Chapter 27 Accidents

"You sure have a way with words; I'm convinced but I'll need to think it over," Paul said, leaning on the table with his elbows and crossing his fingers. His bright red nails were striking against the dim light.

"I do recall that there was a guest who had a disagreement with Alicia," Paul added.

"When did this happen?" Luke asked.

"About a month ago," Paul replied.

"And what was his name?"

"I don't know," Paul shrugged. "I run a club, not a bank. It's impossible to remember every guest's details."

"Can you describe him?"

Paul thought for a moment. "He was a Caucasian man, around 30 years old, with curly hair, medium height, and a noticeable accent."

Luke jotted this down in his notebook. "That's quite vague. Can you be more specific?"

"Do you know how many people come through here daily? It's impossible to remember everyone in detail. I've only seen him once, so that's all I recall."

"What was the nature of the conflict between him and Alicia?"

"He'd booked a private show in the backstage cabin. During Alicia's performance, he started to act out, which led to a confrontation. Thankfully, the security guard intervened before things got serious."

"Once, when he was drunk, he demanded a solo performance from Eliza, who refused. He then used some very hurtful words that made Eliza cry. If I had been there, I wouldn't have let him leave so easily."

"Do you think the photo he posted might be relevant?"

"I can't say for sure, but as far as I remember, he was the only one who clashed with Alicia."

"Do you have a photo of him?"

"No, I mentioned earlier that photos aren't allowed in the venue."

"There should be surveillance footage. I want to review the footage from the day of the incident."

"It's been almost a month. I'm not sure if the footage is still available."

"Just check it."

Paul stood up. "Alright, follow me."

He led them to a cramped, cigarette-stained monitoring room cluttered with beer bottles and takeout containers.

David grimaced at the mess. "This place is a disaster. Get someone to clean it up."

"Yes, sir," Paul responded reluctantly and called for the club's cleaners.

While they waited, Luke asked Paul, "Can you recall the exact time of the conflict and which camera might have captured it?"

Paul grumbled, "You're asking a lot."

David gave him a sharp look. "It's in your best interest to cooperate. We can finish quickly and not interfere with your night business."

"Is that a threat?"

"Consider it friendly advice."

"It doesn't feel friendly to me."

David smirked. "If you knew me better, you wouldn't feel that way."

Luke smiled. "Forget him. He's just a jerk."

Paul, already annoyed with David, found Luke's demeanor more tolerable in comparison.

After a moment, Paul said to Luke, "I think the conflict happened around mid-February, probably on the 13th, 14th, or 15th. I can't remember the exact day."

"And the time?"

"Our business hours are from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Alicia usually performs late, so the conflict was likely between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m."

"Thanks. That's very helpful." Luke sat down and began reviewing the mid-February footage.

The footage from February 13 showed nothing unusual.

On February 14, at 9:13 p.m., Luke saw Alicia enter the backstage cabin, followed by a white man with curly hair. The man's face wasn't clearly visible as he turned away from the camera.

A few minutes later, Alicia exited the cabin, clutching her chest and gesturing towards it, seemingly shouting. The curly-haired man emerged shortly after, holding a beer and gesturing back at Alicia.

A security guard intervened to separate them.

Luke focused on the curly-haired man, his face now visible from the footage. He recognized him and zoomed in.

"David, guess who I found?" Luke called out.

David grinned. "Let me guess, it's Marcus. I wouldn't be surprised."

"It's Harry, the informant from the drag racing party."

David peered at the screen. "It's him. Paul, is this the guy who had the conflict with Alicia?"

Paul glanced at David, then reluctantly confirmed, "Yes, that's him."

David frowned. "Could he be connected to Alicia's disappearance?"

Luke speculated, "When we first met Harry, he knew Tony, who recently bought a modified Taser. If Harry was involved in the robbery, he might have used that Taser, or Tony might have bought it for him."

David found the theory somewhat absurd but acknowledged it might be plausible. If Harry was indeed involved, it would make sense to find Tony. There was also the possibility that Tony had been silenced.

Luke said, "Regardless, we need to bring Harry in for questioning. Arrange to have him detained."

David nodded and began dialing Harry's number. Luke advised, "Don't tip him off. Just set up a meeting."

"If I were him, I'd run."

"Then give him a reason to meet that doesn't make him suspicious," Luke suggested. "Tell him we need help checking Logan Salmu's background. If he resists, offer him money."

David scowled. "You're a real piece of work."

Luke explained, "If Harry was involved in the robbery, he'd be interested in Logan's background. This way, he won't suspect we're onto him."

Reluctantly, David admitted it was a good plan and dialed Harry's number.

"Hi, this is Harry. I'm busy right now. Leave a message if you need anything..."

"This guy's off the grid!" David muttered.