A Trace of Smoke Excerpt 17

“When did you last see Ernst?”  I tried to remember the date under the photograph.  The body was found Saturday.

“Friday night.”  Rudolf sniffed.  “Not that it concerns you.  Or me since he abandoned me for that youth.”

“You let him leave the bar with a stranger?”  I felt like a hopeless old maid as soon as the words left my mouth.

Rudolf laughed, a sound like a horse’s whinny.  He walked down the street.  “Your brother does what he wants.”

“What is in the box?”  I  followed him.  I cast a glance ov