Page 45 of Ride the Lightning
“I’m so stuffed,” Rocky said on the way to the car.
“That’s what you’ll be saying after Drew Callahan gets ahold of you,” Jonah teased.
Rocky laughed, looked skyward, and steepled his hands in prayer. “Please. I don’t ask you for much.” Once inside the car, Rocky turned to Jonah and asked, “Where to next?”
He gave Rocky the address for Monique Drake’s house. When they arrived, an elderly woman greeted them and said Monique was doing story time at the Carnegie Library at the top of the hour, so they headed in that direction.
Jonah and Rocky stood in the back of the room and observed Monique reading a children’s book to about two dozen five-year-olds and their guardians. Monique changed up her voice for various parts, engaging the children and making them laugh. They all clapped when she finished. Monique stood up and curtsied.
“Thank you, thank you, my little loves,” she said. “You know the routine by now. It’s time for cookies and punch.”
Some of the kids rushed for the cookies and punch while others ran to Monique to hug her. Jonah could tell by the smile on her face she genuinely enjoyed interacting with them.
They waited until the last kid scrambled off before they approached her.
“Monique Drake?” Jonah asked.
She rolled her big green eyes. “What did some religious zealot accuse me of doing now, officers?” she asked. “Lord, I pray for patience every day, but it gets harder and harder to find.”
“We’re not here because of a complaint,” Rocky said.
“I’m Marla’s friend, Jonah.”
“Oh, honey,” Monique said, throwing her arms around his neck before hugging Rocky too. “Who are you, lamb chop?”
“Rocky Jacobs,” he replied.
“The private investigator. I’ve heard about you.”
“Do you have a few minutes to talk to us about Earl?” Rocky asked her.
“Absolutely. My next gig doesn’t start for another hour. Do you mind if we walk down the street to the coffee shop? I need more caffeine.”
Over coffee, they talked about Earl. Monique mostly spoke about her friend and how he made everyone around him feel good. She didn’t offer additional insight into his family or contribute names to their suspect pool. It was still beautiful to hear her thoughts on the man.
Rocky got a phone call on their way to The Dive Bar, where Marla said they’d find Brandy Wyne and the bar’s owner, Willie Monahan. The conversation was terse and brief, and Rocky looked irritated when he disconnected the call.
“Something tells me that wasn’t Drew calling you to arrange your privatetour,” Jonah said.
Rocky sighed deeply. “God, how I wish. It was my business partner, Pete. Remember the client I discussed with you the other day?”
“The one who suspects his wife is having an affair?”
“Yeah,” Rocky said. “The asshole isn’t taking my word for it. He’s accused me of being lazy or lying to him.”
“Even after you offered to return part of his retainer?” Jonah asked. “He must be extremely paranoid.”
“His gut says she’s cheating, and he wants the physical proof to back it up. I told Pete the same story I told my client, so he wouldn’t be forced to lie. Pete accepted my word, but the client is adamant that I finish the job. He’s threatening to trash our reputation if we don’t.”
“Isn’t that an odd reaction?”
“Very,” Rocky replied. “Pete insists I meet him now, so we can decide how to proceed. I’ll probably end up tailing her again tonight, looking for the money shot. I don’t want to ruin this woman’s life.” Rocky slammed his palm against the steering wheel and growled. “Hanging around you has made me soft, Boy Scout.”
Jonah snorted and rolled his eyes. “Drop me off at my place, and I’ll do the last interview on my own.”
“Call me later and let me know if you learn anything. We need to interview the construction crew and Earl’s family. You have to wonder if he was dating one of the guys he met on the job.”
“I agree,” Jonah said.