"An admirable quality in your, eh, profession. I'm sure it serves you well when you stalk the occasional wayward husband or wife." He glanced at his wristwatch. "But now I'd like you to leave. I'm a busy man and you have taken enough of my—"

I raised a hand. "Just one or two questions more, Mr. Strauss."

He exhaled in resignation. "Go on."

"Where were you the night of the murders?"

His eyes blazed. "Are you suggesting I might have had something to do with this crime? Are you insane?"

"It's a question you were asked ten years ago."

"If you know that, then you must know the answer as well. I was home, with my wife, all night."

He was right. I did know that from the police report, but I wanted to see his face when he said it. He appeared truthful.

"Your wife can vouch for you?"

"She did at the time, but if you'd like to talk to her yourself, I'm afraid you're a bit late."

"What do you mean?"

"My wife is deceased, Mr. Lapid," he said flatly. "She died three months ago. Cancer."

"I see you're still in pieces over it," I said.

Strauss shot to his feet, planting both palms on his desk. His jaw muscles rippled with anger. He spoke through gritted teeth. "How dare you? Just who the hell do you think you are? Consider my earlier offer rescinded—do not leave your name with Dana on your way out. And don't come back here, either. Now get out!"

I stood, feeling an odd satisfaction that I had gotten a rise out of him. It was silly and pointless, but it sure felt good.

I strode to the door. Strauss stood riveted, following me with his eyes. I grasped and lowered the handle, drawing the door open. "Thank you for your time," I said before stepping out and shutting the door.

Turning from the door, I saw Dana staring at me from behind her desk. I offered a smile. She reciprocated. She had a nice smile. I was about to bid her a good day when she spoke.

"I'm glad you found her."

I had no idea what she was talking about. "Who?"

"Leah Benowitz—Goldin, I mean."

I approached her desk. "How do you know I saw her?"

"She called earlier. I told her you were asking about her, and she said you'd been by."

"She called you? I thought you two didn't know each other."

"We don't. It's the first time I've spoken with her. She called for Mr. Strauss."

I swiveled my head to look at the closed door to Mr. Strauss's office while my mind strove to digest, process, and make sense of this new piece of information. I also hoped fervently that Strauss would remain ensconced in his office for just a while longer, because I had a few more questions for Dana, the pretty secretary.

"Did she say anything about me?" I asked.