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Greetings, gumshoes!
In episode 6, you'll hear from Mariah's boss, George, who owns Pop's diner. You'll also hear a few more excerpts from Mariah's diary that shed light on her relationship with Spencer.
Below is the complete transcript of the interview with Mariah's boss and all the diary entries we have so far.
George Bruem Interview
Interviewer: Detective Savage
Date: 10-05-05
Detective Savage: Mr. Bruem thanks for coming in today, I know you’re a busy man.
George: Oh absolutely, anything to help Mariah.
Detective Savage: Can you tell me when you last saw Mariah?
George: August 26th, I let everyone go early for evacuations. I wanted to make sure everyone had time to make plans.
DS: Did you happen to know her evacuation plans?
George: Well, I heard her on the phone say she was going home to Mississippi with her dog. I figure she was talking to Lily or her parents but I don’t really know for sure.
DS: Oh ok, did she ever clarify after the call.
George: No she didn’t and she left in a hurry.
DS: I guess we all did. So, tell me now, how long had Mariah been working for you?
George: 6 ½ or 7 months. I don’t remember the exact date but I can get that and call you with it if necessary.
DS: yes, that would be helpful. Now, in that time did it seem like she had any enemies?
George: no sir, not that I was aware of but I didn’t listen in on her conversations with the others much. I don’t think she liked her roommate much but that isn’t really unusual.
DS: I see, what about her boyfriend? Know much about him?
George: No, I know he’d come by from time to time but that’s normal of kids. Never seen him be inappropriate or anything.
DS: Any customers that were particularly nasty?
George: No, on the contrary, everyone loved her. She even had one regular that left her $20 bucks or more a time.
DS: Oh wow, that is nice. Happen to know who that was?
George: No, always paid in cash, but he was harmless. My gut says it was probably his lame way of flirting.
DS: Did Mariah ever mention him?
George: Occasionally, she didn’t like the attention but she never said much else.
DS: I got you, How’d she get along with everyone else that worked there?
George: Great, I don’t think she liked when the other ladies mother’ed her but I think she loved them.
DS: What about you? How did she act with you?
George: Always very professional, no complaints.
DS: I see, well last stretch, did you evacuate?
George: Yes, I did. Me, my wife and daughter went to Lafayette to stay with my sister in law.
DS: Can I get her contact info?
George: Oh of course.
DS: Well thanks again! I’ll be in touch.
Mariah's Diary Entries
(undated, but in chronalogical order)
New town, new job, new me. Lilly and I spent the day exploring the city and even wandered though the French Quarter. Kenner is quiet by comparison, but I think I could learn to like it here. Mom bought me some fresh bedsheets and bathtowels for the apartment. I’m thinking I’ll ask her to make some curtains for my birthday. It’s not much, but it’s starting to feel like home.
The other servers are sweet, but they’re in their 40’s! They’ve got kids and grandkids. We have nothing in common, and it’s driving me a little crazy. They want to mother me, but I don’t need another mother. I’m all set on that front, thank you very much. I need to figure out my own life -- a life that doesn’t involve working at Pop’s until the day I die.
Moving to Kenner was a mistake. I feel so stuck and lonely. I was hoping that having a roommate would make this big change more fun, but all Lilly wants to do is party. I thought we had so much in common before we moved in together. We used to have so much fun hanging out, but now it’s like she’s avoiding me. It’s not like I miss home, but this can’t be all there is to being an adult.
If one more person asks for ketchup after I’ve run all the food out, I’m going to scream.
Silver lining to this shitty week: tips were GREAT today. I have a new regular, and he keeps leaving me a $20!!! He’s a little shy and awkward, but he’s my new favorite customer.
As mom would say, “I met a boy.” His name is Spencer, and HE IS CUTE. Lilly introduced us, but luckily she’s shown no interest. He’s quieter than the guys she usually brings around – less showy, less drunk. He’s the kind of guy you can imagine eating takeout with on a rainy Saturday if that makes sense.
Spencer came by Pop’s today! I thought he’d be bored sitting around for so long while I worked, but he said that he didn’t mind. We shared some cold fries during my break, and he joked about wanting to get married. He says he feels like an old married couple already!!
Had to lock Hector out of the bedroom again. I don’t get it, but he hates Spencer for some reason. Maybe it’s a male thing? Or a dominance thing? He’s such a good dog, but I can’t have him growling at my boyfriend all the time. Maybe he just needs more exercise? I’ve been working too much, and Lilly won’t walk him even when she’s home anyway. Hopefully I’ll have time for a trip to the park this weekend. Hector will like that.
Lilly is late with the rent again. I swear, I’m moving somewhere new as soon as this lease is up.
Spencer introduced me to some of his buddies today. They seem nice, but it’s weird to see Spencer in his element. He’s goofier and less serious with them. A little impulsive too. We met out at one of his friend’s family land and everyone rode four-wheelers. Spencer knows all the tricks, and I feel like he was showing off for me. Scared me half to death though – between him and his crazy friends, there were a few near-misses. I begged him to be more careful, but he just laughs. Crazy country boy.
George has started to complain about Spencer showing up during my shifts. It’s not like he’s bothering anyone or distracting me, but George says it’s weird that he’s around all the time. I mentioned it to Spencer, but he blew me off. He says he’s just looking out for me and we don’t have enough time together anyway. Plus, he says some of my regulars are weirdoes. You never know with people now-a-days. Maybe he’s right.
My favorite regular slipped me a $50(!!!!!) tip today. I was so excited that I convinced Spencer to go out on a nice date together. We ate at this incredible seafood place, but Spencer was weird the whole time. When I asked him about it, he grumbled about the smallest things. First, the waiter was too attentive, then he wasn’t fast enough with our drinks. Spencer spent the meal mostly quiet, but he did manage to grumble about the price of everything. It *almost* ruined the night for me, but honestly I was so happy to do something fun for once that I just ignored him and listened to the live band at the restaurant.
Big tipper has been weird ever since he left me that $50 bill. He keeps trying to chat even when we’re super busy. I’ve started trying to push him off on one of the other waitresses, but he won’t take no for an answer. He just says he’ll wait until a table opens up in my section.
Another fight with Spencer. He’s so sensitive and complacent. All I said was that he should look into these colleges with me. I’m so tired of being a waitress, and I want him to want something better too! He’s totally unmotivated though. He told me to stop “nagging him about it,” so I’m giving him the silent treatment for now.
I’m done.
He won’t stop calling. You know, all this talk about girls being overemotional and too attached, but guys are the worst. Lilly thinks I should meet with him and talk it out, but WHAT THE HELL would she know? Lilly’s longest relationship was a weekend – and that was only for the free trip to Mobile. She just wants him to stop coming by the apartment so that she can stop covering for me.
Decided to treat myself and take the day off. I actually went to the movies for once – even sprung for popcorn and red hots. I picked a sappy movie and expected to cry over Spencer, but honestly, I don’t miss him. It’s nice to be able to go to work without him tapping his foot in the background. And I’m excited to apply to college in a few months. It’ll be easier to earn the cash I need without him guilting me into working less. Candice’s kids keeps getting sick, so I know I can pick up some extra hours there.
Lilly’s threatening to move out if I can’t get the Spencer situation under control. I think I’m going to have to start answering his calls. Maybe we can find a way to be friends.
Spencer picked me up and we had lunch. He misses me, and it’s flattering…but I never think about him unless he’s banging on the apartment door or calling my phone. Still, it was kind of nice to have someone to hang out with again. I told him we’d meet up again soon. Hopefully I’m not leading him on.