Page 21 of One Little Memory
“Can I get you anything while you wait?” asked Chance.
“No, I’m good, thanks.”
Lloyd Bondy came wandering back from the bathroom. He was staggering a bit, which was right on par for this time of night. Phoenix bit back a sigh. Lloyd had a fringe of grayish hair and a big beer belly. His flannel shirt was a faded red with off-white stripes. Jo had said plaid. Maybe he’d changed? Huh. By the look of him, he hadn’t changed in days. More likely, she’d gotten the description wrong.
“Lloyd,” he said. “I need to talk to you.”
Lloyd looked up as he was about to take his stool. “Phoenix,” he growled. “’Bout bloody time. I’ve been waiting to hear from you all day. I know who killed Gus.”
So that was why he’d stopped by the house. Phoenix gestured to the door. “Why don’t we discuss this outside?” If they talked inside, anything that was said would be all over town before Phoenix left the parking lot.
“I’ll be back,” Lloyd said, and he staggered past Phoenix.
Phoenix nodded at Chance and then Lachlan as he followed Lloyd out. “So,” he said as they came to a stop next to the police SUV, “what do you know?”
Lloyd looked around. He squinted as if to clear his vision. Once he was satisfied no one was around, he leaned slightly forward.
Phoenix had to stop himself from leaning back. The smell of beer and sweat was strong. The roast beef sandwich rolled in his stomach.
“Gus was an asshole, but he was a good guy.” Lloyd slurred words told Phoenix he was a little more gone than he thought.
“Uh-huh.”
Lloyd looked up at him, his eyes slightly out of focus. “Lots ’round here didn’t like him, but he was good to me.”
“Yeah.”
He pointed at Phoenix’s chest and then stumbled forward before righting himself. “He was. And he was a better man than people thought.” Lloyd burped. “He helped git me outta some trouble. The people I was involved with weren’t being honest and were gonna cause me trouble.”
“I see. Care to elaborate?”
“Just never you mind ’bout that.”
“Look, Lloyd, I need you to tell me what you know.” Phoenix was trying to be patient, but it was dark now, and he wanted to get back to Jo. Lloyd was obviously drunk, and anything he said at this point was questionable.
“That’s what I’m doin’!” He glanced around again. “Gus wasn’t who you thought he was, and that’s what got him killed.” His eyes drifted shut, then he blinked owlishly.
Phoenix waited. There had to be more than that, but Lloyd got distracted by a car driving slowly by. “Lloyd, what do you mean?” He needed the old man to give him more.
“I…” He watched the car turn the corner and disappear from sight. “I can’t talk about it but”—he raised his finger—“Gus was killed ’cause he knew something he shouldn’t. And because someone panicked, and then they got greedy.”
“Can you give me a hint Lloyd?”
Lloyd swayed. “Gus was really…” His voice died. He was staring over Phoenix’s shoulder. The car that had turned the corner was back and driving even slower.
Phoenix made a mental note of the license plate and then turned back to Lloyd. “How was Gus not who we thought he was?”
Lloyd focused in on Phoenix’s face one more time. “That’s all I can say.” He hiccupped and then burped.
“You didn’t say anything.”
“That’s right. I ain’t no snitch.” He straightened and then turned and started back toward the bar.
“Lloyd. Lloyd!” Phoenix called.
“What?” he snarled as he turned back around.
“Where were you last night between nine and eleven?”
