ID: Tell him you're with a detective.

"From the precinct down the road, or the county?" He seems a little more receptive now, but then pauses. "Or are you with that Puzzle Detective guy?" Now, a smile is on his face. "The one and only!" You smile back at him, and he nods. "He's a fine fella. Happy to help if it's him working the case." He waits for you to ask a question, but realizes you already did that about thirty seconds ago. "Oh, right, right! They didn't mention a hotel. One of them did mention that Screenwriter guy going back into work. Said he had to let in the big guy."