Page 119 of Random in Death

“Peabody, check on Rosenburg, contact her parents and Arlie Dillon’s mother. Find out when it’s convenient for us to take a look at their rooms.

“Detective Sergeant Rabbit.”

Jenkinson grinned at her. “Yes, boss.”

“Are you clear?”

“Just tying up some paperwork.”

“Good.” She took out her PPC. “I’ve got a list of upscale barbers. You and Reineke can start checking them out. Looking for a Caucasian male, about sixteen. You have the current description of the subject. Hair color unknown. It’s a wig,” she said when he frowned at her.

“Well, shit. Sure it is.”

“Conservative cut. It’s probably regular, say once a month. He may or may not be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Polite, well-mannered, well-dressed.”

“We’ve got it, Loo.”

“I’m with Whitney.”

“We got it,” Jenkinson said as she walked out. “Don’t let him push the feds in yet.”

And yet another reason she’d wanted him to take the promotion to DS.

This time she took the glides to give herself the time and room to think.

She glanced at her ’link, read the brief text from Peabody.

Before you get to Whitney, Kiki’s condition’s good. Scheduled for tests this morning, and should be released before noon.

Roger that.

Outside Whitney’s office, his admin gestured Eve straight in.

He sat at his desk, his gray suit shades lighter than Roarke’s, the shoulders in it as broad as a fullback’s. A mug of coffee steamed at his elbow.

His wide dark face had more lines than it had when she’d made rank, and his close-cropped black hair more threads of white.

But somehow they added dignity to power.

“Sir.”

“Lieutenant. Coffee?”

“No, sir, thank you.”

“Can’t blame you. Do you have a status on the third victim?”

“They’re hoping to release her before noon. We’ll interview her again, as she saw him, and might remember more details. We have other witnesses from the theater, Commander, and Yancy will work with them.”

“Yes, I skimmed your report. As of now, after two murders and one attempted, we don’t have a full description, much less an identification.”

“No, sir. However—”

“Three’s the magic number, Dallas. You know that as well as I do.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Convince me why we shouldn’t pick up the magic wand and bring in the FBI. I know you. It’s not about power or pecking order, it’s not about who gets the collar and credit. We can request Special Agent Teasdale. You’ve worked well with her in the past.”