Free A Striking Death by David Anderson

because he was gay, but if so, we don’t have a real suspect. And maybe it was because he was killed as the result of an argument. Although, if that was true, why was he done in bed? It doesn’t fit. It’s time we got Levine in here. Dick, go and get him.” He looked at his watch. “His store will be closing soon, anyway. We’ll order in some food and then question him.”

 
    twenty
     
    Daniel Levine was not at all happy to be sitting in the York Police Services interview room. McDonald said that Levine had protested strenuously, had, in fact, only come along when told it would look like he had something to hide if he didn’t.
    Drumm introduced Lori Singh to the portly bookstore owner and apologized for the inconvenience. “I know you don’t want to be here. We just need to ask a few more questions.”
    “I don’t know what those could be. I told you everything this morning.”
    Drumm said, “Perhaps. Earlier you said that you and Arthur Billinger were lovers, that you wanted the two of you to live together. Do I have that right?”
    “That’s right, yes. But Art wanted to live by himself.”
    “And how did that make you feel?”
    Levine shrugged. “I was fine with it, Detective. I had to be, didn’t I? It was what he wanted.”
    Drumm asked, “Did you argue about it?”
    “Of course we did, a little bit. I was disappointed. I said some things I wish I hadn’t.” Levine was looking upset. “I’d give a lot to be able to take them back now.”
    Lori spoke for the first time. “How bad were these arguments, Mr. Levine?”
    Levine switched his attention to Singh. “How bad were they? What do you mean?”
    Lori said, “I mean, was there shouting? Swearing at each other? Pushing or hitting? Anything like that?”
    Levine’s shoulders sagged. He looked like he was about to cry. “No, nothing like that. And we didn’t argue often. The worst time, I may have said something like, ‘If you love me, you’d want to stay with me.’ I don’t remember exactly what I said.”
    “I only ask because we have a witness who says she heard you raising your voice and arguing with Mr. Billinger. It’s not unreasonable to assume that it might have escalated into something more serious.” Lori sat back and crossed her legs. She had her notebook out and her pen at the ready. “Did it?”
    “To assume….? Who is this witness anyway?” Levine was agitated. “Did it escalate?” He started to stand up. “You think I killed Art?”
    For a big man, Drumm was fast. He was on his feet with his hand raised before Levine could get to his feet. “Sit down. Nobody’s saying anything like that. These are just routine questions.” He glanced at Lori.
    Levine slumped back into his chair. “I can’t believe this.” The bookstore owner looked weary. There were dark bags under his eyes, as if he hadn’t slept well. His clothes were looking much more rumpled than they had before, Drumm noticed. He needed a shave.
    “Let’s take a break,” Drumm said, standing up. “Lori, would you mind getting us some refreshments? Mr. Levine’s had a long day. I’m sure he could use some coffee. I know I could.”
    Singh nodded and quietly left the room.
    Drumm said, “Come on. Let’s take a stroll.” Levine rose wearily to his feet and followed Drumm out into the hallway. The detective led the way to a stairwell, up a flight of concrete steps and out through a steel door with a handwritten sign that said, “Kew Gardens”. They emerged onto the roof of the building.
    “I come up here sometimes for solitude,” said Drumm. There were two green tables with patio chairs and umbrellas. Around the edges of the space were rectangular gardens. Tall grasses competed with bushes and some dying petunias and marigolds for room. “This was an environmental initiative a few years ago. You know, one of those projects to turn an ugly roof into a usable green spot. It looks better in the summer.”
    Drumm went over to the edge of the roof