The victims were of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds, and none had been raped, bitten, chewed, or sexually abused. Two of the murders occurred in Silver Lake, but the others were scattered throughout the city. The only common elements seemed to be that all of the victims were women and six of the seven murders had occurred in the fall.

The most recent murder was different. Where the first six victims had all been murdered in the fall, Debra Repko had died in the early summer, almost three months ahead of the others.

I was wondering why when I had a notion about the dates and went back to my computer. You hear about killers being triggered by astrological events or the zodiac, so I googled an astronomy almanac and entered the dates.

I didn't learn anything about astrology, but the first six murders had all taken place within two days either way of the new moon the darkest nights of the month. Repko had been murdered when the moon was nearing its three-quarter phase. After six consecutive murders in darkness, Debra Repko had been killed when the night sky was brilliantly lit.

I checked the time. It was after nine, but I dug out Bastilla's card and called. She was clipped and abrupt when she answered.

Bastilla.

It's Elvis Cole. You have a minute?

Can I pick up the files?

I'm seeing Levy at ten. Christ, Bastilla, can't you ride a different horse?

I have a lot to do, Cole. What do you want?

How did you guys explain the differences in the Repko murder?

Bastilla didn't speak for a moment. I heard noises in her background, but couldn't tell if she was at her office or in her car.

What are you talking about?

Debra Repko was murdered three months out of sync with the others.

Thank you. We know.

She was killed on a night with a three-quarter moon. The first six were killed under a new moon. That's a major change in method.

Believe it or not, we know our business here. If you expect me to review our investigation with you, you're out of your mind.

Your asshole partner Crimmens telling me I got two women killed makes it my business, too.

Good-bye, Cole. We're done.

The line went dead in my ear, but I grinned hard at the phone.

Bastilla, I'm just getting started.

I showered, dressed, then packed up the copy of my files and went to see Alan Levy.

Finding my own evidence.

Chapter 9

PICTURE THE detective swinging into action. I picked up the freeway at the bottom of the Cahuenga Pass and called John Chen as I headed downtown. Chen was a senior criminalist with LAPD's Scientific Investigation Division, and one of the greediest people I knew. He was also a total paranoid.

Chen answered so softly I could barely hear him.

I can't talk. They're watching me.

You see?

I'm calling about Lionel Byrd. You have a minute?