quite dead, in a wine fermenting tank. Who helped him into it? Dan seems to think it was Sabrina. Ellen would prefer Dan find another suspectand there are plenty.