One Hundred Degrees

Chapter 3: The Sous Chef

"Always be like water. Float in the times of pain or dance like waves along the wind which touches its surface."

Santosh Kalwar

The tension between the staff members in the station was palpable as they all had distanced themselves from each other, with the exception of Tristan and Mr Popolous who sat next to each other immersed in their grief.

"Let's start the interrogations- Mr Popolous I already explained to the rest of your staff the procedure, basically myself and a Detective Singh over here, will ask you guys individually few questions, nothing hectic in a room with a recorder on- just be honest and if you think you know something that might be helpful let us know. You are allowed to have your lawyer present if you wish so, it will not influence our opinion with regards to your statement. Once we are done with you guys today you can go on and continue with your day. Any questions?"
The old man stared blankly at Dev and nodded his head mutely.
"Ok , so first up, Mr Tristan Schultz- could you please come with us."

As they seated themselves in the interrogation room, Dels eyes swept over, the admittedly hot sous chef in front of her. His dark hair was tousled and framed a pair of piercing deep blue eyes. He had a lean, but muscular frame and was just over 1,8 metres tall.
As she quickly turned to look at Dev- she caught a disapproving look from him.
Del turned to face Tristan and took a deep breath in, time to get cracking , "Would you like your attorney to be present Mr Schultz?"
"Well I don't really have one to be quite frank , but it should be fine right?", he flashed an apologetic smile at Del.
"Umm well it's your decision Mr Schultz, remember we will be recording this conversation and whatever you say may be used against you in a court of law."
"I understand, and please call me Tristan-Mr Schultz reminds me of my Dad , it's kinda awkward."
"Ok, so Mr.. I mean Tristan, can you describe to us the events this morning that led to the discovery of Miss Smith's body in the kitchen."

Tristan sighed and looked down at the table between them.
"How I wish I could just rewind and never have this morning happen . Well I turned up at work round about 6AM-which was quite early- had just been for a jog so it seemed like the week was going to be off to a good start. When I got to the restaurant, the door was open, but I thought nothing of it- Bell's the early bird between us you know- so figured she probably hadn't closed the door properly- the locks kinda rusty so you really have to pull at it.
Anyways went in, changed into my work clothes and well,flip..."
Tristan voice broke off, as if getting the next part of the sentence was choking him "... there she was , lying on the ground I couldn't see her face, but I knew it was her instantly. I ran over and trying to shake her up, her face was burnt, I started panicking, I realised she wasn't breathing- next thing I know, Thebz walked in and started shouting- he quickly called the ambulance and the police . He took me aside and gave me some sugar water- never knew that oke was such a cool head until this morning . And that is the full story of this morning."
Tristan looked up at them- his eyes filled with tears- "I can't believe the dog who did this to her- if you knew her, you would understand how unfair this is."
Dev stood up and grabbed some tissues from the box next to him, "I'm sorry for your loss, this mornings events was extremely shocking I understand ."
Dev waited for Tristan to calm down before he surged on, "So Tristan, you said you were out for a jog before work- was anyone with you, or anyone who saw you."
"I was alone this morning- I went for a run along the promenade and there were other runners but I didn't talk to anyone , and with these cold, dark winter mornings I can't even remember seeing anyone myself to be honest."
"That's fine. How was your relationship with Miss Smith if you don't mind me asking."
Tristans' face flushed red, " Well no one knows this as yet, but we started dating about two weeks back. There was always this kinda tension between us , and then I dunno we went out for drinks with some mutual friends and got to talking outside of the restaurant and things just seemed to click between us- I guess our personalities were so similar that in the work environment we kept clashing. And I got to see a different side of her- the side I remember from before we both worked at the Poseidon."
"You guys knew each other before working here?"
"Ja, we went to culinary school together- we weren't close mind you, just acquaintances and then we ended up bumping into each other when I started working at Poseidon ."
"Oh I see, why were you guys keeping your relationship a secret from your colleagues?"
"Didn't want to jinx it I guess", Tristan shrugged.
" Do you know if  Miss Smith had any enemies or any problem?"
"It's easy to make rivals in this business-the amount of people Bell managed to beat just to get this position with her skill alone at her age was ridiculous. So she definitely had her share of haters despite being an amazing person."
" How did the rest of your colleagues feel about her?"
"Well, she was strict on everyone in the kitchen, but they loved her. Pops especially took her as a daughter, he was gutted that she would be leaving us at the end of this month actually. She was planning on going to Europe to gain more experience, felt like she was being limited over here."
"Wait, you said you guys just started a relationship- how did you feel about her leaving like this?"
" I was already aware that if we were going to be serious that we would be pretty much be entering a long distance relationship, we both felt that we would see how it goes- plus Bell was going to leave only in a months time, so I guess it hadn't really hit me that she wouldn't be there with me on a daily basis."
"Sorry, we asking so many personal questions Tristan- I think that will be it from us for now", Dev turned to Del- " Any further questions Detective Singh?"
Del shook her head, "No, thanks Tristan, if anything comes up or you find out something you can always contact one of us."
Tristan passed a grateful look at her, "Thanks officers, I guess I should be on my way now, I don't need to stay here any longer?"
"No you can go- we will be in contact with you if we need any further information from you."
Tristan got out of his chair and stretched before making his way out through the door.

Dev switched off the recorder and turned to Del. "You were totally checking out that guy bruh!"
Del blushed, "Hey he's good- looking, you can't deny the facts Dev."
Dev rolled his eyes- " Is that why he can contact you at any time?, " he said teasingly.
"Oh shush- he just started dating her aaand they have a history so he might just remember something important you never know.
Also how odd to date someone just before they leave, I'd be feeling super sad if I knew the guy I liked was leaving just when things start getting good you know."
" Lols Del, don't worry I'll never forsake you my love", Dev mockingly fluttered his eyes at Del.
"Shut up, you have no options of that friend", Del jabbed her finger into Devs side, "Also boy  you are too deep in the friend zone so you'll never get into this ship."
Dev chuckled. "This is the problem with work friends, lollygagging is unavoidable. Ok, but on a serious note- this guy has an alibi but there's no witnesses to vouch for him . However, what would be his motive, highly doubt a lovers quarrel in a two week relationship would tip you into killing someone ."
"Ugh, at that hour no single person will ever have a solid alibi Dev. Let's just continue with the interrogations- let's get the manager over with now."
"Look at you prioritising the nasty tasks for once."
"Meh I wanna just get it over with, also I want to dig deeper into this business of Bell Smith leaving while it's fresh in my mind."
"It's going to be one long day for us," sighed Dev.