Lost Souls by J. Bishop (the giving tree read aloud txt) 📗

bottle and a cup of coffee. She placed them on the table in front of Mason and Trick. “Here you go.”

“Thanks, Jenna,” said Mason.

“Thanks,” said Trick.

Jenna left and closed the door.

“Well, I can’t offer any information about his clients. That’s privileged and would violate our privacy policy,” said Tony.

“Of course,” said Mason. “But what about Chad himself? Did you work with him closely?”

Tony pursed his lips. “Not every day, but I saw him frequently. He was friendly, personable, hard-working. He was good with clients, and they liked him. No complaints from them or office staff.”

“Did he seem stressed or not himself in the days before his death?” asked Mason. “Anything stand out?”

Tony stared off. “I’d mentioned to the police that he’d had an argument in the cafeteria. A few weeks before he died.”

“An argument?” asked Trick. He picked up his coffee. “With who?”

“It was with the cafeteria manager. Apparently, Chad was upset because there were no mashed potatoes. We were offering a lovely roast that day, with green beans, and salad.” He paused. “Our cafeteria is stellar. Only the best for our staff.” He smiled. “Anyway, apparently we’d run out of potatoes. Chad threw a fit and made a scene. The manager came out, and it almost came to blows.”

“Chad was pissed about potatoes?” asked Trick. “That doesn’t sound like him.”

“I didn’t think so either,” said Tony. “He was normally very laid back. That’s why he was so likable. It was hard to ruffle his feathers.” He interlaced his fingers. “I talked to him though, and he realized he’d overreacted. He apologized, and all was well in the cafeteria world, although our manager made sure to stock up on potatoes.” He shook his head. “When Chad gets mad, he’s a bit intimidating. I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side.”

Mason picked up his water. “When was this argument?” He cracked the bottle open.

“Oh, I looked at the dates for the police.” He tapped his chin and looked down. “It was around ten days, maybe two weeks, before he died.” His brow furrowed. “You think this has something to do with his death?” He grinned. “Did the cafeteria man kill Chad over the potato incident?” He raised a hand. “Eureka. I’ve solved the crime.”

Trick put his coffee down. “Listen, Tony─”

Mason put his hand on Trick’s elbow, and Trick went quiet. The last thing Mason needed was for Trick to get in Tony’s face, or this discussion would be over before it started.

Tony grunted. “I’m sorry. I did it again. Bad joke at a bad time.” He settled back. “I can’t think of anything else of consequence. Why? Do you think his death had some connection to his work?”

Mason debated how much to say. “What can you tell us about an employee named Lydia Stanford? Did she work with Chad?”

“Lydia Stanford?” Tony asked, his eyes narrowing. “The woman who drowned?”

Mason nodded.

“Tragic accident,” said Tony. “At least that’s what I heard. Are you saying Chad and Lydia’s deaths are related?”

“We don’t know,” said Trick. “That’s why we’re here.”

“Now I’m intrigued,” said Tony. “Let me think. I didn’t really know Lydia that well. She worked in accounting. I’m sure Chad knew her, though. We’re a tight knit bunch around here. We try to provide lots of employee enrichment opportunities. We have a gym, childcare center, walking trail, ice cream store─”

“I’m sure it’s a wonderful place to work,” said Mason. “We saw online that you recently had a company picnic.”

Tony smiled again. “It was fantastic. There were games and rides, and we provided barbecue for lunch. Stuff for the kids. Plus, we divided into teams and played baseball and hired a band. It was a hit.”

“Chad and Lydia were there…,” said Trick.

“…along with everybody else, including Chad’s wife if I recall,” said Tony. “Cissy. Nice woman. A little quiet though.”

“Nothing stood out from the picnic?” asked Mason.

“I wouldn’t be the one to ask,” said Tony. “I spent my time making the rounds, and talking to everyone. I saw Chad briefly and probably Lydia too.”

“Did the police ever ask you about Lydia?” asked Mason.

“No,” said Tony. “They didn’t, which is why this is so interesting.”

“Figures,” said Trick. “Could we talk to Chad’s coworkers? Anyone he worked closely with?”

Tony nodded. “He had an assistant. Daphne. They worked together. She was devastated when he died. She’s only been back to work recently, I think. Still trying to cope.”

“We’d love to speak with her,” said Mason. “Is she here today?” He almost crossed his fingers. Tracking down Daphne would only add more time to this burgeoning investigation.

Tony rubbed his jaw. “To be honest, I’m not sure.”

“That she’s here or if we can talk to her,” said Trick.

“Oh, she’s here,” said Tony, “but she was quite upset when the police questioned her before. I’d hate to do that to her again.”

“We’ll be careful. We don’t want to upset her either,” said Mason.

“I can tell this is important to you.” Tony hesitated. “Maybe we can work something out.”

Trick tensed. “What do you mean?”

Tony flicked a gaze at Trick, but then eyed Mason. “I’m in the security business, Mr. Redstone. It’s my job to check people out. So, when I heard you and Mr. Monroe were stopping by to talk to me, I did my homework.”

Mason nodded, anticipating what was coming.

Tony leaned in and put his elbows on his knees. “I understand you have an interest in investigating the paranormal?”

Trick put his coffee on the table. “Ah, hell.”

Mason didn’t see the point of deflecting. “I do.”

“And you’re a medium as well?” asked Tony.

“I am,” said Mason.

“Shit,” said Trick, rubbing his face.

“Fascinating,” said Tony. “I admit. I’m a novice when it comes to the paranormal, but I’ve always been intrigued by it.” He studied his hands. “I checked your references. You come highly recommended.”

“I’m not a charlatan, Tony. I stand by what I do,” said Mason.

“I can see that,” said Tony. “I like a man with confidence.” He rested back against his seat. “I could use a man like you in my