the Rochester Hotel

I walked into what looked like they describe Heaven like, if you think Heaven is full of plush Persian rubs, carved wood banisters, Indian and African flora, and large plush davenports to lounge in. An old timer played a mellow tune on the piano. The violinist was taking a smoke break. He almost got up when he saw me, but thought better of it. I was disappointed. I like violins and much as I like ****. Drink enough bourbon, and one can seem to melt into the other.

I walked up to the desk. I could tell the man behind the counter not only had seen plenty of my type, but had to actually decide if he'd seen me in particular before. I played it casual. "Dumas in?" I asked, leaning on the counter.

"Its Thursday. He's never in on..." he started to say, then realized he'd read me wrong. He got nervous, nervous enough that he had to look around. I whipped out a cheapie badge that said "Patterson County EMT" on it fast enough that he couldn't get a good look at it.

"Listen, I don't want a ruckus in here any more than you do. Just let Mr. Dumas know that we'd like to talk to him about one of his buddies whereabouts last night. He aint in no trouble himself. " I handed him one of my cards that said, quite legally enough: Michael Reilly ; Investigations." He took and glanced around. I had him. I could almost hear his asshole unpucker as I walked away.

On my way out, I saw a guy who was doing his best to not look tough. Those are always the worst. Clean, dark suit, nice hat. Limp in the right leg and some powder grains in his face that he never had dug out. Looked a little blind in one eye. He strolled up to the elevator man, turned and looked at me. His eyes narrowed a bit, and the nod he gave me wouldn't have knocked a flea off a eyelash.

I made back to my office and poured a stiff drink, not bothering to insult the bourbon with ginger ale or ice. Pris would be out of town at least a day. I looked over the description of Dumas and the dame again and shook my head. It wasn't enough. I wanted a photograph. I popped my hat back on and heard the first thunder rolling in off the ocean. It was going to rain all right.