Page 49 of Home Again

“Outside of the times with the parties, did you socialize with any of the girls? Did you hear of any of them having problems with Lazar?”

“I formed a casual friendship with one girl for a semester, but she never mentioned Lazar other than the party we attended together. We agreed we really didn’t like him. Especially after we saw how he treated this one girl.”

Gideon and Sebastian sat up straighter.

“What do you mean?”

“This is how Lori and I became friends. We’d gone to the bathroom together on the second floor, and when we came out, we heard shouting behind one of the bedroom doors. When Lori heard the definite sound of a slap and a girl crying out, she stormed into the room.”

“What did you see?” Gideon asked.

“It was Lazar standing over one of us. She was lying on the ground. When he saw us, he pushed past us and went back downstairs.” Mrs. Lattimer gave Sebastian a sad smile. “I’m sorry to have to tell you that about your granddaddy.”

“I wish I could say I was surprised. How about you, were you ever hurt?”

“Nope. Never. That was the second and last party I ever did for him. When Lori and I asked Shelby what had happened, she said that she’d been sitting on some drunk asshole’s lap while he and another man had been talking. Lazar came into the bedroom and went ballistic.”

“Did she say who they were or what they were talking about?” Gideon asked.

“We didn’t ask. We were more interested in what not to do to get in trouble.”

“Got it,” Gideon said. “Is that all the dealings you had with Lazar Durand?”

“Yes, it was.”

Sebastian and Gideon stood up at the same time. “I really want to thank you for your time,” Gideon said.

“You’re welcome. I can’t say that this was the happiest walk down memory lane, but I was hoping that since you were asking about Lazar that perhaps all of these questions might do something to end his political career.”

Sebastian gave a half-smile. “That’s something I’m hoping too, ma’am.”

She gave a big smile.

“Oh, I have another question too, Mrs. Lattimer,” Gideon said. “Do you have the contact information for your friend Lori?”

The woman shook her head. “ I don’t even know her last name. We just met up for coffee a couple of times. I’ve changed my phone number since then, so I don’t have her in my contacts.”

Sebastian held out his hand. “Well, thanks again.”

She shook his hand. “You’re very welcome, son.” Then she shook Gideon’s hand. “Please, both of you. Stay safe.”

“We will, ma’am,” Gideon said as they left her home.