“One of my tools.”
That didn’t tell me much. I sniffed but only caught the scent of fresh fallen snow. What hit me was that this was where Tony took his last breath. What an awful way to go.
Zoe spent a few more minutes searching the scene. While watching her investigate, my admiration grew. She was so focused and determined in her search.
She walked over to me. “Ready to go inside?”
“Indeed.”
We entered the space, devoid of people, and Zoe scanned the interior. “It’s so different during the daytime.”
“The magic doesn’t happen until later.” I grinned.
Rocco, the graying bartender, walked out from a back room carrying a tray of newly washed glasses. “Hey, Lucas. You’re here early. Did you hear about Tony?”
“I did.” I shook my head. “Terrible news.”
“Do you know what happened?” Zoe asked.
Rocco placed the tray on the bar and squinted at Zoe. “And who are you?”
“This is my friend, Zoe,” I introduced her. Friend didn’t seem quite accurate, but I didn’t know what else to use. “Zoe, this is Rocco.”
After brief greetings, Rocco asked, “Did you know Tony?”
“We’d met.”
While he removed glasses and stashed them beneath the bar, Rocco said, “It’s crazy. Tony was in his prime. How could he drop dead from a heart attack just like that?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know, man.”
“Do you think it could have been something else?” Zoe asked.
Rocco paused with a glass in hand. “Like what?”
“Just wondering if you thought there might be another reason,” she replied.
He gave her a withering stare. “That’s an odd question from someone I just met. Are you a reporter?”
“No,” she replied, appearing unscathed by his reaction.
“Just nosy,” he noted.
She tipped her head. “Actually, I’m a detective. Did you notice anything odd that happened here last night? Did Tony appear different?”
Rocco’s eyebrows shot two inches higher. “We’ve already had the cops in here asking questions.”
“I’m private.”
“And I’m done talking.” Rocco turned away from her and headed out back.
Appearing unfazed, Zoe walked through the club, raising her hands at times as if gauging for pockets of energy.
I caught up with her. “What can I do?”
She cocked her head. “Can you see if you detect any unusual scents?”
“I can do that.”
