Hot Coffee Iced Santa (Roasted Love Cozy 2)

Before I had a chance to do that, Steven called. He asked me if I had any new information. I told him I didn't but had a question for him.

"Shoot," he said.

> "Do you know Jared Freedman at West River Bank?"

"I know who he is. He's an investor or banker there, I believe. Why do you ask?"

"I just wondered. There is something mysterious about him. I went to see him the other day. He told me Frank used to be a teller there. Did you know that?"

"I knew that. Frank told me when I first hired him. He asked me not to check references at the bank. It had been a while and I got the impression he and his boss didn't get along so well. I checked references where he had worked at a restaurant instead. It made more sense for my purposes."

"Looks like he made enemies everywhere he went," I said. Steven agreed. "By the way, do you know if Frank had enough money to invest some?"

"I doubt that. I was at his house one time. He lived in a place that didn't speak of money."

That was for sure. I wondered when and how he raked in enough to buy all of that expensive stuff in his house. Steven was talking again and so I tuned in.

"If you want, I can make you dinner tonight. We are almost ready to close for the night."

"Thanks, but I'll pass this time. I worked later than usual tonight. I think I'll turn in early."

I wasn't ready to meet Steven Landers alone in his restaurant kitchen again this soon. I wanted to ask him what kind of aftershave he used. That would call for a huge explanation. I certainly didn't want him to think I flirted with him, nor did I plan to buy him a Christmas present. I passed on the idea of asking him a personal question.

“Before we hang up, I want to ask you one more question. Does your Chef have any connections with West River Bank?” I could hear his deep breath.

“I have no idea. Peter could bank there. I have a bookkeeper who makes sure paychecks go where the employee wants them to go. Why do you ask?”

The hesitancy in his voice wasn’t lost on me. “I wonder how much you know about your Head Chef. Did he have anything against Frank?”

“I can tell you that everyone I know in my restaurant had something against Frank at one time or another. You aren’t seriously thinking Peter D’Arcy had anything to do with it, are you?”

There was no way I was going to tell Steven any questions I had about Peter at this point. “No, but I’m sure the cops are looking at everyone. I probably shouldn’t have even brought up your Chef. The cops have already asked you about your employees anyway.”

We ended the call. I dialed Daniel. Christmas music came from a piano in the background.

"Are you singing Christmas carols at your house?" I asked Daniel.

"It's a family tradition. We stand or sit around singing while my mother plays the piano."

"I don't want to interfere. Call me back when you get a break."

"Don't hang up. I need a break," he said. His melodious chuckle soothed me as usual. I gave him his break.

"Daniel, I found an astounding amount of bound-up cash at Frank's house." I told him how I got in and how I later found out the police hadn't searched there yet.

"Are you saying they didn't take things from his house right away?"

I told him Chief Hayes' explanation. "I was so lucky the cops didn't come in while I was in there. The wrap around each bundle had West River Bank stamped on them. Frank must have been taking a payoff from someone at the bank. That has to be it."

"That is the only answer. Do you think Jared Freedman is involved?"

"I haven't the slightest, but I think Frank invested with him. But from what I heard, they didn't get along, and Jared never mentioned any of it."

"You may be on the right track, Laila." One thing about Daniel: he always remained calm. If we were face to face, I would have seen excitement and expression in his eyes. Over the phone, it was as if we were holding a normal conversation.

I told him about my experience at the Post Office when I picked up the same cologne or aftershave scent as the night I was attacked. I hesitated. "Do you know what kind Steven uses?"

"Not exactly," said Daniel. "But, I remember from college that he is allergic to most fragrances. So anything he wore would generally be all natural ingredients. It would have little to no odor. We all laughed at him at the time, but he was serious."