Ups and Downs by William Mangieri

Author:William Mangieri
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: murder mystery, police, private eye, ghost, investigation, arson, prosecution, mystery crime, brain implant, gaslighting
Publisher: William Mangieri

*****

Jimmy walked into the lobby of the Hyatt at eleven the next morning carrying a bouquet of roses. It was a full hour before their date was supposed to begin, but he wanted to make sure that everything was just right in the Blue Room for when Diana arrived. He noticed Giuseppe was on duty, and it occurred to him that a lot of the professional girls did business at the Hyatt, and it might be profitable to plumb his favorite maitre-d for information.

The feeling was not mutual.

“Mr. Delaney, why do you always come to me? Any of my coworkers would know just as much as I do.”

“Yes, but most of them are busy following the rules and doing their jobs, instead of running a side business with the clientele.” Jimmy showed him a picture of Nicolette he had on his phone. “Have you seen anyone around who might have passed for this girl?”

Giuseppe examined the picture. “I remember her – especially because of the boots.”

“You’ve seen her?”

“No, the girl died earlier this year, but I think you already know that.” Giuseppe studied the picture some more, then handed him back his phone. “If that’s what you’re into these days, though, I’m sure that we can find someone willing to play the part.”

“That isn’t why I’m -” Jimmy gave up on his reflexive denials. “Never mind.”

He walked into The Blue Room. As usual, the jazz trio was doing their thing, as they had been every time he had been there; Jimmy wondered if they ever went home. Lila was manning the hostess stand. Jimmy turned over his last Blue card, which would take care of dinner and drinks for two.

“Do you have something for me, too, Jimmy?”

“No, Lila. It’s just going to be dinner.”

“Well, you just keep saving up those red cards, then.” She sidled up to him, her big hair tickling his face. “You never know when you might need to try something different.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He pointed to a corner table. “Can we have that one?”

“Nothing is too good for my favorite guest,” she winked. “Absolutely nothing.”

He walked over to the bar and got himself a Singapore Sling, then went over to the table he had picked out and sat down.

It was almost noon when his phone rang.

“Jimmy, I’m sorry this is so last minute, but I need you to meet me at the Barnstow Arms,” Diana said.

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“Nothing you don’t already know about. I found someone to help me work some of it out. Meet us at Nicolette’s old room.”

Jimmy figured he knew what Diana thought she was going to work out, and she wanted him there to rub his nose in it. But how could he say no?

“Kiko Nakamura is still living there. She might be doing business.”

She had been with a client the last time Diana had been there.

“That’s taken care of; I’ve already paid for an hour of her time.”

“Looks like you’ve thought of everything. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.