I didn't like it, but Lindo was making sense. The LAPD couldn't make demands on a civilian firm unless they were paying for a service, and Darcy hadn't been paying he had leaned on his brother-in-law for a favor.

I put down the phone, then tried to decide on a game plan. The next obvious step was to pick up where Darcy and Maddux left off at Leverage, only the people at Leverage had no reason to be cooperative. If they sandbagged two LAPD detectives, they probably wouldn't even bother to return my calls.

I was still thinking about it when I noticed Michael Repko. He was standing in the front window of his house, watching me. He stood as if he had been there a while.

I called him, and watched him fish his cell from his pocket to answer. I could have walked the fifty feet up his drive, but I didn't want to face his mother again.

He said, Was that Darcy and Maddux?

Yeah. Your mother called them.

Shit, man. I didn't know.

They told me some things I want to check out, but I'm going to need your help.

Okay.

I need to talk to Casey Stokes about your sister, but she's not going to talk to me if I just show up.

Uh-huh. Sure, I understand.

I want your father to tell her I'm working for your family. He should keep it vague. All he has to say is he and your mother have some unresolved questions. Will he do that, Michael?

Michael raised a hand to his head. It was a gesture indicating his anxiety, and he glanced at something or someone deeper inside the house before turning back.

I could call her. She was really nice at the funeral.

Not you, Michael. It has to be your father. When she gets this request, she has to feel the weight of Debra's family behind it. Debra's family will be asking the questions, not me. That's the only way she will talk to me.

I don't know. I could ask.

He needs to do this, Michael. If I'm working for Debra's family, then I'm representing Debra. If not, they won't talk to me.

Michael stared at me with his hand on his head.

I guess you are kinda working for us.

Yes. I'm working for Debra.

You aren't what I expected.

Have him call.

I'm sorry my mom called those guys. I didn't set you up, man.

Tell your mother something. She was right about Darcy and Maddux. They're good guys. They did a good job for your sister.

Do they think Byrd killed Debbie?

It was the first time I had heard her called Debbie.

Have your father call Casey Stokes. I'm driving there now, so let me know after he speaks with her.

I'll try.

One more thing. Were you and your sister close?

Well, sure, I guess. What do you mean by close'?

If she was seeing someone, would she have told you?