"No, thanks. I don't drink. I've seen enough of that."

"I'll be right back."

I bumped into someone as I entered the living room. I said, "Pardon me," and looked up to find Todd Chilton. He wasn't in uniform and it took me an instant to realize who he was. I said, "Hey, how are you? I didn't realize you'd be here. Can I talk to you a minute?"

"Sure."

We stepped to one side. Music had started up. Someone had apparently put together a tape of Pudgie's old favorites, starting with Chubby Checker. "Come on, baby, lets do the twist..." Nobody seemed to think it was inappropriate. I was just happy to have the noise to cover my conversation with the deputy. He bent his head, a hand cupped to his ear. I said, "Have they found the murder weapon yet?"

He shook his head. "We searched until six and then we had to give it up. No point fumbling around in the dark. Detective Lassiter did say he'd return Detective Oliphant's call first thing tomorrow morning. Lot of paperwork's piled up since we've been out in the field."

"I'm assuming Pudgie's murder hit the news."

"Oh yeah. Big spread this morning, asking for volunteers. I was just talking to Cornell. We got a lot of desert out there and a weapon like that's easy to hide. We've searched that whole area behind the Tuley-Belle and now we'll head toward the highway. You're welcome to join us. We could use the help."

"Thanks. I may do that."

Chilton moved away. I scanned the room, looking for Cornell. Adrianne had reappeared and she gave me a look of dark distaste before she walked away. I'd probably overplayed my hand with her. I didn't want to think she'd tell her brother what I knew, but she was capable of that.

Felicia passed me again. "They're about to cut that chocolate cake if you're interested. It looks great."

"I'll have some in a bit. Have you seen Cornell?"

She glanced around. "He was here a while ago. He might be in the kitchen. I saw him talking to Adrianne. He might have left to pick up the kids at the baby-sitler's. I hear he's a doll about things like that."

"I'm sure. Thanks."

I crossed to the front window and peered out to the darkened street. Justine's sedan was still there but Cornell's truck was gone. I didn't like that. His departure seemed abrupt. Maybe it was true he'd gone to pick up his kids, but it was also true he knew the search for the murder weapon was heating up. I let myself out the front door, struck by the chill night air after the suffocating level of artificial heat inside. My thrift store jacket, which had probably belonged to Justine once upon a time, was too light to offer much protection from the cold. I readjusted my shoulder bag and broke into a trot, heading for Dolan's car.