Mona’s driver, Jamison, let Mona off the hotel’s front door.
An attendant opened the car door.
Before exiting her new black Ford Deluxe, Mona said to Jamison, “I shan’t be long.”
Jamison then went to park the car where he could see the comings and goings of the hotel. He knew Miss Mona would want to know the foot traffic around the hotel. Mona might be a few minutes or she might be hours, so he settled in his seat, thankful he had a thermos of hot coffee and a piece of cinnamon coffee cake with him.
Mona entered the lobby and handed a note to a desk clerk. “I’ll be waiting in the mezzanine lobby.”
The clerk looked at the note. “I don’t know if he’s in.” He stared at Mona and waited.
Getting the message, Mona slipped him a fin. “The mezzanine lobby. Immediately.” She climbed the short flights of steps to the mezzanine and eased into a green, leather wingback chair, picked up a Ladies’ Home Journal magazine, and thumbed through it.
Ten minutes later Jellybean Martin, dressed as a waiter, emerged from the service elevator with a tray holding a cocktail. The small, almost dwarfish man placed a napkin before Mona and placed a drink on it. He also left a small bowl of peanuts. Quietly he murmured, “How did you know I still worked here?”
“I took a chance. I need help, Jellybean.”
“Payment?”
“Fifty dollars for a few hours work.”
Jellybean’s eyes lit up. “What do you need?”
“I want you to ask around the hotel about the three Brits who were staying here.”
“What do you want to know about them?”
“Now I know you have already heard that one of them got stabbed at Belle Brezing’s place. Don’t play dumb with me.”
Jellybean grinned. “You came to the right man. Give me a few hours.”
“Don’t call. Come to Moon Manor.”
“I don’t have a car.”
“I’ll have my man bring you out. He’ll be waiting for you at the employee’s entrance.”
“Have him come for me in four hours. I have contacts in Belle’s kitchen. I want to hear what they’ve got to say.”
The elevator door opened and a guest stepped out.
Jellybean said in a loud, sloppy voice. “I hope you enjoy your Mint Julep, miss. We put in extra, extra bourbon just like you asked.”
The departing guest shot Mona a strange look and, thinking twice before waiting in the mezzanine lobby, went down the staircase.
Mona took a quick sip of the Mint Julep before picking up her purse.
“Remember, four hours. My shift ends then.”
“My man will be here. You better be, too.”
“For fifty dollars, you bet I will. I want that in cash. No check.”
Mona said, “As you wish.” There was chattering coming up the stairs, so Mona went down the other side of the double staircase.
When she glanced back, Jellybean was gone.