Banfer said, “What I’m trying to get across is these are decent, honest people, been working all their lives, neither of them came from money, they found a niche, developed it, thank God they’ve been doing well, can even possibly think about retiring. At some point. Though I don’t know if they will, that’s up to them.”

“Makes sense.”

“What does?” said Banfer.

“Making their own decision about retirement.”

“Yes. Of course. My point here is that we’re talking good people.”

“I’ll take your word for it, Floyd.”

“Good. Anyway, in case you don’t know how the Industry works, let me cue you in, it’s all hierarchy. Bottom of the pyramid up to the top, we’re talking highly structured, who you know determines how you do, things can change in a snap.” He paused to breathe. “Who’m I preaching to, this is L.A., you’re pros.”

We reached Canon Drive. A homeless man shuffled toward us, leaving a wake of stench.

Banfer wrinkled his nose. “No more vagrancy laws. I’m ambivalent about that, would like to see them taken care of properly but you can’t just go scoop them up out of the park the way I saw in Europe when I was a student backpacking in the eighties. Made me think of storm troopers.”

Milo made no effort hiding the glance at his Timex.

Banfer said, “Time to cut to the chase? Sure, makes sense.”

But he offered no additional wisdom as we continued walking.

Halfway to Beverly Drive, Milo said, “Floyd, what exactly can I do for you?”

“Accept the data I’m going to proffer in the spirit with which it’s offered.”

“Meaning?”

“Jack and Daisy need to be kept out of any homicide investigation, nor will their contract client—the client in question—be notified of their input to the police.”

“CAPD,” said Milo. “Creative Aura of Prema and Donny.”

Banfer’s chin vibrated. “So you know. Okay, now you see what I mean.”

“You go to court much, Floyd?”

The question threw Banfer off-balance and he stiffened his arms. “When it’s necessary. Why?”

“Just curious.”

“You’re saying I’m long-winded? Would bore a jury? Don’t worry, I do just fine. Am I being a bit … detailed? Maybe I am, yes, I am. Because I told Jack and Daisy I’d take care of it and darned if I’m going to go back to them and tell them I didn’t. They’re good folk.”

“Which one are you related to?”

Banfer turned scarlet. “Why would you assume that?”

“You seem unusually dedicated but sorry if I presumed.”