I stared at her, but her face had been composed to show nothing. Because you and Crimmens were looking for him and now he's dead. Because he was a principal in the Bennett case, and now we can't talk to him.

Did you see what was written on his wall?

Are you kidding me?

The evidence indicates a lovers' quarrel. Did you enter his apartment?

So a man we were all looking for last week turns up dead, and you're good with a lovers' quarrel?

Did you go in or not?

No. I could see he was dead from the door.

If I admitted entering the apartment, she would have a green light to book me.

Did you disturb the evidence in any way?

How could I disturb the evidence if I didn't go in?

Do you know or suspect who did this?

Probably the same person who killed those seven women. What happened with Ivy Casik? Did you follow up on the man she saw visiting Byrd?

Bastilla pursed her lips, then shook her head as if she felt sorry for me.

You're a screwup all the way around, Cole.

What does that mean?

Bastilla stepped away and nodded at Crimmens. Crimmens made a little finger wave, telling me to get out of the car.

C'mon, let's go.

Crimmens turned me around and pushed me against the car.

Assume the position.

What in hell are you doing?

Bastilla said, Making sure you didn't remove anything from the crime scene. If you refuse to cooperate, you'll be placed under arrest for unlawful entry, burglary, and suspicion of murder.

Crimmens said, Don't be slow, Mr. Thirty. Just go along.

Crimmens went through my pockets, placing my wallet, cell phone, thirty cents, and a handkerchief on the trunk of the patrol car. He also took my notepad and a black uni-ball pen. While Crimmens searched me, Bastilla slid into the backseat where I had been sitting. She ran her hand along the seam in the seat, then searched the floorboards and under the front seat. She inspected anyplace I could have hidden something if I had something I wanted to hide, then backed out of the car. I wondered what she was looking for.

Check his socks and shoes. Make sure he didn't put anything in his shorts.

Why don't you check me yourself, Bastilla? Crimmens might miss my crotch pocket.

Bastilla turned red, but didn't respond.

Marx and Munson returned and stood with Bastilla on the sidewalk while Crimmens searched me. The three of them spoke quietly, then Munson went to his car, making a call on his cell. Marx and Bastilla turned back to us as Crimmens finished.

He's clean, boss.

Have you questioned him yet?

No, sir.

Leave us for now, but don't go far. You can have him when I'm finished.

Crimmens immediately joined his partner and the CI on the driveway. Silbermann and Giardi stood with them, too.

I said, So much for your case being closed, Marx.