Hollywood Games: A Hollywood Alphabet Series Thriller Read online

  “Coco murdered Jiggy,” Rose said after waving his rights. “She found out he was cheating on her with Gloria Powers and went nuts.”

  “Why did you lie to my friends and tell them Gloria did the shooting?”

  He shrugged. “I was trying to protect Coco at the time.” His lips turned up. “It didn’t turn out quite the way that I planned.”

  “And what about Bobby? Did she also murder Jiggy’s brother?”

  “Probably. A couple of days ago Coco told me that she thought Bobby had figured out what happened. He was a loose end that had to be tied up.”

  “When did your affair with Coco begin?” Pearl asked, backtracking to fill in some gaps.

  “Coco came to me a few days after Jiggy’s death. She admitted that she was irate over him cheating with Gloria. She said that she’d planned out the killing, secretly going to his estate, walking up behind him, and shooting him in the head.” Rose smiled, his shoulders going up and down again. “Coca was distraught after the killing. I did my best to console her.”

  I glanced at Pearl, biting my tongue. I wanted to tell the arrogant entrepreneur what I thought of him, but I wanted answers first. “What about the gun used to murder Biggs? How did it end up in Jerry King’s car?”

  Rose tugged at the sleeves of his monogrammed shirt, met my eyes. “Coco told me she knew that Gloria had access to King’s car through her work on Hollywood Gold so I helped her out.”

  “In what way?”

  His smile came back. “I made up a little fib. I told Gloria that I had a friend who was involved in Biggs’ murder. I asked her if she would place the murder weapon in the trunk of King’s car. Gloria was never fond of Jerry King and had no problem agreeing to the request.”

  Pearl said, “So King was framed and Levon Trenton and the UG used that to, in turn, frame Rafi Wayland so they could expand their drug territory.”

  Rose nodded. “I think that’s probably the way it went down. All I know is that Gloria told me Trenton had threatened her if she ever told anyone the truth about King being framed.” He turned on the smile again and added, “By then Gloria had also found out about me and Coco. I probably should have known it would only be a matter of time before her jealousy got the best of her.”

  “What about Wesley Breen’s car? We know that you and Coco picked it up from the repair shop.”

  “The car was a classic Mercedes. I originally planned to give it to Gloria as an engagement gift. When we split up my plans changed. Coco and I left the car at Gloria’s office as a parting gift, so that she would know I’d moved on.”

  “And?” I asked.

  He shrugged, smiled again. “I only recently learned that Coco took the car from the parking lot and used it to try and frame Gloria.”

  “By trying to start a gang war.”

  Rose leaned closer to me, the five hundred watt smile beaming. “I must say it was a rather creative effort on her part.”

  We went at Parker Rose for another hour but didn’t get much more. By the time we were finished I was disgusted by his smug self-serving attitude and made no effort to hide it. “You might want to call an attorney, Mr. Rose.”

  The smile was suddenly gone as his voice kicked up a notch. “What for?”

  “You helped Coco Zee attempt to cover up a murder by having Gloria Powers plant the murder weapon in Jerry King’s car.”

  “That’s ridiculous. As I said, it was a fib, merely an attempt to help out a friend.”

  I smiled, in an attempt to imitate the arrogant asshole’s smirk. “Around here, there’s a word for a fib like that. It’s a crime called conspiracy.”

  ***

  It was late when I got home. My friends all gathered in the living room to discuss the day’s events and unwind. Brie had also come over, saying that she could use a drink after everything that had happened.

  “So what’s gonna happen to Parker Rose?” Natalie asked as she came into the living room with a bottle of wine. I noticed that she’d reverted to her naturally blonde hair color.

  “The DA will review the case. He’ll probably be charged as an accessory in the conspiracy to frame Jerry King by convincing Gloria Powers to plant the murder weapon. Of course, a guy like Rose has enough money to hire all the best lawyers to fight any charges.”

  “What about King?” Mo said. “Is he sticking by his story about Wayland being involved in the drug dealing?”

  “The FBI talked to him late last night. After several hours going at him, King finally flipped and admitted that Trenton and the UG had pressured him into setting up Rafi Wayland so they could expand their drug territory. Based upon that, Wayland’s been able to keep his gang members from escalating the violence with the UG. It looks like a gang war might have been averted at the last minute.”

  What I didn’t mention to my friends was that the entire story would likely be in the press in a day or two. I’d talked to Lieutenant Edna and he said the brass was considering allowing me to give Basheeba an exclusive interview about the case, partly because the reporter had arranged for Rafi Wayland to surrender himself to the feds. If things went the way I expected, it seemed likely that all the charges against the gang leader would eventually be dropped.

  I saw Claude coming over from the kitchen as Natalie changed the subject. “I’ve been meaning to ask you what’s happening with the cowboy. You didn’t come home after the acting workshop.”

  I smiled. “Let’s just say that things are back on track.” What I didn’t say was that I hoped Buck’s ex had gotten treatment for her mental health issues. There had been no further signs that she was following me or hanging around the estate. Buck had said he thought she might have even left the state again.

  Something else about my friends then came to mind. “The Hollywood sign. Last I heard you two were planning some kind of fantasy.”

  Mo smiled seductively. “Let’s just say for the record that baby sis, me, and a couple of guys we know could be a Jeopardy question one of these days.”

  Claude interrupted our conversation. “I want you to know that Dr. Lester moved out of the residence today. He feels his work here is done.”

  “But he never solved Van Drake’s murder,” Mo said.

  “True enough,” Claude agreed. “But he’s writing a book on Bridget Welch’s homicide and plans to go on the talk show circuit. I may assist with the enterprise.”

  “I still have a feeling the bloke is buried somewhere ‘round here,” Natalie said. She turned to Mo. “Now that we solved the Biggs case maybe we should give it some more attention.”

  Mo was about to respond when Brie said, “The forensics people did a thorough examination of the grounds. They’re confident Van Drake’s body isn’t here.”

  Mo responded, at the same time tilting her big head in my direction. “We heard that before. If it wasn’t for Dracula, the troll, and the rest of us, Bridget Welch would still be buried out back.”

  After taking issue with the vampire reference Claude said he would help with the investigation. Larry and Phyllis also agreed to pitch in.

  “You all need to let this go,” I said. “The department is still looking into things. You need to give them more time to work the case.”

  There was a lot of grumbling and comments about still needing to solve the case before Lindsay came into the room and made an announcement.

  “I’ve decided to take a job with Jimmy Sweets, that private investigator I mentioned.” She looked at me and my friends. “I know that he doesn’t have the best reputation, but I think it will give me a chance to see if detective work is right for me.” Her eyes narrowed on me. “I’m also feeling like I need to find my own space.”

  I could appreciate what she meant about her own space. Living with my friends, Claude, and Lester had probably traumatized her. “I understand that you need to find your own way, Lindsay. Just remember, you’re always welcome to come back if things don’t work out.” After another lecture about Sweets being one of Hollywood’s biggest s
leaze balls, Lindsay said she was going upstairs to pack.

  Brie said she had a busy day ahead of her tomorrow and I walked her to the door.

  “How are things going with the new living quarters?” I asked as we stood in the driveway.

  “It’s very comfortable. Phyllis has done wonders with painting and decorating in a short period of time.” She smiled. “He’s actually very talented and, as you know, Lily loves him.”

  I held on her eyes for a moment, something occurring to me. “Phyllis mentioned that he might be taking you to the movies. You two aren’t…planning to get together?”

  Her smile widened. “We’re just friends…” She turned away but then looked back at me. “For now.”

  I was about to close the door when I saw a pair of headlights come up the driveway. The car was unfamiliar and I had a sudden cold chill, thinking about Buck’s ex. When the skinny figure got out of the car my worries evaporated and were replaced by another kind of anxiety.

  “What are you doing here?” I said to Nana as her driver helped her with a couple of suitcases, carrying them into the house. When we got to the family room Natalie and Mo gathered around us.

  “I have an announcement to make,” Nana warbled. She poured herself a healthy glass of wine and downed it before going on. “Elvis passed away a couple of days ago. The doctor said it was his heart.”

  “I knew he wouldn’t last,” Mo said. “You wore the old buzzard out.”

  “I made his last days enjoyable,” Nana said. “He got more nookie in the last few weeks than he had in his entire lifetime.”

  “Yeah,” Natalie said. “There’s nuthin’ like ending your days with a few hundred doses of Nana Nookie.”

  “He’s gone to the happy hunting grounds.” Nana’s eyes shifted and she looked toward the heavens. “He’s probably up there right now singing a love song and pining for me.” We all did eye rolls as she went on. “Given the change in my status, I have a request. Since my house is rented out I’d like to move in with you all temporarily.”

  There was stony silence as I looked around the room. I couldn’t remember another time when Natalie and Mo were at a complete loss for words. I felt guilty. Nana had let us all live with her for several months, at very reasonable rates. I didn’t see how we could refuse her request.

  “There’s a vacant bedroom, if you think you can manage the stairs,” I finally said.

  “I’ll have my stairway scooter installed…”

  “Just so you know,” Mo said. “If you move in with us there ain’t gonna be no crazy sex parties upstairs. We got us enough problems.”

  “You’ve gotta start actin’ your age,” Natalie agreed, at the same time we all heard a swooshing sound overhead.

  I looked up in time to see Maurice diving through the air in our direction. The raven screeched and called out, “Fuck you.” He then flapped his wings and headed off into the shadows.

  As the bird moved off, Mo said, “I’d say Maurice has his own opinion ‘bout things. He just gave Nana the bird.”

  Nana ignored her, apparently unfazed by the cursing, dive-bombing bird. I realized that her gaze had moved around the room, before stopping and fixing on Claude. She walked over to him.

  After introducing herself Nana said, “Since we’re going to be roommates, maybe you could show me around.” She turned and winked at us before Claude escorted her from the room.

  “I never thought I’d feel sorry for a vampire,” Mo said. “Claude’s probably gonna ask one of us to drive a stake through his heart before the week’s out.”

  Natalie agreed. “I’d rather hear Dr. Lester’s groaning than those two slappin’ uglies.”

  She had a point. Given the acoustics in the house we could all be in for some more sleepless nights. That thought made me realize that I was exhausted.

  “I’m going to turn in,” I said. Another thought then occurred to me. “Don’t forget, the ceremony to honor my father is tomorrow afternoon. They’re finally honoring him for being killed in the line of duty. I hope you can both make it.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Mo said. “Bout time justice was finally served.

  CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

  The ceremony to honor my father was held in the memorial garden at the Police Administration Building in downtown Los Angeles. My friends and Lindsay were in attendance, along with my mother who brought Bubba with her. Buck had also come over from Catalina for the proceedings. Bernie did a sniff and tail wag when he saw Bubba, the two dogs happy to see one another.

  The memorial services involved dozens of the department’s officers, including Pearl Kramer, who had worked with my father many years earlier. The service, covered by all the media outlets, included a speech by Chief East, a twenty-one gun salute, and the playing of taps.

  The mournful tribute brought back memories of Jack, who had also fallen in the line of duty a few months back and had received a similar tribute. I said a silent prayer for both him and my father as the ceremony ended.

  Mom held up well until it was time to walk to the top tier of the garden where we placed a single red rose on my father’s plaque. There was something about seeing his name and the words “killed in the line of duty” that tore at our hearts until we were both overcome with emotion.

  I held Mom in my arms as she wept for her fallen husband, while I cried for the father I had never known. My dad’s words, given to me during my emotional breakdown after the death of Jack, came back to me again as my fingers traced the memorial plaque with his name.

  We are the dance, not the dancer.

  In that moment, his words never seemed truer to me. I knew that whatever path our lives had taken, it was in many ways not chosen by us. That path was the result of choices, some intended and some the result of circumstance, that had been travelled in different places and times until the madman known as Ryan Cooper had been unleashed on the world.

  I decided to honor my father’s memory by forever putting the name and image of his killer out of my mind. I made a decision in that moment to choose a new path, one that honored both my father’s life and my new beginnings.

  After the ceremony concluded I introduced Buck to Pearl, explaining to the elderly detective that Buck worked for the sheriff’s department on Catalina. We took our time, exchanging pleasantries as Pearl mentioned several deputies that both men knew.

  After we chatted for a few minutes Pearl’s soft, leathery eyes held on me. “Your father would be very proud of you.”

  I released a long breath. “I have a feeling that he’s standing right beside me smiling.”

  Pearl nodded, came closer and hugged me. “He will always be with you, Kate. Never forget that.”

  I walked away, saying hellos to Natalie, Mo, and my sister, Lindsay. As my friends chatted with Buck, I took Lindsay aside for a moment.

  “How are you doing with all this,” I asked, knowing that our lives would be forever emotionally connected, both because of the mother we shared and because she had saved my life by killing her own father.

  She breathed, held on my eyes. “I’m doing okay.” She motioned to the young man who was at the memorial wall, examining the names of the fallen officers. “Having Eli with me today has helped. He’s been very supportive.”

  Her boyfriend turned, we exchanged a glance and a nod. I’d chatted with the handsome young man before the ceremonies began. He’d seemed serious and genuinely concerned about my sister.

  I turned back to Lindsay. “I’m glad he’s here for the emotional support.” I changed the subject. “Have you started the new job yet?”

  She smiled. “Tomorrow, I’m going undercover, trying to catch a cheating spouse.”

  I shook my head and smiled. “Just be careful,” I said, before exchanging hugs with her.

  Buck and I spent the next hour walking Bernie as we chatted with a few of the other officers and family friends in attendance. I was surprised when Harvey stopped by to say hello. I hadn’t talked to him since he
’d stormed off after Edna said Pearl would be doing the Parker Rose interview with me.

  “I wish I’d met your dad,” Harvey said after Buck walked away to chat with a friend. “I’m sure he was a wonderful person.”

  “I appreciate that.” I hugged him and then saw that he wasn’t wearing his contacts. “How are you doing?”

  “Better.” He smiled. “I think I need to just learn to back off and let things take their course. I’m still a work in progress.” His smiled grew wider. “And, just so you know, I haven’t given up on the acting career.”

  I told Harvey that I’d see him at the station. Buck and I then left the memorial garden and walked up the street. He placed his strong arm around me and asked how I was holding up.

  “Actually, pretty well.” I stopped and met his eyes. “I’m feeling like in many ways this is a new beginning…”

  I saw that his gaze had drifted off. I then turned and noticed that he was looking at someone coming up the sidewalk. The image momentarily startled me. It was a woman who was dressed in black and pushing what looked like an antique baby stroller that was also black.

  The scene looked a little like something out of a scary movie I’d once seen about a woman who’d lost her baby and was pushing an empty stroller. I cleared the thought from my mind and wondered if she might be a relative of one of the other fallen officers whose name was in the memorial garden.

  I turned back to Buck and saw that his eyes were still locked on the woman. “I don’t understand…”

  “Stay here,” he said, moving away from me and walking toward her.

  Despite what he’d said, Bernie and I followed behind, calling after him. In a moment we were just a few feet from the woman who was now looking in our direction. We stopped and watched as she came closer to us with the baby carriage until she was at our side. Her hand then moved up, taking hold of her black veil and lifting it up.