by Baxter Clare
Lydia's indignation was real, and Frank calmed her, lying, "Hey, it's no big, just some trash I heard from a kid in lockup. Did you ever meet her anywhere outside of here? You know, where no one would see you together?"
"People can see you anywhere," Lydia said angrily. "I tolt you, we hooked up here."
"Nowhere else?"
"No."
"What happened when you two saw each other on the street?"
"We'd flash each other. We'd dis each other, but not too much. We didn't want to start no trouble."
Frank nodded, "Tell me again about the drugs. Did she ever tell you who she sold to, or where? Anything like that?"
"I already tolt you that too," Lydia explained.
"I know. I'm stupid. Tell me again," and she did so, exaggeratedly patient, like Frank was a slow child. Frank again asked where Placa was going when she left her that last day. Lydia again said she didn't know.
"She did that sometimes. Just said she had to go somewhere. She'd get real sad and mad like. I asked her once or twice but she never tolt me. Said she couldn't, so stop askin'.
Lydia was wistful when she added, "She was different like that. Cholos always be talkin' about what they done and what bad-asses they are, but me and Placa, we din' talk about where we been or where we are. We liked talking about where we wanted to be."
"You knew she wanted to go to college, right?"
Lydia's animosity softened, "Yeah, that was her dream. She used to say she had to get out of here. She said she'd take me with her when she left and that we'd leave this vida loca foolishness. One time," Lydia smiled behind her hand, "she said she wanted to be a cop and come back and arrest all the P51s."
"What was your dream?" Frank asked.
"To go with her," Lydia whispered.
"All right," Frank said, feeling a pang of tenderness. "You be careful out there. Don't make me have to be asking questions about you someday."
"I can take care of myself," Lydia huffed.
"Yeah, I know. That's what Placa used to say."
Chapter Twenty-three
Frank had been determined to get to the Estrella's, but the 93rd pulled a new case before briefing was even over — a Korean store owner beat to death at dawn while rolling up his metal storm door. Tensions between black and Korean communities ran high in south-central. The blacks accused the Koreans of sabotaging their neighborhoods by operating liquor stores on every corner. The Koreans said they had every right to run a business where there was opportunity. Frank had called Fubar before they even rolled and he arrived as the coroner techs were loading the vies body.
The brass knew crime scenes were off-limits even to them, yet they consistently ignored the yellow police tape.
Foubarelle stepped under it and Frank was grateful he hadn't arrived earlier to fuck up the evidence collection.
"What have you got?" he asked, his chest puffed like a fighting cock.
Frank indicated three separate people talking to detectives. Smoothly guiding her supervisor back under the tape, she said, "We actually have wits to this one. The old man was walking up the street. Saw a tall, muscular, black male, shaved head. He was arguing with the owner. He thinks the suspect's name is Luther Moore. Everybody calls him Mr. Em. Styles himself a Muslim but the old man says he's a bum. He got a little closer and he heard this Em saying he just wanted a pack of cigarettes. The vic, name's Ruk, he owned the store, but he wouldn't open up. Old man says Em kept arguing. Says Ruk seemed frightened and was trying to get into the store but Em was in his face. Em grabbed the vie by the arm and slammed him against the building. Then he picked up a garbage can," Foubarelle frowned at the garbage still coating the sidewalk, "and threw it at Ruk. Ruk went down, then Em picks up the can again and starts beating the vie with it. That's what the other two described too."
"Shit," Foubarelle said. "It had to be an African-American."
Frank smiled, knowing he was worried about the reporters pacing the area, cat-calling questions at him.
"Have fun," she offered, but he grabbed her sleeve.
"Do we have any idea where this Mr. Em is?"
"Nope. Old man thinks he lives a couple blocks south. Might be an Eleven-Deuce Crip."
That was LASD jurisdiction and Frank confirmed their notification. Inglewood and Watts PD, along with Southeast Division, had an APB too. Noah walked by, clucking, "And they say smoking's not addictive."
Frank put her whole squad on Ruk. They spent the next twenty-four hours searching for Luther Moore, amid howlings of the media, black and Korean business and community directors, deputy chiefs, the Chief, even the mayor. Frank could see them all churning this into another riot and pressed her crew mercilessly.
At approximately two o'clock the following afternoon, Southeast got a complaint from a woman who said there was a man sleeping in her garage. The responding officers found Luther Moore curled up in an Impala on blocks, snoring loud enough to scare Christ away.
Frank called Gail from the Alibi's payphone, exhausted, but exhilarated that their suspect was in lock-up.
"Been a long week," Frank said. "I'm glad it's Friday. We gonna see you tonight?"
"I don't think so. I've had a long week too."
"Look," Frank yelled, a finger in her other ear. "I've got an idea, if you're not busy tomorrow."
"I should chain myself to my desk until I can see the top of it again," Gail sighed. "But I'm sure your idea's better. What is it?"
"It's a surprise. I think you'll like it."
"Another hegira?" Gail teased, making Frank smile.
"Not what I intended. Just be ready for me to pick you up at nine AM."
"Where are we going?" Gail asked.
"If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise. Just wear something comfortable and plan on being gone all day. Can you do that?"
"I think I can handle it," then, "What are you up to?"
"Just trust me. Go home. Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow. Okay?"
"Okay," Gail said fondly, then threw in, "You're a nut."
"Yeah. See you in the morning."
Frank returned to the nine-three table, vaguely amused with herself, and eager to contribute her share of damage to the fast-emptying pitchers.
When Gail opened the door to her apartment, Frank announced, "I've got lattes and croissants waiting in the car."
"Let me get my purse."
She checked Gail's clothing while she waited. Nice jeans, scoop neck T-shirt, green like her eyes. The color reminded her of the way sun came dappled through the tall oaks on her street. Funky earrings, the gold knife and scissors Gail liked.
"Do I get to know where we're going yet?"
"Nope. Get a jacket or a sweater and let's go."
Frank angled toward the 101 Freeway while Gail described the week from hell. They drove further and further west until Gail finally whined, "Where are we going?"
"All right," Frank relented, pleased to see the city behind her in the rearview mirror. "Good morning lady, sans gentleman. Thank you for choosing Air Frank today. We know you have many other options and are pleased you've chosen us for your travel needs. The weather for our flight today is beautiful, highs in the low eighties, wind 10-15 miles off shore."
Gail tilted her head back, laughing. Her neck was smooth and creamy white, and Frank suddenly wondered what it would be like to kiss her there. The thought surprised her but she squelched it, continuing her patter.
"We'll be cruising at an altitude of approximately 40 miles above sea level at a speed of 65 miles per hour. During our flight, you'll be able to see the Pacific Ocean on your left and the San Gabriel Mountains on your right. Approximate travel time is 45 minutes, and we hope you'll enjoy your flight to Santa Barbara. If you have any problems or questions please feel free to contact the hostess. And again, thank you for choosing Air Frank. Click."
"Santa Barbara?" Gail asked happily.
"Yeah. I thought it'd be fun to get away for a while. You ever been to the botanical garden?"
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Gail shook her head, and Frank said, "They're supposed to be incredible this time of year. You said you wished you had a garden and this is one helluva garden. We'll do that first, then have lunch at Citronell. Exquisite food at exorbitant prices but well worth it. After that, maybe walk off a few pounds on the beach, or check out the antique stores. You like antiques, right?"
Gail nodded, "You've got a good memory."
"Helps in my line of work. So we'll do that. Maybe grab a drink somewhere then head for home while the sun's setting. How's that sound?"
"You really want to know?"
"Yeah."
"It sounds very romantic. Was that your intention?"
"No-o," Frank said slowly, "I just wanted to get away for a while. Been a rough week. Thought it'd be nice to turn our pagers off and get the hell out of Dodge."
"It's very nice and you're sweet to think of it."
"All right then. Just sit back and relax. If you still remember how to do that."
"I do, but I'll bet you don't."
"Ah-h, I might surprise you."
"You seem to keep doing that," Gail observed.
Walking through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in spring was like walking through a museum of uncased jewels. Gail zig-zagged from flower to flower, while Frank watched indulgently, charmed by the doc's simple and obvious pleasure. Later they ate appetizers and salad for lunch, with an outrageously good bottle of wine, then puttered through the antique stores downtown. Frank people-watched while Gail hunted unsuccessfully for deals.
With the sun heavy to the west, they started the drive back, bogged down in the weekend traffic. Frank fiddled with the radio, pausing on what sounded like the mournful opening to Tristan and Isolde.
"You like opera?" Gail asked, snuggling against the door.
"Kind of. I don't know much about it. Maggie used to listen to it all the time and I got used to her favorites. They're about all I know."
"We should go sometime," Gail said, closing her eyes.
"Wine catching up to you?"
She nodded with a sleepy smile. Frank reached across Gail and locked her door. "Always the cop," Gail murmured.
Frank was trying to decipher the colorful strike on the truck next to her, when Gail jerked up, exclaiming, "Oh, shit!"
Snagging her big purse from behind the seat, she pulled out a large envelope and offered it to Frank.
"I forgot. It's Luis Estrella's lab results."
"You've been carrying that around all day?"
"Well, I figured if I put it in my purse I'd see it and remember to give it to you but you haven't let me pay for anything."
"Shit," Frank muttered, tearing open the envelope, "That'll teach me to be generous. How'd you get these so quick?"
"Do you know Suzie? In the lab?"
"She that chunky little butch with the glasses?"
"She's a little crusty," Gail admitted, "but she's a sweetie."
"Probably got a crush on you."
"I doubt it. She's got three grandkids and a husband who just retired. I told her I'd take her out to lunch if she could get that to me ASAE"
"Must want to have lunch with you pretty bad," Frank maintained.
"Oh, stop," Gail said, taking a swat at Frank, who was already scanning the material. Interestingly, there was no blood on his pants, but the blood on Estrella's sweatshirt matched samples from the rest of his murdered family, as did the samples from his shoes. A wad of old gum had trapped some fibers. Brown and tan polyesters that appeared to be automotive textiles, then an odd fiber. A horse hair. The soles also contained minute traces of what appeared to be alfalfa, oats, and horse manure.
That made Frank's forehead crease. The Sentra behind her honked and Frank eased up to the bumper in front of her.
No blowback on his hands. Odd. After having just shot that many people, at that close a range, Luis should have had blood and flesh spatter on his hands. But there was none. No gunshot residue either. Frank grabbed a pen and wrote "gloves?" But that didn't make sense. Luis lived at the homicide scene. His prints were all over. Why would he bother to put on gloves?
She read more. Bits of organic debris shaken from his clothing were consistent with his location in the canyon. A man tripping around in the dark would have certainly put his hands out to brace himself, but there was no mention of organic debris in the nail scrapes. There were also more alfalfa, oat and horse manure traces. Was he in a barn somewhere? A stable? Why? Frank wondered.
The lab found the same brown automobile fibers in all his clothing and in his hair. Frank remembered the interior of Luis' car was brown. There were other fibers as well — navy, gray, and black wool. Clothing fiber. A couple others turned out to be more horse hairs.
"Jesus," Frank breathed, her mind speeding with the sudden possibilities. She glanced at Gail dozing with her mouth slightly open. Frank was glad the doc wasn't awake to see the notes she was scribbling on the back of the report.
Chapter Twenty-four
Frank paced around the dining room table in shorts and a T-shirt. A couple empties stood upside down in the sink and she scowled when the phone rang. Fubar was on call and she hoped it wasn't him. When he caught something he often asked Frank to "help". And she had to admit, she'd spoiled him because she usually did; it was easier to take the case from the beginning than clean up his mess later.
"Franco," she answered.
"Hi. It's Gail. I didn't wake you up, did I?"
"Nope. I was just sitting here thinking about Luis Estrella's lab results."
"Well, Santa's heard you've been a good girl and he wants to give you an early Christmas present. Is it too late to drop it off?"
"Damn. Santa's working overtime," Frank smiled into the phone. "Come on over."
When Gail arrived, Frank got her a beer, asking what she was doing out so late.
"It's Tuesday," Gail made a face. "Rounds until ten. Here. Before I forget and you yell at me again," she said, handing Frank another envelope.
"I didn't yell at you," Frank objected.
"Yes, you did," Gail sulked. "And here I was just trying to be nice. I'm wondering if Santa got his information mixed up about you."
Frank grinned, "Who's the one that took you to Santa Barbara and bought you that great lunch?"
"Well, that's true."
Frank fished out lab results for a beating death the nine-three caught had caught a couple weeks ago.
"I like this personal service," she noted, scanning the data. Gail was propped against the table sipping her Corona.
"How'd you get that scar?" she asked, giving Frank's knee a nod.
"Old football injury," Frank murmured.
"I'm serious."
"So am I. I was playing with my cousins and I fell on a broken bottle."
"Ouch. How about that one?" she asked, leaning to swipe a finger over a jagged line on Frank's forearm.
"That one ..." Frank said, trying to analyze a 2x4 pattern on the victim's cheek, "came from a chain link fence. I was chasing a punk and when I hit the fence I impaled myself on a busted link, I didn't realize it, so I ripped half my arm off when I went over."
"How many stitches?"
"I don't remember."
"Do they bother you?"
"No. Can't feel a thing. They were both a long time ago."
"No, I meant aesthetically."
"Nah. Scars are like wrinkles; they're war wounds. I've earned every one of 'em."
"That's a good attitude."
Frank didn't look up when Gail volunteered, "I've got a scar."
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah. A mastectomy," the doc said without a missing a beat. Frank lowered the report. She looked for a joke in Gail's face but didn't see it.
"Full or partial?"
"Full. My entire left breast."
"When?"
"A little over two and a half years ago."
"Been clean since?"
"Knock on wood," Gail answered, rapping on the envelope.
The doc flashed a quick grin.
"I'm flattered you've looked."
There was a weighted silence, in which Frank wasn't sure what to say. Gail finally admitted, "I don't know why I told you. I've never told anyone outside my immediate family. I guess it's good to practice on a friend."
"I'm glad you did."
"Yeah," Gail said, "now you know better than to date me."
"Think it makes you any less attractive?"
"I've rationalized in my head that it doesn't, but on the other hand I haven't had a date in two and a half years, so go figure. Anyway, I like what you said about a scar being a badge of honor."
"Wear it proudly. Not every one gets the chance to."
"You're right," Gail said, setting her beer down. "You have such a healthy perspective sometimes."
Rolling her eyes, Frank said, "Tell Clay that."
"It's getting kind of late," Gail said shoving off from the table. "I've got to go in early and prep for testimony."
"I won't keep you," Frank stood. "You shouldn't have come out of your way."
"I don't consider you out of the way," Gail tossed off, then suddenly she wheeled.
"Hey! Now this isn't fair. Here I've gone and shared my deepest, most intimate secret with you and I still don't even know your first name!"
"Ahhh," Frank said, "Tit for tat, so to speak?"
"You're terrible," Gail laughed, that sexy chuckle.
"This my price for such incredible personalized service from the coroner's office?"
Gail held her palm out.
"Pay up, sister."
"Okay," Frank gave in. "Here goes. You have to understand that my mother was always into fads and cults. Whatever the latest trend was, she was into it. Rebirthing, Zen, EST, Christian Science — you name it, she tried it. My dad used to call it her faith-of-the-month club, and when she was carrying me, she was into Wicca. Thought she was a witch or something. It was pretty harmless. I mean, I don't remember her sacrificing goats in the living room or anything. Anyway, she got this idea in her head that a really great name, one that would confer a lot of power for a little girl, would be — are you ready?"
