“The dude is hung,” Amanda said. “I mean to say he packs a wallop.” She laughed. “But he always paid for what he took.”

Decker said, “Was Big Dick kinky?”

“Not with me,” Amanda answered.

“Sadistic?”

“Nope. Not once. I don’t take shit from no one.”

“I heard the guy’s a vet,” Decker said. “Knows how to shoot, knows how to handle knives.”

There was a moment of silence. Amanda broke it.

“Don’t bother me none,” she said, her voice less convincing. “My old man takes good care of me.”

Decker said, “I bet he does, as long as you make your quota. But when things get a little slow, I bet he’s not too understanding.”

Amanda didn’t answer.

Decker paused, then said, “So the gimp never tossed you, eh?”

“Not even a little bit.” Amanda smiled. “I was surprised when I heard it was Lame-o Big Dick. He never seemed like the type.” She sighed and added, “But I been wrong before.”

7

The woman looked composed from afar, but as Hollander got close, he noticed a spasm in her right lower eyelid. Her face was long, her complexion mottled with two pronounced bags under washed-out blue eyes. Her lips seemed almost bloodless, her tawny hair hung limply to her shoulders. At her side was a man in his fifties, medium build with gray wavy hair and brown eyes. Stubble was sprinkled over his fleshy cheeks and large chin. Must be the bounty hunter, Hollander thought. He escorted them into the squad room.

“Charlie Benko,” the man said, holding out his hand.

Hollander shook hands and smiled at the woman. She had tears in her eyes. Hollander said, “You people want some coffee? You must be tired after flying in so late.”

“Not for me, thanks,” said Benko. “I’m already tanked up with caffeine. Dotty?”

The woman shook her head.

“Tea? Hot cocoa, maybe, Mrs. Miller?” Hollander offered.

“Nothing, thank you,” she whispered.

“Have a seat,” Hollander said.

“By the way, Detective,” Benko said, “her name isn’t Miller. She remarried. It’s Palmer.”

“Sorry about that,” Hollander said. “Uh, you explained her the procedure—”

“Yeah, she knows she can’t just waltz in there and take the kid. Paperwork right, Dotty?” Benko patted her hand. “We’re hopeful on this one. The bastard ex was spotted in the area a couple of times before. Unfortunately, I still can’t find him, but it doesn’t mean the sunnabitch isn’t hiding out somewhere.”

“What’s his name?” Hollander asked.

“Douglas Miller,” Benko said. He opened his briefcase and pulled out a picture. “Appreciate it if you’d pass it around. Bastard’s wanted for back alimony on their other three kids.”

Hollander stared at the picture and said, “He just took one of the kids?”

“Yeah, the other kids are older and wouldn’t go near the sunnabitch,” Benko said. He threw his arm around Dotty. “Thank God for small favors, huh?”