Hope you like it, Elaine! Tried something new today.

Also, how about you go do some

detecting and find out where my favorite apron went! I cant find it anywhere!, Frankie
winked.
Thanks, Frankie, Im sure I will. And Ill let you know about the case of the missing
apron tomorrow., I laughed as I walked through the only door of the shop.
That smile got me every time. Frankie Preda was my favorite barista at Buon Bere. Not
only was he a charming, attractive guy but he made the best cup of coffee a girl could ask for.
Thats why I was rather dismayed to walk into a police infested Buon Bere the next day
to find Frankie Preda laying there, missing the warm grin Id grown accustomed to seeing every
morning.
What happened to him? I needed to find out what happened for myself. The police
and I worked simultaneously on cases on a regularly, so theyd grown accustomed to my
presence at crime scenes but this just became personal. Id never find coffee as good as
Frankies again.
Looks like he pissed somebody off. Someone whacked him with the porta-filter from
the espresso machine about twenty times, Officer Spencer filled me in. I noticed the small
metal porta-filter lying near Frankies body, his keys lying next to him.
Hmm. What a shame, he was quite a catch if you ask me.
You knew the victim, Guster?

Yeah, I always come here to get my coffee in the morning. Frankie makes the best
coffee in the city.
As I was longing for my daily cup of Frankies coffee creation, an all too familiar voice
sprang up from behind the police tape outside.
What on earth is going on here? I need my coffee! Just let me in, they know me here.
Im sure theyll just whip up my coffee and Ill be on my way.
Jesi Gente if the coffee wasnt so fantastic I would go to a different coffee shop just so
I could avoid her shrill, high pitched whines in the morning. She may be the most picky, shrill
woman Ive ever had the misfortune to encounter. Lord knows if her coffee isnt a perfect skim
milk, caramel latte at 180 degrees with extra foam there will be hell to pay.
She squirmed her way up to the door and forced her way in.
Theres my favorite Private Investigator! I winced. Elaine, tell me what is going on!
As I was about to guide her out of the coffee shop, a squeal escaped her lips that
brought the busyness of the scene to a halt. She stared at Frankie lying dead on the original
1920s hardwood floor and let out a sob.
I dont know yet, Jesi. Im going to look into it and find out. How about you let Officer
Spencer escort you out and get you a cup of coffee somewhere else?, I said leading her away
from the crime scene. I can be gentle when I want to be.

As I stepped around the pastry filled glass case, I noticed no sign of a struggle. It looked
as if Frankie had been closing up shop the night before when someone had hit him over the
head from behindHe really didnt see it coming. I figured I would be there a while longer, so I
took off my favorite vintage, tweed trench coat and draped it over a paisley armchair.
I noticed one of the other baristas crying while being interviewed by an officer, so I
walked over to see what she was saying.
I was supposed to open this morning, and when I got here I unlocked the door and
walked in to see
Bonnie Veleno had worked at the shop for about a year now. Her coffee wasnt nearly
as great as Frankies, but she was always very sweet to me. She knew I preferred Frankies
coffee, so she would let him make it.
Bonnie, I interjected, deciding I should get some info first hand. How are you doing?
How well did you know Frankie?
Well enough, I guess Bonnie was speaking through a makeup smudged gaze. Her
hair was the color of espresso and she had quiet, reserved features- they fit her personality
well. One may have said she didnt have any strikingly beautiful qualities except for her pale,
misty green eyes that stood out through her tears. Compared to her shy and observant
personality they didnt fit her appearance. Wed gone on a few dates, but we were just friends.
Frankie was always so sweet to me.

At this, Bonnie started sobbing and I figured Id give her some time before I asked
anything more. She appeared to be a very sensitive girl.
Officer Spencer arrived back on the scene, notepad in hand. He didnt look overly
pleased to see me.
Guster, what the hell? Yeah, not so pleased.
What, Spence? You didnt like your alone time with Ms. Jesi Gente? I hoped some
playful banter would soften his annoyance with me.
I felt like my ears were going to start bleeding. Crazy lady refused coffee from
anywhere else and asked me to drop her back at her apartment. Then she started bawling and
didnt stop until we got to her place. She kept going on about how it was probably Predas
roommate. You owe me, Elaine. Spencer was called over by his commanding officer, so I
decided it was time to do some more digging into this roommate.
I grabbed my trench coat and made my way out into the brisk, leaf sprinkled air. Fall is
without of doubt my favorite time of year. I walked the few blocks to Frankies apartment and
rang the bell for 5C.
Hello?, Frankies roommate answered.
Hello, my name is Elaine Guster. Im a detective looking into Frankies murder. Do you
mind if I come up and ask you a few questions?, I was hoping that Frankies roommate would
be able to give me a bigger picture of who Frankie was and why he may have been so viciously
murdered.

Sure, Ill buzz you in.

I entered the lobby of the aged apartment building and took the elevator to the fifth
floor. Frankies apartment was just a few doors down the hallway, and I saw Frankies
roommate waiting at the door.
Hey, Im Daxton., He reached out and shook my hand. He was just about as charming
as Frankie, though his smile wasnt nearly the same. Come on in.
The apartment was a small, two bedroom that had been renovated, though it still had
the original character from when it was built in the early 1920s, like the rest of the
neighborhood. There was minimal furniture, a collection of DVDs and a flat screen TV that was
about 40. Daxton offered me a seat on the couch and I accepted.
Im sorry to bother you unexpectedly. Im sure today has not been the easiest for you.
Have the police already come to interview you?, I wanted to be quick but cordial.
Thank you. Yes, they came earlier today to tell me what happened and then asked me a
few questions. So, you arent with the police?, Daxton was very polite and understanding. He
did seem perplexed that I was there after the police had come.
Im not. Im a Private Investigator. What was your relationship like with Frankie?,
Right to the point. Okay, me and Frankie are best friends. Heshe was like a brother. It
still hasnt really hit me yet. Do you have any idea who wouldve done this to him?, Daxton
was not on my suspect list as of yet.

Well, Im trying to set up a list of who may have wanted to kill Frankie. Can you tell me
if he has any disgruntled friends? Do you know any of his ex-girlfriends?
UmYeah, actually. I know hes dated a few girls but the only one that stands out is a
wretched woman, her name is Jesi. She goes into that place every day just to see Frankie.
Honestly, Id say she was a little obsessed., Daxton remarked. This was a good start.
Ah, I had no idea that he had dated her. Im honestly pretty shocked he dated Jesi. She
doesnt seem like his type, I guess., I stammered awkwardly.
To be honest, I was too. His taste in women recently was not up to par. When Frankie
realized how crazy Jesi really is, he broke up with her and she went off on him. She yelled and
stormed out the apartment and then ever since shes been sort of obsessed with him. Frankie
told me she only goes to Buon Bere to see him, and made up this crazy-ass coffee order routine
so she had an excuse to request Frankie every day. Id look at her, if I were you. Daxton led me
to the door and I left, and went straight to Jesi Gentes apartment.
Spencer had given me her address; he always helped me out if he had the time. I walked
up the steps as she was leaving.
Jesi! May I walk with you?, I wanted to interrogate her without her actually realizing
my intention.
I suppose thats fine, Im just going out to buy myself a new pair of shoes. I deserve a
pair after the morning Ive had. First I dont get my coffee and then I have to see all that blood
and I just cant even think about it anymore., Jesi whined as we started walking up the street.

Jesi, how well did you know Frankie? I know that he always made your coffee, but did
you know him outside of Buon Bere?, I gently questioned.
Well, yes you could say that. Frankie and I dated, but it didnt work out. Which is fine, I
mean, Im much better off now. Frankie was a good guy but we just werent meant to be., Jesi
quickly answered as we continued to walk towards downtown.
Ah, of course. So, Im assuming youre the one who broke it off?, I asked, though it
was obvious the opposite was true.
No, but I would have. He just beat me to it. We just werent working. Im much happier
now. But, I mean, it is still a shame hes dead.
It is a shame, I agree. So, Jesi, why is it that you go to Buon Bere every morning for your
coffee?, I wanted to see what her reaction was, because though she was so picky about her
coffee there was obviously more reason to go to Buon Bere.
Frankie just made it the best, thats all. Even though we broke up I just cant go
anywhere else. Theyd mess it up. Jesi said defensively.
Ah, of course. Ya know, Frankie was really a catch if you ask me. I wouldve loved the
opportunity to date him, what a stud. Mmm. Slice me off a piece of that! And the bait was set.
Oh, I had no idea you were interested in him Well, he probably really liked you, Jesi
started to bawl and scampered to a boutique across the street in her stiletto heels.

It was obvious Jesi Gente was a prime suspect, but I still needed to interview more
people to make sure my suspicions were correct. It was late, and I was hungry so I decided to
call it a night.
Hey, Spence. How about I make it up to you and buy you some dinner? I just dealt with
Jesi Gente myself and I need to blow off some steam., I humbly asked Spencer. I knew he was
mad that I had pawned Gente off on him this morning, and I wanted to make amends.
Why not, Guster. Ill never turn down a free meal, especially when its one you owe
me., Spencer jested. His anger had obviously subsided, but I was glad to have a friend to chat
with after a long day of detecting.
We met up at the local pub around 8:00pm and settled in with a few beers.
So, Guster. Hows your detective work comin? I cant tell you anything about our
investigation, of course, but I can always score some clues from you and get extra recognition
at work., Spencer laughed. I liked talking to him about my investigations; it was good to have
someone to bounce theories off of.
Well, from what little Ive gotten today, Jesi looks good for it. Shes definitely a little
crazy. Maybe him breaking up with her a while back finally made her crack and she went in and
beat him with a porta-filter?, I reasoned.
Could be. Shes definitely a whack job, no pun intended., Spencer chuckled. Who else
are you gonna talk to?

Bonnie Veleno is the plan. She knew both Jesi and Frankie at least to some extent, and
she saw their interaction day in and day out. Maybe Frankie confided in her about Jesi and she
knows of what wouldve happened.
I like the way you think, Elaine. Now, lets talk about the fun stuff. Whos gonna win in
the playoffs this season?
Spencer and I hung out until late in the evening, and I went home to rest. A few days
later, I got up early and went into a now cleaned up Buon Bere to see if Bonnie had a minute to
chat.
Hey, Elaine. What can I get you? Bonnie graciously smiled at me.
Actually, Bonnie, I wanted to ask you a few questions if you arent too busy?, I said as I
walked up to the dessert case.
Sure, we arent too busy. Ill just need to take care of customers as they come in, of
course.
Sure, I shouldnt be long anyway. So, did you know about Frankies estranged
relationship with Jesi? What can you tell me about that?
Oh, my. Jesi is a character, isnt she? Frankie told me that they dated for a short while,
but after he broke up with her she sort of lost it. She was still in love with him, you could tell.
She always glared at me when she came in and then went straight to talk with Frankie. She was
always overtly flirty with him and he told me it made him feel awkward., Bonnie explained,
wiping down the counter.

Ah, I see. Bonnie, does Frankie usually close alone at night?

Yeah, for the last hour or so. I was there with him until about 9:00pm. But now that
you mention it, Jesi stormed in as I opened the door to leave. She said she needed to talk to
Frankie about something. Bonnies eyes glazed over for a second and then she looked at me.
You dont think Jesi could have--
Im not sure of anything yet, I said interrupting her. Did you know much about his
personal life?
I guess so. I mean, he never told me he thought of us as friends, but we did talk a lot at
work. Hed always tell me about dates he went out on, or how his roommate and he got in a
fight. And of course, he told me the Jesi story. I dont know, I guess we were kind of close.,
Bonnie sighed and then a customer came in so I left the shop and started walking toward Jesi
Gentes apartment.
I had realized that I had not asked her where she was the night of the murder. I rang the
buzzer and she let me in, so I followed her up the stairs to her apartment.
Elaine! How are you? Im doing much better, Im so sorry I acted like that the other
day! You know I was just so emotionally traumatized that I said some odd things., Jesi
squeaked as I sat at her coffee table.
Thats alright Jesi, you needed to let it out. Now, I realized I never asked you where you
were on the night that Frankie was murdered. Were you around the area of the coffee shop?

Well, I I did go into Buon Bere that night, around 9:00pm. Frankie still had a few of
my things and I wanted them back! I wasnt there for more than 20 minutes and then I left.
Strangely enough I thought I saw Bonnie walking across the street, but it couldnt have been
her because she had already left. I dont know, Elaine. You know I didnt do it, thoughright? I
mean, I could never have killed Frankie. I was at a Club Zero from 9:15 pm until 2 am. Ill give
you the name of the people I was with, theyll tell you I was there.
I went to the speak with the coroner, who told me that Frankie died around 10:00 pm
that night. If Jesi was telling the truth, she had a solid alibi. I went into the club and spoke with
the bartender who had worked the night of Frankies death.
Who, Jesi? Yeah, she was here. Shes a character but she always leaves me a good tip.
She has a tab, want me to get the credit card receipts for you?, the bartender offered.
That would be great, thank you.
I called Spencer that afternoon to brainstorm about who else couldve done it. Jesi was
obviously messed up in the head and had quite a temper, but she had a solid alibi. Not only did
all of her friends vouch for her, but the bartender and credit card receipts did as well.
If it wasnt Jesi then who was it?
Spence, its me. Do you have a minute?, I asked.
Sure, what do you need?, Spencer said.

Well, Im a little stuck on Jesi Gente. Shes definitely crazy, and she was obviously
obsessed with Frankie, but Jesi couldnt have done it.
Well, maybe youre on the right track with the ex did it theory. Have you looked into
other exs of Frankie?
Spence, thank you! I owe you one--again., I said and then hung up the phone.
At this, my mind started to rewind all the way back to the day Frankie had been
discovered. Bonnie had to unlock the front door the next morning Those old shops are built
that there is no other entrance. Therefore, the murderer mustve had a key in order to lock that
door again. Frankies keys had been lying next to him, so they couldnt have just used his. It
mustve been Bonnie Veleno... But why? She didnt seem to have a motive to murder Frankie,
and her personality did not seem to fit the crime. I needed to go interview Bonnie because
things just didnt add up.
I pulled up to her small town home on the outskirts of town. I knocked on the door and
waited, looking at the worn, wooden porch and original 4 paned windows. Bonnie opened the
door and welcomed me in.
Elaine, what are you doing here? Did you find out who murdered Frankie?, She asked
softly.
Well, not quite, I just wanted to ask you a bit more about Frankies roommate., I said,
hoping she wouldnt notice I lied straight through my teeth. I wanted to know how she really
felt behind that reserved gaze of hers.

Sure, of course. Can I get you some tea?, She offered. I gladly accepted.
Bonnie walked into her kitchen and I heard the water from the sink running.
Bonnie, do you mind if I use your restroom?, I called. I needed an excuse to look
around without her knowing.
Sure, down the hall and its the door to the left. Youll see it.
Thank you. I walked down the hallway and walked into her bedroom. I had to be quick
in order to see if she had anything hidden. To my shock she had a wall full of pictures of Frankie
as well as his apron that had been stolen. I quickly took out my phone and snapped a picture,
and went into the bathroom. When I came out, Bonnie was sitting with a pot of tea in her living
room.
So, what did you need to ask me, Elaine? I thought you already knew it was probably
Jesi. You dont think his roommate killed him, do you?, She asked curiously.
I just wanted to see what you knew about Daxton? Did you and him interact much?
Um, wellits more like I knew of him. Id met him but we didnt talk too much.
Not even while you and Frankie dated?
Not really, I mean, Frankie and I werent that serious., she said as she took a sip of her
tea.
Oh, you werent? I read a journal that Frankie had left behind and it had all sorts of
things about you in it, I set the bait, but this time it would be for the real killer.

A journal? What did he say about me? Bonnie kept her cool. I would have to push a
little bit farther to get a reaction.
Well, he talked about how much he loved you and he wanted to figure out how to ask
you out on a date again.
Oh, really?! Bonnie said frantically. He wrote that? What else did he say?
Oh, um I said, thinking of something to agitate her more. Frankie also wrote that
heHe looked forward to seeing you every morning
Oh, FrankieWhat have I I mean, can I see the journal? Id like to see it. Bonnie said,
fidgeting in her chair. I almost had her
Huh, you know, I cant exactly remember where I put that damn thing. Maybe its in my
car. No, I think I left in my other trench coat? I said, pretending to puzzle over the imaginary
journal.
WHERE IS THAT JOURNAL?? I need to see it! Now!, Bonnie screamed.
Oh, I remember!, I said, ignoring her explosive command. I actually ended up leaving
it at the precinct, so now its in an evidence locker. No one will be reading that thing until a trial
happens. Maybe you can hear it in court, I remarked sarcastically.
You stupid bitch! He loved me and he wrote about me in a journal and Ill never be able
to read it because of you, you whore! I had no idea how he feltOh Frankie., Bonnie Veleno
started to scream and came at me. Lucky for me Spencer and the rest of the police squad came

bursting in and took her down. Turned out Bonnie wasnt as quiet and reserved as her features
wouldve led me to believe. Once in police custody, Bonnie admitted to killing Frankie.
I went into the coffee shop because I wanted to just talk to him. He just couldnt see
that we were perfect together, thats all. When I told him how much I loved him he just stared
at me I dont love you he said, we are just better as friends, Bonnie. He broke my heart. So, I
picked up the porta-filter and broke his head.
She entered an insanity plea and ended up getting committed to a psych ward upstate,
indefinitely. Poor FrankieHe really was a catchhe just got caught by the wrong woman.

The End