Caffeine & Killers (Roasted Love Cozy 3)

"Maybe he didn't know. Maybe he thought she was shopping. Maybe they had a designated time to meet and that’s why she left so fast."

I had to agree with him. I also knew I had to see Chief Hayes again very soon. Daniel said he would come with me and called the chief to tell him we were on our way.

# # #

When Daniel and I got to the precinct house, things were quiet in the reception area. And once back in Chief Hayes's office, I noticed that his desk had fewer folders on it than the last time.

"I'd offer you both some coffee," the chief said, "but it wouldn’t be anything like what you're used to at Roasted Love." He grinned. "Tell me – what is so important that both of you show up as a team?"

I told him about my meeting with Linda. "She admitted that Larch never told her he planted drugs in Steven Wilkins’ apartment, down on Skid Row. But – "

"Yes?"

"She did say something about a dirty cop."

The chief frowned. "Did she name the cop?"

"No. When I asked her, she said Larch hadn't mentioned any names. According to Linda, he did say that your department should be looking at someone on the inside. And he referred to the deaths of two homeless men."

Daniel spoke up. "Maybe you should talk to Ronald Larch so you can get it all first-hand from him," he said. "I don’t like it that Laila is the go-between here."

The chief nodded. "My thoughts exactly. And Laila, I read the report on your stalker the other night and I have an extra patrol in your area. Obviously, someone has targeted you. I want you to be careful."

"As for the subject of a bad cop, I take that charge very seriously and I don't appreciate people spewing accusations around like that. It's also not something that is likely to be true. But I will have a talk with Mr. Larch and see what he has to say."

He didn't seem thrilled, but I wanted to clarify. "We just wanted to make sure you heard about it. I don't know anymore than that, but no one wants that to be true. Thank you for your time, Chief".

"Thank you guys. I'll get to the bottom of this. You did the right thing."

Chapter Twenty Seven

"Laila, do you mind closing this evening?" asked Jacob.

"Sure. I’ll be happy to," I answered. "I don’t have anything planned for tonight." I grinned at my boss. "Why, what's up? Do you have a hot date?"

Jacob laughed and shook his head. "If you want to call a meeting with my accountant a hot date, then I guess I do. But that's all. He’s coming to my house, so I’m leaving early to pick up something for us to chew on while we do battle with the figures."

"I don’t envy you that," I said. "Go ahead. I'll take care of things here."

I joined Lily in the front of Roasted Love. Almost every table was taken. I helped Lily take orders, and we took care of our own drinks at the espresso machine while Eddie brought more bagels out along with fruit scones.

When we finally got caught up, I spent my time between the register and the espresso machine. Rain started falling and some customers began lingering longer than usual. It was more comfortable to sit in Roasted Love and enjoy a second cup or a cookie instead of running outside and getting wet.

I looked up when the door jangled and saw Ronald Larch and the Councilman walk in. As usual, the candidate was politicking his way to a table in the center of the room. Larch avoided my eyes, as usual.

Carpenter walked over and greeted me like an old friend. Possibly it was a greeting hoping to get another vote, but either way it was hard to tell the difference. If you didn't know any better, it was easy to like the man. He asked for an espresso to go and then took his drink and left again. Larch stayed behind and sat down at a table.

Soon only six customers remained at the tables. One of them was Larch. He had a folder in front of him that he thumbed through. Several times I was sure he glanced in my direction.

"I’m going to grab an espresso, Lily. Do you want to join me?" I said.

"I’m not quite ready but you go ahead," she said.

I made my way to the back employee table. My eyes were on the steaming espresso when I felt a presence standing there. I looked up to see Larch.

"Do you mind if I join you for a few minutes?" he said. "I know you're on break, but I won’t take up much of your time."

For once, I was speechless. He was the last person I expected to have a conversation with. I waved him to the chair across from me, and he sat down.