I walk down behind the pew to greet him. “Pete? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Hello, Tim. Yeah, it’s an opportunity for a look at Ramon’s world, his people, his friends. I spoke with his father outside, and he welcomed me in.”

“See anything, Detective?”

“Tim, that’s out of order here. You take care of your people. I’ll be leaving soon.”

“Absolutely. Sorry. I do appreciate your diligence on all this.” I turn to cross over to where my agency people are clustered in small groups. I’m getting no eye contact, although I catch a glance from Chris and continue to the coffee urn, where Bonnie Jo is refilling her cup.

“Hey, Bon. Sorry to have to see you here, that’s for sure.”

“For a whole lot of reasons. Right?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Shhhh…hold it down, Tim. Not the time or place. I know everyone’s glad you’re here.”

“Really? Sure doesn’t feel like it.”

“Well, they can’t help but notice that the detectives seem to be talking to you more than anyone else.”

“Gee, Bonnie, I wonder why? I’m second in command, they know that I know everyone, and they assume I know everything that goes on at work. Which, of course, I don’t.”

“Sure, I believe you. You just better hope the others do.” She walks over to one of the groups.

I fill my cup and head over to Paul, standing there with Mo, Bill, Julie, and Chris. Mo breaks the awkward silence. “Hi, Tim, thanks for being here.”

“Of course, Mo. Of course.” My phone vibrates and I look down to see that it’s Tiffany again….

Tim!!!!!!!!!!

I sign the guest register on the way out. Is nothing sacred?

Chapter 21

By the time I get up to Grand Central, the schedule monitor next to the ramp to the lower level shows an 8:29 express to Croton-on-Hudson, track 119, downstairs, so I head down the ramp past the Oyster Bar—and here’s Tiffany Stone, leaning up against the wall like she’s waiting for me.

Of course. She is waiting for me. How the hell did she know I’d be here?

“Oh, Tim!” she bleats. “I am so glad to see you. I really need to talk to you!”

“Listen, Tiffany, I’m so sorry, but I’ve got to get home and don’t want to miss my train.”

“No, you listen to me! I’m scared. Scared to death. It’s awful what happened to Ramon.”

“How the hell did you know Ramon? I just came from his wake, for Christ’s sake.”

“I connected with Ramon one time when I was at the agency, and then I got weed from him sometimes, just like everybody else. I even resold some of it every once in a while. Now Ramon’s dead. And I’m wondering who’s next?”

Only way to describe the look on her face is somewhere between pain, fear, and anger. Which somehow makes her even more sexy.

“Look, Tiffany. I’d love to help if I could. But I can’t, not now, anyway. Not tonight.”