Jason Deas - Benny James 03 - Brushed Away by Jason Deas Read Free Book Online

eyes.
    “Hey guys. You been out there long?”
    “No,” Vernon said. “We just pulled into the marina as some guy went flying out of here on a speed boat. If I had my radar gun I would’ve given him a ticket.”
     Rene laughed. “Did you see who it was?”
    “No, I could only tell it was a pretty big guy.”
    Rene shrugged her shoulders.
    Vernon gave Benny a look and Benny tried to hide his amusement.
    “Hi Benny,” Rene said looking past Vernon. “Why don’t you guys come on inside.”
    Inside, the three settled down in the galley.
    “So,” Vernon began, “you ready to go back to work?”
    “Yeah. It’s not like there was a murder in the restaurant itself. Hopefully people will still come to eat and won’t be grossed out by the thoughts of the painting made of blood.”
    “I’ll still eat there,” Benny stated.
    “Me too,” Vernon followed. “Can you tell me anything about that day that may have happened differently than most days? Have you thought of who could have done this or had the ability to let somebody in to do this?”
    “I opened as usual. I always open. I get there at about six and I always enter through the front door. I don’t recall thinking that anything seemed out of order or out of the ordinary. It was just another day. I made a few deserts and prepped stuff for the salads and sandwiches. There weren’t any deliveries. The staff arrived at a few minutes before nine. Once I let them inside, I left the front door unlocked. As you know, we don’t serve breakfast, but a few people like to stop in and get a cup of coffee.”
    “Who came in for coffee that morning?” Vernon asked as he pulled out a small notepad.
     Rene’s eyes looked upward as she searched her brain. “Russell from the Post Office. Jill from the salon next door and one other guy named Kyle who drives a delivery route to Atlanta daily. I pack him a lunch every day as a deal we worked out a year or so ago. And that’s it.”
    “Do you think any of those people would be capable of murdering someone and making a painting out of their blood?”
    “No!”
    “What about any of your employees?”
    “No.”
    “Then how do you think it could have happened? How could somebody walk through your door with a large canvas and hang it on the wall without anybody noticing?”
    “Good question,” Rene said. “Believe me, I have been racking my brain trying to figure this out. And I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit scared. Why did they pick my restaurant? Does this have anything to do with me or something I’ve done?”
    Vernon looked to Benny who had been quiet on purpose, letting Vernon lead.
    “I don’t believe so,” Benny said shifting in his chair. “You’ve always been an advocate for the arts and a place where local artists could sell their work. I think your café was just the only place in town that made sense. I don’t think it had anything to do with you at all.”
    “Do you really believe that?”
    “Yes, I do.” Benny gave her a solemn look. “Do you know a lot of artists in the area.”
    “Of course. I probably know all of them who sell their work. I must be the only place around where an artist can display and sell their work without paying a dime in commissions.”
    “Why do you do it?”
    “I love art,” Rene said with a sly smile. “And it brings in business. The artists want people they know to see their work and they send them here. It’s a big deal to have your artwork hanging somewhere. And, most people feel like they have to buy something when they come in since this is a restaurant and not an art gallery.”
    “And once people try your desserts or one of your sandwiches, they’re hooked,” Vernon said.
    “You got it.”
    “Do you know the Oglethorpe family?” Benny asked.
    “Of course I do. Angel works for me.”
    “Has her mother or uncle ever shown their work at the restaurant?”
    “Her mother has. Her uncle is just a crazy old man.”
    “Do you think he