“Russell, come with us. The rest of you get back to work.”
“Don’t let anyone touch the main computers at the check-in desk,” Gonzo said to the women being dismissed. “We’ll be seizing them as part of our investigation. We’ll also want passwords and operation manuals for the systems you use. Maybe you can work on that for us?”
Wright almost fainted. “But?—”
Gonzo gave him a look that stopped that question in its tracks.
The two women nodded to acknowledge Gonzo’s request and scrambled off like they’d been set on fire. Wright and Russell led the way to the elevators.
“What are your first names?” Gonzo asked.
“Why is that relevant?” Wright asked.
Gonzo was ready to arrest this guy for being a dick. If only the charge would stick. “I determine what’s relevant. Now what’s your first name?”
“Edward,” Wright said. “Russell’s is William, but everyone calls him Russell.”
“Was that so difficult?”
“This whole thing is difficult,” Wright said. “We’re not the kind of establishment to have a murder on our premises or police officers visiting us.”
“I’m sorry for your troubles, but I’m much sorrier for the troubles of the guy who was murdered.”
“I feel like you’re enjoying this or something.”
“Yeah, a murder is the highlight of my entire day. What’ve you got for cameras on the sixth floor?”
“We have security cameras in all the public spaces.”
“Including the ice rooms?”
“No, not there.”
Gonzo would’ve been surprised to hear they had cameras in the ice room. “I’d like the film from the last twenty-four hours on the sixth floor.”
“I’ll have to check with corporate on that.”
“Why?”
“That’s the policy.”
“The policy is that when a murder occurs in one of your hotels, you have to get corporate’s permission to assist the police investigating it?”
“I don’t make the rules. I simply follow and enforce them.”
“I bet you enjoy enforcement.”
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing. Just an observation.”
Russell, a tall, imposing fellow who looked like he was once a linebacker, cleared his throat as if trying not to laugh.
“We’ve already requested a warrant for the video,” Gonzo said, “but you could help us out if you’re able to get permission to turn it over to us.”
“I’ll send an inquiry right away.”
“How long will that take?”
