Hyacinths and Homicide by London Lovett

Author:London Lovett [Lovett, London]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Fox Press

Chapter 18

Not wanting to alarm Grady or let on that he'd been implicated in a double murder, Briggs arranged to meet him downstairs in the lobby's coffee bar. It was also a convenient way for each of us to get a reviving cup of coffee. Since Grady and I had met and had a friendly conversation, he didn't seem averse to having me sit at the table with them once Briggs introduced me as his girlfriend. Since the party ended abruptly several hours earlier, Grady had changed out of costume and into a pair of pants and a t-shirt. He'd pulled on a navy blue cap with the NASA logo.

I hugged my cup of coffee in both hands and took a sip. My sigh caught both men's attention. "Sorry, it just tasted so good." I smiled coyly.

Briggs motioned toward the hat. "Lacey tells me you work for NASA. I always dreamed of working for NASA. I'm afraid my math skills had different ideas for my future."

Grady reached up and tapped the logo. "Yes, it was always a dream of mine too. Although, I'm one of those guys who sits behind the computer and not inside the space capsule. But I get about as close to it as a civilian can. And on a good day, I get to eat lunch with astronauts."

Briggs lifted his coffee. "Very cool." Briggs was a pro at getting people to relax when he questioned them, only I was certain Grady would figure out quickly that this wasn't just a friendly chat about his awesome job.

Grady fingered his cup but didn't lift it for a drink. "The officer said you needed to see me concerning the—" He paused and lost some of the color in his face. "Are they really both dead? Riley and Dane?"

"I'm afraid so," Briggs said.

"That's terrible." Grady's expression saddened some. "I knew them, of course. But I'm not sure how I can help you."

"Mr. Ramone, can you tell me what you wore to the costume party?"

The first question threw Grady for a loop, and an involuntary laugh shot from his mouth. "That's why you needed to see me? To find out my costume choice?" The set of his jaw grew more tense as it seemed to dawn on him that the question was serious. He sat forward. "I wore a custom made jester's costume. Lacey saw it earlier in the evening." He added to show that he was certain Briggs already knew what he wore.

He reached for his phone, rather suddenly, and with the late night and double murder, the movement caused Briggs to straighten to attention. Grady noticed his defensive reaction and his expression grew grim. "Trust me, Detective Briggs, we scientists rarely walk around with a weapon in our belts," he said snidely. He pulled out his phone. "Here's a picture of me in the costume."

Briggs seemed slightly ashamed of his reaction but said nothing of it. He looked at the picture. "It's a nice costume."

Grady sat back on the chair and put down the phone.

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