"All my life," I said. "Apart from the occasional holiday. How about you?" I didn't really care, but if he was going to pretend to engage in small talk, two could play that game.
"Almost as long," he agreed. "Best place in the world."
"It definitely is. I see a table just opened up if you'd like to have a seat." I had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy, not when he was sniffing around for something in particular.
Beside me, Cass moved with jerky movements like he was barely containing his irritation. I forced myself not to look at him and give him a reassuring glance. That wouldn't go unnoticed.
"What do you know about Toby Dent?" Getzoff, asked as if trying to catch me unaware.
I didn't need to pretend when I frowned. Was that his last name?
I shook my head. "Should I know who that is?"
"He's a convenience store owner who met with an unfortunate death a few nights ago," Getzoff said.
"I can't say it rings a bell," I said. "How terrible for him. And his family."
"Very terrible," Getzoff agreed. "The shelves in his storeroom weren't fastened to the wall correctly. They fell and he was crushed."
I winced. "That's awful. What a horrible way to die."
Getzoff was watching me carefully. Looking for my reaction. Possibly wondering if I'd give any sign I knew he wasn't killed by falling cans.
I cocked my head and frowned. "Wait a minute. Why do I get the feeling you're suggesting he didn't die that way?” I widened my eyes, leaned back and whispered, "Are you saying he was murdered? Do you think it's the same person that killed Erin?"
Was I convincing enough?
"Oh my god," Cass whispered. "What if there's a serial killer running around in the area?"
I looked over at him now and swallowed hard, trying not to lay it on too thick.
"Is that why you're here?" I asked, turning back to Getzoff. "Do you think I'm in some kind of danger?"
"I'm not sure." For the first time, he seemed to be on the back foot, as if he hadn't expected our reaction. "There does seem to be someone killing people. But the pattern is…"
He shook his head and pressed his lips together like he'd said too much already.
"Maybe I've watched too many episodes ofCriminal Minds, but is it common for a serial killer to kill men and women?" I asked.
Personally, I never killed another woman until Gina. I knew Erin and Toby Dent had very different profiles: different ages,different personalities. She was innocent. He was not. On paper, they'd look unrelated. Wouldn't they?
"Not usually, but something tells me these two cases are related," he said. "Call it instinct if you like."
Something in his expression suggested I shouldn't call it instinct, but I wasn't sure what it was. Not unless he was involved with Hypnos and Zeus in some way.
There were too many witnesses for me to pull out a knife, end him and make him disappear. Not to mention I couldn't prove anything. He might be an innocent police officer doing his job. Nothing more.
Yeah, okay. And I was the second reincarnation of Darth Vader.
Still, just because he wasn't innocent didn't mean he was guilty. I saw that quote on a sign somewhere for a law firm. Archer would probably know the exact one, but I didn’t, not off the top of my head.
"You think whoever killed her and him are the same person, and might eat here?" Cass asked.
I wanted to thank him for the question, if only to give me a few more moments to think.
"Have you noticed anyone suspicious who eats here regularly?" Getzoff asked.
"You've been in here a few times," I said with a laugh.
