Chapter 3: Clues and Coffee
Eve sat impatiently as the woman brewed some coffee. It was a cozy apartment-a good deal nicer than her own. The living room was warm and welcoming. The carpet felt squishy under her feet. Various magazines laid spread out on the table that was tucked between the two chairs. Eve noticed a few envelopes on the table as well. The woman's name was Hazel Schmidt. She seemed nice enough, but Eve didn't have time for nice right now. She just wanted to ask her questions. She wasn't there to socialize. The woman, probably in her mid fifties, returned a few minutes later. The scent of warm coffee was not far behind her.
"Okay, I've got a pot on, so it shouldn't take more than a few minutes." Hazel smiled.
"Thanks, you shouldn't have."
"Oh don't worry about it. It's the least I can do," she had a sad look in her eyes. "So what can I do for you? Do you want me to just tell you everything I told the police?"
"Actually, I already retrieved your statement from the police. I just wanted to stop by and see if there was anything you might have remembered since then, or maybe something the police didn't cover. I guess I'm just trying to cover all my bases, play every angle, you know?" Eve played with the tattered corners of her notebook nervously.
"Well, then I'm not sure what else I can do for you. Like I said, I told the police everything."
"Well, I also have statements for many other people on this floor. I'm taking it they managed to question every single person on the floor?"
"Yes, they did. Even talked to the landlord. They were lucky, too. Those two guys who were living down in 1108 just moved out a few days ago. If they had waited any longer they might have missed 'em, and then they would have had to go through so much trouble tracking them down for a statement." Hazel didn't notice the look of surprise in Eve's eyes.
"Okay, room 1108?" Eve flipped through her notebook and found her entry for the two men who lived there. She once again didn't have names, but she looked over the quotes and realized that neither of the men knew and of the residents very well. They only knew her uncle by his looks; in fact they never even knew his name. Thoughts were brewing in her mind. Something seemed suspicious to her.
"When did they move in?" Eve looked up from her notes.
"Oh, I'd say about two and a half months ago. They weren't here for very long. From what I heard, they found a nicer apartment somewhere else. That happens sometimes."
"I suppose so, but I'd still like to talk to them. Do you know where they moved to?" she looked hopeful.
"Actually, I have no clue to tell you the truth... sorry." Hazel bit her lip and thought for a moment. "Why don't you check with John, the landlord? Maybe he can help you out." The timer on the coffee pot went off.
"Okay, I think I will." Eve smiled, happy to finally having something to go off of. Hazel stood up and headed for the kitchen.
"Let me go get that coffee for you. I'll be right back." Eve asked her next question loud enough for Hazel to hear it form the kitchen.
"Where's the landlord's office?"
"Actually, he's next door. He has his own little "suite" as we like to call it here. He should be home. Just go out the front door and to your left. You can't miss it." Hazel grabbed the two mugs of hot coffee and headed back into the living room. All that remained was an empty chair.