Angels in Disguise by Betty Sullivan La Pierre Page B

the place.” He gestured with his hands in front of his chest. “Man, I got real interested, and made a date to see her later. I could just taste getting a handful of those.” He rolled his eyes. “Wowee!"
    "Okay, Gomez, I got the picture. So you set up a date. Did you pick her up at the house?"
    "Yeah. But we couldn't leave until she made sure the nosey kid got home from school."
    "Why was that?"
    "Beats me. I couldn't figure it. Guess she just wanted to make sure the brat was locked in the house."
    "How long did this affair go on?"
    He shrugged. “A couple of weeks. Then she told me to stop comin’ around."
    "Did she give a reason?"
    Alfonso grimaced. “Naw. Probably thought she could do better than a handyman."
    "I see. Did she ever take drugs while with you?"
    Alfonso shifted his position. “Huh, whatta ya mean?"
    "Smoke a joint, sniff cocaine."
    "What difference does it make if she's missin'?"
    "I need to cover all the bases. Did she?” Hawkman watched the man's face and noted he'd averted his eyes.
    "Don't remember."
    "When did you see her last?"
    Fiddling with the towel around his neck, he frowned. “Hey, man, I already told ya. It's been a few months.” Alfonso reached for the door knob, and turned to go back inside. “I've had enough of your questions."
    "Do you know Tulip Withers?"
    He whipped his head around. “Who? You talkin’ about a person or a flower?"
    "A woman. She lives in this same complex."
    Alfonso scratched his chin. “Nope, don't know no one around here. I come home from work, eat, flop into bed, and get up in the morning to go to my next job."
    Hawkman turned to leave. “Thanks for your time. I may want to ask you more questions."
    "Don't know what else I can tell ya. I've told ya everything I know about Carlotta.” Alfonso stepped backwards into his apartment and shut the door.
    Hawkman stood for a moment surveying the area. When he climbed into his vehicle, he jotted down the license plate of the Handyman's van and flipped off the recorder in his pocket. He noted it was only eight o'clock. He still had time to run by Paul's place and talk to him about his wife.
    When he drove by the front of the apartment, he noted the unit sat shrouded in darkness and he didn't see the Lexus. Turning around, he headed out, but as he approached the exit, the black car swerved into the lot. Since I'm here, might as well go see him, he thought. He made a U-turn and parked next to Paul's car.
    "Mr. Casey, how's it going?"
    "Okay."
    As the men walked toward the entry, Paul continued. “I'm concerned about my daughter. Stopped by Mom's this evening and they were out by the pool. Tiffany sat off to the side with the cat in her arms. When I tried to involve her in the conversation, she just stared off into space. It bothers me, she's just not her happy self. I think she's worried about her mother. And I don't know what to tell her."
    "Not much you can say, other than be truthful. She'll see right through a lie and her trust would vanish. Tiffany's smart enough to figure something has happened."
    "That's what I'm afraid of and she's imagining the worst.” Paul moved around behind the bar. “Want a drink?"
    "Beer's fine.” Hawkman sat down on one of the stools as Paul mixed himself a cocktail. “I need to ask a few more questions about Carlotta."
    "Sure."
    "Was she into drugs?"
    Paul looked shocked. “No. Why are you asking?"
    "I suspect she might have fooled around with a few."
    "Oh my God,” Paul said, bringing his fist down on the bar top. “What makes you think so?"
    "I became leery when you told me about her nonchalant attitude toward Tiffany's school activities and involvement with other mothers. Didn't sound natural. Plus, the men Tiffany told me about have been arrested at one time or another on drug related charges.” Hawkman waved a hand. “Don't get too excited yet. It may be no more than prescription drugs. Did she ever have a reason for pain pills?"
    "She hurt her back lifting stuff out