Rose Pressey - Chase Charley 02 - Seems Like Old Crimes

by Rose Pressey

  “I’ll keep that in mind if I ever look for a new career.”

  “I’ll look into this and see what I can find out, Chase.”

  Thank goodness I wouldn’t have to go at this all alone.

  After I gave him the number, he said he’d call later with his findings. Until that time I would have to wonder about this mysterious dead man.

  After going back to my desk, I wrapped up a few little details, but my heart wasn’t in it. A million thoughts floated through my head. The hands on the wall clock ticked by in slow motion. I thought five never would get here. I wanted to get away from this place and think about what I’d learned. Maybe a glass of wine would help. Or chocolate. Or maybe both. Yes, both sounded much better.

  I shut off my computer and grabbed my purse. Ruth waltzed by my desk with a smirk on her face. This woman thought I was the biggest loser on the planet.

  As I stood from my desk, my cell phone rang. When I looked at the number I recognized it. What did Dangerfield want?

  “Chase Charley.”

  “Charley, I need to talk with you.” Dangerfield rushed his words.

  “What kind of trouble are you in now?” I asked.

  “You tell me,” he said.

  I paused halfway to the door. “What does that mean?”

  “Can you meet me at the Bourbon Bar?”

  I wanted to go home and relax. Hanging out around a bunch of drunks didn’t sound fun. “It’s been a long day, Dangerfield.”

  As much as I wanted to go home, I kind of wondered what he wanted now. Plus, it was never a bad thing to look at Dangerfield’s gorgeous face. Just the same, I could watch Dangerfield’s television segment at home on my sofa and get practically the same effect.

  “It’s important,” he said in that sweet voice.

  I sighed. “What time?”

  “How about seven?”

  At least that would give me a little time to relax. “Okay, I’ll meet you at seven. This had better not be anything shady.”

  “Your words offend me, Charley.”

  “Sorry, Dangerfield, that’s just the way it goes.”

  I shoved the phone back into my pocket and marched the rest of the way to the door. Oscar was still in his office. He glanced up when I walked by, but by some miracle, he didn’t yell at me. That was progress.

  The sun had started to make its descent and the last rays of sunshine flooded the sidewalk as I made my way home. I was a little apprehensive about walking to the bar alone later, but I couldn’t live my life in fear. I had to continue as usual. Fear wouldn’t win over me.

  Chapter 4

  I woke with a start. After rubbing my eyes and remembering what day it was, I glanced at the clock. 6:25 p.m. I had collapsed onto my bed as soon as I had gotten home. Now I had thirty-five minutes to get to the bar to meet Dangerfield. I assumed he would wait for me if I was late, but I hated being late. It was unprofessional. Considering I wanted Dangerfield to think I was a complete professional that meant I couldn’t be late.

  I jumped up and over to my closet. I slipped into a black dress that had a full skirt and short sleeves. Again, I wanted to be professional, so I figured I’d opt for the dress instead of my sweats.

  I spritzed on a little Chanel No. 5 and grabbed my black clutch. When I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, it looked oddly like I was ready for a date. Would Dangerfield get the wrong impression? After all, he hadn’t asked me for a date. This was business… or something like that. I still had no idea what he wanted. Something told me it was about the murder last night. There was no time to change now though. I would have to go with it. If Dangerfield said anything about the way I’d dressed I’d tell him I had a date later.

  Just as I was about to walk out the door my phone rang. I hoped that it was Marc with information. Instead it was Courtney.

  “I was just walking out the door,” I said.

  “Bummer. Where are you going? I thought we could catch a movie.”

  “I’ll have to take a rain check.” I locked the door behind me.

  At least Nosy Perkins was nowhere in sight.

  “Going somewhere important?” Courtney asked.

  “I’m not sure.” I paused. “Actually, I’m headed to Bourbon Bar to meet Dangerfield.”

  “Interesting.” Courtney sounded a little more excited.

  I shifted the phone to my other ear. “Don’t get any ideas. It’s strictly business.”

  “Sure. Whatever you say,” she said. “Call me and let me know how your business date goes.”

  I scoffed. “I’ll let you know.”

  After shoving the phone into my purse, I quickened my step. I’d made myself paranoid thinking about the mystery caller and the murder sure didn’t help matters either. There had to be a reason this man had wanted to get in touch with me. I had the feeling that he’d had a story to tell and thought I’d be the perfect person to get it out. Now it was up to me to find out if that was true.

  Within a couple more blocks, I’d made it to the bar. People walked in and out of the entrance. The lights were dim and the bar was crowded. I scanned the crowd for Dangerfield, but so far I hadn’t spotted him. If he stood me up I would never speak to him again.

  I headed out across the bar so I could make sure I hadn’t missed him in the crowd. What I needed was a glass of wine. Even if Dangerfield didn’t show up at least I could get a drink. I ordered a glass of white wine, paid the bartender, and then picked up my glass.

  I’d turned to go find a seat when someone grabbed my shoulder. I jumped a little and steadied my hand to keep from spilling the wine.

  “Sorry, did I scare you?” Dangerfield asked.

  “No, I normally almost spill wine all over the front of my shirt.”

  He flashed that dazzling smile and all was forgiven. He gestured toward an empty table across the room. “How about we have a seat?”

  Dangerfield followed me as I made my way over to the table. He pulled the chair out for me and I sat down. He took the seat next to me.

  We watched the people around us for a moment. I took a sip of my wine and then placed the glass on the table in front of me.

  Dangerfield captured my gaze. “You look lovely tonight.”

  “I have a date after our meeting,” I blurted out.

  Darn it. I was going to wait for him to ask if I’d dressed up for him before I said that.

  “Thank you,” I added.

  He focused on a couple who walked past. “I hope you have a nice time. Is your date with the cop?”

  I took another drink. If I didn’t slow down I would be tipsy soon. I didn’t drink often and didn’t hold my liquor well. “Actually, no, it’s someone you don’t know.”

  He picked at the cocktail napkin on the table. “Well, just the same, I hope you have a nice evening.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “So what do you have to tell me?”

  He met my stare. “I picked up a message from last night.”

  “And?” I pressed.

  “It was from the dead guy. Before he was dead, of course.”

  I almost dropped the wine glass. “He called you too?”

  Dangerfield stared at me. “What are you saying? He called you?”

  “Yes, I just got the message today. Apparently he called right before he was killed. When did he call you?” I asked.

  “Around five.”

  I nodded. “That’s when he called me too.”

  Now I was convinced that the man was trying to get a story out. Two investigative reporters in one night? That meant he wanted someone’s help investigating something. But what? Would we ever find out?

  Dangerfield leaned back in his chair. “Now we really have to find out who this man was.”

  I took the last drink from the glass. “This is interesting to say the least.”

  Dangerfield pointed to my glass. “Would you like another drink?”

  I checked the time on my phone. To Dangerfield, it had to look as if I was worried a
bout making my date, but in reality, I had nowhere to go other than home to catch the latest episode of Vampire Diaries.

  He grabbed the empty glass. “Come on, your date can wait while you have another glass with me. We have important things to discuss.”

  My stomach flipped when Dangerfield cast that smile at me. “I suppose just one more glass. But you have to be careful, I’m a cheap drunk.”

  “Even better,” he said and then walked toward the bar.

  Dangerfield looked just as good going as he did coming. I pulled my mirror and lip gloss from my purse and reapplied while I waited. After a couple seconds, Dangerfield returned with my glass of wine and a beer for him. I took another quick drink. Dangerfield probably thought I was a lush, but in reality I was drinking to calm my nerves.

  Dangerfield took a drink and then said, “What do we do now?”

  He was asking me? I was glad to know that he had confidence in me, but I had no idea where to go from here. “I turned the number over to an officer I know so that he can find out who it belongs to.”

  Dangerfield grabbed his mug. “That’s good, I suppose. Let me know what he finds out, will you?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

  “I think we should head over to the club where they found the man. He had to have been there for a reason,” Dangerfield said.

  “But what about The Vampire Diaries, er, I mean what about my date?”

  Dangerfield took the glass from my hand and set it on the table. “I think you can miss the episode tonight. They’ll play it again.”

  Now I was embarrassed. “I suppose I could tell my date I will be late.”

  Dangerfield pushed to his feet. “You make that call and I’ll be right back.”

  I was sure he knew there was no call, but at least he’d given me the chance to continue to play along. Dangerfield stepped away from the table and I took the time to check my email on my phone.

  There was nothing important, so I watched the crowd while I waited for Dangerfield to return. I felt eyes on me as I sat there. As I scanned the crowd, I didn’t see anyone watching me… until I spotted a man in the darkened corner of the room. He stared at me for several seconds and then turned and walked right out of the bar.

  What a weirdo. His stare had sent a chill down my spine. Thank goodness he’d left.

  “What are you watching?” Dangerfield asked.

  I looked up to find him standing by the table. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you come back. It was nothing.”

  He took the seat across from me again. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive,” I said, trying to act casual.

  When I glanced over I spotted a waitress headed in our direction. I would have to turn down another glass of wine. Even if I wanted another, it was time for me to get out of there. When she reached our table, she held out a white envelope.

  “Are you Chase Charley?” she asked.

  “Yes,” I answered hesitantly.

  “I’m supposed to give this to you,” she said.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  She pushed the envelope toward me. “I don’t know. I didn’t ask.”

  “Who’s it from?” Dangerfield asked.

  “That guy over there.” She pointed toward the corner the mysterious guy had been standing in just a minute ago. She waved her hand. “Well, he was there a second ago.”

  I grasped the envelope. “Thank you.”

  “No problem.” She turned and walked away.

  Maybe I wouldn’t want the letter after I opened it. If the waitress had stayed, I could have shoved it back at her. When I glanced at Dangerfield, he motioned for me to open the envelope. I wasn’t sure that was a good idea. I released a deep breath and ran my finger under the edge of the envelope and then pulled out the slip of paper.

  Dangerfield was staring at me. I knew he wanted to know what it said. I unfolded the paper.

  I tried to call you. Why didn’t you take my call?

  “Well, what does it say?” Dangerfield leaned closer.

  “Apparently this person tried to call me,” I said.

  “Who’s it from?” he asked.

  I shrugged and handed him the paper. “There’s no signature.”

  He took the paper and studied it. I inspected the envelope. Nothing was written on the outside. Now I really needed to ask the waitress what the guy who left it looked like, but I figured I already knew the answer to that.

  “There was a guy watching me from the corner of the room when you left the table. He was in the spot that the waitress pointed to. I think this is from him.” I tapped the envelope with my index finger.

  Dangerfield looked in that direction. “Where did he go?”

  “He left,” I said. “I watched him walk out the door.”

  “The letter is very strange.”

  “If the stranger said he tried to call me, then maybe the dead guy wasn’t the one who tried to call me after all,” I said.

  Dangerfield nodded. “That’s true. Just because the dead guy had your number doesn’t mean he tried to call. It could have been this guy tonight. Whoever he is.”

  The waitress walked by again and I waved my hand in her direction. “Excuse me, ma’am. What did the guy who gave you this look like?”

  She looked confused. “I didn’t really pay attention. He had brown hair. Medium height.”

  That sounded like the guy who had been watching me from the corner of the room. But then again it could have been a lot of guys. It was too much of a coincidence though that she said the man had been standing in that exact corner.

  This development had left me even more confused. If the man wanted to talk with me, then why hadn’t he approached me at the bar? I supposed it could have been because I was with Dangerfield. What did he want with me? And did it have something to do with the murder?

  As if he had read my mind, Dangerfield asked, “Do you think this has anything to do with the dead man?”

  I stuffed the paper back into the envelope. “It seems likely. What are the odds two men would try to call me on the same day?”

  Dangerfield laughed. I knew right away that I had worded what I’d said wrong.

  I frowned. “It doesn’t mean that I don’t have dates. Don’t laugh at me. I didn’t mean men as in romantically.”

  Dangerfield tried to stop laughing. “No, you’re right. Maybe this guy is an admirer.”

  “Like a secret admirer?” I asked.

  “Yes, exactly,” Dangerfield said.

  I waved off his comment. “I doubt that.”

  “Don’t be so sure. It wouldn’t be unheard of. You’re a beautiful woman.” Dangerfield looked me right in the eyes, not taking his gaze off mine. “I can see why any man would fall head over heels for you.”

  Dangerfield must have sensed my uneasiness at his comment, because he asked, “Are you ready to go?”

  “I suppose.” I grabbed my bag and joined Dangerfield.

  After I stood, Dangerfield placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me through the crowd. I hoped that creepy guy wasn’t waiting outside for me. He had probably moved on to his next victim.

  Dangerfield and I stepped out into the night air. I looked to my left and right, but didn’t see the strange man. “Are you looking for him?” Dangerfield asked.

  I shook my head. “No, just checking the surroundings.”

  Thank goodness the guy wasn’t outside waiting for me. The walk to the jazz club was a short one. It was actually headed back in the direction of my apartment. At least I wouldn’t have as far to walk home alone when we left the club.

  “You know, since we both got calls, I’m thinking we should work together to solve this case,” Dangerfield said.

  “You think us working together would be a good idea?” I asked.

  “The man called us both. Plus, I’m charming to work with.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  I blew out a deep breath. Dangerfield was right. I couldn’t deny that something strange had ha
ppened.

  “Okay, maybe,” I said.

  “I’ll accept that.” Dangerfield winked.

  Chapter 5

  We walked the short distance to Royal Street and arrived at Jack’s Jazz Club. It looked a lot different than it had just last night. Everything seemed business as usual. Had everyone forgotten that a murder had occurred just outside the back door? Did they not care? Most people might not even know. Tourists who were unaware of the potential danger. Was there danger? Had it been a random event? Considering Dangerfield and I had both received calls I didn’t think it was a random crime.

  People strode out the door. After waiting for the area to clear, Dangerfield held the door open for me and I stepped inside the dark bar. The saxophone, piano, trumpet and bass all blended together in perfect harmony. Dim lights highlighted the stage. Tables and chairs dotted the floor with exposed bricks on the walls.

  Once inside the club, I realized the atmosphere here was a lot more relaxed and laid-back than the last place we’d been. A jazz ensemble played at the front of the room—one man on piano and one on the saxophone. Only one table was available by the door, but the room still wasn’t crowded. I liked this much better.

  “We should sit there.” Dangerfield pointed out the available table.

  I could have just come here on my own and asked the employees about last night’s events, but maybe having someone to help would be good.

  Dangerfield and I sat at the table. Music streamed across the room, surrounding us with the rhythm. We watched the people in silence for a minute, as if this was some kind of awkward blind date. I shifted in my seat. Why were we here? What would we discover? Chills covered my body when I thought about last night.

  “Would you like more wine?” he asked.

  I waved my hand. “I think I’ve had more than enough for tonight.”

  He smiled and then focused his attention on the entertainment. I drummed my fingers against the table. We had to do something. It wasn’t like anyone would walk up and tell us what we wanted to hear. I had no idea who to ask though. I suppose the best place to start would be with employees. After that we could try to find any regular customers. I needed to push my apprehension to the side and approach someone. Yet I continued to sit in silence. Dangerfield and I listened to the music. Finally, I decided if Dangerfield wasn’t going to talk with anyone then I sure would.