“Of course not.”
“Good. Tell me what happened.”
I told him. By the time I finished, he was licking his teeth like a wolverine.
“We’ve got these schmucks by the ass. I see two rights violations off the top and at least four procedure violations.”
He leaned closer and glanced around like someone sharing juicy gossip.
“The uni, the one in the hall with the stripes?”
“Yeah. He doesn’t like it.”
“No, he does not. He was huddled up with Lou when I got here and whatever he said—I don’t know what—Lou didn’t like it, either. You know that look he gets?”
“I’ve seen it.”
“Yeah, I guess you have.”
The door opened again and Poitras was alone. He held a large manila envelope.
I nodded.
“Thanks for coming.”
He held out the envelope.
“Your stuff. Make sure everything’s here.”
I emptied the contents and pocketed my things.
Charlie said, “Count your cash. These guys steal.”
“It’s fine.”
Poitras grunted.
“Certain irregularities regarding this incident have been brought to my attention. So you know, I will look into it.”
“What irregularities, Lou?”
He ignored me.
“If department regulations or policies were violated, an appropriate action will be taken.”
Charlie said, “Damn right it will.”
Lou didn’t bother to acknowledge him.
“So let’s get back to the vic. Do you know who murdered her?”
Charlie spoke fast.
“Don’t answer.”
I touched his arm.
“I didn’t know she was murdered until ten minutes ago. I was looking for her, but I hadn’t found her. None of the people I interviewed were able to tell me where she was or with whom.”
Lou crossed his arms. His upper arms looked like bowling balls.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“No, I don’t know who killed her. What about you? Do you have a suspect?”
He stared at me and I stared back, hoping he wouldn’t describe Josh. He finally answered.
“Not at this time. Do you?”
“Not at this time.”
“Maybe the person who hired you killed her.”
I did my best to look unconcerned. I didn’t want to bring Josh Schumacher into this unless I believed he was involved.
“I’m working for a seventy-two-year-old woman who hired me to find a relative. I had hoped Ms. Bohlen could help locate this person, as they once worked together. That’s it.”
I spread my hands, leaving the rest unsaid.
Poitras said, “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
If Poitras believed I was leaving things out, he let it ride. Maybe he knew I wouldn’t lie unless I had good cause. Or maybe he wanted to give me enough rope to hang myself.
He unfolded the massive arms.
“If you happen across the murderer, give us a call.”
“Absolutely.”
“They pull you out of your office?”
“They did.”
“Charlie?”
“I’ll give him a lift. And bet your ass I’ll bill the city.”
Lou gripped my shoulder. His fingers were steel.
“So you know, I don’t like what happened here. We’ll talk.”
“Sure, Lou. Whenever you want.”
He gave me a squeeze.
“Take off. You’re free.”
I didn’t feel free. I wanted to know who killed Skylar Lawless and I wanted to find Josh. I rode back to my office in silence. My phone rang as we drove, but I saw the caller ID and sent it to voice mail.
Charlie said, “Get it, you want. I’m your lawyer. You can talk in front of me.”
“I’ll get it later.”
I checked the message as soon as Charlie dropped me off.
Joe Pike had called.
Jon Stone had answers.
30
We met in a parking lot at the southwest corner of Fairfax and Sunset, two miles and a lifetime west of Hollywood Station. Pike’s red Cherokee sat by the entrance. Stone’s black Rover idled at a meter on Fairfax. I was waiting to turn onto Fairfax when Pike called.
I said, “I see you.”
“Don’t enter the parking lot. After you turn, take the second right, then another right, and pull over.”
I checked my rearview.
“Is someone following me?”
“Jon wants it this way.”
I could see the back of Jon’s head in his Rover. He stared straight down Fairfax without looking around.