The Museum of Desire: An Alex Delaware Novel(96)

Reed entered the patio, swinging his arms. The movement caused the front of his jacket to flap against his massive chest. The bulge of his shoulder holster was visible for an instant; then he rolled his neck and stood up straight and it was gone.

“Anything to be aware of, kid?”

“They got seated right away and served wine without asking for it so I’m figuring regulars.”

“The good life,” said Milo. “As soon as Alicia gets here, we go. Candace knows me so I’ll approach from the north. Alicia will be with me and you’ll come from the back. Go to the bar, order a soda, look cool, and come out behind them. Try to get closer to her because she’s edgy. Sean makes it in time, he’ll be with you.”

“What about Doc?”

“Observing from a safe distance. On the way over, he worked up ideas about how to approach them. Everyone take a listen.”

I said, “With so many people around, the key is to avoid disruption and any sort of collateral damage. Cuff them as soon as possible and once they’re restrained, try to ease them up and out through that little gate in front. Obviously, they’ll be put in separate cars. Read them their rights and switch your phones to Record.”

Milo said, “Book ’em immediately but don’t get ’em into interview rooms as soon as possible. Alex?”

“Once they’re in the rooms, no pressure, go the soft route, try to give them the illusion of control. But the truth is, none of this may matter. These are sophisticated people. They’re bound to lawyer up.”

Milo said, “The key will be finding evidence at their houses and the gallery. They lawyer up, they’re locked up.”

His phone beeped and a second later so did Reed’s. A brief little electronic duet.

Alicia said, “Driving south on Canon. Can’t see you.”

Milo stuck his head out.

“Okay, now I can—got a nice little red zone right…here.”

Moments later she’d joined us, hair in a tight bun, wearing a black leather jacket, black crewneck, gray skinny jeans, black running shoes. As if she and Reed had color-coordinated. Or the assignment had inspired somber tones in both of them.

Milo said, “You hear everything?”

She said, “I did.”

Another beep. “What’s up, Sean?”

“Moving finally, Loot, but like a snail. I’m stuck behind ten cars at Doheny, every time the light changes it gridlocks.”

“Just stay with it, kid. We’re gonna move in a few.”

“You don’t need me?” said Binchy.

“I always need you. There’ll be plenty to do. This is just the beginning.”



* * *



—

Just as we were about to cross Canon, a waiter emerged from the restaurant and placed food before the Kiersteads. Refills of wine, the empty bottle removed.

Sig dug right in, sawing at something and eating with gusto. Candace picked at her plate.

Milo gave Binchy one more try.

“Still haven’t crossed Doheny.” Mournful.

“We’re going, Sean. I’ll use you to drive one of them.”

“Sure, Loot.” Not consoled.

Milo shut down his cell, the rest of us did the same. “Let’s do this.”





CHAPTER


    51


Milo, Alicia, and I walked back to Little Santa Monica, taking the brief detour in order to remain out of view. Crossing Canon, we made our way back toward La Pasta. Reed had headed in the opposite direction, crossing at Brighton Way and continuing toward the restaurant’s entrance.

As we reached the edge of the iron railing, Milo unsnapped his holster but kept his gun in place. Stepping in front of Alicia, he led the way. I stayed back. But close enough to see.

I watched as Milo stepped up to Sig Kierstead, who paid no notice. Busy cutting a petite steak topped with some sort of green sauce.

Candace paid plenty of notice. She squinted, tensed. Said, “Lieutenant?” and put down the fork she’d been using to halfheartedly spool fettuccine.

Her husband looked up. Confused. Then amused. “Lyu-tenant? This is your police friend, Candy?” Smooth Middle European voice.

“It is. And you are?”

Alicia said, “Alicia.”

“Your girlfriend, Mr. Lyu-tenant?” said Sig. “You’re eating here? Excellent choice.”

Milo said, “Actually we came to see you.”

Candace gripped her fork. Fixed on us and not noticing Reed appearing behind her. He sidled between the neighboring table and the nape of her neck. That she noticed. She whipped her head back toward him.

Reed kept walking and she relaxed.

“Us? Why in the world?” said Sig, putting his knife and fork down and daintily dabbing at clean lips. Unperturbed. Cold gray eyes. Why not? The world was his plaything. At that moment I knew he’d been more than a sidekick.

He smiled. The tan was spray-on, yellow borders visible where it met pink flesh.

Candace said, “Something new has come up?”

Milo said, “Best to talk somewhere else.”

Sig said, “Out of the question. We’re recreating.”

“Still, sir. Please come with us.”

Gray eyes turned to pond pebbles. “I don’t think so, Mr. Lyu-tenant. Call and make an appointment.”