Page 16 of Choosing Stella

Dempsey’s expression didn’t change.

“Did you know about any problems in his business?”

“No.”

“Enemies?”

“He owned a casino. I assume plenty of people disliked him.”

“But you specifically told him to watch the people he trusted.”

“Because of the cards.”

“You expect us to believe that?”

“I expect you to write down what happened.”

Nobody spoke for a moment.

Talbot finally slipped the notebook into her coat.

“We may need to speak with you again.”

“Am I under arrest?”

“No.”

“Am I free to leave Cascade Point?”

“We’re not restricting your movement at this time.”

“At this time.”

Talbot answered without looking away.

“You’re the last private appointment we can currently confirm. Your card was found at the scene. We need to be able to reach you.”

“Then you have my number.”

Dempsey handed me his card.

“If you remember anything else, call.”

“I remember him standing at the bar when I left.”

They left that unanswered.

They walked out.

I locked the deadbolt behind them.

Then the chain.

Then I stood with my hand still on the door.

The low lamp still burned. My tarot bag still sat on the table with the rest of the deck.

One card was forty floors away beside a dead man.