Part 2 (2/2)

Angelo could feel his face get hot. ”It's really just a routine inquiry, Sir. Just standard procedure.” It was the basic rea.s.surance given to loved ones during the opening phase of the investigation.

”Well, I'm sorry to take up your time like this officer. I told Randi to lay off the pills, but...” Marlowe seemed distracted.

”May I see your identification, please, Officer?” The other man said.

”Who are you?” Angelo asked.

”I'm Ira Johnson, Mr. Marlowe's legal council.” The man introduced himself. He didn't offer to shake either.

Angelo gulped and handed his identification to the lawyer. Johnson read it. ”I see. And what interest does Vista City have in Mrs. Marlowe?”

”Huh?” Billy asked.

”If you'll look carefully at Detective Mancuso's badge, you'll find that it is not an LAPD badge, Mr. Alcott.” Johnson said.

”Isn't Vista City way up north of San Francisco?” Marlowe asked.

”Yes, Sir.” Angelo said. ”I'm not here in an official capacity. I knew Randi Aiken personally some time ago. I was curious about the circ.u.mstances of her death.”

”Aw, Angelo!” Billy cried. He could see his job and all the perks and benefits he had worked for over the last eight years flying away. ”Aw man!”

”This is highly irregular, Detective. Possibly unethical.” Johnson said. ”I suggest you secure a lawyer, immediately.” Johnson almost had a smile on his face. His eyes were glittering.

”Johnson, not now.” Marlowe said. ”I'm sorry. Angelo, isn't it?”

”I apologize, Sir.” Angelo said.

”Not at all. I understand. Randi had a magnetic personality. We'll have to get together sometime and you can tell me where you knew Randi from. She never mentioned you.” Marlowe reached out and shook Angelo's hand.

”Well, ah, I'll just be going, now.” Angelo said.

”That would be wise.” Johnson said.

Angelo turned and began to walk away.

”Don't forget your papers.” Billy said. He shot Angelo a hard look.

Angelo scooped up the photocopies of the death reports. He met Billy's eyes, but didn't say anything. He promised himself that if Billy was fired or sued then he'd make it better. Having rich parents was very handy at times. But could they buy Billy a new sense of trust?

”For your sake, Detective, I hope those aren't about Mrs. Marlowe. That would be a tragedy.” Johnson warned.

”No , Sir, not at all.” Angelo said. He left the morgue.

Angelo checked into the Hilton Airport on Century Boulevard just down the road from the airport. He settled into the generic room and spread the death report around the desk. Randi's death was probably an accident, he told himself. After ten years as a professional homicide detective, Angelo knew that there were always loose ends that didn't really fit. It was the nature of the beast. People were never entirely consistent. In death they left inconsistencies scattered around their bodies like the rest of their belongings.

It simply didn't feel right. Angelo couldn't decide if it was his instincts or his emotions nagging him. He'd never really settled his feelings for Randi. Now, would he ever?

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