Hollywood Taken Page 25

  “I heard if you rub grease on your body it will help,” Natalie said. “I think there’s bucket of lard Tex left in the garage from one of his experiments.”

  “I used that and I’ll look like a whale, covered with blubber,” Mo said.

  “Having second thoughts?” I asked her.

  She sighed. “I already committed and pledged my money.” She looked at Natalie. “There’s also the NFM factor.”

  “The what?” I said.

  Natalie swirled the wine in her Styrofoam cup and answered. “The Nana, Fred, and Mattie factor. Seeing ‘em naked and jumping into the water, might kill us before we land.”

  I laughed, accepting a cup of wine from Mo. I lifted my drink. “Here’s to surviving a fate worse than death.”

  “We heard the Allman asshole ate it today,” Mo said. “You think the mob got him?”

  I knew the murder had been covered by all the media outlets. “Maybe. I think those higher up in the chain didn’t want him talking.”

  “We heard a bloody woman is at the top of the Daisy Chain,” Natalie said.

  “Bloody would be the operative word.” I looked at Mo. “Have you heard the name Matrona mentioned on the streets?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, but don’t know nuthin’ ‘bout her, other than she’s a stone-cold killer.”

  “Maybe she’s the godmother,” Natalie suggested.

  “What?”

  “Like that Marlon Brando bloke. Instead of the godfather, she’s the mother. The head of the mob.”

  I took a sip of wine. “I’m just worried we’re going to reach a dead end on the case, in more ways than one.”

  Mo looked at me. “You guys didn’t find anything on Allman’s phone ‘bout what he was doing?”

  “Everything on his phone and laptop was encrypted. It’s with our Computer Crimes Unit, but, so far, they haven’t found anything.”

  “Why don’t you let Freddie look at it,” Natalie said.

  “Baby sis means Grant,” Mo explained.

  “The corker’s a computer genius. Betcha he could crack your case quicker than you can say cheers ‘n beers.”

  “I’m not sure the department would allow that,” I said.

  Mo shook her a head that tonight had a pink topper. “Seems to me if there are others girls out there still being used somebody could make an exception.”

  The girl named Donna that Terry Wilson had mentioned came to mind as Natalie went on. “You gonna go out with Grant again?”

  “Maybe. I haven’t decided.”

  “What you got to lose?” Mo said. “That Dave guy’s three hundred miles away and you put Joe on the shelf.”

  “What’s the latest with him and you gettin’ to see Harlee?” Natalie asked.

  “I’m not sure. I thought I would call him later tonight.”

  “Me and Elmo are goin’ to the Skeeters tomorrow night.”

  “Who?”

  “That director bloke I mentioned.” She looked at Mo. “Why don’t you bring Larry? Mo shook her head. “I don’t know. Larry and me are still on the outs.”

  Natalie said to me. “Then, why don’t you bring Grant? They got a guy at Skeeters who looks just like Hannibal Letcher.”

  “What is Skeeters?”

  “It’s one of them safe room places. They lock you up and you can’t get out unless you solve the clues and avoid the serial killer that’s after you.”

  I rolled my eyes, downed the last of my wine. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. It sounds too much like real life.”

  ***

  I’d called Joe when I got home from the reservoir, but he didn’t return my call until I was getting ready for work the next morning.

  “Sorry for not getting back to you last night,” Joe said, after we’d exchanged greetings.

  “Did you have a hot date?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, if you call chasing a guy through the Everglades who’s wanted for burying bodies there.”

  “I hope you caught him.”

  “Let’s just say that the only body that’s going to be buried now is his own.”

  After congratulating him, I asked about me seeing Harlee Ryland, adding, “I don’t understand what the hold up is.”

  He didn’t respond right away, maybe trying to choose his words carefully. “We finally got her and her mouthpiece to agree to talk to you. I think the hang up now is with the bureaucrats.”

  “On which side?”

  He sighed. “All I can say, it’s not from this end.”

  Message delivered. He was talking about Bronson. “Thanks. I’ll work on things from here.”

  “If you get the okay to talk to her, I want to be there.”

  “Why?”

  “Call it professional courtesy. Maybe she’ll give something up about other members of the Swarm.”

  “I call it babysitting. I don’t need someone watching my back.”

  “I’ll always watch your back, Kate. I love you.”

  I was so shocked by what he said that I was speechless.

  He must have sensed my distress. “Don’t panic. What I’m trying to tell you is that I always want the best for you.” He took a heavy breath. “You’re my best friend in the world.”

  My emotions were surfacing as I said. “I feel the same about you. Talk to you soon.”

  I teared up as Bernie and I drove to the station a half hour later. You’re my best friend in the world. I’d had lots of nice things said to be over the years, but those words went straight to my heart. I realized that I also loved Joe, but in a way that was complicated. I couldn’t imagine not being able to talk to him. That fact made our relationship seem even more complicated.

  When I got to the office, I saw Jessica Barlow was at her workstation and went over to say hello.

  “Do you have a moment,” Jessica said, pulling a chair over to her desk for me.

  I took a seat as Bernie settled beside me. “What’s up?”

  Jessica and I had gone to high school together, but I had the impression the job had been taking its toll on her in recent years. She’d put on at least thirty pounds and used makeup to conceal the lines forming around her eyes.

  “It’s me and Hank,” she said, after taking a furtive look around to make sure no one could overhear us. “He’s wanting to take our relationship to another level.”

  Hank, aka: Hank the Tank, was a loud, brash detective who thought women were several rungs below him on the evolutionary scale.

  “I’m surprised,” I said. “I thought you two were having problems.”

  “He’s not the easiest person in the world to get along with, but, after Olivia went back to working with you and we partnered again, he made a play for me.”

  I’ll bet he did. He’s made a play for almost every woman in the station.

  Jessica went on. “I want your opinion on what I should do.”

  I levelled with her. “You’re partners, nothing more. Don’t let him take advantage of that. You can do much better. Claim your power as a woman.”

  She sighed. “I know you’re right, but lately, I feel...” He eyes watered. “I’m lonely, Kate.”

  I nodded. “I’ve been there, but don’t let that interfere with your judgement. Hank is...”

  “You ready, partner?”

  I saw Hank heading our way and stood.

  “Heard you were sent down to the minors,” Hank said to me when he got over to us.

  Jessica’s partner was about six feet tall, at least fifty pounds overweight, with a jaw like that cartoon character, Fred Flintstone.

  I locked eyes with him. “I was helping out another jurisdiction.” I looked back at Jessica. “Power.”

  She nodded as I walked away.

  After spending a few minutes tidying up my workstation, Lieutenant Byrd called us into his office, also asking Jenny and Molly to also join us.

  Bernie wandered off for nap as Byrd asked us about yesterday’s crime scene. After we took turns summarizing the cause of death, the rea
ction of Laura and Brook Allman, and the possible involvement of the woman named Matrona, he said, “The department is authorizing us to continue working the case, but that doesn’t mean it’s an opened ended commitment. What do we know about this Matrona person?”

  “Nothing, other than, according to Chloe Fosters, she’s the head of the sextortion ring,” I said.

  “Matrona is a Russian name,” Jenny said. “It means lady. In our case, it could reference someone who is like a madam and runs a brothel.”

  “A brothel that’s on an international scale, engaging in sextortion and murder,” I said.

  Leo then mentioned that Ben Allman’s autopsy was scheduled for this afternoon, adding, “Al and I can take the duty.”

  His partner was less than thrilled with the idea. “I’d just as soon skip the cut the gut party.” He looked at Jenny and Molly. “Where are we on finding Donna?”

  “Who?” Byrd asked.

  “The other girl Terry Wilson mentioned Jason Murray was blackmailing,” I said. “She was also attending city college.”

  Jenny spoke up. “Molly and I got the complete enrollment roster for the college. Unfortunately, they have over 20,000 students enrolled for this semester.”

  “There are a couple hundred with the first name Donna,” Molly said. “We’re trying to narrow the list based age and anyone enrolled in classes that Murray attended, but it’s a slow process.”

  Byrd looked at Al. “Kingsley can go to the party at the coroner’s office. You can work the list with them.”

  Al protested, but it went nowhere. It was obvious the lieutenant was still unhappy about his attitude.

  After his detective sank into a stony silence, I asked Jenny and Molly, “Do we have anything on the phone and laptop we took from Allman’s office?”

  “I called CCU this morning,” Molly said. “Their software isn’t working on the encrypted data. They’re not sure they can give us anything.”

  I looked back at the lieutenant. “I know this is a little out of the ordinary, but I have a friend who’s a software developer, supposedly a whiz with computers. Is there any chance I can have him take a look?”

  “Not unless he’s cleared by the department.”

  “But I...”

  “You know the rules. It would probably take weeks to get him authorized, so forget it.”

  Olivia spoke up, probably sensing my anger. “Kate and I can go back to city college today. Maybe Murray mentioned this Donna girl to someone in the classes he attended.”

  “Make it happen,” Byrd said. “If something doesn’t break soon, the captain will want to move on.”

  After the others left the lieutenant’s office I stayed behind to ask about my request to talk to Harlee Ryland. “It’s my understanding the request is stuck in the bureaucratic no man’s land.”

  “You know how these things go. I can ask...”

  “I know how they go. Bronson’s stonewalling.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe. As you probably know, I’m not privy what goes on downtown.”

  “Just so you know, I’m going to talk to him.”

  “You sure you want to do that? You know he has a temper.”

  I stood. “I don’t care. Because of him, I just spent over a week helping another department solve a case, while the killer of two young women went free. I’m going to talk to Harlee Ryland no matter what it takes.”

  FIFTY-SEVEN

  As Olivia and I made the rounds of City College that morning, I told her about my conversation with the lieutenant. “I’m tired of the department stonewalling and sending me away because of the Rylands. I’m planning to talk to Chief Bronson this afternoon.”

  “You sure you want to go there? He previously made threats about transferring you. I’d hate to lose you as a partner.”

  “Thanks, but I have to speak my mind. Every time I think about him spending years obstructing the investigation into my adoptive dad’s murder, I get angry.”

  We stopped on the plaza near the school cafeteria. “Do you think there’s a reason behind his actions, like maybe he knows something about your dad’s murder that he wants to kept quiet?”

  I sighed, brushing the hair out of my eyes. “I’ve wondered about that, but I can’t come up with anything.”

  “Did you ever ask Pearl about it?”

  I nodded. “He couldn’t think of anything either. If I ever see him again, I plan to have another conversation about our chief.”

  “No word from Joe about him?”

  “As a matter of fact, he called this morning, but we didn’t talk about Pearl.” I looked away, taking in the foggy grounds of the school.

  “Meaning?”

  I looked back at her. “He told me he loves me.”

  “Are you kidding?”

  “No, but he meant it in a platonic way.” I blinked, feeling the heaviness in my eyes. “He said I was his best friend in the world. It was very touching.”

  “Wow,” she said as her phone chimed.

  Olivia answered the call as I thought about Joe. I was still reliving in my mind what’s he’d said. I realize that, in many ways, he was also my best friend, at least of the male variety.

  “That was Molly,” Olivia said putting her phone away. “She and Jenny think the Donna we’re after might have had an English class with Jason Murray that he dropped early in the semester. Her name is Donna Roberts. The class is scheduled for one this afternoon.”

  “Why don’t we get a bite to eat and then talk to her.”

  After grabbing sandwiches in the school cafeteria, Olivia and I stood outside the English class, waiting until the instructor arrived. After introductions and checking her roster, the instructor pointed out a student who stood up and rushed out of the classroom. “Not sure where she’s going.”

  Olivia and I scrambled after her with Bernie, me yelling, “Donna please wait. We need to talk.”

  She stopped, turned in our direction, then rushed off again, telling us, “I have nothing to say.”

  Olivia moved around her, heading her off. “Then, we have something to say to you.”

  Roberts stopped as Bernie and I came over to her and Olivia. She was a pretty girl, with long curly black hair and a perfect figure. “What is this about?”

  “Jason Murray, for starters.”

  She exhaled and shook her head. “I heard he’s dead.”

  “That means he won’t be bothering you again.” Olivia lowered her voice as Bernie and I stood by. “We know about the pictures and videos he was using against you.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “We’re talking about extortion and sex trafficking. I suggest you talk to us.”

  She lowered her eyes, took a breath and nodded.

  We met with Roberts at the school’s nearby athletic department. In the distance, there was a handful of kids running on a practice field, as Olivia began the discussion.

  “We know from a girl who is a student here that Jason was blackmailing you and other girls, forcing you to participate in sex with different men under threat of releasing your pictures.”

  Roberts didn’t look at Olivia. “That was a long time ago.”

  “Maybe so, but it was wrong and we think there may be other girls still involved.”

  “I’m fine with the way things turned out.”

  I couldn’t believe what I was heading. “You’re happy that he turned you into a prostitute?”

  “I’m not a prostitute. I’m a Swag.”

  “You’re working higher end clientele?”

  She smiled, displaying both her excitement and immaturity over an upcoming date. “I’m seeing Stuart Waters tonight. There’s rumors that he might be nominated for an Oscar.”

  “Who set up the date?”

  “I can’t say.”

  “You need to talk to us Donna,” Olivia said. “We don’t want to have to get your parents involved in this.”

  She scowled at Olivia. “I’m nineteen, an adult. You can’t te
ll my parents.”

  “We can and we will if we think your life is in danger. Now, who set up the date?”

  Roberts heaved out a couple of breaths, shaking her head. “Matrona.”

  “Do you know where we can find her?”

  “She calls or texts me when she wants me to meet someone. I’ve never seen her.”

  “Show me your phone.”

  Roberts reluctantly handed her phone to Olivia. My partner took some time, scrolling through the messages, then looked at me. “I recognize the number Matrona’s using from Zoe’s phone. It’s the same burner phone.” She looked back at Roberts. “Are you expecting another call from her?”

  “Yeah, she’s supposed to tell me where to meet Stuart tonight.”

  Olivia put her phone in her pocket and took Roberts by the arm. “Let’s go.”

  “Where?”

  “The police station. Maybe you won’t appreciate it, but I’m going to do my best to save your life.”

  FIFTY-EIGHT

  I let Olivia handle Donna Roberts because I had an appointment with Chief Bronson at three that afternoon. I’d managed to get the appointment, only because I knew his secretary who had worked with the previous police chief.

  “How’s my favorite dog,” Gladys asked when I walked into the reception area with Bernie.

  Bronson’s secretary was in her late fifties, a sweet soul with the disposition of a grandmother. She came over and gave my dog lots of attention.

  “Bernie’s good,” I said, “If you’d like to watch him during my meeting, I would be grateful.”

  She doted over Bernie for a couple minutes before cutting her eyes to the interior offices and lowering her voice. “I’d be happy to have you leave him with me, but you might need his services.”

  “That bad?”

  She huffed out a breath. “It’s been difficult. I’m thinking about retiring.”

  After encouraging her to keep her job, I left Bernie with her and made my way down the long corridor to Bronson’s corner office.

  After some polite small talk and the chief thanked me for my work with Napa PD, we got down to business. “My secretary said this is about you wanting to see Harlee Ryland.”