“There’d be Michael, there at the bar now. And Rose Donnelly, Kevin and Maggie Lannigan. Ah, Pete, back in the kitchen at the dishes. Peter Maguire.”
“Regulars?”
“Ah well. Why don’t I write some of this down for you, get you addresses where I can. You can talk to Michael now, for he’s a clever enough lad and can work the bar and talk at the same time.”
“Thanks.”
“Let me tell you something about Lily. She was a shy thing, and we teased her about it. She had a kind and quiet nature, and worked well. When she got to know you, got comfortable so to speak, she was easier. She had a smile for you, and she remembered your name and what you ordered. She didn’t shine, but she was steady and sweet. We won’t forget her.”
“Neither will we.”
Chapter 14
The interviews took them past end-of-shift. And, Eve thought, unless she was going to screw up her personal life, she had to set the rest aside and head uptown.
“We could manage Rose Donnelly, that would finish it off.” Peabody gestured west. “She doesn’t live far.”
“If it wasn’t her night off, we might’ve caught her here. We can swing by, then I’ll dump you and . . . Hold that thought.” She dragged out her signaling ’link. “Dallas.”
“I’m hoping I could speak to you.” Celina’s tired face filled the screen. “I can come to you.”
“Something new?”
“No. Just . . . I’d like a few minutes.”
“I’m downtown anyway. I’ll come by now.”
“Good. Thanks.”
“I’ll take Sanchez,” Eve told Peabody. “See if you can link up with Donnelly, get her statement.”
“Works for me. I’ll see you later, at dinner. Walking another two blocks.” Peabody rubbed her hands together. “I get to eat everything that’s not nailed down.”
Eve jumped back in the car, headed for SoHo. And called Roarke. “Hi. I’m running a little late.”
“Shock and amazement.”
“Everybody’s got a joke today. I’ll be there. I’ve just got to make another stop first.”
“Don’t worry about it. If little becomes very, do you prefer to go straight to Charles’s, meet me there?”
“I’ll let you know, but I hope to hell not. I want a goddamn shower. I think I can make it in an hour. Probably. Around.”
“Close enough. I saw your press conference. They ran its entirety, and are following up with various sound bites.”
“Goodie.”
“I was very proud of you.”
“Well . . . jeez.”
“And I thought, if I were the man this woman with the cold and tired eyes was after, I would tremble.”
“You wouldn’t tremble if I was holding my weapon at your throat, but thanks. I’m going to take this last meet, then I’m heading home.”
“Me, too.”
“Oh.” She brightened a bit. “You’r