‘All this chatter about Rodolfo’s smoke break is bugging me,’ I admit to Riri as we walk through the warm streets. Since Mrs Kostas/Dimas’s murder, everyone’s been afraid to go outside. But the sun still shines and sunflowers are around, so there’s that. My T-shirt and shorts are sequined, sparkling in the sunlight. ‘We shouldn’t have been so dependent on the CCTV of those entering and leaving – we forgot to consider who was already inside the cafe.’
‘How so?’ Riri fails to catch up with my quick strides. It’s funny watching her try.
‘Well, it wasn’t mentioned by Fred. Only by Mimi and Derek.’
‘Oh, that’s true. Similar phrasing as well – “quick smoke break”. Rehearsed together, maybe? The Clio Trio could be working together to tell that lie. To throw us off their scent. Maybe they’re covering up the murder together.’
‘Good work, Riri. It’s possible. And Mimi texted Derek about our interrogations.’ I stop walking. Tilt my head sunward. A butterfly of confusion flutters in my stomach. A real butterfly flies around my face too. I waft it away. ‘But how does it have anything to do with Rodolfo?’
Riri answers, ‘Rodolfo’s motive is that he didn’t want to be replaced. Mrs Kostas/Dimas wanted to hire another chef and they weren’t getting on.’ She fiddles with the sleeves of her dress.
‘We can ask Rodolfo about that. So, he’s officially a TUSC suspect in this investigation.’
I find a bench and start scribbling. I say, ‘We’ll put this on The Motive Board later.’
MOTIVES Rodolfo Espinoza |
|
DESPERATION Desperate to keep his job with 12-hour shifts 7 days a week – for money? Or maybe loneliness |
LOVE/OBSESSION Loves being a chef? Obsessed with work? |
JEALOUSY Jealous that another chef would get the praise he gets from Cafe Vivlio’s customers |
REVENGE Revenge for Mrs Kostas/Dimas putting up the chef vacancy? |
GREED See above: Desperation |
CRIME OF PASSION Maybe he tried to communicate civilly with Mrs Kostas/Dimas and she wasn’t having any of it. So, he threw her down the steps in The Secret Garden? |
‘So, Riri, Rodolfo has his call log showing that he rang Mrs Kostas/Dimas at the time of death. But, if he’s the murderer, then he would’ve been in The Secret Garden at the time of death. We need an electronic trail – proof – just like with The Clio Trio.’
Riri nods. ‘The police might’ve officially ruled out Rodolfo but the TUSC is incoming!’
Suspect List 2.0
1) Fred Hunt
2) Mimi Bloodworth
3) Derek Chase
4) Rodolfo Espinoza
Rodolfo is a difficult man to find. He’s difficult in general – like I said, he still hasn’t warmed up to me yet. I imagine this interrogation won’t improve that.
Sweat glistens on Riri’s forehead. My underarms are sticky. I’m thirsty with all this roaming around. It’s like Riri can feel my thirst because she gets a water bottle and starts chugging. I stare, half amazed and half astounded. How is she not drowning? She hasn’t taken a breath and has nearly finished the bottle! All the while still walking!
‘You done?’
Panting, Riri nods. Then she offers me the drop that’s left of her water. ‘No, thanks. I’d drink my own sweat before I drink your water.’ I snort, half joking – I wouldn’t want to drink Riri’s water because she’s a germophobe and I’ve seen how flustered she gets about germs and anything disordered. I think she only offered to be nice. Besides, I’m not that thirsty.
Riri shrugs, unaffected. ‘Either way, both have fifty per cent of the same DNA.’
‘OK, no need to get all biological. You’re a germophobe so are you telling me you’d actually drink from my bottle?’
Her hesitation is answer enough for me. I walk off. Three seconds later, I feel a breeze and see her shadow nearby. ‘Ani, wait up. To answer your question, I would never be in that situation because I’m an organised individual.’ She doesn’t look down as she steps closer.
‘So organised you stepped in dog dirt? Ha! You bring something to clean that up?’
Riri grimacing and pinching her nose as she lifts her leg is funny. I step away from her. I bite my lip, realising I’ve been mean so I say, ‘Luckily for you –’ I fish around my deep pocket – ‘I carry travel wipes.’ I hand one to her. A peace offering. ‘They’re lifesavers. The things Dad doesn’t find out about because of them. Phew!’
Riri sets the wipe on the ground. Don’t ask me why but I’m intrigued. She wiggles her shoe on the wipe like how you sometimes see people put out their cigarette butts. I fight every instinct I have to mock her. Why? Because I’ve noticed a few things about Riri recently. Her and Mom haven’t labelled it out loud in front of me but I know Riri has a routine. Even though Mom’s firm with her, I see and hear her faffing over Riri. I’ve seen Riri get flustered when her routines are jumbled up and things are dirty.
Just like now.
A feeling overtakes me as I crouch on the ground. Of course, it could be sickness from the smell but I ignore that. Take out another wipe. Hold her leg in place so I can clean her shoe. Well, as best as I can – I’m not going to scrub in each part of the tread.
‘Stop moving,’ I say through gritted teeth.
‘Sorry.’ Riri is a squirmer. When I’m done, she says, ‘Thanks, Ani.’
‘Don’t mention it. Literally never mention it to anyone ever in your life.’ I bin the wipe I’ve used to clean my hands. Speed-walk back on the path of the last place I can imagine Rodolfo to be. I don’t wait for Riri to catch up to me.
‘It’s OCD and autism, by the way,’ Riri calls out from behind me. I stop walking. Swallow. I don’t know much about OCD or autism so I don’t know how to react. ‘I have OCD and autism.’
I turn. She’s shaking. Her smile wavers as if it wants to run off her face. ‘Look, if there’s anything I can do to support you then I will,’ I say. I don’t think she has a therapist like Dr Chandra in California. Having Dr Chandra to talk to really helped me. ‘Even if it’s simply to listen. OK?’
Riri nods one too many times. ‘OK. Thanks.’
I squeeze her shoulder and she smiles. ‘You’re welcome, now hurry up. We’re nearly there.’
We walk the rest of the way in silence, but it’s a comfortable silence. Soon enough, I see the sign of our destination: CASTLEWICK PARADE.
Riri’s nose crinkles. ‘Why is this a parade? Where are the people and the costumes?’
‘A parade also means a row of shops. Now reprioritise yourself. I believe in you, SIT. You’re quite the asset to the TUSC and I’d hate to let you go. Our murder suspect might be in that shop there. Edna’s Elite Entertainment. ‘EEE’ for short. Now, I’ll be interrogating him because Rodolfo isn’t the most forthcoming dude. I mean, he pretends to hate me but deep down, he thinks I’m cool.’
‘Whatever you say.’ She’s fighting a smirk and I know exactly why – she’s happy I said that I believe in her and that she’s an asset to the TUSC. It’s like getting praise from your boss so I get why she’s happy. Both things I said are true anyway.
‘Your role will also be important,’ I tell her, sternly but also praising. ‘You’ll be notetaking and observing.’
She nods. ‘Two things I excel at, perfect. Lead the way.’
I’ve never actually been inside Edna’s Elite Entertainment before. But I know Dad likes to come here. Well . . . maybe not anymore. My stomach feels funny now. No, I can’t feel things now – I have to be an unemotional supersleuth. I scan my surroundings. Stacks of DVDs and VHS films. Ancient stuff. Books falling apart at the spine. Video games displayed in no order. A thin carpet with dark dry stains. Sixties music plays quietly. I subconsciously sway. I only realise when I grimace at the smell – mothballs and pine. Not a nice combination.
We’re greeted by an overenthusiastic cashier. ‘Can I help you, girlies?’
‘We’re doing an investigation.’ My tone lacks all emotion.
Her smile dips. ‘Oh! That sounds fun. A school summer project?’
‘Where’s Rodolfo?’
‘Ani,’ Riri whispers. ‘Maybe try to be pleasant to this kind woman.’
The cashier beams at Riri. Not at me. ‘Rodolfo!’
‘Annie?’ Rodolfo emerges from one of the far aisles. ‘What do you want?’
‘Rude much?’ Riri whispers under her breath. ‘Excuse me, but it’s Ani. Please learn how to pronounce her name.’
‘Fine,’ Rodolfo grumbles, to my surprise.
I jut out my chin and meet Rodolfo’s stare. ‘I need to ask you a thing or two.’
Riri chuckles, nervously. ‘Excuse me, miss? We’ll have a glance around this amazing shop and call you if we need any help.’
‘Aw, so polite. I must say, it’s great seeing you young people in a shop like this.’
I turn to look at the cashier. ‘No need to listen,’ I say and march toward Rodolfo. ‘I’m questioning you, Rodolfo Espinoza, on behalf of the TUSC –’ I stop when he sighs – ‘What? Am I keeping you from something? Your place of work has closed down due to the murder of your boss and I’m investigating. Meanwhile, you’re – uh, what are those?’
‘Floppy discs,’ he answers.
‘Well, get back to your floppy discs later. First, do you consent to being recorded?’
‘Yes, whatever. You should know, everything I have to say, I’ve said to the police.’
‘Do I look like I work for the police? Now, let’s begin.’ I glance at Riri. The notepad is in one hand in a way that makes her look like a chef bringing a tray out. Her free hand has her pen at the ready as if she’s armed. ‘Rodolfo Espinoza, where were you on the day of the murder?’
‘Come on, seriously?’ His gruff voice is annoyed. ‘You know where I was.’ I give him an expectant look, not intimidated. ‘I was manning the counter and kitchens at Cafe Vivlio.’
‘And was that difficult?’
‘Yes, I was doing two jobs. It wasn’t busy but it’s still hard to take orders and payments and then make the food.’
‘I can imagine. And how did that make you feel?’
He shrugs. ‘I don’t know, I was exhausted.’
‘So, it didn’t make you feel angry? Maybe like hitting something? . . . Or someone?’
‘Nice try but no. I’m a practising Buddhist – I can let go of any anger or frustration with meditation.’
‘That’s interesting, Rodolfo. But murder has no religion. How many serial killers have been devout in their religions?’
His lip curls in a sneer. ‘Are you accusing me of killing Polly?’
‘I remember you being angry with her for the last few weeks. More so the day before she died. Remember? She’d put up the vacancy for the new chef. Against your wishes.’
Rodolfo pinches the bridge of his nose. ‘I was stupid. I overreacted with my words, yes, but I didn’t kill her.’
‘How many smoke breaks do you take on average?’
‘As many as I need.’
Riri lets out a squeak that makes me look over at her. Rodolfo also stares at her. ‘Sorry, it’s just – smoking is so bad for your health. And for other people too. And the environment!’
I meet Rodolfo’s eyes and point at Riri, showing him I agree with her. ‘I’m asking for a number,’ I tell him. I don’t flinch or give into the games he’s playing.
He sighs, acting like he’s under duress. ‘Around two. Three max. But I didn’t want Polly to feel like I was taking advantage of my job. I’m grateful for it.’
‘OK. How many smoke breaks do you recall taking on the day of the murder?’
‘Two.’
‘And what time were they?’
‘11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.’
I freeze. Feel Riri’s confused eyes on me. ‘But . . . you took one at 4.30 p.m.’
He chuckles. ‘Are you asking me or telling me? Either way, I didn’t. I’m sure about this. I was the only person working that day so I couldn’t leave for three smoke breaks. The first two were only taken because Polly covered the counter.’
My shoulders tighten and my mouth feels dry. What does this mean? Riri waves at me. I look over at her. ‘Mimi and Derek are working together,’ she indiscreetly stage-whispers. ‘He was at the cafe twice that day and she was there three times!’
Alarmingly, Riri has a point. I release a breath. Try to hold my composure. ‘Rodolfo, we’ve heard that you told people in the cafe you’d be going for a smoke break at around 4.30 p.m. Did you tell them that?’
‘Maybe. But I wasn’t smoking. I hadn’t even left the cafe.’
‘Then why tell them that?’
‘Because.’
I grunt. ‘Rodolfo, do you have to be so complicated?! This is a murder investigation I’m trying to solve here. All I’m asking is for you to be honest.’
Rodolfo works his jaw. ‘I don’t know why – probably just a force of habit. Or maybe I planned to and then decided against it. I actually went to the hallway toward the kitchens to ring Polly. I lingered within earshot so I could hear any customers coming in the cafe.’
Within earshot – so that’s how Derek’s voice note picked up Rodolfo’s call. ‘How can you prove it?’ I ask. ‘No cameras in the kitchens. Everyone thought you were outside smoking.’
Rodolfo unlocks his phone and shows us a screenshot. ‘Find my iPhone shows I was inside Cafe Vivlio at 4.30 p.m. that day.’
‘But that isn’t specific. You could’ve been outside the entrance or outside in The Secret Garden. This isn’t good enough. Can you actually prove it?’
‘No –’
‘Aha!’
‘Let me finish. I wanted to ask her how long she was going to be. It was getting a bit too much.’
‘Of course it would be. Every other staff member was off sick. But did you at least try to ring them?’
‘No, I didn’t. Mrs Kostas rang all the baristas that morning to see if anyone could cover. None of them were well enough.’
‘So, it was getting too much for you and Mrs Kostas was AWOL. When you rang her, what happened?’ I bite my lip to prevent nausea from rising. I’m referring to the call where Mrs Kostas said Dad’s name. AKA one of the three pieces of evidence against him.
Rodolfo scratches his head and winces. ‘I don’t know if I should – I’m sorry, by the way, about your dad.’
He’s buttering up his interrogator with a fake apology. But I don’t fall for his silly attempt. I repeat the question: ‘When you rang her, what happened?’
Rodolfo shakes his head. I ask again. He ignores me.
I sigh – fine, he’s beaten me here. But I will get the answer eventually. ‘Anything else?’
Rodolfo nods and says, ‘One thing – you can’t prove I was at the scene of the crime. My footprints don’t match those found in the garden. It wasn’t my paper that printed the note. The police know that, and that’s why I’m not a person of interest.’
I curse and look at Riri. ‘What did you hear in the call?’
Rodolfo lets out a breath before he recounts, ‘Polly screamed and called your dad’s name. Sounded like shock . . . but could’ve been excitement? I don’t know. Sorry.’
‘And this was at 4.30 p.m.?’
‘Thereabouts, yeah. Why?’
‘I’m the one who’s asking why. Can I see your call log? Please?’
Mumbling something under his breath, he shows it to me. 4.30 p.m. is correct. The conversation responsible for arresting Dad was only seven seconds long.
‘Why didn’t you report it to the police sooner? Why wait weeks?’
‘Because I wasn’t sure what it was. I know you and your dad sometimes hung out with her so . . .’ He shrugs. ‘Polly’s body was discovered when I was still at work, the cafe was open. I was questioned that day, closed up early but I couldn’t give the police any information. It wasn’t until I was waiting for a taxi after my interrogation that I checked my voicemail. There was only one – of Mrs Kostas screaming your dad’s name. I showed it to the police there and then. It was on loudspeaker in front of Fred, Mimi and Derek –’
‘So why didn’t they seem concerned? The voicemail was distressing enough to make the police think my dad killed her.’
‘I don’t know. Because they were all doing their own things? I wasn’t in sight so the call was in the background. Maybe they thought they heard it from outside, thinking I was on a smoke break.’
‘OK, we’re nearly done here. Where were you born?’
‘Seville, Spain.’
‘Did you know where Mrs Kostas was born?’
‘She said she was born in Athens.’
‘Did you know Mrs Kostas by any other name?’
‘Polly?’ He tries to chuckle. I’m not amused. ‘That’s it.’
‘Your motive is that you and Mrs Kostas had a disagreement. She was in the process of hiring another chef. That would mean shorter shifts and less money for you.’
‘We were coming to an arrangement,’ he utters. Sounds like a growl.
‘I assume you’re sad about not having a job anymore?’
‘Of course. It’s been a sad summer. I-I might head back to Spain, relax a bit. I could go back to being a security guard, I guess. Not sure.’
‘Well, stick around here until the investigation is complete. In case we need to ask you more questions. Thanks for your time, Rodolfo.’
I walk out of Edna’s Elite Entertainment store. The breeze is humid. I continue walking back home, feeling Riri close.
‘We should rename The Clio Trio, The Upset Quartet.’ She snorts a laugh.
I don’t laugh back because I’m confused by a few things.
My phone chimes with a message from Dad.
Of course, he tracks my phone. Also, I kinda didn’t tell him what me and Riri would be up to today. Bonus also: with his position at Ellextrus Tech now under review because of his arrest he has a lot of free time. He has enough to worry about as it is.
Findings after interrogating The UPSET QUARTET
1) FRED HUNT
Motive = desperation
Fred was secretive about his screenplay progress. However, we’ve confirmed that it looks like he was writing on his laptop at the alleged time of death (4.30 p.m.). This was visually confirmed.
Breakthrough (note: without Fred’s help) = He was seen in Derek’s posterity shot to be typing one minute before the time of death.
2) MIMI BLOODWORTH
Motive = jealousy
Mimi was cooperative with showing us her online banking and call log, proving she was inside Cafe Vivlio during the killing and discovery times and not in The Secret Garden. She’s shown in Derek’s posterity shots up to one minute before the time of death.
3) DEREK CHASE
Motive = greed
He had an intense argument with Mrs Dimas/Kostas the day before her death. He even mentioned how he’d be the full owner after her death. He was more interested in the money. Plus, his vlogs are not as authentic as he’s stated, so his word means nothing. Maybe it doesn’t matter that he didn’t confirm or deny anything about the formal agreement between the silent partners . . . ?
4) RODOLFO ESPINOZA
Motive = hatred
He had public arguments with Mrs Dimas/Kostas because she planned to hire a new chef. He didn’t want her to. His Find My iPhone says he was on the premises at the time of death – but that doesn’t specify when he was in the kitchens, at the counter, outside smoking or in The Secret Garden. He said he was exhausted from being the chef and the counter person of the cafe on the day of the murder and can’t remember. Exhausted after murdering an old woman?
UNANSWERABLES
– When and how did Fred find out about Mrs Dimas/Kostas’s real identity?
– Why didn’t he publicly reveal this information? He was in debt and a failing screenwriter – he had a lot to gain if he told the world what he knew!
– Was Fred faking all his laptop technical difficulties just to get into our flat/close to get Dad’s DNA?
– Why has Fred never mentioned his family before now?
– Why has Mimi never told that sad family story before?
– The necklace: why would she want to remember the bad as well as the good of her family?
– Could she have accidentally learned about Mrs Dimas/Kostas’s real identity while working at Cafe Vivlio?
– Would Mimi really kill to get social media famous?
– Why and how is Derek suddenly closer to Mimi?
– Could they have murdered her together?
– Could Derek have accidentally learned about Mrs Dimas/Kostas’s real identity when they got closer as silent partners?
– Is this all a publicity stunt for his unsolved mysteries series?
– Would Derek really kill for the cafe – and money?
– Would Rodolfo really kill over a job?
– What are Cafe Vivlio’s employee benefits? Are they so good that Rodolfo would kill to keep his job? What other reason could there be for him to love his job so much? There has to be something bigger than a wage.
– Why is Rodolfo always secretive and cold? Does he even have the spiritual capacity to care about anything?
– Did he stage the phone call to Mrs Dimas/Kostas at the time of death?
– Who killed Mrs Kostas/Dimas???