When we went downstairs, I made a beeline for the counter. "Hello there," I said to the girl who worked behind the counter. “I was wondering how I'd confirm if someone was brought breakfast to their room early this morning. It's on my bill and I don't recall having food ordered.”
“What room are you in?”
“525 on the twentieth.”
The girl's nails tapped away at the keyboard. "But that's Kayla White's room.”
I flashed the pass she gave me. “I know. I'm her accountant and believe me, I've been trying to get her to cut down her expenses.”
“I imagine that's not easy to do with Kayla. She likes to spend money, from what I've heard. She had a party in her room a few days ago and what a mess that was. She was billed for the damages.” She stared back at the screen. “Yes, she had breakfast for two sent to her room. Her manager Malcolm signed for it.”
“So, before he met his unfortunate end today?”
“It appears so. That was a terrible thing, too. We're sworn not to speak about it with anyone, but since you work for Kayla, I'm sure you already know more than I do.”
We could use this to our advantage. “Did the police gather the security tapes?”
“Yes, but the cops weren't too happy about the broken camera in that elevator when the manager had to admit that it’s been broken for a few days. Maintenance is way behind.”
That was certainly a revelation. “I imagine not. Thanks for the information, and it would be better for the both of us if you forget that we were ever down here asking you questions. I don't want to be listed as a suspect.” I laughed.
“What do you think about the camera being broken in that elevator for an entire week, Agnes?”
“Someone might have been plotting Malcolm’s death, at least within the last week, but how would they know that he’d use that particular elevator?”
“Good point, but the killer could have led him there if he was known to him.”
“I suppose. Perhaps the detectives will find something on the other tapes, like the ones in the hallway upstairs.”
I led the way through the crowded casino and we were ushered to the backstage area where Kayla would be soon, readying for the show tonight.
We flashed our passes and then we were in a hallway that opened up into an area where dressing tables were set up with a gold door with star that was labeled ‘Kayla.’ Six girls were giggling about something we both missed before walking in.
“Excuse me, ladies, but could someone tell me if Yvonne Green is here?”
“She's in the bathroom. She's upset about Malcolm's death,” a blonde said.
“Aren't you all?”
“I guess, but I never cared for him that much. He had way too much control over Kayla. She was going to pay for us to go to Hawaii until he put a stop to it,” one girl said.
Another dancer was putting on a red wig as she added, “And he's not exactly shy when it comes to dipping into her money, either, although I doubt Kayla even noticed.”
“Where did you get that idea from?”
“I heard Malcolm and Kayla arguing about the spending money he was giving her. I wasn’t eavesdropping or anything. I just happened to be coming into Kayla’s dressing room to ask her if my brother could get a backstage pass.”
“And were they aware that you heard what they were arguing about?”
“No. I left quietly. It would have humiliated Kayla if she knew anyone had overheard her arguing with Malcolm. I imagine that she’d be embarrassed for anyone to know that her manager might not be so great after all. It’s a shame, really.”
“What is?” I asked.
“That Malcolm would do that.”
“Is he representing anyone else that you know of?”
“Stella, Kayla won’t like it if she knows you’re telling someone about her personal business,” another dancer reminded her.
Stella whirled and lashed out on the dancer. “I’m not, Tiffany, but it’s about time people found out that Malcolm wasn’t Mr. Perfect, even for a manager.”
“Did the police question you yet?” I asked.
“Not yet,” came a voice behind us.
When I whirled around, I saw it was Detective McCullum and Mader. “Fancy meeting you here, detectives. I'll let you question the dancers, I hafeta pee,” I said. Since that's where they said Yvonne was, it would work out perfectly.
We found the bathroom easily enough and Eleanor and I walked in. An African American was standing at the mirror, dabbing at her eyes.
“Are you Yvonne Green?” I asked.
“Y-Yes, why?”
“I’m Agnes and this is Eleanor. We're looking into the death of Malcolm.”
“Oh, I see.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I still can't believe that he's gone. He was a great man and if not for him, none of us would have jobs. Kayla was one of his pet projects. He discovered her and saw to it that her album was made. He paid for it out of his own pocket, too.”
“You seem more upset about Malcolm than the other dancers. They even suggested that he might be dipping into Kayla's money.”
“Didn't he also put a stop to the Hawaiian vacation that Kayla had planned for the dancers?” Eleanor asked.
“Yes, but we can't get away right now. Malcolm said that the entire production is costing more than he thought. Money is tighter than people might think for a popular pop star.”
“So there were money problems, but how are you aware of them?” Eleanor asked.
“I-I…”
“Were you involved with him?” I asked, surprised at what she was alluding to.
“I won't deny that. Malcolm was quite the charmer.”
“Recently?” I asked.
“A few days ago at Kayla's party, we slipped away. She was locked in her room. She's not much into partying with a bunch of people she doesn't know.”
“Why were all those people in her room if she doesn't party with them herself?”
“They get paid to party with her, but she never hangs out with them for more than ten minutes.”
“I see. That's quite a way to make her more money, pay to party with a pop star, but has anyone ever gotten mad that Kayla didn't spend all the much time with them?”
“Well, they did get a little out of hand the night I slipped away with Malcolm. Poor Kayla had barricaded herself in her room as the guests tore up the place. Malcolm finally had to throw them all out when he came back.”
“What about Mark?” Eleanor asked.
“I-I … Mark?”
“Yes, you know, the man you spent time with earlier today.”
“Sure, I spent time with him. I don't think someone your age can understand why a woman would like the company of more than one man.”
“You're right about that,” I said. “But aren't you also married?”
Her eyes became round as saucers now. “Wh-Who told you about that?”
“Mark mentioned it. You really need to go to the police and tell them that Mark was with you today.”
“Are you nuts? And have my husband show up here with a gun? He'll kill Mark if he finds out I've been with him.”
“So, you won't even help out an innocent man?”
“How do I know how long Malcolm was dead? Mark could have done it before we hooked up.”
“What about your husband?” Eleanor asked. “When was the last time you saw him?”
“H-he's on tour, but he won’t be here until next week.”
“How convenient,” Eleanor whispered to me.
“What's his name?”
“Master Vejay.”
I laughed and tried unsuccessfully to stop. “Sorry. I’ve just never heard a name like that before and what do you mean by tour?”
“He’s a rapper and I know he's going to be big one day and I want to be there when he does.”
“Unless he finds out about you sleeping around,” Eleanor said. “Why is it that you're not with him now?”
“He's playing clubs
right now and it's not cool to have your girl hanging around when you're trying to get a name for yourself.”
That reinforced my thought was that neither of them was all that faithful. I just couldn't understand how some of these younger people conducted their lives. Fortunately, not all of them are like that.
“The police are here questioning the other girls. I think you need to tell them that Mark was with you earlier today.”
Yvonne shook her head. “I’m not doing that. I already told you why not. I can’t imagine anyone accusing Mark of murdering Malcolm. They’re pretty tight. I heard they even lived together at one time, but you’d have to ask Kayla about that.”
That got my attention, like in prison? “It seems like you might know a few things about Malcolm that she doesn’t.”
“Yeah,” Eleanor said. “Spill your guts, or we might have to look up that husband of yours,” she threatened.
Yvonne’s eyes widened. “You can’t. I told you what he’d do if he finds out.”
“Then why cheat at all if you feel that way?”
“I was lonely. Malcolm was really a kind man. He gave me a job when nobody would. I didn’t have a dancing background, but he had a choreographer work with me.”
“Is that when you began sleeping with him?” Eleanor asked.
“It’s not like that. Malcolm was just so kind to me.”
“But you just told us you were involved with Malcolm?” I pressed one more time.
“I know what I said, but it didn’t happen until a few months ago. We were never that involved, we just hooked up a few times.”
“If you weren’t all that involved, then why do you care so much more about Malcolm than the other dancers do?”
“He gave me my chance and wouldn’t let the other dancers harass me.”
“Why would they do that?”
Yvonne sighed. “I’m not like the other dancers. I grew up in a crime-filled area of Chicago and when I first came to Vegas, I spoke like it until Malcolm worked with me so the other girls wouldn’t laugh at me.”
“So, you don’t get along with the other girls?” Eleanor asked.
“I never said that. It’s just that in the beginning, I had problems. Most of those dancers no longer work for Kayla. They found jobs in other shows.”
“What other ones?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sorry I can’t give Mark an alibi. I just can’t risk my husband finding out.”
I cocked a brow. “I’m really disappointed that you’d put Mark’s freedom on the line when you were clearly just as involved with him.”
“I believe the police are right outside the bathroom, questioning the other dancers. You leave me no other choice than to tell them you’ve been with Mark earlier today.”
Yvonne stepped forward menacingly. “You do that, old bat, and you’ll be sorry.”
I gulped and left the bathroom with Eleanor in tow. I bypassed the detectives, choosing to catch up with Mark in our hotel room to ask a few more questions. Investigating would be much harder if we had someone threatening us if we spoke with the detectives about what we knew she was concealing. For now, I decided to keep that information to myself.
“She sure went ghetto pretty fast,” Eleanor said. “I wasn’t buying that whole story about Malcolm helping her out with the other girls. I don’t know of any African American woman who would put up with being harassed. They’d come to blows pretty quickly.”
“I agree, Eleanor. I wonder if her husband really has anything to do with why she won’t give Mark an alibi?”
“She must have some reason. What if she was really afraid her husband might come here with guns blazing?”
“Only time will tell. We should go back to head off Andrew and Mr. Wilson before they show up at the room and see Mark there. I’d like to be the one to explain his presence there.”
“Fine, but Andrew really isn’t going to like him being there.”
We went back upstairs and Andrew was waiting in the opened doorway to our room, looking none too happy.
I gave Andrew a wave and said, “Oh, there you are. We’ve been looking all over for you.”
His brow shot up. “I bet. So, who is that man in our room?”
“Oh, you know. He’s lost all his money gambling and doesn’t have any place to stay.”
“Since we have such a big room, we thought he could stay here until his family sends him money,” Eleanor added.
He just shook his head. “And you’d have me believe that you’d allow a complete stranger in our room?”
“Exactly,” Eleanor and I chimed. “He looks like such a nice young man,” I said. “Don’t you think?”
“Strange thing is that he looks just like the picture the detectives were showing around. Mark Klein. Does it ring a bell?”
My face went blank, but luckily Eleanor said, “You don’t say. What a coincidence if it was the same man, I mean.”
“That’s my thought,” Andrew said with a nod of his head in the direction of the room.
I strode past Andrew, my head held high, with Eleanor following me. Andrew came in the door last, closing it behind him, and I walked into the main room where Mr. Wilson and Mark were playing a game of cards.
“What’s going on here, Wilson?”
“Well, seems as if this fella lost all of his money. I figured if I taught him how to play blackjack that he might just win his money back. We have an extra hundred, don’t we Eleanor?”
“Yes, but I think even the minimum wouldn’t allow him to play for all that long,” Eleanor said. “Besides, I think Mark has a little gambling problem and it might be better if he stayed out of the casino for now.”
“She’s right,” Mark said. “I think I’ll stay out of the casino just to be safe.”
“Hmmm,” Andrew said. “Are you sure there isn’t another reason you don’t want to go into the casino, like perhaps the cops are looking for you?”
Mark’s face darkened. “You told him? I thought you promised you wouldn’t.”
“I-I—”
“I knew it,” Andrew said. “So, you are the bodyguard they’re looking for.”
“Yes, but I didn’t do what they think. I didn’t have anything to do with Malcolm’s death and I have an alibi for earlier today.”
I frowned. “Oh, and about that. It seems that Yvonne won’t give you an alibi. She’s afraid that her husband will find out.”
“Did she happen to give you the name of her husband, too?” Mark asked.
“Yes, Master Vejay.”
Andrew and Wilson cracked up laughing and it took a minute until they were able to stop, despite a dirty look from me. Even Mark smiled, which made me ask, “Is that her husband’s name?”
“I can’t say, since Yvonne is good at stretching the truth. She told me she was married all right, just wasn’t all that specific. That’s quite a name.”
“She told us he’s a rapper.”
“So, perhaps you need to check her story out,” Wilson suggested. “To see if there really is a Master Vejay.” He laughed again.
I tried my best to explain myself to Andrew. “It seems that Yvonne was very upset about Malcolm’s death. She told us he helped her out when the other dancers made fun of her.”
Mark laughed. “That’s some story. Don’t be fooled by Yvonne. She stuck pretty close to Malcolm until he let half the dancers go. That put her more in the forefront on stage, instead of being more of a background dancer.”
“So, she was sleeping with Malcolm?”
“Yes, but only until she got what she wanted. Of course, Malcolm has quite the reputation and doesn’t stick around with any one woman too long.”
“Well, she did admit she’s slept with Malcolm,” I said. “But why would you get involved with her then, Mark?”
“I like her is why. She’s the only woman I’ve met that doesn’t judge me about my past.”
“When was the last time Yvonne and Malcolm were together?”
“
A few months ago.”
“And how long have you been, err, involved with her?”
“About a month, right about the same time Kayla began to get threatening phone calls.”
“So, you and Yvonne were seeing each other even though she’s married and Malcolm sees a variety of women,” I said.
“And then Kayla gets death threats,” Eleanor added.
“Of course we should look into the showgirl Malcolm was involved with,” I suggested.
“Bambi Baboom won’t be easy to get ahold of,” Mark said. “Her boyfriend Michael D’Anna won’t let anyone near her,” Mark said.
“Then how did Malcolm get anywhere near her?”
“They’re friends, or used to be. Michael and Bambi are fans of Kayla, but Kayla didn’t care for them. She never told me why.”
“So, we’ll have to find another way to speak with Bambi without her boyfriend becoming aware of it.”
“Sounds like you have more work ahead of you, Agnes,” Andrew said. “But Mark just can’t stay here and you know it.”
Chapter Five
My mouth slacked open now. “Why?”
“Besides that you could get arrested for obstruction of justice, or harboring a fugitive if he’s a prime suspect.”
“But I can’t allow the police to find him now. If they do, he’ll be arrested without an alibi.”
“They wouldn’t have any call to do that, Agnes.”
“Except that Mark is an ex-con, you mean?”
Andrew shook his head. “You could have told me that sooner.”
“Why, so you can judge me like everyone else does?” Mark asked.
“No, but I can see why Agnes wanted to help you. I assume that was before she found out you wouldn’t be given an alibi.”
“Yes, so what now?” Mark asked. “Do you plan to turn me into the cops?”
“Agnes has a point about not wanting the cops to find you yet. I’ll go against my better judgment and allow you to stay here until she finds out who killed Malcolm, or until she’s able to convince this woman Yvonne to give you an alibi.”
I gave Andrew a hug, now. “Thank you, dear. I hope that you can help me with hiding him out here.”
“Who besides you knows he’s here?”
“Kayla, but she seems to be wanting to protect Mark, from the sounds of it. She’s planning to try and worm out information about Malcolm’s death. I hope she’s able to do that. At least then we’ll know for sure if they’ve found out something that we’re not aware of—like what the murder weapon might have been.”
Outrageous Vegas Vacation (An Agnes Barton Senior Sleuths Mystery Book 8) Page 4
