“Guard asked about that, too, was told to mind his own business.”

I said, “An abandoned site would suit Backer if he liked to party here. With this woman, or others. Given the discrepancy between his clothing budget and hers, I’d start with lower-paid employees of his firm.”

“Office romance with the receptionist, unfortunately she’s got a possessive significant other. One thing: The guard says he’s never seen evidence of other trysts.”

“We’re talking the nervous-looking, skinny fellow with the limp.”

“Doyle Bryczinski. Applied to the department, got into a serious T.A., messed up his leg.”

“Milo made a new friend?” I said. “What’s his favorite food?”

“Begrudging me the occasional helpful citizen?”

“God forbid.”

“Bryczinski came across nervous to you?”

“When I drove up, he watched me. When I made eye contact, he pretended he hadn’t been watching. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t point out that you just described Bryczinski as a wannabe cop who sounds extremely frustrated about the lack of control in his life. Guy like that, girlfriend throws him over for someone cuter, smoother, richer? In the exact spot you brought her, yourself?”

“The guy tries to help, all of a sudden he’s a prime suspect?”

“Like the song goes,” I said, “suspect the one you’re with.”

He took a long sour look at the bodies, made his way toward the rickety spiral staircase. “Let’s get to know ol’ Doyle a little better.”

CHAPTER

3

Doyle Bryczinski said, “Oh, man, they look … worse.”

“Worse than when you found them?” said Milo. Bryczinski turned away. “They’re more like … people.”

“And less like …”

“I dunno, it was like … unreal. When I found them, I mean.”

“Helluva way to start your day, Doyle.”

“My day starts at four thirty,” said Bryczinski. “Take care of my mother before her attendant shows up at six, then I got to drive straight out here.” Head shake. “Then I find this.”

“Mom’s sick?”

“She’s all kinds of sick. Used to live with my brother then he moved to Nome. That’s Alaska.”

He licked his lips. Small, fragile-looking man, nervous as a rabbit. Without a gun, he’d have trouble controlling anything.

Before bringing him up here, Milo ran background. Bryczinski had accumulated several unpaid traffic tickets. The disabling traffic accident was a one-car, which usually means DUI, but Bryczinski’s blood alcohol had fallen short of the criterion.

When ask to come up for a second viewing, he said, “Sure.” Then: “How come?”

“We could use your help, Doyle.”

The guard’s limp turned the three-story climb into a plodding ordeal.