Pike left the way he had entered, went around to the side of the house, then slipped through the hedges to the wall. He didn’t go over. He stripped a .25 caliber Beretta from his ankle and a Colt .357 Python from his waist, then chinned himself up to see what was on the other side. He dropped the computer, yearbook, and guns into a soft cushion of calla lilies, then let himself out the side gate onto the drive.

Terrio and the others were halfway up the drive when Pike stepped out, letting them see him.

Terrio said, “You forget what that yellow tape means?”

“I wanted to see what happened.”

“You have no business seeing what happened. Did you enter the premises?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“To see.”

Deets grinned at the other detectives.

“I like it. We have breaking and entering, illegal entry, interfering with a lawful investigation. How about adding burglary, Pike? Did you take anything?”

Pike spread his arms, offering to let them search.

“See for yourself.”

Deets moved behind Pike.

“Good idea. I’ve heard about this guy, Jack. Never know what he might be packing.”

The younger detective ran his hands over Pike’s legs, pockets, and belt line, but his grin collapsed when he found nothing.

Terrio didn’t look so happy about it, either, but he tipped his head toward the house, speaking to the other detectives.

“I’ll catch up with you. I’m going to walk Mr. Pike to his car.”

Terrio didn’t say anything more until they reached the street. He leaned against Pike’s Jeep. This bothered Pike, but he didn’t object.

Terrio studied Frank’s house for a moment.

“Why’d you come here?”

“To see. Like I told you.”

“That why you went to the hospital?”

Pike wondered how Terrio knew.

“That’s right.”

“The girl died this morning. That makes twelve homicides. If you think I’m spending all my resources digging up dirt on your friend, you’re wrong.”

Pike didn’t respond. He figured Terrio would make his point soon enough.

“I’ve got the mayor, the police commissioner, and the brass on my arm. I’ve got a rising body count, and no certain suspects. If you know something that could help, you should tell me.”

“Can’t help you.”

Terrio stared at Pike for a moment, then laughed.

“Sure. Sure you can’t. You’re here because you want to see.”

Pike’s cell phone buzzed. It buzzed so loudly that Terrio stepped away from the Jeep.

“Why don’t you get it, Pike? Might be important.”

Pike didn’t move. The buzzing stopped when the call went to voice mail.

Terrio said, “Get out of here.”