Page 102 of Cruel Delights
Detective Maloney has taken to pouring generous amounts of sugar into his coffee. His partner is the opposite—Detective Laurent is razor-focused on me. Her wide-set carob-colored eyes rake over me in quiet, observant study. She’s the type to pick up on the most trivial detail.
“According to our records,” Maloney says, “you recently worked with him at the Velvet Piano.”
“So have the other two dozen people on staff.”
“We’ll speak to them at a later date. Did Mr. Keys ever mention any issues he was having? Any people he had a contentious relationship with?”
The three of us enter a staring contest. The detectives stare at me in wait for my answer. I stare back trying to sort out where this is going and what the purpose is.
I settle on being upfront and confrontational.
“You already know. Which is why you’re asking me. It’s no secret Maximillion and I didn’t get along well.”
Maloney withdraws his phone from the pocket of his shirt and logs some notes. Laurent picks up where his question left off.
“We are aware there was tension between the two of you. But we would like to know if there was anyone else that you know of who he didn’t get along with? Any other coworkers? Anyone in his personal life? Any aggressive customers?”
I shake my head. “I’m telling you. I didn’t know him well…”
“An eyewitness has come forward,” Laurent presses. She slides a photo across the table. “Can you tell us what this was about?”
My gaze drops to the photograph and my nerves go from bad to worse. They intensify into a shaky, nauseous feeling.
I stammer trying to answer.
Detective Laurent has shown me a candid security camera still of myself, Kaden, and Grady at the Velvet Piano. In the photograph, Kaden and Grady glare ominously at each other. I’m in the middle, looking stressed out and confused with my arms up to separate them.
“Uhh… yes,” I answer. “Someone was bothering me. So someone else stepped in.”
“Can you provide specific names, Ms. Hendrix?”
“What’s going on?” I ask. “Am I in trouble? Or either of them? It’d be nice if you provided some context for a change.”
“Please just answer the question. This is an active police investi—”
“No thanks. I’d rather not be involved. Enjoy your breakfast, detectives. Order the pancakes. They’re amazing. Excuse me.”
I flee Mama’s diner like it’s become a crime scene. Maybe not the best move in the eyes of two police detectives, but I don’t give a damn. I didn’t agree to become a part of their investigation.
Why would they show me a photo of Kaden’s confrontation with Grady? Do they suspect one of them was involved in Maximillion’s murder? As far as I know, Kaden and Grady had never met Maximillion; they didn’t even know who he was…
I have my answer once I’m riding the escalator off the subway platform and entering the street above. I’m within a block of my apartment building when Grady shows up from around a corner and falls into step beside me.
“You are so fucked up,” he scolds. “I’d never do to you what you’re doing to me.”
“Even if that made sense, I wouldn’t care what you have to say. How many times do I have to tell you it’s over?”
“Just like that? Ten years of friendship?”
I stare straight ahead and keep walking. He remains at my side and pierces me with a glare. His frustration surrounds me. It’s in the heat he’s giving off, etched into the tone of his voice, and packed into every bitter step he takes.
My hand slips into my crossbody purse and my fingers wrap around my pepper spray. Grady has never put his hands on me. But he’s also never been this deep in his addiction and spiraling this much out of control.
I’ll do what I have to do to defend myself.
“Ly,” he croaks as we come up on my building. “Will you just slow up? I get it. I’ve been a screw up. I’m no good. I drag you down. But can’t you at least… can’t you still talk to me?”
I stop and exhale a sigh, meeting his eyes for the first time. “Every time we try that, it doesn’t work. Not anymore, Grady. We’re oil and water.”