Page 32 of Their Haunted Hearts
Surprised when Rio asked him to accompany him, Raven climbed into Rio’s truck and they headed for the Triple Z Bar. Along the way he read the notes Rio had compiled for Sly Goldman. “None of the victims had been raped. Why would you consider this man to be a suspect?”
“The only evidence we have to hand at the moment is finding people who were speaking to Bunny the night she died. The bartender noticed four men, so we’ve been interviewing them and they all fit the description of the man seen at the roadhouse with Darlene Travis.” Rio headed the truck along Stanton Road. It was late afternoon and long shadows crossed the highway. “Goldman started his shift at four. The manager and the bartender are aware that we’re on our way to speak to him. There won’t be any problems.”
The truck bounced across the parking lot and stopped outside the Triple Z Bar. Raven grabbed his notebook and climbed out. The smell of stale sweat, beer, and chili oozed out from the swinging doors. He turned to Rio. “I’ll need another shower when I leave this place.”
He followed Rio to the bar and the barman pointed out a tall broad guy who was carrying a garbage bin filled with beer bottles toward the backdoor. “Goldman has seen us and I didn’t notice a reaction. Unless he’s outside running for his life.”
“I’ll head out of the front door and you follow him. There’s an alleyway behind the bar where they keep the dumpsters. If I can’t see him, I’ll meet you there.” Rio headed off at a fast pace.
Weaving through the tables of people doing their best to ignore him, Raven made his way to the back door. In the alleyway Goldman was placing bottles into a crate. He glanced up as Raven walked toward him. The alleyway stunk of garbage and urine, as if it was used as the local toilet. He sidestepped a puddle of vomit and went to stand a short distance from Goldman. “Mr. Goldman?”
“That would be me.” Goldman turned slowly and studied Raven’s face for a few seconds. “What can I do for you, Deputy?”
At that moment Rio’s boots clattered on the cobblestones as he walked along the alleyway. Raven indicated to him. “That’s Chief Deputy Rio and I’m Deputy Raven. We have a few questions to ask you about Bunny Watkins.”
“What about her?” Goldman wiped his hands on his jeans and straightened. His gaze shifted from one to the other. “She works here as a cleaner and started a few weeks ago, as far as I know.”
“We’ve discovered her body.” Rio paused as if waiting for a reaction but it didn’t come. “Sheriff Alton was in the bar speaking to people about the murder of Bunny and Darlene Travis. You were seen talking to Bunny the night she died. Do you recall what you spoke about?”
“She asked me if I could empty the garbage bins.” Goldman raised an eyebrow. “I told her if the boss employed her to clean, it meant taking out the garbage as well, and that I had enough to do without doing her job as well.”
Jackass. Raven frowned. The request seemed normal to him. Bunny was only a small woman and the bins filled with bottles appeared to be heavy. He made a few notes and looked at him. “I gather you’ve been working with her for a time? Did you notice if she appeared to be upset or worried when you spoke to her?”
“Yeah, she always had something to moan about. Most times it was about walking back to the motel each night in the dark.” Goldman snorted. “Like she was trying to get me to give her a ride. I don’t need being seen with trouble like her.”
“What exactly do you mean by that?” Rio rested his hands on his hips and stared at him. “Was she turning tricks?”
“Not that I’m aware but why would she ask me?” Goldman shrugged nonchalantly. “I figure it’s kinda obvious that I don’t have any spare cash.”
Raven rested his thumbs inside his belt. “I noticed you had some run-ins with the law in Blackwater but you seem to be keeping your nose clean in Black Rock Falls. Although being likely the last person to see Bunny alive, I figure the rape case against you in Blackwater is likely going to cause you some attention from law enforcement.” He noticed Goldman flinch but he covered it well.
“That was a misunderstanding, is all.” Goldman pushed a dirty hand through his hair. “We both had a little too much to drink and things got out of hand. She came to her senses and dropped the charges against me.”
“People who were here that night made mention that you didn’t seem to be yourself. Had you noticed anything unusual going on?” Rio lifted his chin and when Goldman shook his head, he glanced at Raven. “I guess that’s a no. So, what time did you leave the bar? Did you see Bunny leave?”
“I left before her. When the place is empty, she locks up.” Goldman shook his head slowly. “The boss doesn’t trust me to do that job.” He shifted uneasily. “I did see someone in the parking lot, but many of the drivers sleep in their cabs when they’re having a rest stop.”
“Can you describe him?” Rio took a step closer. “Tall, short, wide, skinny?”
“It was dark, I only got a glimpse of him, is all.” Goldman’s eyes darted from one to the other and he shuffled his feet. “Someone was out there. I’m not sure. I only saw a shadow moving, tall and broad and wearing a long coat. I didn’t stick around. I jumped into my ride and took off.”
Raven exchanged a glance with Rio. “Did you see Bunny with him?”
“Nah, Bunny was still inside when I left.” Goldman shook his head. “Like I said before, she stayed behind to lock up. I was long gone by then.”
“Okay, what about Sunday night?” Rio searched his face. “Did you work that night?”
“Nope.” Goldman shrugged. “Why? Someone else go missing?”
“Did you drop by the roadhouse for a meal, late on Sunday night, maybe speak to a young woman?” Rio leaned closer. “Maybe shared your burger with her?”
“I was there between eleven and midnight, maybe.” Goldman closed his eyes as if steadying himself or maybe searching for a reply. “I purchased a burger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake. I was working until then at a function at the Cattleman’s Hotel. Ask anyone, they saw me.”
Raven folded his notebook and pushed it inside his pocket. “Don’t leave town. We might be back to ask you a few more questions.” He handed him his card. “If you see the man hanging around the parking lot again, call me.” He followed Rio out of the door.
As they walked to the truck, Raven glanced at Rio. “He acts like he’s guilty of something or he’s hiding something.”
“Yeah.” Rio swung behind the wheel. “Any one of them could be guilty or innocent. We need more than circumstantial evidence to get an arrest warrant.”
