“Not exactly, Loot, he was still enrolled, they took their time kicking him out. Chief Molinaro said it’s always like that, Yale tries to cover up everything. He also said the toughest part about the place is getting admitted, after that you coast. But I guess Williams was feeling unhappy.”

CHAPTER

33

The beer break took place at a tavern called Doc of the Bay, a block and a half west of Café Moghul. I’d never been there but the bartender greeted Milo like an old friend. I thought I knew all his haunts. Learn something every day.

Getting there was interesting, a quick walk prolonged when Milo crossed Santa Monica Boulevard and continued past the tavern before recrossing.

I said, “Why the mini-hike?”

He pointed to the Indian restaurant. “Don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

“You guys are going steady?”

“Hey. Stardom has its responsibilities.”

“Do you know her name?”

“Bear in the zoo, does he need to know anything about his keeper except grub gets tossed in on time?”

“But if he’s smart, he doesn’t growl.”

“Exactly.”

The bar was small, stuffy, hung wall-to-wall with sports jerseys in plastic boxes and a single white physician’s coat displayed in the center of the memorabilia.

I said, “Doc of which bay?”

“What do you think? The sick bay. Owner’s a bone-setter named Schwartz, worked as a team physician for the Rams.”

“Rams in L.A. is ancient history.”

“So is Schwartz.”

A plump young barmaid came over. “The usual, Lieutenant?”

“Thanks, Samantha.”

“For you, sir?”

“What’s the usual?”

“Carslberg Elephant chased with Miller Lite.”

“Do you have Sam Adams?”

“Sometimes,” she said. “If we don’t, I’ll bring you something else.”

Mugs arrived, along with wasabi peas and cheese crackers that resembled tiny, flattened basketballs. One long swallow and a mouthful of carbs later, Milo said, “What do you think about having another chat with Corey?”

“Good idea but I wouldn’t confront him.”

“What, be his pal?”

“Stay low-key, business-like, try to work his daughters into the conversation.”

“How?”

“You’re a bit perplexed because they seem to have left town, can he help you locate them. He’ll lie but maybe he’ll give off a tell.”

“How much should I say about Ursula?”

“You’re now wondering if someone in the building was involved. Again, does he have suggestions. Once you’ve planted that seed, you can see if he tries to reach Williams. No sense subpoenaing his phones, both of them will be using prepaids. But maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll do a face-to-face. Either way, keep an eye on his movements.”

He finished the Elephant, let out a huge gust of beery breath.

“What’s the alcohol content of that stuff?” I said.

“Seven point two, less than wine.” He lifted the bottle. “Think of it as Chardonnay for the workingman.”