Page 100 of Sing with Me

Basically, he needed a witness.

Malik nodded.

The door shut behind him, Diehl was alone with Jeong and Malik.

“Do you mind if I record this?” Jeong asked.

“Not if you mind that we record it as well.” Malik swiped his phone and placed it on the table.

“Just asking some questions.”

“Of course,” Diehl said.

“When did you find out that your daughter was missing?” Jeong asked.

“Around eight thirty this morning when my personal chef was in my house. They woke me up, made me breakfast.” Diehl glanced at the clock. It was 9:15 a.m. “As soon as I found out, I showered, ate breakfast, and rushed here.”

“Your girlfriend drove you here.”

Diehl didn’t correct him. “I have a headache.”

“Where were you between the hours of seven and eight this morning?”

“I mentioned I was asleep.”

“Your mom said between her and your son, they made many calls.”

“I was very asleep.”

Detective Jeong waited.

Diehl glanced at Malik who was stoic and silent sitting there.

“I was passed out,” Diehl confessed. “I have no idea how long I slept. I only remembered eating some leftovers last night. Then I went to my living room and downed a few bottles of…” He waved his arms about.

They all waited.

“I can’t even remember what I drank.”

“You were passed out,” Jeong said. “For how long?”

“Until Skye woke me up. My phone was making horrible noises. We had to find it. It was under an armchair.”

Jeong scribbled on his notes. “Was she the only person with you in the house?”

“No. Chef Joseph and their assistant, Marlo, were there. They made me a delicious breakfast, made sure I had a steady stream of coffee.”

“They? Does Skye cook?”

“She’s my personal chef. Joseph fills in on the weekends when Skye doesn’t work.”

“What’s her last name?”

“Langston.”

“Was she a cook first or your girlfriend first?”

“Chef, sir. She’s a chef.”

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