“A condo.” Tarpin paused. “It could be she’s there. They’re renovating their home in Beverly Hills. From what Dr. Merv was saying, their house was a mess.”

“So they moved out during the construction?”

Tarpin shrugged. “I don’t know. The only thing that Dr. Merv said was the house was a mess and the renovation was costing him a fortune. Probably Dee’s idea. She’s the decorator…redid their office about two years ago.”

“Okay. That helps.” Immediately, Decker phoned Martinez and gave him the news, telling him to coordinate with the Malibu sheriff’s department. After Decker got off the cell, Tarpin took off the cap, wiped his bald pate with a handkerchief, and then re-covered his head.

He said, “You trust people outside your division to do your job?”

“Pardon?”

“The sheriff’s department. Do you trust them?”

“Why do you ask?”

Tarpin said, “Delegating responsibility. Frankly, I believe that if you want something done right, do it yourself.”

“Does that extend to murder?”

Tarpin’s eyes focused in on Decker’s face. The first hint of emotion from the man and it was anger. “I won’t dignify that with an answer.”

“I’m not implicating you, Corporal. Just that this looks professional…delegating out. What do you think?”

Tarpin didn’t answer.

Decker said, “You know I have to ask you certain questions, sir, because you were in charge of the camp. Also, you were the first one to find the bodies. We always ask pointed questions to those who find the bodies. Plus, these mountains are pretty secluded. I’m just wondering why no one heard anything.”

“You can wonder. It’s a free country.”

“Sounds like an inside job.”

“Sounds like the job of some insane man.”

“Or a very evil man,” Decker corrected.

“Well, Lieutenant, I’m not crazy and I’m not evil.” He turned and took in Decker’s expression. “I’m just about as straight arrow as they come.”

Uh-huh, Decker thought. “Let me ask you this. If you did do the murder, what motivation did you have?”

“You’re asking me?” Tarpin said.

“I’m asking you.”

“I don’t have any motivation, because I didn’t do anything.”

“But if I wanted to pin something on you, where would I go? For instance, to find a hidden motivation, maybe I should check out your association with the Preservers of Ethnic Integrity. See what they have to say about you?”

Tarpin stared straight into the mountains. “Sure, you could do that.”

“Did the Baldwins know about your membership in PEI?”

“What the hell does this have to do with Merv’s murder?”

The words were strong, but Tarpin’s voice was deep and mild.

“Maybe nothing—”

“Definitely nothing.”

“I’ve heard that the Baldwins are very liberal. I’m just wondering how they felt about your association—”