It sounded like something he said all the time. Milo’s weak smile confirmed that.

Ralph was in his eighties, tall and thickset with a hound-dog mien. Maureen looked to be slightly younger with a pie-face and rosy cheeks.

She said, “Lieutenant, nice to see you again. You brought a handsome friend.”

Milo said, “This is Alex Delaware.”

“You’re lieutenant but he’s first-name basis?” said Ralph. “We talking a civilian? Something you don’t want to tell us?”

Clever man attuned to details; this might turn out to be useful. Milo laughed. “Sorry, it’s Dr. Delaware. He’s our consulting psychologist.”

“Yours, as in he works for you? Or he’s a Hessian—a freelance.”

“Freelance.”

“Really,” said Ralph Gross. To me: “That must be interesting, Dr. Hessian.”

Maureen said, “A psychologist! I knew it! You think we’re nuts!”

Milo said, “Hardly, ma’am. I’d like to talk to you again about Katherine.”

“Kathy was killed by a nut?”

“We’re exploring all possibilities.”

“Love how you avoid a direct answer,” said Ralph. “You could work for the government.”

Maureen said, “He already does.”

Ralph said, “I meant the geniuses in Washington … but yeah, you are a civil servant. I hear you people get great pensions. Part of the reason the state’s going broke but heck, don’t feel guilty.”

Milo said, “Thank you, sir.”

“Hope you’re investing it wisely.”

“Doing my best.”

“If you have any pension questions—simple ones—call and I’ll shoot you a freebie, Lieutenant. Show of appreciation, and all that. You may not have solved the case but at least you take the job seriously.”

Maureen said, “We were certain it was that maniac chef but you insisted no.”

“He was definitely in New York, ma’am.”

“Too bad. What a nut.” To me: “You should’ve seen him in action. Crazy.”

“Nasty temper,” said Ralph. “He barged in here twice, trying to bully Katherine. Demanding she talk with him. The first time, he left quietly. The second time I had to get in his face, as the kids say.” He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a hairless but bulky forearm. Semper Fi USMC tattoo.

Maureen said, “I thought they’d come to blows. That wasn’t smart, Ralph.”

“He got the hell out of here, didn’t he? Okay, so what do you want to know, now, Lieutenant? And Dr. Psychologist.”

Milo said, “Could you describe Katherine’s job for us?”

“Her job?” said Ralph. “She was a bookkeeper. She kept books.”

“For any particular client?”

“For anyone we told her. We do the returns but she collated and filed the data. To some it might sound boring but Kathy was very happy here. She was a good employee.”

Milo read off the address of the building on Century Park East. “Do any of your clients have offices there?”

“Century City?” said Maureen. “We do mostly individual accounts. A few small businesses but nothing fancy-shmancy.”