The Second Girl(72)

“Every retired cop in DC carries a weapon, and as far as that crowd, I told you what they were about to do before the officer showed up.”

“I don’t have a problem with all that. Those witnesses could only see the action, not what was being said. We talked to the girl’s dad, so it’s all good that you were hired by him. Sorry to say, though, there’s nothing on the girl. One witness saw her run up Mozart, but then out of sight.”

“I’ll give the father a call after we finish up here. The good news is she was last seen alive.”

“Maybe you want to word it differently.”

“I got a little tact left,” I say without humor. “She used a key to get in the Ritz. I’m confident that’s where she was keeping herself.”

“I’m sure she’s not using her real name, and no judge is going to give us a search warrant for every unit in that complex, so the only thing to do is keep knocking on doors and canvassing the area. I keep wondering, though: Why the hell did she run? You think maybe she was being abused at home?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s a good family. Bad drugs just got the best of her, that’s all. And we both know how this is probably going to turn out for her,” I say. “What about that info I gave you about her possible connection to a university?”

“They’re working that.”

“Maybe one of the universities has one of those outreach programs for prostitutes.”

“That’s a good one. I’ll be sure to let them know.”

“Maybe even some sort of GED class for high school dropouts.”

“I’ll talk to Davidson about all that. He probably knows. Listen, you’ve just been through the shit, and you need to take it easy. We’re on this.”

I’ve never felt so powerless. This is f*cked up.

“Oh, and that row house was cleaned out,” Millhoff begins. “The only one there was an old man who said he didn’t know shit. It was obvious something illicit was going on there. Illegal rooming house, prostitution, gambling. I don’t know. Probably all that and more.”

“What about Cordell and his crew?”

“They cleared the f*ck out of that area. I’d be surprised to see them back anytime soon.”

“Give them a few days. Cordell makes too much money off that corner to just let it go. Most of them will be back, except for Little Monster and the driver. They’ll be in the wind for a bit.”

“Yeah, I know you’re right about that.”

“Any word on the officer?”

“Naw, he’s still in surgery. I’ll let you know.”

“What about my car?”

“When they’re done processing it, I can have it towed back here for you. I know you don’t want it to go to our lot, right?”

“No. I’d appreciate if you’d get it here. If it doesn’t drive, I’ll get it towed myself.”

“Want some of this shit they call coffee?”

“I’m good. Thanks.”

“All right, then. I’ll get back at you.”

Millhoff gets a call on his cell shortly afterward. He and his partner both walk past me and into the office where the detective sergeants have their desks, while he’s still talking on the cell.

The only thing I hear when he passes is, “Fuck, I’ll hit you back from a landline.”





Sixty-three



I’m starting to crash. I get a soda out of the machine in the lobby, but it’s no use.

Davidson is carrying a case jacket as he walks in with his partner, whose name I still can’t remember. Agent Hernandez follows behind them.

Hernandez is not dressed tactically like she was the last time I saw her. She keeps her tiny FBI badge clipped to her belt and her sidearm in a brown holster on her right side.

“Sorry it took so long,” Davidson says. “We were at the branch working some leads with McGuire and Luna. Where are Millhoff and his partner?”

“Sergeant’s office over there,” I direct him, tilting my head to the left.

“Be right back.”

He and Whatshisname walk into the office. Hernandez remains.

“Where’s your boy?” I ask.

“You mean Hawkins?”

“You got any other boys?”

“He’s the main one.”

“You got anything on the Soto murder yet?”

“We’re working a few things.”

“Don’t worry. I get it. I’m not a part of the club anymore.”

She gives me a half smile, like she agrees.

I do feel like getting under her skin. Maybe it’ll take my mind off the crash I’m facing.

“I bet you’re real good in the box,” I say.

She furrows her brow.

“I mean the interview room.”

“You remember why you’re here, right? An officer was shot.”

“Yeah, I remember. Not gonna forget it either.”

“Maybe you should show some respect.”

“He got my respect on the scene when I was holding him.”

She turns like she’s about to walk away.

“You had me going when we first met. I didn’t have a clue what you guys were really up to. You played me well.”