Chapters (35)
Decker grabbed a scrap of paper.
“Go on.”
“He runs a legit operation, also. You know—weddings, graduation, confirmations—”
“Name Kiki.”
“Cecil Pode. His place is in Culver City. Is that worth anything, Decker?”
“Could be.”
“Man, I’m busted. Have a heart.”
“What do you want?”
“A sawbuck would sure feel fine.”
“Get me some names of pimps who specialize in runaways and we may be able to work something out.”
“By what time?”
“Two.”
“Okay,” she said. “Meet me at the Teriyaki Dog on Sunset and Vermont. It’s across the street from the kiddy hospital. I should be able to dig up some names by then. How’s your arm, Decker?”
“Fine. I’ll see you at two.”
“Did you go to a doctor?” she persisted. “Like I told you, bites can be dangerous—”
“Kiki, I’ve got to go.”
He hung up and went back to the photos.
“Any luck?” he asked.
“Nope,” Marge answered. “What I’d like to know is why I can go through an entire box in the same time it takes Hollander to go through three pictures.”
“I’m a careful observer with an eye for detail,” Hollander retorted. “Get off my back, lady.”
Decker started in on the next box.
“Jesus,” Hollander exclaimed. “Have these young women no shame? She’s got jism up her nose.”
“A picture that grosses you out?” Marge said to Hollander. “This I’ve got to see.”
She held the snapshot.
“Ugh! She’s covered in cum.”
Decker took a peek and his eyes widened. He grabbed the photo out of Dunn’s hand.
“What is it, Pete?”
“Got any more pictures of this one, Mike?”
“Yeah,” Hollander said. “Tons. She’s a busy little beaver, ’scuse the pun.”
“What is it?” Dunn repeated.
“Her teeth!” Decker exclaimed. “Look at her front teeth! They’re pegs!”
“Here’s some others,” Hollander said.
Decker shuffled excitedly through the pile. None of the others showed her teeth, but he did find one that looked promising. She was performing fellatio, and it showed a complete side view of her face.
“I’ve got to make a couple of phone calls,” Decker said. “Margie, contact Vice and reference these photos. Mike, keep looking for Lindsey Bates.”
“Will do,” Hollander said, grinning and saluting.
Decker rushed out of the room and nearly collided with George.
“Got another phone call, Pete.”
Decker punched down the line.
“This is Mrs. Grover. I got a message on my machine to call a Detective Sergeant Decker at the Foothill police station?”
The woman sounded elderly.
“Thanks for calling back, Mrs. Grover,” he said. “This is Sergeant Decker. I’m calling about that one bedroom you had advertised in the Santa Monica Express.”
“I’m sorry, Sergeant, it’s been rented.”
“Could you tell me the name of the person you rented it to?”
“Uh, am I allowed to do that?”
“Yes, ma’am, you are.”