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"I have no proof except for what I observed. If he is, then Cassie has no idea, I'm sure."
"I don't know why he flirts with every woman who crosses his path. It's like he has an addiction of some kind," said Daniel.
"I didn't mean to upset you, but we are telling each other everything that may pertain to who killed Frank. Of course, I'm not saying Steven's womanizing is related to the murder in any way. I'm not saying that at all. I just miss having direct conversations with you, I guess."
"I miss you, too, Laila," said Daniel. We were ready to hang up when Daniel said, "I meant to tell you that I have a friend who works with the medical examiner. He gave me some interesting information." I sat up ready to find out what he discovered. "He told me that they are in the process of testing the DNA found on Frank."
"That should make a huge difference where suspects are concerned," I said. "Where was the evidence found?"
"Do you remember when we saw Frank on that freezer floor? He didn't have the Santa mittens on if you recall." I remembered that. "The examiner's office found blood and tissue under his fingernails. Once they have the results, they will be able to match it with a suspect."
"That is something," I said. "It may not match anyone they suspect now. I'm really curious about that part of the mystery. Frank was fighting with someone before he was killed."
"That is a sure thing. Did you happen to notice if anyone in the kitchen had broken nails or scratches that night?"
"I remember Steven constantly brushing his hands on his pants but I figured that was sweat from nervousness. As for Cassie, her face is what stays in my mind. I don't think I paid any attention to other staff members who were there."
"I didn't either," said Daniel. "I think there were three other kitchen workers. Maybe another dishwasher and two were servers. Or maybe one was cooking that night. I'm not certain who they were. I'm sure the cops looked for scratches on everyone questioned."
Officer Stanton did ask to see my hands that night, as well as Daniels. I told Daniel I was going to see Chief Donald Hayes again and press him for more information. I knew he would give me only what he wanted to or what he thought would satisfy me.
The familiar chuckle came across the line. "I guess if anyone can weasel information out of him, you can, Laila. Let me know what he tells you." I assured him I would. "By the way, I picked up another present for you. It should reach you before you leave for Tennessee," he said.
"Two minds working the same path," I said. "I’ve found something for you, too. I think it will have meaning for you,” I said. “I hope you didn't spend a lot more money on me. I love the bracelet and that was plenty.”
"This second gift is nothing big, just has some meaning to it. When do you think you will go to Tommy's Bar?"
"I'll go there during my break time at Roasted Love tomorrow. If there is time, I'll pay a visit to Chief Hayes while I'm out."
"Laila, I really appreciate what you are doing. But be careful. Let someone you trust know where you go. I mean for you to let someone know when you go to Tommy's Bar. It's not on the best side of town."
I promised him I would do that. When I ended the call, I picked up a limp and somewhat cool slice of pizza and took a bite. I had to figure out my approach at Tommy's Bar. Walking into a tavern wasn't a usual occurrence for me. One of my questions would be to ask if Frank ever came to the bar in his Santa suit. That possibility popped up in my mind from nowhere. Maybe the bar had a party that night and Frank was there in his Santa garb. If true, new information may help to pull things together. Figuring out Frank and his habits took up too much space in my head for one night.
There was more to Frank Duvall, aka Santa, than I could figure out at this point.
Chapter Fifteen
The sun was out and an unexpected warm-up took the chill from the air. I took a deep breath. Today was the day to visit Tommy's Bar. The top layer of snow around the tavern was speckled with something that looked like sandpaper. I picked my way through the slush to the dark doorway. Blinded by the sun that made a direct hit on sparse areas of untouched whiteness, I fumbled for the door handle.
It was then that something caught my eye. On top of the nearby storm drain, a red cloth stood in stark contrast to everything else. Bending to pick it up, I turned the Santa's hat over in my hands. The initials F.D. were written inside the rim. There was only one person I thought of with those initials. Whether or not Frank Duvall was at this bar the night he was killed was a sure thing in my mind. The soft hat dripped with melted snow but I stuffed it into my pocket anyway and pushed the door open.
A combination of stale cigarette smoke and alcohol met me in the dimness. The body odor that lingered didn't help. I wondered what part of the day someone decided to clean up from the night before. I adjusted my eyes and saw two people. The bartender wiped the counter in front of him. His eyes drilled me before he bent to his task again. I walked to the bar to get his attention.
"Did you see a man dressed like Santa in here lately?" I asked.
He grunted and wiped the same spot over and over. "I guess the next thing you'll be asking me is do reindeer really fly."
"No, I just have the one question. Did a Santa come in here recently?" He missed his chance to answer when an inebriated patron spoke up from several stools down the line.
"Are you asking about Frank?" The only part easy to understand was the dishwasher's name, though it was somewhat slurred. I could see the man started drinking early in the day and was well on his way to a stupor. He slipped to one side on the bar stool.
"Yes, I'm looking into his death. Did you see him in here?"
"Just about every day," I heard him from a few stools down. I didn't want to get too close to the man. I barely leaned in to understand him better. There was no mi
ssing the smelly thick breath, even from the short distance. "I heard he was knocked off and left in a freezer. Too bad; it's a shame, it is."
"Can you remember if he was in here that night? I would really appreciate all the information you can give me."
