I paused. “Didn’t I just talk to you?”

“Something’s come up.”

“I’m having a hard day. I don’t suppose it can wait.”

“Could, but I was in the neighborhood.”

I unlocked the office door and left it ajar, resigned to his following. No need to invite him in when he was intent on tagging after me. I dropped my shoulder bag on the floor behind my desk and settled in my swivel chair. He took a seat in the same guest chair he’d occupied before.

“Fire away,” I said.

“I had a conversation with Ari Xanakis.”

“How did that come to pass? Did you call him or did he call you?”

“I confess I called him. Ordinarily, I’d keep my nose out of it. His relationship with Teddy is his to deal with, but given their rancorous history, I thought he should be aware of that business in Beverly Hills. If she’s cooking up trouble for him, he should be forewarned. I gave him the broad strokes and he said he’d prefer hearing the story from you.”

“I’d have to think about that. I’m not opposed to lousing up Teddy’s life, but I don’t want to get caught in the middle of their hostilities. From what I’ve heard, the two have been battling for years and this is just more of the same,” I said.

“That about sums it up.”

“What have you told him? Does he know about the marked bills?”

“I gave him a quick sketch of the situation. I was reluctant to brief him on an ongoing investigation, but I didn’t think I had much choice. I didn’t want to put you in the position of having to lie if he asked. I told him you did a job for her and that’s how the two bills came to our attention.”

“Speaking of which, I’m still out a hundred bucks on that score.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about that.”

“So what does Ari want from me?”

“He understands it was your detective work that put Teddy in touch with Satterfield. He’d like to hear your assessment.”

“My assessment? I met the woman once and everything she told me was a lie. I know what I saw, but I can’t begin to guess what she’s up to. Why doesn’t he ask her?”

“Asking is usually a bad move where Teddy’s concerned. If she’s scamming him, she’s not going to ’fess up.”

“I’ll talk to him. Once. And let’s hope that’s the end of it.”

“Thanks. I owe you one. I’ll get back to you.”

30

Tuesday morning, as I was leaving the studio, I found Henry poised on my doorstep, his hand raised as though to knock. I could see his station wagon idling in the driveway. Edna was standing on the far side wearing a black winter coat and a jaunty red knit hat, her pocketbook clasped in front of her like a brown bag lunch.

Henry said, “I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried you’d be gone by now.”