Medino came back to his desk. Andrick cleared his throat. Decker understood the hint. He said, “Where’s Myra Steele now?”

“Originally, they took her to Hollywood Pres, but her mom moved her to County because she didn’t have any insurance.”

Decker said, “Mind if I have a word with Myra?”

“Be my guest,” Andrick said. “She should be there at least another week. Why all the interest in this case?”

Decker explained his involvement.

“And you think your scuzzbag friend is innocent?”

“I’m withholding judgment.”

Andrick sat back in his chair and wiped his damp forehead with a handkerchief. He felt much better, was breathing easier. “So what are you gonna do with Myra Steele? Grill her until she retracts what she said?”

Decker said, “Hell no! If the sucker did it, I’ll kill him for doing that to her and making an ass out of me. But for starters, I’d like to know who’s pimping her.”

“You won’t get the name from her.”

“I can try.”

“Sure,” Andrick said. “Try.” He gave Decker a wary half-smile. “And if you get it from her, you’ll give it to me, right?”

“Absolutely,” Decker said. “I’m not playing hot dog.”

“Just so you and I understand each other.”

“It’s your collar, Detective,” Decker said. “I don’t dance with anyone else’s woman,’ cause I get pissed when someone dances with mine. I’d like to copy the file.”

“Go ahead,” Andrick said.

When Decker returned, Andrick said, “Your partner’s on the line.”

Decker picked up the phone and said, “What’s up?”

“I got a call from Delferno,” Marge said. “One of his pals says Sally looks like one of his kids. Mother’s from Sacramento. She should be down maybe one, two in the morning. Kid was grabbed by Dad about six months ago.”

“How old would her kid be?”

“About two and a half.”

“Sally’s not two and a half.”

“Delferno faxed me the picture of the missing kid—kid’s name is Heather Miller. She’s supposed to be small for her age, and there’s a strong resemblance.”

“Okay,” Decker said. “I just hope Mama doesn’t go into a major depression if it’s not hers.”

“Well, that’s a chance she’s willing to take.”

“I’ll be at the station in a couple of hours,” Decker said. “Would you call Sophi Rawlings for me?”

“Already did, Pete. Where’re you going now?”

“Gonna cruise for sugar.”

Marge said, “Wear gloves.”