“What’s deleterious, Brian, is your letting things get to the point where everything’s out in the open.”

“You’re the one ripping it wide open.”

“Business is business,” said Milo. “Mine is putting away bad guys and if your sisters are taking money from a murderer to whom they supply girls—directly or indirectly—you think that’s gonna help their business? It’s in their best interests to clear this up. One way or the other, I’m gonna find out who killed that poor girl and why. The only question is do Suki and Rosalynn end up part of the problem or part of the solution.”

Agajanian’s chest heaved. He stared at the sky.

“Brian?”

“They end up neither, because they’re not involved any more than the phone company’s involved when someone makes a crank call.”

“We subpoena phone records,” said Milo. “Have no problem getting compliance.”

“Then maybe you should subpoena us.”

“Suit yourself, Brian. Meanwhile, my Public Affairs Division tells me there’s a TV reporter doing a story on computer dating sites, real pushy type, chafing at the bit to learn more about your sisters.”

“My sisters have done nothing wrong.”

“If you say so. We’re finished, go enjoy your family.” Milo turned to leave.

Brian Agajanian said, “You’re telling me there’s been a specific request to cover SukRose.net?”

“What started out as general interest got specific when news of this poor girl’s murder got out.”

“You didn’t purposely direct this reporter to my sisters?”

“Nope.”

“But if I don’t comply, you will.”

“Brian, the less media contact I have, the better. But once the wheels start spinning, it’s hard to put the brakes on.”

“This is wrong. This is totally wrong.” Agajanian tapped a foot, looked out over the rooftops of houses beneath his. “Okay, I didn’t want to get into this but maybe it’ll prevent you from wasting your time and ours. Trust me, there is no possible connection between my sisters’ client and your victim’s murder. None, whatsoever.”

“One client,” said Milo. “You’re saying she only hooked up with one Daddy?”

“I’m saying you’re wasting your time looking at any client of my sisters. You have my personal assurance in that regard.”

“That so?”

“Cross my heart.” Agajanian’s smile was smug. The joy of regaining the upper hand.

Milo said, “Well, here’s my personal assurance, Brian: If you want your sisters’ business to thrive, you’re gonna need to cut the crap and stop dancing around and give me two names. Hers and her date’s. Once you do that, I’m out of your hair.”

“What if you decide to get back into my hair?”

“Then you’ll need one helluva comb.”

“Very funny—”