Imitation in Death (In Death #17)(46)

"Oh no, Mr. Fortney, but the lieutenant."

He got up from the desk, came ;around, and sat, on the corner of it. "I'm not interested in the lieutenant. The fact is, Pepper and I... well, our relationship has devolved, you could say. We're really just business partners at this point, keeping up appearances for the public. I don't want anything to damage her while she's working so hard in this play. I have a great deal of affection and respect for, her even though...even though things aren't what they were between us."

He gave Peabody a puppy dog look, and she did her best to respond with one of sympathy. Even as she thought: Putz. Do I look that green? "It must be awfully hard for you."

"Show business is a demanding mistress, on both sides of he curtain. I did tell nearly-the truth about that night. I didn't mention that Pepper and I didn't really speak or have contact with each other when she came back from the theater. I spent that night as I've spent far too many of them. Alone."

"So you have no one to corroborate your whereabouts?"

"So afraid I don't, not directly, though Pepper and I were in the same house together all night. It was just another lonely night, and to be frank, they blur together now. I wonder, maybe you and I could have dinner?"

"Ummm..."

"Privately;" he added. "I can't be seen having dinner with a beautiful woman while Pepper and I still have to keep up ,,this pretense Gossip would hurt her, and she's so temperamental.-She needs to focus on the play. I have to honor that."

"That's so... " The words that ran through her head were anything but flattering, but she choked out an alternative."... so brave. I'd love to, if I can get the time off. These murders have the lieutenant working practically 24/7. And when she works, I work."

"Murders." For a moment he looked genuinely puzzled. "Is, that what all this business about this Gregg person is? Another prostitute's been killed?"

"There was another attack," Peabody evaded. "It would help me out a lot if you could tell me where you were Sunday morning, between eight and noon. That would cover you, and I could probably smooth things out with Lieutenant Dallas so she won't bother you again."

She tried a simper, but didn't think it was her best look.

"Sunday morning? Sleeping the sleep of the just until tenish. I indulge myself on Sundays. Pepper would have been up and out early. Dance class, she never misses. I would have had a light brunch, lingered over the Sunday paper. I doubt I was even dressed until noon."

"And alone again?"

He gave a sad, crooked smile. "Afraid so. Pepper would have gone directly to-the theater after class. Sunday matinee. I did go to the club; but not until atleast one. For a swim, a steam, a massage." He lifted his hands, let them fall. "I'm afraid I did nothing of any interest all day. Now, if I'd had a companion. Someone...:simpatico... we'd have taken a leisurely drive in the country, stopped at some charming little inn for a champagne lunch, and whiled away our Sunday in a much more entertaining fashion. As it is, I have nothing but work, illusion, and solitude."

"Could you tell me the name of your club? Then I can give Lieutenant Dallas something solid."

"I use the Gold Key, on Madison."

"Thanks." She rose. "I'll see if I can head her off."

He took Peabody's hand, looking' into her eyes as he brought it to his lips. "Dinner?"

"It sounds mag. I'll contact you as soon as I know- when I'm clear." She hoped she had one more blush in her. "Leo," she said shyly.

She hurried out and straight to where Eve stood with her 'link "I can't break character yet," Peabody reported: "He might ask one of his bimbos what went on out here,_ so you should look annoyed and doubtful, and like' you could ream my ass at any moment."

"Fine. Then I don't have to break character either as that's the one I walk around in on a daily basis." -

"He's a total sleaze, and he doesn't have a solid for either murder. Hard for me to see somebody that slimy being our guy, but he's not covered." She looked down at her shoes, studying the, shine, and hoping the body language looked subservient.' "He also cheats on Pepper, regularly by my take. He hit on me, and it seemed like a natural rhythm Guy's got more tired lines than an afternoon soap and less talent at selling them."

"You hit back?

"Enough to keep the rhythm up, not enough to get me a reprimand should there be an official inquiry.-Maybe-you. could stomp off to the elevator now. It's getting hard to keep looking naive and subservient." -

Eve obliged and timed it so Peabody barely had time to nip in with her before the doors shut. "I thought that was a good touch."

"Good thing my butt isn't any bigger than it already is. He's shifting his story for the night of the Wooton murder. Says he and Pepper are just business partners now, and keepingg up the pretext of otherwise so there isn't any negative -publicity through the run of the play. Still says he was at home all night, , though, and home all Sunday morning. Alone: The original Lonely Guy."

"What kind of moronic female falls for that crap? Eve wondered.

"Lots, I guess, depending on the delivery." She moved her shoulders. "His wasn't bad, actually. But it was too quick, and too obvious. Anyhow, he- claims he went to the Gold Key on Madison about one on Sunday. I say he's twinkling at -least one of those bimbos on the side. He's not the type for an LC. Isn't going to pay for it when he can bullshit and brag his way into it. And I'd say it'd be news to Pepper that they're just business partners now. I'd also say he doesn't think much of women as a species."