IT WAS ALMOST six before Decker made it back to the city and over to Goldberg’s apartment. O’Dell was still sitting on the couch, strumming the Martin. Barry Goldberg was pacing the tiny floor, which was about as effective as swimming in a fish tank. He had barely taken three steps before he reached a wall and turned around in the opposite direction. The lung doctor appeared to be in his early thirties at most. He was stocky and had a baby face—smooth red cheeks and dimples. When he addressed Decker, he spoke in urgent tones with a respectful manner.

“The police won’t consider him missing until he’s gone for forty-eight hours.”

“I know that. I’ll stop by Hollywood to see if I can’t speed things up.”

“I tried to explain to them that Ryan isn’t just your ordinary missing person. But no one was hearing me.”

“I’ll see if I can light a fire—”

“He is a severely compromised individual who has managed on his own only by living in a circumspect circle,” Barry broke in. “He eats, sleeps, watches TV, plays a little guitar, and occasionally shops for food. I do all his banking, his laundry, and most of his shopping.”

“You’re a nice brother,” Decker said.

“Yeah, well, guess who put me through medical school?” Barry stopped cold. “I’m not accomplishing anything by yakking with you two. I’m going to go comb the streets again. Liam, you’ll be here for a little while?”

“I’ll be here as long as you want, mate.” He looked at Decker. “I’m gettin’ a little hungry. Can you run me up some food?”

“What do you want?”

“I had me fried clams. Now it’s time for me veggies. And a beer wouldn’t hurt.”

“I can do that.” Decker turned to Barry. “I’ll walk you out.” When they reached the entrance to the complex, he said, “What about you, Doctor? Can I pick you up some food?”

“Can’t eat right now. I’m too nervous.”

“I’ll go over to Hollywood Police now and I’ll see if I can get the message out to a couple of local cruisers. When I’m done, I’ll hunt around myself.”

Goldberg nodded. “Thanks.”

“No thanks necessary. It’s my job.”

“Well, you look sincere. A lot better than those guys behind the desk I talked to.”

“They care. Their hands are tied. You don’t look for an adult male for forty-eight hours unless there are definite signs of foul play.”

“Yeah, but he’s not just any adult male.”

“I know. He’s psychologically impaired. That’s why I think I can do something.”