Detectives Lewis and Wolfrom sit in an unmarked sedan in front of the M&M Tower. “You know they’re gonna cry harassment,” Wolfrom says in his most reasonable tone.
“What harassment? We’re police officers. We’re on city property. No harm no foul.”
“Don’t go all innocent on me Lewis. My shield may be new but I’m not stupid. Pull it on the bosses all you like, but I’m your partner, and we’re both of us sitting here in this official car, tempting fate.”
“Sorry Wolfie. It’s just I’m so pissed off, you know? That little prick was gonna crack. I know it.”
“Probably. Uncle M knew it too.”
“Think we can tag Uncle M as an accessory?”
Wolfrom laughs aloud at the absurdity of the suggestion.
Lewis tenses, suddenly alert. “Look there, the staff is starting to let out for the day.”
They both open their doors and get out in unison. A half dozen women are crossing the pavement when the detectives approach, flashing badges. “Excuse me, I’m Detective Lewis, this is Detective Wolfrom. We’re looking for information. I wonder if any of you might be able to help our investigation.”
“Is this about Neil?” asks one of the women.
Lewis nods. “If any of you have anything to say, you can tell us in confidence.”
“Right, and get in trouble,” a short brunette says.
Another woman asks the brunette, “Just how does keeping that little creep out of jail help me?”
The brunette says, “Good jobs don’t grow on trees, Mare,” as another shakes her head and hurries away.
Wolfrom produces a stack of business cards, passing them out. “Ladies, just take a card, and if you know anything give us a call. Or if you think someone else might want to speak to us, pass the card along. That’s all. We don’t want to get anyone in trouble.”
“Yeah, right,” says the brunette, “there’s a recession on, didn’t you know?” but she palms a card anyway.
Lewis purses her lips and puts on her most concerned face. “The young lady who was attacked is getting out of the hospital today, but it will be some time before she’s really right again. If you can help us out at all we’ll do our best to keep it confidential.”
“What do you mean, attacked?”
“Neil put somebody in the hospital?”
“That’s what we’re trying to find out.”
“Ohmigod, I just thought he was a dirty little pervert.”
“We’re just conducting a routine investigation,” says Wolfrom, pinning Lewis with a sharp look.
“What happened to the woman?”
“If you know anything that may help, just give us a call.”
Some of the women are accepting Wolfrom’s cards when Lewis feels a hand brush hers from behind.
The detective’s instinct is to grab the hand but she suppresses the impulse, forcing herself to stay relaxed. Lewis smiles as she feels a bit of paper slip into her waiting palm. She closes her fingers around it then drops it in her pocket as the women scatter at the approach of the pretentious little M&M security guard across the concrete. Lewis plants a hand on her hip and badges him with the other.
“Detective Lewis. Can I help you?”
“This is private property, detective. You have to leave.”
Lewis cocks an eyebrow. “Really.”
Wolfrom grins and shakes his head. “Since when did city sidewalks become private property?”
Looking smug the guard tells them, “This is not city sidewalk, Officer. City property ends at the curb. What technically should be sidewalk is actually the curb lane. The sidewalk you are standing on is M&M private property. Mr. Molony said you’ll be able to see it on the city plan he’s having faxed to your lieutenant as we speak. You’re being advised to leave. If that’s a problem, I’ll just have your badge numbers?”
“Here you go, slugger,” Lewis tells him as she thrusts her business card at him. “Knock yourself out. We’re leaving.”
