Milligan’s cheeks took on a blush. “I have been quite patient with you. And I really am very busy. As a matter of fact, I am no longer even associated with VerHauten. So you really should be taking matters up with their barristers.” She walked over to the exit and opened the door. “Good day.”

Marge stood, exchanging glances with Decker. “You don’t know anybody who’d want Yalom dead?”

“The man was rude and abrasive. No doubt he made enemies.” She nibbled her thumbnail. “But I know of no one personally who’d want him dead.” Milligan gave him a patronizing look. “I’ve given you quite a bit of time. Can we wrap this up?”

Decker said, “I think we’re about done. If I have more questions, I can call you at your office, right?”

“Certainly.”

“You’ll be in town?”

“Yes, yes. But please don’t call arbitrarily. I have a big case coming up. I’ll need to concentrate and I find this very distracting. If you have questions, leave them with my secretary. I’ll get back to you.”

Decker smiled boyishly. “Sounds like a Hollywood line. I’ll get back to you.”

“Good-bye, Detective.”

Both Marge and Decker stood. Then, as an afterthought, Marge said, “What do you think of Yalom’s partner, Ms. Milligan? Did you or anyone else at VerHauten ever deal with him?”

A spark passed through Milligan’s eyes, disappearing as fast as it ignited. “Yalom’s partner? Arik doesn’t have a partner.”

The room grew quiet.

Marge stuck her hands in her pocket. “Interesting.”

Milligan stated, “Yalom never negotiated in the name of any partnership. Are you sure your information is correct?”

Decker shrugged.

“You’re not aware of Yalom having a partner?” Marge asked.

“That’s what I said,” Milligan answered. “Unless you’re referring to Arik’s bald-headed, obnoxious salesman. What was his name again?”

Decker and Marge were silent.

“It was Gold, wasn’t it?” Milligan said.

Lady, you know damn well it’s Gold.

“Gold told you he was Arik’s partner?” Milligan laughed. “Rather slipshod on your part to believe him.”

Decker stood. “Thank you for your time. I think we’re done for now.”

“You’re welcome.” Milligan smiled. “Did Mr. Gold actually tell you he was Yalom’s partner?”

Decker said, “Yes, he did.”

“And you believed him?”

“Everyone we’ve talked to, including Mr. Yalom’s sister, had told us that Mr. Gold was Mr. Yalom’s partner. Obviously Mr. Yalom told you something different.”

“Is that important to you, Ms. Milligan?” Marge asked.

Milligan’s face was flat. “Of mild interest. I always wonder what makes people deceitful.”

Decker smiled. “Ms. Milligan, it’s what keeps my partner and me in business.”

23

Slipping on his shades, Decker said, “Two things stick out in my mind. One: Why did Milligan act so weird when we mentioned Gold—?”