William made a move toward Milo’s elbow, thought better of it, and gave a small bow and stepped back. “After you, sirs.”

Milo proceeded up the aisle but I was restrained by Koznikov’s hand on my wrist. Hard grip, just short of inflicting pain.

Tiptoeing, she placed one arm around my waist, pushed her mouth an inch from my ear.

I tried to move away but she held fast. Put her mouth near my ear. Hot breath, then a whisper:

“Thank you for helping Gretchen.”

I peeled her arm off, walked away.

She laughed. “That’s what I figured you’d say.”

Chapter 28

illiam trailed us through the barn. When we hit daylight, Milo said, “We’ll take it from here, friend.”

William’s stance widened.

“On the other hand, friend, let’s see some I.D.”

“May I ask for what reason, sir?”

“You may ask but you won’t receive an answer. Show me some paper.”

William chewed fast. “Of course.” Out came a billfold. Gold dollar sign clamping a brick of cash.

Milo said, “Marcy William Dodd. Park La Brea Towers, huh? Nice.”

“I like it, sir.”

Milo pointed to the row of vehicles. “Which is yours?”

“The Hyundai.”

“That your only drive?”

William stopped chewing. “You were expecting a stretch Escalade, sir? With a gangsta lean and a fur hat on the headrest?”

“Why would I expect that?”

“You know how it is, sir.”

“Did you know Tara Sly?”

“No, sir. Before my time.”

“When did your time start?”

“Obviously after this person you’re asking about left Madame’s employment.” Teeth flashed like strobes. “You know what, sir, I’m not feeling these questions and the law says I don’t have to answer them. You take care, now.”

He strode back to the barn.

By the time I started the Seville, Milo had run his name, found nothing beyond the address.

“Cleanest bunch of felons I’ve ever met.”

“They sell furniture,” I said.

“And I’m an Olympic ice-skater. Okay, let’s get out of here.”

As I turned onto La Cienega, he said, “What’d she whisper in your ear?”

“Sweet nothings.”

“Seriously.”

“She really likes my chest hair.”

“The old charm never fails. You give her your number?”

“Oh, sure,” I said. “Dinner and a movie.”

“Be a new experience for you,” he said.

“Cheating on Robin with an elderly psychopath? Gee, that’s enticing.”

“Personal sacrifice in service of the department.”

“Unlike Muhrmann, I’ve got limits.”

“Mr. Bad Behavior,” he said. “And he goes way back with Tara—Tiara. Yeah, it firms him up as my prime.”