Page 32 of A Touch of Murder
"No, but I've never paid attention. Like I said, he creeps me out a bit. I don't want him to think I'm interested." She frowned. "Does this have to do with Trina?"
"We aren't sure yet. We're just trying to find out who he is for now." Barret wanted to tell the girl that she should stay as far away from the man as she could. "For now, if you see him come in, I want you to act casual. Take his order like always, then the moment he's gone, call 911 and let us know he was here. Don'tact like you've talked to anyone about him or let on that the police are looking to talk to him."
"I remember something else about him. He's missing half of his little finger. It's like short. Like half of it got cut off a long time ago. It's not new. I mean, it's all healed and everything, but it looks funny when he's reaching for his money or taking his food. It's hard not to notice it." Lisa rubbed her own finger.
"Which hand?" Barret asked, wondering how Adam had missed that.
"Um, it would be his right hand." She glanced at the counter and nodded. "Yeah, his right one."
"And the last time you saw him in here was…?"
"Um…" She frowned. "I guess about two weeks ago, maybe three. It's been a while." She shook her head. "I'm not good with time. It might be more than that. Sorry."
"It's okay. You had no reason to remember him or when he was here. You see a lot of customers every day. Did you ever see him talking to anyone? Maybe a friend that lives in the area?"
"No, he's always alone. Always gets the order to go. I figured since he orders four dogs and two fries, he's buying for him and someone else. Most men order two dogs. They aren't really big." Lisa looked up at Barret. "Is he dangerous?"
"He may be. We aren't sure yet, but I'd do your job, serve him, and let him be on his way if I were you. Call us as soon as it's safe to do so. Don't engage him in conversation or talk to him without others around. You should be safe here at work, but if you see him while you're out, get somewhere around people quickly just in case."
"Same with this guy?" She tapped the older man's photo.
"Yes, same with him. If you see him, call us and let us know right away. We need to speak to both men." He pocketed the photos. "Thanks for speaking with me. Is there anyone else working today who might have seen these two?"
Lisa looked around and pointed to a young man who was emptying the trash. "That Mike. He's our custodian. Helps clean in here and around the lot. You could ask him. He's got a good memory."
"Thanks, Lisa. That's all I need for now. I'll come in if I think of any more questions." Barret stood. As Lisa walked back behind the counter, Barret headed over to speak with Mike. He knew him from his sister's bakery. Mike loved Becky's donuts and would often come in and order a dozen. "Hey, Mike, you got a second?"
Mike's face lit up. "Barret. You bring me any donuts?" He walked over and slapped Barret on the arm.
Mike was probably around thirty and had down syndrome. He lived with his mother in an apartment in town, not far from Becky's Bakery. "Not today, sorry. I haven't been in to see Becky in a few days. Sure does sounds good though."
"It does. Might have to go in on the way home." Mike met his gaze. "Is Lisa in trouble?"
"No, nothing like that. She was helping me. I'm hoping you might be able to do the same." Barret pulled the pictures out again. "Have you seen either of these men around here?"
Mike gave each picture a hard look, then jammed his finger at the one of the older man. "This one. Not here, but at the hardware store. I was there with Mom, and he shoved his way in front of us in line. Said he was in a hurry. He was rude. Not nice at all."
"When was this?" Barret hoped Mike remembered anything that might place the man in town the night Trina died.
"Not sure. While back. Mom might know. She was getting a new burner for the stove. You know those coiled round things." He used his finger to draw the coil.
"Yes, I know. I had to replace mine not too long ago," Barret told him. "So, you're not sure when? This week, last week, longer?"
"I think longer, but not really sure." Mike frowned. "He was really rude. Swore at Mr. Swenson because he thought something was too expensive."
"That helps me a lot, Mike. Thank you. And you haven't seen the other man around?" He held up the younger man's picture.
Mike shook his head. "Don't remember him."
"Okay, thank you. That's all I need. I might drop by and say hi to your mom and see if she remembers when you two saw that man. I'll tell her we talked."
"She picks me up here at seven, but she'll be home after that," Mike told him.
Barret glanced at his watch, seeing it was already after five. He sighed. Another day gone. At least he had a few more witnesses putting both men in the area. That was something. He said his goodbyes to Mike, then headed back out to his car. He rolled down his windows but didn't start the car yet. He pulled out his phone and called his sister.
"Brother," Becky answered.
"Sister," Barret responded. "How's the day going?"
