The bathroom was next, with one of those high windows so neighbors can't see you doing your business. I gripped the ledge and chinned myself. Being high the way it was, drapes weren't necessary, so nothing covered the window. Ivy wasn't crouching in the bathroom, either. I let myself down, went on to the living room, then returned to the bathroom. I chinned again, and squinted inside. The bathroom was old like the rest of the building, with a postwar tub and cracked tiles seamed by darkened grout. The floor was a dingy vinyl that had probably been yellowing since the sixties. Something about the bathroom bothered me, and it took a moment to realize what.

I let myself down and returned to the courtyard.

Pike said, Clear?

She told me she rented the room on Anson because they found mold in her bathroom, but this bathroom hasn't been touched in years.

We went back to Langer's apartment. He opened the door wide. Still with the glass in his hand.

Oh. Back so soon?

Did you have a mold problem in Ivy's apartment?

He squinted as if we were trying to trick him.

Mold?

Did you remodel her bathroom to get rid of mold?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Ivy told me mold was found in her apartment a couple of months ago. She had to move out for a few weeks while it was remodeled.

We've never had mold. I don't know what you're talking about.

Did she move out?

Well, she was gone for a while, but she didn't move out. She was working.

I thought she worked at home.

He wiggled the glass again, only now the ice was melted. The wiggle was silent.

No, she works with the films. A makeup artist, I think, or doing their hair. That's why she's gone so much. The location work.

Pike grunted.

Websites, huh.

I looked back at her closed apartment door. The little courtyard grew stifling hot and the gardenias smelled like ant poison.

Mr. Langer, how long has Ivy lived here?

He looked from me to Pike, then back to me, and now his bald head wrinkled. He was getting nervous.

About four months now. Why do you want to know that?

Pike said, We'd like to see her apartment, please.

Langer's eyes flickered to Pike, and he shifted from foot to foot.

Just let you in? That wouldn't be right. I don't think I can let you in.

He wiggled the silent glass nervously.

I said, The police and I were here to question Ivy about a man involved in a multiple homicide

A murder?

That's why all these people have been coming around, only now it looks like Ivy's been lying about some things. We can't wait for her to come back.

I glanced back at her apartment.

She might already be back. She might be in there right now.

He glanced at her apartment, too, and Pike stepped very close to him.