Holiday in Death (In Death #7)(63)

“Did he go for men, too?”

Simon’s mouth flattened. “He never mentioned an interest in same-sex relationships. I don’t feel comfortable with these questions, Lieutenant.”

“Holloway’s not real comfortable now either.” She waited a beat, saw Simon pause, take it in, then nod.

“You’re right. Of course you’re right. I apologize. It’s just such a shock.”

“Did any of your male staff members show an interest in him, a romantic or sexual interest?”

“No. At least… I honestly never noticed any signals or vibrations, if you will. Such behavior is soundly discouraged here. We’re professionals.”

“Right. Who have you got on staff who does freehand tattoos?”

He sighed long and loud. “We have several consultants who are excellent freehand body artists.”

“Names, Simon.”

“Ask Yvette at the desk. She’ll give you what you need. I must get back to my client.” He pressed his fingers to his eyes. “I can’t allow my personal feelings to interfere with my work. Lieutenant…” Simon dropped his hands back into his lap, and his eyes were dark and damp. “Brent had no family. What will happen to his… What will happen to him?”

“The city will take care of it, if there’s no one.”

“No, that wouldn’t be right.” He pressed his lips together, then pushed himself to his feet. “I’d like to make the arrangements if that’s allowed. It would be the last thing I could do for him.”

“We can work it that way. You’ll have to come down to the morgue, fill out the paperwork.”

“To the…” His mouth trembled, but he drew in a breath and nodded. “Yes, I will.”

“I’ll let them know to expect you.” Because he looked so devastated, she added, “You won’t have to see him, Simon. We’ve done an ID already. You just make the application, and they’ll release the body to whatever mortuary or memorial center you choose.”

“Oh.” His breath came out in a rush. “Thank you. My client’s waiting,” he said dully. “He hasn’t been caring for his skin. Fortunately, he’s young, so there’s a great deal I can do to help. It’s our obligation to present an attractive appearance. Beauty soothes the soul.”

“Yeah. Go take care of your client, Simon. I’ll be in touch.”

She headed back out and was just taking the printout of names from Yvette when Peabody came in. She looked flushed and hollow-eyed. But she gave Eve a quick nod before turning to the desk clerk.

“I have a chit from Personally Yours,” she began. “For the Diamond Day Plan.”

“Oh, that’s our very best.” Yvette beamed at her. “And, honey, you look exhausted. This is just what you need. We’ll fix you right up.”

“Thanks.” She wandered off, ostensibly to study the glass cabinet full of colorful bottles that guaranteed beauty and vitality with regular use. In a fast whisper, she gave Eve her report.

“They were both shaken, tried to cover it. Worked on convincing me I’d misinterpreted.” She bit back a snort. “Went into placate-the-client mode, like it was programmed. Promised to look into the matter right away, offered me a free second consult and this deal here. I saw the brochure. The Diamond Day goes for five thousand. I didn’t let them off the hook. Told them I was going to take the day to calm down before I spoke to my lawyer.”

“Good work. Talk to as many of the consultants as you can while you’re getting slathered and rubbed. Bring up Holloway’s name. I want reactions, gossip, opinions. Make sure you get some male consultants in there.”

“Anything for the job, sir.”

“Ms. Peabody?”

Peabody turned, and thought her mouth must have hit her shoes as she stared at the polished golden god. “I’m uh… Yes?”

“I’m Anton. I’ll be assisting you with your herbal detox. If you’d like to come with me now?”

“Oh yeah.” Peabody managed to shoot Eve one sidelong eyeroll before Anton took her hand and gently led her away.

Hoping for the best, Eve tucked the printout in her bag and headed up to the office level of Personally Yours.

“Rudy and Piper are unavailable,” the receptionist announced with just enough snip in her voice to put Eve’s back up.

“Oh, they’re going to want to become available.” She slapped her badge on the counter. “Trust me.”

“I’m aware of who you are, Lieutenant. Rudy and Piper aren’t available. If you’d care to make an appointment, I’d be happy to schedule one for you.”

Eve leaned companionably on the counter. “Ever hear the term obstruction of justice?”

The woman’s eyes flickered. “I’m just doing my job.”

“Here’s what we’ve got. You clear me through to your bosses now, or I take you down to Cop Central and charge you with obstruction, for impeding an officer, and for being basically stupid. You got ten seconds to decide how you want to play it.”

“Excuse me.” The woman turned, switched on her headset, and murmured into it quickly. Her face was stiff when she turned back. “You’re to go right in, Lieutenant.”