He shrugged again. Smoke, drink beers. People leave me alone out there, thats why I go. Im not a big fan of peoplepresent company excluded, of course.

Harley ignored his wink. Know anyone else who likes to explore those mines? Maybe someone you worked with back at the Chino Mine?

Medrano shook his head. It would be news to me.

Harley decided to take a different approach.

Do you do a lot of dating, Mike?

Medrano blinked, puzzled. Dating? Are you…

Lord, help me, she thought. Im asking if you date a lot of women. I saw your place, and I must admit it looked pretty lonelylacking a womans touch, you might say.

Medrano frowned at her for several seconds. I dont swing that way, officer. If you get what I mean.

It was Harleys turn to be puzzled. You mean youre

Gay, yeah. Happy? Just dont tell my landlordhes not open to that kind of thing.

Harleys heart sank. The two victims had been sexually active shortly before their deaths, which meant there was a good chance theyd had sex with the killer. Medranos orientation assuming he was telling the truth wasnt proof of his innocence, but it definitely made him seem less viable as a suspect.

Recovering herself, Harley decided to steer the conversation in a new direction. While the ME hadnt been able to pin down exactly when Lisa and Theresa had been left in those mines, he had been able to give Harley a window of two or three days.

Harley asked where Medrano had been during those dates.

He had no alibi for Theresas murder, but he did have one for Lisas.

Florida, he said.

Florida? Harley repeated, raising her eyebrows.

He nodded, pleased with himself. Spent all week with some friends. Theyll tell you I was there the whole time. I can even show you the toll bills, if you want.

He leaned back, spreading his arms and smiling. Now am I free to go, or what?

She gave him an icy smile in return. Free to go? You assaulted a federal officer, remember? Thats a Class G felony. She rose, shaking her head at him in pity. You might want to get a lawyer, Mikeyoure going to need him.

You lied to me! he shouted as she left the room. What kind of felony is that?

As Harley walked away, she felt a glimmer of satisfaction knowing Medrano would be off the streets for a while. The satisfaction faded, however, as she realized she was at a dead end. She would double-check his alibi to make sure he wasnt lying, but she didnt think Medrano was the kind of person who could make up such a story on the spot.

If Medrano hadnt killed those young women, who had?

CHAPTER TWELVE