either in their rooms or out somewhere as I had not seen either
of them all morning. I didn’t know if
the hotel had other guests or not.
Rather than be antisocial, I strolled over to the big
table, too. Besides, I wanted to know
what they thought had just happened. I
hadn’t heard any shots that sounded like they came from inside the lodge.
“Do you mind if I join you?” I asked.
None of the friendliness that they had been so full of
before was present now.
“This may not be the best time,” the chubby one with the
burr haircut said.
“Hell, what does it matter? Let him sit down,” said the
one with the permanent five o’clock shadow.
None of the others seconded his opinion.
“Go ahead and sit down, Jim.” Geri had come in behind me and cast the
deciding vote.
“Thanks. I felt it would be awkward to sit alone a few
tables away after what just happened.” Actually, I was just nosy but didn’t think that would sound the same.
“How’s Randi?” asked the one who always needed a shave.
“She’ll be alright,” Geri answered. “I asked one of the
EMS guys to check her out when they had a chance, but other than the shock of
finding Cross, she’s fine. In fact, if it wasn’t for that, I would’ve thought
she was faking, the way she swooned into Jim’s arms out there.”
“No time to be joking, Geri,” said the burr haircut.
“Sorry, dear. By
the way, have you all met Jim?”
One member of the group said no. They all looked at me.
“I’m Jim West. Sorry we couldn’t have met under better circumstances.”
“You must have been here when Cross was killed?” It didn’t
sound like a simple, innocent question. The asker looked like years ago he could’ve played professional ball –
any of the big three. He still looked in good shape, but the grey hair and
lines in his face put him close to sixty.
“Before we give him the third degree, let me introduce
each of you,” Geri said.
“Hey, someone just killed Cross. He wasn’t just our boss, he was our
friend. I, for one, don’t feel like
being social,” remarked burr haircut.
“I understand that, but there is no reason to be hostile
to anyone at this point.” I wondered
what she meant by “at this point.” No one contradicted her.
“My husband, Vic.” She motioned with an open hand toward burr
haircut. “Next to him on his right is
Mark Stallings.” The guy needing a shave nodded. “Between you and Mark is Tom
Griffith.” He hadn’t said anything yet. I noticed he had a diamond stud in his right ear. “This is Aaron Nesbitt,” she touched the man’s arm to her left. He was the former athlete. “Last, but not least, is Harv .”
She motioned toward one of the group who had Mexican features. I wondered why she hadn’t offered his last
name. He hadn’t said anything since I joined them. Harv at least gave
me a half smile with his half nod.
“Nice to meet you all, and again, I’m sorry about Cross.”
“I can’t believe it,” Harv remarked softly. He sounded sincere, and
I knew he meant Cross’ death, not my expression of sympathy.
The manager entered the dining room and approached our
table.
“I’m so sorry. I just can’t believe this happened here.” I
could see the stress in his face. Small beads of sweat had popped out on his
forehead. “I meant what I said. Anything you want from the kitchen, just ask
for it. I’ll make sure the staff knows it’s on the house.”
“How about from the bar?” Stallings asked the question.
“Later. The cop in
charge said no to the alcohol.”
Someone to my right grumbled. I didn’t blame the police for not wanting us
to start drinking, but I wondered about their authority in not allowing us to
have one. Since I didn’t want one, I
didn’t push the issue.
“Are you the manager of this place?” Geri asked.
“Yes, and I do appreciate your patience with us.”
“One could hardly blame you
Donald Luskin, Andrew Greta