Good enough for me. Tyler, you know how we feel about you. And Michael, Danni, you call on us or ask us anything you need or want, any time, day or night, Woodrow said. You got our number? Or numbers? Arnie made us buy cell phones. Said he had to get us into the twentieth century, even if he couldnt quite drag us into the twenty-first.
Well put them in our phones right now, Danni said.
They took a minute to exchange numbers. Amy still had trouble saving a number to her own phone once someone had called her, but in the end they prevailed.
Once that was accomplished, Quinn told them, We could use a list of the people he was hanging with the most since he came home.
Us, of course. And the rest of the family. Tyler there. The bands he played with, Woodrow said. I can tell you some of the names.
I know most of them, Tyler said. Like I told you, he was sitting in with my group, the B-Street Bombers, the night he died.
At La Porte Rouge? Danni asked.
Yes, Tyler said.
As they spoke, Amy was scribbling on a pad she took from the phone stand by the door. Now she handed the sheet to Danni. Those are the people he talked about mostthe boys in Tylers band, a couple of others. Ill keep thinking and make a list of anyone else, she promised.
Tyler glanced over at the sheet. Yep, thats them. Gus Epstein, lead guitar. Shamus Ahearn, drums and sometimes bass. Blake Templeton, keyboard and sometimes rhythm guitar. We have a steady gig at La Porte Rouge. The bartender runs the place, and he likes us. A couple of guys pinch-hit sometimes, like Arnie was pitch-hitting for me that night. The bartender, EricEric Lyonssits in sometimes. And one of the waitressesJessica Tatesings with us when we can get her to come up and it isnt too busy. We work a heavy schedule, but we love what we do, and in this city you can be replaced pretty much at the drop of a dime, so were glad for the gig.
Want to go barhopping? Quinn asked Danni. Or, should I say, want to hop into one bar?
Seems like a good idea, Danni said.
They rose, but Amy stopped them as they turned toward the door. Are you sure I cant get you anything first? Weve got some leftover shrimp and grits, and thats a dish that gets better warmed up. Or a cola or something?
No, no, honestly, sounds wonderful, but we just ate, Danni assured her.
Well, then, you just wait a minute. No one leaves my house without a little bit of hospitality, Amy said.
She disappeared into the kitchen for a brief moment and came back with a small white cardboard box.
For when youre hungry or need a little treat, she told Danni.
Danni thanked her and they left, promising to keep in touch.
She drove back to Royal Street, and as they went, Tyler talked to them about his bandmates.
Shamus, the lucky bastard, is right out of County Cork. I always thought that was cool, but he thinks growing up here would have been the coolest thing in the world. Goes to show youthe grass always does look greener. Gus was born in Miami Beach but his mom was from Kenner, Louisiana, so hes been coming up to New Orleans since he was a kid. Blake is from Lafayette, about two and a half hours from here. I met Gus at an open session one night, and the two of us met Shamus atgo figurePat OBriens. I knew Blake from a school competition years ago, and Id heard he was moving here, so I gave him a call. That was years ago now. Weve had the steady gig at La Porte Rouge for about two years. He was quiet for a minute. You know, if one of these guys was a crazed murderer, shouldnt I have seen the signs somewhere along the line?
Maybe not, Quinn said. Lots of killers come off like the nicest guys in the world. Anyway, well meet the band. They can tell us about Arnies last night with them. You never know, maybe one of them will say something that will trigger someone elses memory or give us something to go on.
When they parked near the house and got out, they could hear the mournful sound of a sax coming through an open window.
Thats Billie, Danni told Tyler. I hope you dont mind.
Fine with me. Its not even a special sax, he said. I could have sworn... I mean, I played better with that thing than I ever played in my life.
Like Amy said, maybe because you believed you could play better, Quinn suggested.
But I saw scenes from Arnies life.
Things you knew because you were his best friend, Danni said. Things that fit with the way you think he died.
Tyler offered them a dry half smile, tilting his head at an angle as if he could hear the music better that way. Hes not half-bad, he told them.
Hes also a bagpipe playeror was, Danni said.
Youre sure its not the sax? Tyler asked.
Not according to the people who should know, Quinn said. Do you want me to go in and get it for you?
No, Tyler said. I have anotherlet him play. Go ahead and let him play.
Come on, then, Quinn said. Lets head over to La Porte Rouge.
They walked up the one block from Royal to Bourbon and turned to the left. Neon lights blazed from everywhere. Women in scanty outfits stood by doorways with placards that advertised dollar beers and cheap food. People with drinks in open containersfrom those who were barely twenty-one, if that, to retireescruised along, checking out the various venues in search of one that drew their attention or just taking in the sights and sounds. Music flowed from every establishment. In the street, songs combined and created an intriguing disharmony. Strip joints vied for business alongside all-night pizza joints and white-tablecloth restaurants, souvenir shops, voodoo shops and, always, music clubs.
There really was, Danni thought, nothing quite like Bourbon Streetthe good, the bad and even the ugly.
They reached La Porte Rouge and let Tyler lead the way in. The band was in the middle of a Journey number.
The bar was like many on the street. The building itself was about a hundred and fifty years old; the long hardwood bar was about fifty itself, she thought. The stage backed up to the front wall so that the music oozed out the windows and open doors to encourage those who walked by to step in.
Cleanliness was definitely not next to godliness, but the place wasnt particularly dirty, either. So many people flowed in and out; so many drinks were spilled by the clumsy and the already wasted, that there was only so much the staff could do to keep up. But tonight, while there were twenty or so patrons scattered at the tables or standing in front of the band, it wasnt particularly busy. It was a Thursday night, and there were no major conventions in town, plus it was still only about eleven or eleven thirty. Bourbon Street would pick up soonthe night was still young in New Orleans.
Tyler was immediately recognized by a pretty blonde woman in black leggings and a corset-style blouse that was white with red trim; Danni saw the same blouse on another woman and figured it had to be a waitress uniform. The blonde wore it well; she was pretty without looking as if she should have been working at one of the nearby strip clubs.
Tyler! she said, kissing his cheek and smiling at Danni and Quinn. I thought you were taking the night off.
I wasI am, he said. I was just bringing some friends by. He introduced them all to each other.
Tyler! she said, kissing his cheek and smiling at Danni and Quinn. I thought you were taking the night off.
I wasI am, he said. I was just bringing some friends by. He introduced them all to each other.
The young woman was Jessica Tate. She seemed glad to meet themany friend of Tylers...and especially enthusiastic when she discovered that Danni owned The Cheshire Cat. I love that place. I havent seen you there, though. Theres a guy who looks like Billy Idol most of the time when Im insweet accent on him, too, she said, smiling.
His name is Billie, Danni told her.
Im talking away, Jessica said, and Im supposed to be working. What can I get you?
They ordered soda with lime and took seats at a table near the band.
The band breaks for a few minutes every half hour, Tyler said. You can talk to them soon.
Terrific, Quinn said. Danni watched him as he studied the group. Quinn loved music. She wondered if one day, far in the future, he would have a chance to go where he wanted, play when he wanted and revel in his guitar.
After a few minutes she turned her attention to the group. Shamus Ahearn definitely looked stereotypically Irish. His hair was strawberry-blond, his skin pale and his eyes were light. Gus Epstein had dark, curly, close-cropped hair and was thin and wiry. He seemed totally focused on his guitar as he played. Blake Templetondark-haired, dark-eyedwas on keyboards. He was doing the lead vocals, too, and had a strong, smooth voice with a tremendous range.
Nice! Quinn called to Tyler over the music.
Tyler grinned. Were even better with a sax. I thought Ericthe bartendermight sit in for a few, but I guess its just a little too busy.
Its busier now than when we got here a few minutes ago, Danni noted, looking around at the growing crowd.
Yep, Tyler said. But tomorrow night at this time... Well, you two are from here. You know. Friday nights in the Quarter...
They talked about the reemergence of the French Quarter since the storms. Jessica brought them their drinks, apologizing for having taken so long. Danni watched her as she headed back to the bar, stopping to take an order along the way. She saw the bartender come over to her and smile as he listened to her recite the drinks she needed. He seemed to enjoy his job; the sudden influx of customers didnt get to him. There were eight seats at the bar, and every one of them was filled. He was friendly, calling out to the guy at the end that he needed just a minute as he filled Jessicas order.
Danni turned back to watch the band. Shamus suddenly noticed Tyler in the audience and looked at him curiously then studied her and Quinnand never missed a beat.
A few minutes later Blake announced that they were taking a five-minute break and turned on the music system so that Lana Del Rey spilled out over the speakers, and then the whole band headed to the table.
What gives, Tyler? Shamus asked, sliding into the chair next to Quinn. He quickly offered Quinn a handshake as he studied Danni. Hi, Shamus Ahearn. Nice to meet you.
They went around the table making introductions. Then Tyler addressed his bandmates. They want to ask you guys about Arnies last night, he said flatly.
Oh, Shamus said, studying Quinn again. He grinned. I should have realized you were a cop, he said.
Im not a cop, Quinn said. Private investigator.
Oh. Okay, Shamus said.
The rest of the band looked at one another then all shrugged as one. Speaking for the group, Gus said sure, they would be happy to do what they could.
Jessica came by with a tray holding three glasses of water and set them down in front of the band.
Thank you, love, Shamus told her.
Pleasure.
You going to sing with us tonight? Blake asked her.
Cant. It suddenly got too busy, she said. You guys okay? she asked Quinn and Danni.
Just fine, thank you, Danni assured her.
What about me? Tyler teased, raising his eyebrows in a mock leer.
I know youre fineand if you werent, youd lean over the bar and pour yourself a soda, she said. So dont get fresh with me, Tyler Anderson.
Wouldnt dream of it.
Jessica moved on.
Gus Epstein was sitting next to Tyler. I dont know what we can say that would help. We finished up here about 3:00 a.m. on the night he died. And he was his usual self all night. Friendly, happy. He was just a great guy.
Amen to that, Shamus said.
Actually, we asked him to go for pizza with us, Blake said. We were all starving, so we were going right down the street. But he said he was tired.
Yeah, thats right, Shamus agreed. He said he wasnt hungry, that he just wanted to go home and get some sleep. We all said good-night and went our separate ways. Oh, and if youre asking these questions on behalf of some cop, you can check out my story. Marianna Thomasa cranky old witch if there ever was onewas waiting tables that night, and shell vouch for us.
Arnie didnt say he was going to meet anyone, did he? Quinn asked.
No. Like Blake and Shamus told you, he said he was going home to bed, Gus said. When we heard about him being...dead, we were all...
Fookin stunned! Shamus said.
And devastated. He was one of the good guys, Gus added.
But they said Blake began then broke off at a look from Tyler. You know how they found him, he said.
So youre a private eye, Shamus said, looking at Quinn. I guess you dont think what theyre saying is right.
Nope, I dont, Quinn said. Two other local musicians are also deadHolton Morelli and Lawrence Barrett. Murdered. In their own homes.
Danni watched the three musicians closely as the conversation continued.
I heard about Morelli, Gus said, his tone a dry thread. But I didnt think... Well, he was kind of heavy into drugs. Never played straight that I saw. I figured that...
Larry Barrett too? Blake asked. You sure? I havent heard anything about him.
I guess it hasnt hit the news yet, but yes, Im sure, Quinn said.
I knew Larry, too, Shamus said. I was jealous as hell of himhe did so much studio work he made a fortune. But he liked his coke, too, you know. Maybe...its got to be the drug scene. And we dont do drugs.
Neither did Arnie, Tyler said.
Be careful, Quinn warned them. Be really careful. Its looking like both men were killed by someone they thought was a friend. Someone they let in the front door.
They stayed a few minutes longer, until the bands break was over. The whole group seemed to be in shock that another musician was dead. They sounded just a little bit off when they returned to the stage.
They parted with Tyler at the club, too. He was going to stay and finish out the night with his band.
On the way back to Royal Street, they were quiet, walking hand in hand.
What do we do now? Danni asked.
He looked at her, a slow smile forming on his lips. We go home, go to bed. Perhaps do something incredibly life affirming. Something distracting, so we can return to this dilemma with fresh minds and a new perspective.