Of course not.

I think you killed him.

Let me ask you a question. When was the body reported?

Forget it, murderer. I'm not telling you anything.

Silbermann didn't speak to me again for twenty minutes. During that time, Crimmens and his partner returned to their car. Crimmens spent most of that time on his phone until the coroner investigator arrived, then the three of them went back to the body. Crimmens almost immediately reappeared as a command-level black-and-white arrived and parked at the mouth of the drive. When the command car opened, Bastilla and Marx got out.

Silbermann's eyes widened and he craned around for a better look.

Wow, that's a deputy chief.

He puts on his pants just like you.

You're retarded.

Marx glanced at me only once, then turned away as another unmarked D-ride pulled up. A tall, thin detective in his mid-fifties got out of the new car and joined Marx in the drive. They traded a few words, both of them glancing at me, then hooked up with Bastilla and Crimmens. The new guy was probably Munson. I wanted to wave and smile, but common sense got the best of me.

Marx and Munson eventually disappeared down the drive, but Bastilla and Crimmens came over to me.

I said, For a task force that no longer exists, you people spend a lot of time together.

Bastilla stopped on the sidewalk and crossed her arms.

How did you find him?

Aren't you going to smart off about my face? Everyone else does.

Everyone else probably cares. How did you find him?

His former roommate gave me a number for Tomaso's family in Texas. The family told me he moved back here to resume acting. His talent agent gave me the address.

I left Pat Kyle out of it and would not involve her without her permission.

Did you speak with him?

He was dead when I got here.

Before he was dead, Cole. Did you have a conversation with him before he was murdered?

I only learned he was here a couple of hours ago. I called, but all I got was his message, so I came over. I didn't know he was dead. I had no reason to believe he was in danger.

You remove anything from his apartment?

C'mon, Bastilla. You think I was looking for souvenirs?

Silbermann jumped in.

The door was open when we arrived. He was right there by the door and all by himself. It's a solid burglary collar.

Bastilla said, You're Silbermann?

Yes, ma'am. Giardi and I arrived on the scene at

Bastilla held up her hand.

You can leave now, Officer. Thanks for your assistance.

Silbermann looked crestfallen, but slid out of the car.

I said, Why are you and Marx here? I thought the case was cleared.

What makes you think this poor kid has anything to do with the case?