Page 114 of Girl Between

“I can explain,” he started as Dana approached.

“Don’t bother,” she interrupted. “I don’t care that you’re into drag.”

“You don’t?” he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

“Of course not. I just want to ask you a few questions.”

He straightened his blue wig. “About what?”

“There were two girls who used to waitress here,” Dana held up her phone and showed him the photos she’d pulled from the archives of their social profiles. “Did you know them?”

Taurant’s haughty attitude returned. “Why would I tell you if I did?”

Richter appeared next to Dana. “Because she asked nicely.”

“Ididask nicely,” Dana reiterated. “But we could do this at the police precinct if you’d be more comfortable.”

Taurant paled further. “That won’t be necessary,” he said, looking around. “But let’s go somewhere a little quieter.”

They followed Taurant through to the pool deck in the back of the Country Club. The pool was full thanks to the sweltering temperature, but the deck was relatively vacant. No one paid them any attention as they grabbed a table under a green and white striped umbrella.

“I knew them,” he started. “I told you, I know everything that goes on in my city.”

“Do you know what happened to them?” Dana asked.

“No, but if you’re asking I’m guessing it was nothing good,” Taurant answered.

“Accurate assessment,” Dana said, showing him the ME’s photos.

Taurant covered his mouth in horror.

“Guess he doesn’t know everything,” Richter added.

“What happened?” asked Taurant.

“That’s what I was hoping you could tell us,” said Dana.

He shook his head. “I wish I knew. They were sweet girls. Waitressed here, the festivals, some private events.”

“What kind of private events?” Richter asked.

Taurant shrugged. “The usual. Catering jobs in the Quarter, that kind of thing.”

“Were they close?” asked Dana.

He shrugged again. “Not particularly. They were coworkers. Liked to party. I’d see them out here and there at some of the service bars.” When Dana raised her eyebrows in question he elaborated. “Lafitte’s, Erin Rose, Rendezvous, ya know … late night places. Local bar and restaurant staff haunt them to blow off steam after the tourists go home.”

Dana had more questions. “Were either of them dating anyone?”

Taurant thought for a moment. “I don’t know about Hillary, but Jasmine was seeing a guy. Think he was EMS or something. I only remember because his little sidekick always wore his VIGOR shirt. Probably because first responders never pay for drinks in this city,” he added.

Dana looked at Richter, her heart racing. “The guys … do you remember their names?”

“No, sorry. I don’t. It was a long time ago. But if you showed me a photo, I could pick them out. Jasmine’s guy was a tall Latino kid. The other guy was shorter, quiet.”

“Mid-twenties, Caucasian?” Dana asked

“Yeah.”