“You know, I’d love to talk to your grandparents. Would that be possible?”

The line fell silent. “I can call them and ask.”

“It would be very helpful. I know that you remember a lot about that period, but you were only thirteen. Adults would have a different perspective.” A long pause. “Your brother mentioned a falling-out between your mother and them.”

“He oversimplified the situation,” Jared told him. “It’s more like: we all love Mom but she’s difficult. Are you going to ask me prying questions about Mom?”

“I think prying is too strong a word.” Even though it wasn’t. “It’s hard to talk about your dad without talking about your mom. I know she had problems with gambling in the past. I’ve heard she conquered her demons.”

Another protracted silence. “More like a cold war. Anyway, I’ll ask my grandparents and give you a call back.”

“Thanks for being so helpful, Jared. It’ll really help move the investigation along.”

“No problem.” A sigh. “I know you tend to idolize the dead, but my father was really a good guy. Nelson, my son, looks a lot like him. He’s got the same winning personality, the same sparkle in his eyes, the same ability to command respect. I know that seems weird for me to be saying, but it’s not just a proud parent talking. We just put him in pre-school and the teacher said he’s a natural-born leader.”

“I’m sure she’s right.”

“It’s uncanny, you know. The bastard took my dad away, but his genes live on.”

MARGE KNOCKED ON Decker’s door frame and without waiting for a response, stepped into the office. “You wouldn’t think a guy with the name of Jervis Wenderhole would be that hard to track down.”

Decker pointed to a chair. “Remind me again…who is Jervis Wenderhole?”

“One of Darnell’s ex-peeps.”

“Right. A-Tack the rapper.”

“Wenderhole holds a unique spot on Arlington’s list,” Marge said. “He’s the only person who isn’t in jail or isn’t dead.”

“But since you can’t locate him, that’s still an open question.”

“I’ve run him through NCIC. He’s got a record but hasn’t been naughty for a long time. No death certificate found, so there’s hope.”

“He’s not in the phone book?”

“Not in L.A. I’ve got a reverse directory for the Valley, but I’m looking for one in South Central. I found out that although Arlington went to North Valley, Darnell, Josephson, and Wenderhole were bused in from L.A.—a twenty-five-mile trip one way. I though mandatory busing was declared unconstitutional.”

“Fifteen years ago, the program was voluntary. Lots of parents chose it because they thought their kids would get a better education at a whiter school.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Any other ideas on how you might track him down?”