The decoy

Chapt 9

Chapter Nine

            Sebastian was a little early. He ate alone at a booth and finished a Salisbury steak with extra vegetables instead of potatoes, watching the carbs like his training had asked. He had just ordered a coffee and homemade strawberry pie when Grace walked in.

            Her hair looked a little longer without the police hat holding it up. She seemed much more blonde and tanned in her civies. She even looked younger.  She wore a short black dress that clung to her hips and flat sandals. Everyone in the diner watched her walk across the floor and slide into Sebastian's booth.

            "I hear the strawberry pie is something special," Sebastian said. "If it's not that teenaged waitress is a liar and she is not getting a tip."

            "She speaks the truth. Betsy makes the best pie. I'll have pie and coffee," Grace said. "Now tell me who you are and I'll tell you what I know about Paul Vail."

            "I already told you all that I can. I know you or your department has checked with the FBI. This conversation would be very different if you had found out that I was lying."

            The waitress returned to Sebastian's table and Grace ordered her pie.

            "Okay I do know that much. You are right, we checked. I was told to share what ever information you need but to request that you keep our department informed throughout your investigation. It appears that you are legitimate and I will tell you that my instructions are to assist you. We should meet regularly."

            Sebastian liked that idea.

"I will also tell you that it seems likely that Paul Vail was not murdered in a robbery attempt. We know that Cory Pezzo was pressuring Vail to sell the business but Pezzo is very clean, at least since he has been in Winona. We can't nail him for anything."

            "Well you might be able to arrest him for stealing a laptop," Sebastian said and Grace gave him a confused look.

"Tell me about Cam Starr and Kristy Robinson," Sebastian asked.

            "Vail and Robinson worked together. She was upset by the situation. She had been with him earlier that night but we don't think that she was involved in the murder. She has left Winona and is living with a family member in Salt Lake City. We have a contact number if you need to speak with her.

            Starr is a creep. He's a bodybuilder and is associated with Ted Arseneault who was investigated once for bringing steroids and some recreational drugs in from Mexico. Arsenault has been inside a couple of times but Starr has never been charged with a thing."

            "I understand Teddy and Cam are heading down to Mexico again soon." Sebastian told her.

            "In that case, the sheriff will be glad we spoke. I think we need to keep an eye on Teddy again and maybe Cam too.

Now a couple of final questions, how long do you think you will be here? Where are you from? Do you have kids?"

            Sebastian was amused. She certainly wasn't shy about moving this conversation in another direction. He liked that she was interested.

            "Grew up in Vegas. Left home at an early age. Joined the marines toured the world. Settled in Reno.  I work as a doorman and I do a little professional fighting. I was asked to help a friend with the agency and so here I am. No kids. No wife. No ties. What about you?"

            Grace finished her pie.

            "Lived my whole life in Arizona. I love it here. I joined the sheriff's department out of high school. Six years ago I had a son with someone in the office. We lived together for six months and we thought we would get married but we both realized it wouldn't work. So I'm now a single mom and a cop. I have a condo and I make enough money for me and my son, Sam.