Steven leaned back and observed me. Then as if making up his mind, he said, "I have no problem giving it to you. It's a listed number and I'm sure she wouldn't mind."
He stood up and began stacking our plates. I followed him to the kitchen. While he looked up Cassie's number, I rinsed the dishes off and put them into the rack for the dishwasher. There were a few more dishes waiting to be washed. I figured Steven was eating his meals there and when the rack was filled, he would slide it into the machine and wash them all at once.
Steven returned and handed me a sticky note with Cassie's number on it. "I hope people don't think I murdered Frank. I don't need that. Before all of this happened, I always felt everyone was a friend. I wonder if whoever did it decided to kill him in my restaurant to hurt me or my business."
"I'm sure the truth will come out soon and anyone who thinks that way about you will stop. I'm curious why you are allowed to be in here if the cops want you to keep it closed. Aren't they afraid you will disturb evidence of some kind?"
His startled look was accusing. "Do you think I did it?"
"I didn't say that at all. But if they want you to keep the place closed, it must be because they think something will be disturbed before they are finished scrutinizing the business. I just wondered is all."
"You have a good point. They told me I could come in. I had to make sure the food is kept safe from being exposed. I can't afford to lose good food, too. I have no idea why they are not letting me open again. They've canvassed the place with a fine tooth comb as far as I can tell. That's another reason I'm calling my lawyer. I have to get back in business."
"Daniel told me he is leaving for home tomorrow. I told him I would try to ask the right questions around. I'm hoping you will be off the hook soon." Still uncertain about the man in front of me, I knew I had
to be cautious.
Steven's smile was one of relief. He relaxed and came closer to me. "Thank you, Laila, but I hardly know you. Why would you do this for me?"
"I want you cleared and this restaurant opened again. I didn't get to eat much since Cassie's scream stopped that from happening. You owe me that much."
Before I realized it, Steven leaned down and kissed me squarely on the lips. I drew back quickly. My right heel caught on the leg of the counter and I almost fell. I felt strong arms lift me upright again.
"I don't appreciate that," I said. My voice faltered. I hoped he knew I meant what I said. "I'm in a relationship with Daniel. He's your best friend and I am surprised you would deceive him by doing something like that."
I noticed a slight flush creep into his face. Surely this wasn't the first time someone refused his advances. Steven stepped back once I was on my two feet again. "I'm very sorry, Laila. You are so beautiful with your auburn red hair, and those amber eyes got to me. I know that is no excuse and I would never betray Daniel. He is lucky to have found someone like you."
I tried not to respond directly to his comments. "Look, Steven, I'm doing my own investigation for Daniel. He wanted to stick around to help you out, but I convinced him he needed to see his family. If you want my help, I'll give it. I'm not looking to sneak around behind Daniel while he is out of town. Is it a deal?"
"I'll take the deal. Again, I'm really sorry."
He didn't look all that sorry, but I was sure he got my message. We parted on somewhat questionable, but hopeful terms. When I went around to the driver's side of my car, I glanced back at Steven in time to note a look of distress on his face. Maybe he was sorry after all. Or perhaps his troubled look had more to do with the predicament he was in with the murder of his dishwasher.
The unexpected kiss shook me like his sudden appearance in my neighborhood.
Chapter Six
Daniel and I both had the next day off. I had to take care of details of his Christmas gift. But for now, we had work to do to free Steven from murder accusations.
We decided to call Cassie Johnson and have a talk with her. I knew Daniel was in crunch time trying to get ready to leave town. He was ready to do what he could on behalf of his friend before departure time.
Cassie said she was ready to welcome us. "I'll meet with anyone if it helps to keep me out of all of this," she had told me.
"I made notes, Laila," said Daniel. "I thought they would help you some. Of course, they are my take on things. I wish we could do this together. Two heads are always better than one."
I took the folder. "I'll call you every chance I get," I told him. "We can still work together to prove Steven's innocence."
Together, we sifted through the notes. He glanced at his watch. "It's about time to leave for Cassie's apartment," he said.
The apartment was in a four-plex. Cassie's was on the front. The sidewalk to her door had crumbled in places. A worn doormat was in front of the door. Daniel rang the bell. Immediately, it was opened by the petite woman I last saw in the kitchen of Steven's Steakhouse. The difference was the stark horror was absent from her eyes this time. She invited us inside.
"Everything you tell us will be kept confidential," said Daniel. "We want to find out who killed Frank. The cops are looking at Steven. Of course, they will look at everyone until they find out who did it."
The frantic look reappeared. "I had nothing to do with Frank's murder." Her voice shook but I felt sure it was because she was afraid the murder would be pinned on her. "I'll tell you anything you want to know."
Daniel told her what Steven told him about her threats to Frank. "What was that all about?"
"We dated for a while. I know you are thinking why someone twenty-one years old would date an older man like Frank. He was in his fifties." That thought entered my mind. "He was always friendly with me. We just seemed to hit it off. I liked the way he treated the kids. I thought he had a soft side to him. He treated me like a queen; outside of work, of course."