Page 59 of Special Agent Murphy

Frost had descended and the crisp air warned of the chance of snow. The ground in front appeared slippery and she wondered if it was why he caught up with her, and his arm went around her waist. For seconds he squeezed her hard and then opened the door, waiting for her to enter first.

They found room at the bar, pulled two stools together and ordered their beers. She remembered the smell of the place from the other night, the stink of spilled beer and the stench of smoked weed.

Kayti noticed the old-fashioned Christmas decorations. Fancy cards were taped randomly on the wooden beams separating areas in the large room. Streamers of twinkle lights wound above, draped from space to space.

The Christmas tree in the corner sat high on a raised platform, most likely a temporary stage for when they had live bands. Between it’s multi-colored lights, the droopy ribbon encircling some of the branches and the rather pathetic ornaments, it did give a festive feeling, just no awe for its beauty.

She turned back to Murphy who’d finished checking his messages. “Anything new on Gina or the crime scene? I know there’s probably no chance we’d be so lucky, but were there any usable prints?”

“Nope. They have nothing other than she was brutally choked, and then shoved in the trunk.”

“Any DNA under her nails. She must have put up a fight.”

“Don’t think she could. Her wrists were also bruised as if someone held her for the killer.”

Poor, poor girl.Kayti hated to think of her being treated so brutally. “Time of death?”

“All they have is between twenty-four and forty-eight hours.”

Gloom settled in, and Kayti forced herself to shrug it off. They had work to do. Both surveyed the groups of patrons. Some looked kind of familiar to Kayti, obviously those folks being the best choice of where to begin flashing the photo. “See that couple by the window?”

“Do you remember them?”

“I think so. I’ll go visit. Be back in a minute.”

Kayti strolled over to the middle-aged couple and stopped by their table. “Mind if I join you and ask a couple of questions?”

“You a cop?” The man had an attitude and wasn’t shy to show it.

“Matter of fact.” Kayti moved her black leather jacket aside and showed the badge attached to her belt.

“We got nothing to say.” He didn’t mince words.

The woman’s expression went instantly from interested to totally embarrassed.

“I haven’t asked my question yet.”

“Still got nothing to say.”

“Fine, sorry to disturb you.” Kayti began to move as if she would walk away and then stopped after a couple of steps. “Do you know any other regulars here tonight I might be able to talk with?”

Before the asshole could act like the royal dictator again, the woman spoke up and pointed to two other tables. “I’ve seen that couple a number of times, and those men by the door.” She ignored the disgusted frown from her partner. Before staring down into her empty beer mug, she accepted Kayti’s thanks with a nod.

Kayti headed back to Murphy and shared what the woman had told her. About the guys by the door, and the couple wearing matching sweatshirts showingI Heart New Yorkonly with an actual heart replacing the word.

“I’ll try the couple next.” Kayti was on a roll and wanted to get this over with so they could leave.

“Okay. Be careful.”

Kayti headed for the table and was roughly pushed out of the way from behind when the first couple was leaving. “Nate!” Shock rang in the woman’s voice, and Kayti flashed her a smile and shrugged as if to say no hard feelings.

She felt the woman press something into her hand and opened it to receive a card. Then watched them leave. Of course, Mr. Nasty walked out first without holding the door.

She didn’t see Murphy follow the pushy prick out of the bar. Instead, she approached the next couple and could see they were having a good time, joking while holding hands.

“I’m sorry to bother you. Would it be okay if I asked you some questions?”

Both looked up at her with welcoming grins. The lady answered first. “Sure, what can we do for you, Officer?”

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