He gave me a funky look. "Um, I'll have to talk to my manager.”
"Then talk to your manager," I said.
I got the impression this guy didn't like cops.
In a lackluster voice, he called over his shoulder. "Janet! I need you to talk to this guy.”
She came over, and I explained the situation. Fortunately, she was a little more amenable to letting me look through the credit card receipts. She even let me photograph them. I would send the info to Isabella later. If one of these credit cards had made a purchase of sulfuric acid, it would be telling.
I thanked Janet for her cooperation, then JD and I talked to some of the other patrons. Nobody remembered any details about the person sitting at the table. It was a dead end.
We left and headed back to the station, logged the credit card receipts and the paper cup as evidence, then set out to find Sebastian's ex-girlfriend. She was as good a place as any to start.
We returned to the van and drove across the island to the Nautilus Tower. It was a luxury high-rise with all the amenities and an on-site marina.
I pulled up to the valet, and the kid hustled around to grab my door. I hopped out, slipped a few bills into his palm, and told him to keep the van up front.
Rachel Hoffman lived in Unit #1612.
The concierge buzzed us in, and we hurried across the opulent lobby to the elevator. Jack pressed the button, and a moment later, the door slid open. We vaulted up to 16 and marched to Rachel’s unit. I rang the video doorbell.
Rachel’s voice crackled through the speaker a moment later. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m not interested.”
I chuckled and flashed my badge to the lens. “We just need to ask you a few questions.”
“Is this about Sebastian’s girlfriend?”
“We’re hoping you might be able to add some valuable insight.”
“You think I’m a suspect,” she said.
Rachel was no dummy.
“A few questions, and we can cross you off the list,” I said with a disarming smile.
“I don’t look anything like the guy who attacked Ava. You’re wasting your time.”
“So you won’t mind coming to the door for a moment.”
12
Rachel might not have been a supermodel, but she was no slouch. With silky raven hair that hung to her mid-back, elegant bone structure, full pouty lips, and tawny eyes with smoky shadow, she could definitely stoke the flames of desire. A little older than Ava, she was fast approaching 30, if she hadn't hit it already.
"I wasn't anywhere near the fashion show last night. Even though Giovanni invited me personally. I didn’t want to be in the same proximity as Sebastian.”
"I take it you're not a fan of the man," I said.
She gave me a look. "Whatever gave you that idea?”
"Whose idea was the breakup?" I asked, already knowing.
Rachel lifted a salty eyebrow. "I aged out of the role.” Then she smiled. "It's okay. I've got a new part to play.”
"Are you seeing someone else?”
"I have multiple suitors at the moment,” she said in a cute, proud voice.
She was a striking woman, and I had no doubt she had plenty of men chasing after her.
