Mitzy, why dont you tell me exactly what you remember, Jack said as he set the tape recorder on the table. Id appreciate it if no one interrupted her. He glanced pointedly at Oliver, who bristled visibly.
I already told everything to that other cop, Mitzy said irritably. I dont see why I have to go over it again. Its just all so...ghastly.
I need to hear it for the record, Jack said as he pushed the record button.
Mitzy stared at the tape recorder, then at her drink for a moment, before she wet her lips and began speaking. I came home at my usual time. Im a Realtor, a very good one, in case you havent heard. She directed the comment and a broad smile at Jack.
You came home at your usual time, he prompted.
Yes, I was anxious to get home. Its Valentines Day, she said and looked from Jack to Tempest as if she doubted either was aware of that fact. Anyway, she sighed, I got into the private elevator, started to insert my key for the penthouse when I noticed there was already a key in it. She rolled her eyes. I thought, damn Oliver! How many times have I told him not to leave his key in the elevator where anyone off the street can just walk right into our penthouse.
Olivers left his key in before? Jack asked.
Only once or twice, he said with obvious irritation. The bellhop usually sees it and either brings it up or calls to let me know its at the desk. It really isnt a big deal. I find the whole key thing to be a real nuisance.
Anyway, Mitzy continued. There was the key, so I just assumed Oliver had beat me home. I came up, excited to give him his gift. I bought him a new Rolex. Oh, sorry, dear, she added quickly, glancing at her husband. I guess it wont be much of a surprise now. Her gaze swung back to Jack. But then my Valentines Day was ruined the moment I saw Peggy sprawled dead in the middle of my chocolates, wasnt it? She was completely ignoring Tempest. Nothing new here.
You were saying what happened when the elevator door opened, Jack reminded her.
She looked at him aghast. What do you think happened? I saw Peggy and screamed.
Did you check for a pulse or see if you could help her? Jack asked.
Mitzy blinked. I could see that she was dead. I wasnt about to...touch her.
Jack looked to Tempest. So thats when you came on the scene?
She nodded. I was on the floor below. I came right up.
By elevator? he asked.
No, Mrs. Sanders had the elevator door blocked open with her bags. I took the emergency stairs off the fire escape and entered through the fire exit door. Tempest seemed to read his mind. I insisted Mrs. Sanders leave everything just as shed found itincluding the bags shed used to block the elevator.
The two shopping bags hed noticed against the opposite wall from the body.
He turned his attention back to Mitzy, trying not to think about the possibility of working with Tempest Bailey. With luck, she wouldnt take the job. Did you touch anything? he asked Mitzy.
I just screamed and the next thing I knew she swung her gaze at Tempest she came through my house. It appears Oliver didnt use the dead bolt on the fire escape exit. Mitzy shook her head in disgust. Then she called your office and ordered me to go back down to the lobby.
Jack knew the answer to this one. But you didnt.
Of course not, Mitzy said. I couldnt have a bunch of strangers up here unsupervised. Tempest Bailey was far from a stranger to Mitzy even if Tempest hadnt been the hotel detective. There wasnt any reason I couldnt wait in the living room and just step around the body if I had to.
He glanced at Tempest. She said nothing, but her expression told him everything he needed to know about her confrontation with Mitzy. You called the sheriffs department from your own cell phone?
Tempest nodded. I touched nothing nor did I let anyone else touch anything around the victim or the penthouse until I turned it over to the two deputies and it could be photographed and fingerprints taken. I have
been here with both...witnesses the entire time.
Good work.
I was just doing my job.
Mitzy looked as if she wanted to argue that.
How many keys are there to the penthouse? he asked Tempest.
Four, she answered without hesitation. Mrs. Sanders and I each have one. Mr. Sanders has two.
Jack shot Oliver a look.
I have a tendency to misplace mine, he said.
So it seemed. May I see everyones key? Jack asked.
Tempest produced hers. Mitzy had to have her little pink bag brought in from the foyer. She dug around for a moment, then finally came up with it. Out of the corner of his eye, Jack saw Oliver reach into the pocket of his suit pants, frown, then move to the bar where he began to mix himself another drink.
Dont you have your keys? Jack asked.
No, I guess I left mine at my office, Oliver said after a moment, his back to everyone.
So whose key did Peggy have? Jack asked as if he didnt know the answer.
Oliver turned slowly from the bar, another full drink in his hand. He stared down into the frothy liquid for a moment, then glanced at his wife, whod swung around on the couch to look at him. He let out a long sigh. I asked Peggy to drop off the presents Id purchased for Mitzy. She offered and since she didnt have any plans and I wanted everything here before Mitzy got home and I wasnt sure what time I could get off work, I thought, why not?