“How so, sir?”

“Ursula has a terrific nose for product. Years ago, she and Phyllis traveled together on buying trips. The marketplaces in most Asian capitals are vast, I’m talking about thousands of stalls covering miles. Phyllis said Ursula’s energy outstripped hers and that she noticed things Phyllis walked right past. So in a sense, Ursula became more than just a wholesaler, she was almost an unpaid purchasing agent for us.”

“You don’t do your own buying because—”

“We’re retailers and we stick with what we know.”

“What about Richard? How has he helped you?”

Brief pause. “Richard is honest and efficient, delivers what he promises in good condition and on time. With him you get none of the attitude we experience with other wholesalers because we’re not Kmart.” He sat forward. “If not a robber, what?”

“We don’t know, sir,” said Milo. “Is there anything you’d like to say about their personalities?”

“Ursula was lovely,” said Tranh. “A charming, refined, lovely person.”

“And Richard?”

“You’re asking about him because …”

“Because when we begin an investigation we ask lots of questions, Mr. Tranh, and hope some of them bear fruit. Kind of like you, sir, when you invest in merchandise.”

“Fair enough, Lieutenant. What can I say about Richard … he’s always been honest and dependable but he is not … engaging.”

“More of a loner?”

“How shall I put this,” said Albert Tranh. “Hmm … all right: He’ll make conversation but one can’t help feel he’s not enjoying it. I suppose he just wasn’t blessed with a huge dose of gregariousness.”

“Ursula was,” I said.

“Ursula.” He sighed. “Ursula had natural warmth. It served her well in Vietnam, we’re a friendly bunch.” His voice caught on the last two words. “Phyllis will be so sad—oh, no, the daughters, Ursula has two, do they know?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How are they doing?”

“As well as can be expected, Mr. Tranh. Do you know the girls personally?”

“I’ve met them once,” said Tranh. “Family barbecue, before the divorce. Nice children. Mostly they were riding their horses.”

Milo said, “How long has your daughter been out of the country?”

“Six weeks.”

“When’s she due to return?”

“Not sure—if you’d like, I could try to reach her now.”

“That would be great, sir.”

Shooting a cuff, Tranh bared a gold Rolex, checked the date. “Today I believe she’s still in Bangkok, with the time difference it would be … she’s probably up.”

He rang his little bell, Irma appeared and hurried to fetch him a cordless land-model. “Phil? It’s Pops. I’m afraid I have terrible news for you … no, no, I’m fine … unfortunately, Ursula has been murdered.”