Rose Pressey - Chase Charley 02 - Seems Like Old Crimes Read Online Free PDF Page B

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    Once inside the club, I realized the atmosphere here was a lot more relaxed and laid-back than the last place we’d been. A jazz ensemble played at the front of the room—one man on piano and one on the saxophone. Only one table was available by the door, but the room still wasn’t crowded. I liked this much better.
    “We should sit there.” Dangerfield pointed out the available table.
    I could have just come here on my own and asked the employees about last night’s events, but maybe having someone to help would be good.
    Dangerfield and I sat at the table. Music streamed across the room, surrounding us with the rhythm. We watched the people in silence for a minute, as if this was some kind of awkward blind date. I shifted in my seat. Why were we here? What would we discover? Chills covered my body when I thought about last night.
    “Would you like more wine?” he asked.
    I waved my hand. “I think I’ve had more than enough for tonight.”
    He smiled and then focused his attention on the entertainment. I drummed my fingers against the table. We had to do something. It wasn’t like anyone would walk up and tell us what we wanted to hear. I had no idea who to ask though. I suppose the best place to start would be with employees. After that we could try to find any regular customers. I needed to push my apprehension to the side and approach someone. Yet I continued to sit in silence. Dangerfield and I listened to the music. Finally, I decided if Dangerfield wasn’t going to talk with anyone then I sure would.
    After a couple more seconds, Dangerfield said, “I suppose we should actually speak with someone, right?”
    I chuckled. “That would probably be for the best.”
    “Where do we start?” he asked.
    I gestured toward the bar. “We could ask the bartender.”
    “Good idea,” he said.
    The man behind the bar was just standing there. It looked as if he had a lapse in customers. “Now would be a good time. Plus, there are a couple of the wait staff at the end of the bar.”
    “Okay, let’s do it.”
    Dangerfield and I were about to stand when a brunette waitress bounced up to our table. “Can I get you a drink?” she asked with a bright smile.
    I exchanged a look with Dangerfield, then addressed her. “Actually, we have a few questions.”
    Immediately her expression changed. Her eyebrows furrowed together and her mouth turned down into a frown. “Yes?” she said through gritted teeth.
    She’d probably been questioned a lot since last night and was tired of answering them. Or she was just extremely rude. I liked to think it was the former.
    I figured I’d go ahead and get the question out there. Then I’d know how rude she really was. “It’s about last night and the man found in back.”
    Her face reddened. “I’m not allowed to talk about what happened.”
    Dangerfield leaned closer so she could hear over the music. “Who told you that you couldn’t talk about it? Was it your boss?”
    She shook her head. “No, it was the police.”
    “The police?”
    “They didn’t want anything to jeopardize the case,” she offered.
    I was surprised she’d given that detail.
    “Were you here when… it happened?” I asked.
    She narrowed her eyes. “I told you I couldn’t talk about it.”
    I didn’t think the question that I’d asked would be off limits considering she’d told me about the police.
    “Do you want something to drink?” She looked out across the room, avoiding my stare.
    “No, I think we’re good,” Dangerfield answered.
    She turned and walked away.
    “That was strange,” I said.
    Dangerfield ran his hand through his hair. “I suppose I can understand why they were told not to talk. It’s doubtful everyone working here will follow that rule though,” he said.
    “Let’s hope so,” I said.
    I felt someone’s stare on me again. The dark-haired man at the table next to us was observing me as if I was a criminal and he was the prison warden. Did I have a sign