Probing Joe

Ethan saddled up to the smoke-filled, dimly lit bar and said "I'll have a shot of whiskey. Actually make it a double. It's been one of those days," tapping the sticky polished wood.

The restaurant was full of brown leather crescent-shaped booths, mostly for private, discreet conversations. This was not a place you took Mom for Mother's Day brunch.

"Comin' right up," said Joe, reaching for the Jack Daniel's.

As Joe was pouring the drinks, Ethan, leaning in, said quietly, "I hear we have a mutual friend in common."

"Oh really, who?" as he started to walk back to Ethan, the glass trembling slightly in his hand.

"Strawberry Shortcake." No sooner did the words come out of Ethan's lips did Joe drop the whiskey glass. It shattered everywhere. All eyes were on him.

"It's ok everybody; just butter fingers over here," as he feigned a laugh. People resumed their conversations though tension lingered.

"I'm not thoroughly surprised by your reaction. She has that effect on men," said Ethan. "So, have you all kept in touch since Morocco?"

"Who are you? And how do you know I went to Morocco with her?"

"Who I am is irrelevant right now. Let's just say I had a come-to-Jesus talk with Mama George about some missing jewels she thinks her daughter, Strawberry Shortcake has."

"I don't know anything about that. Not in the business anymore and I don't keep in touch with her anymore. And a word to the wise, you shouldn't either. She's trouble."

"Well, unfortunately trouble is my business."

Not yet convinced Joe is the straight shooter he pretended to be, Ethan pressed on.

"Is there anything you can tell me about her? She's denied taking her mom's jewelry and is paying me twice what her mom's paying if I find them."

"And if you don't?"

"Don't ask."

"Sorry, man. I better get back to work."

"Can you tell me anything that would help?" Ethan asked with desperation creeping into his voice.

"Last I heard she was mixed up with some guy named Vito. Mama George met him once and told him to get out of her house. He owns Chicago's finest restaurant, The Pump Room."

Ethan's instincts flared. He knew he had to find out more about Vito. He was going to call Strawberry Shortcake tomorrow before heading to The Pump Room.