Ferrero struck the balls. One of each, stripe and solid, landed in the corner pockets opposite him. He grunted. The young man shot the agents a nervous glance as he lined up the cue ball.

Ever met a girl named Theresa Flowers? Callaway asked Ferrero.

Ferrero busied himself chalking the cue stick, his face indifferent. Never heard of her.

Lisa Powell?

He raised his eyebrows in an expression of boredom. Are these porn stars, or what?

Callaways face darkened and he took a quick step forward. Harley caught his arm.

Homicide victims, she replied. Were just trying to establish whether they were ever here.

Why would they be here? This is a place for rich men to get away. There are serving girls, sure, but so what?

So what? Callaway repeated, his voice sounding dangerous. Those two girls were murderedValeria Ramos, too.

And somebody dies every ten seconds. Ferrero waved his hand dismissively. My heart bleeds for you.

Callaway was fast. He rushed forward, and he would have reached across the table and grabbed Ferrero if Harley had not looped one arm under his armpit to hold him back.

Former linebacker, indeed, she thought.

You like hurting girls, huh? Callaway shouted, pointing his finger at Ferreros face. Only way you can get off, isnt it?

Ferrero smiled for the first time. It was an ugly sight.

I dont think I should talk to you without a lawyer, he said.

The law is the least of your problems if you did something to those girls, Callaway growled. Believe me.

Enough! Harley insisted, pulling him back. If he couldnt keep his cool, maybe Harley would have to talk with Ferrero alone.

Before she could suggest the idea, however, they heard the scuff of a shoe behind them and turned to see Roth in the doorway, a puzzled frown on his face.

You two agents are still here? he said.

One call, and I can drag you both down to the precinct, Callaway said, still fuming. See what your spoiled guests think of that spectacle.

The only spectacle here, Roth answered evenly, is the one youre making of yourself. I invited you to walk around, enjoy my hospitalitynot interrogate my guests. I think you had better leave now.

Callaway took a deep breath to respond, but Harley, sensing danger, cut him off. Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Roth. We didnt mean to be a disruption. Agent Callaway and I will get out of your hair.

Ignoring Callaways glare, Harley headed toward the door. For a moment she thought Callaway would stay to continue his argument, an argument that would probably end in a hospital visit for someone, but then she heard his footsteps behind her.

Feel free to snag some food on the way out, Roth called. The caviar is delicious.