"You know," said Itatani. "A guy like that, says he's making movies but he's living here. My first thought was something X-rated. I didn't want that going on here, so I made it clear: this was a residence, not a budget studio. Orson said he had no intention of working here, had some kind of arrangement with one of the studios, he just needed to store some equipment. I never really believed that-you get a studio contract, you don't live here. I had a bad feeling about him from the beginning-no references, he said he'd been freelancing for a while, working on his own projects. When I asked him what kind of projects, he just said short films, changed the subject. But he showed me cash. It was the middle of the year, the place had been vacant for a long time, I figured a bird in the hand."

"When did he start renting, sir?"

"Eleven months ago," said Itatani. "He stayed for six months, stiffed me for the last two."

"So it's been five months since he left," said Milo. "Have you had other tenants since?"

"Sure," said Itatani. "First two students, then a hairdresser. Not much better, had to evict them both."

"Did Orson live alone?"

"Far as I know. I saw him with a couple of women; whether or not he moved them in, I don't know. So what'd he do to get you down here?"

"A few things," said Milo. "What did the women look like?"

"One was one of those rock-and-roll types-blond hair, all spiky, lots of makeup. She was here when I showed up to ask about the overdue rent. Said she was a friend of Orson's, he was out on location, she'd give him the message."

"How old?"

"Twenties, thirties, hard to tell with all that makeup. She wasn't tough or anything-kind of polite, actually. Promised to tell Orson. Nothing happened for a week, I stopped by again but no one was here. I left a note, another week passed, Orson sent me a check. It bounced."

"Remember what bank it was from?"

"Santa Monica Bank, Pico Boulevard," said Itatani. "Closed account, he'd only had it for a week. I came over a third time, looked through the window, saw he still had his stuff here. I could've posted right there, but all that does is cost money for filing. Even if you win in Small Claims, try collecting. So I left more messages. He'd call back, but always late at night when he knew I wasn't in." He ticked his ringers. " 'Sorry, been traveling.' 'There must be a bank mixup.' 'I'll get you a cashier's check.' By the next month, I'd had it, but he was gone."

"What about the second woman?" said Milo.