Peter Decker 3-Book Thriller Collection. Faye Kellerman

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ peddles the kiddy stuff?” Decker pressed.

      “I don’t know.”

      “I’m getting really pissed off, Cecil,” Decker said.

      Pode began to breathe heavily.

      “Try a pimp named Johnson—Wilmington Johnson. He goes in for young girls.”

      “Who else?”

      “That’s it.”

      He hadn’t mentioned Clementine, which meant that Clementine was the biggie and Johnson was a throwaway.

      “Where does Johnson hang out?”

      “Hollywood. Where else?”

      “Where in Hollywood, Pode?”

      “Golden Dreams Motel. Sunset near Highland. He gets the runaways and the little kids, sells ’em on the street.”

      “And photographs them?”

      “Maybe,” Pode said. His mustache quivered.

      “How’s your son, Cecil?”

      The question threw him.

      “Which one?”

      “Dustin. How’s he doing in the investment business?”

      “Uh, fine. Fine enough that he doesn’t come around here borrowing money. Bought himself a Porsche and a condo in the Marina. Boy has a nose for a deal.”

      “So why don’t you invest with him? This place sure could use an overhaul.”

      “I’ve got a couple of bucks in his projects,” said Pode guardedly.

      “Tell me about the Countess.”

      The man’s eyes darted about.

      “Uh … Uh?”

      “The Countess. People say you know her.”

      “Then people are full of it. Look, what do you want? If you’re going to batter me with questions, I want to call a—”

      “Where does Dustin work?”

      Pode broke into a smile. “I know what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to confuse me.”

      “Where does he work?”

      “Century City, in a big high-rise on Avenue of the Stars. Got some spare cash you want invested, Sergeant?”

      “Johnson,” Decker said. “How well do you know him?”

      “I don’t know him at all. I’ve just heard rumors that Johnson specializes in tender meat.”

      “Who’d you hear these rumors from?”

      “This person, that person.” Pode shrugged. “Long time ago. The old memory isn’t what it used to be.”

      “With a few well-placed kicks, I bet we can dredge it up. What do you think?”

      “Are you threatening me with physical abuse, Sergeant?”

      “Me? Perish the thought! ’Course I could put out the word that you’re my snitch. There’s no telling what could happen.”

      Pode’s fat face turned ashen.

      “You got something you want to tell me, Pode?”

      “No,” he said, quietly.

      “Good. Thanks for your time.” Decker smiled. “You can keep these photos. I’ve got copies. And you want to know something else? I think you’ve got copies, too.” He paused, then said, “Point of information. This little vampire-toothed lady smothered in cum—she’s the Countess.”

      “Are you ready for this?” Marge said to Decker. “Pode’s a widower. His wife died, burnt in a fire about fifteen years back.”

      Decker’s eyes widened.

      “Pode’s house had a history of calls to the Fire Department,” Marge explained. “Apparently, Pode’s wife—her name was Ida—used to imbibe spirits, then smoke in bed and set it on fire. Usually she escaped unharmed except for a little smoke inhalation and bad sunburn. One time the Fire Department found her unconscious and revived her. The last time, she was charred to a crisp, identified through dental records. Sound familiar?”

      “Did they check out arson?”

      “Yep. The fire was clean. Pode’s insurance on her life was nothing to write home about, either. A ten-thousand double indemnity with hubby as the sole beneficiary. Pode was paid with no questions asked.”

      “Anyone else die in the fire?”

      “Nope.”

      They were silent for a moment.

      “Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Marge said. “Just because Lindsey was burnt to death doesn’t mean Pode’s our guy.”

      “I’m aware of that.”

      Marge said, “But it is a coincidence.”

      Decker said, “I’m not a big believer in coincidences.”

      The year Decker worked as a lawyer for his ex-father-in-law had been a total bust except for Jack Cohen’s dirty jokes. Lawyers told even bluer jokes than cops and no one could tell them better than Jack. Despite the end of his marriage to Jan, he and Jack had somehow remained friends. Decker made a quick phone call to him and explained the situation. Cohen agreed to let Decker use his name as a cover, then began to pump him about his newest, young girlfriend. Decker swore to himself. Cindy was a great kid, but discretion was not her forte. He hemmed and hawed, dodging the personal questions as best he could, and finally ended the conversation with a vague promise to bring Rina by the office one of these days. Jack sounded delighted, confirming what Decker had thought all along. Jan’s old man was an incorrigible lecher.

      Decker knew from experience that discount brokers didn’t place a premium on image, and Executive First was no exception. It was bare bones: four walls, two metal tables, a few unoccupied folding chairs, and a disheveled-looking bleached blonde wearing a polyester stretch top that didn’t give where it should have. If you want glitz, go to any full-service brokerage house. The big desks, the high-tech electronic ticker tape, and the busty young secretary all cost extra, and those hidden expenses were passed on to the client in the form of higher trading fees.

      The blonde was seated at one of the tables taking a call from a switchboard. She motioned Decker onto a folding chair as she spoke into a headphone mike in a soft, modulated voice. She put the caller on hold.

      “Harry?” she shouted. “Oh Haaaarry!”

      She turned to Decker and said, “Must be in the little boy’s room.” Punching back the button, she СКАЧАТЬ