Page 143 of Random in Death

“Where the hell are you?”

“Stuck in traffic, after a very long day. The cursed tunnel’s backed up, so unless you can do something about that, I’ll be at least another half hour.”

“Since you’re sitting there, think. Caucasian male, fifteen to seventeen, around five-six, small feet. Hard-line conservative clothes.”

“Lieutenant, as I explained, I often work through the parents, grandparents, guardians, and a great many of my clients simply send me a list I spring off of. If I ever get out of this tunnel and home—and I could probably walk faster at this rate.”

“Do that.”

Charro just laughed. “Not in these shoes. It’ll take me five minutes to look at my records on those Stubens and give you a name. Believe me, I want to do that to get you off my back so I can have a very large adult beverage.”

Eve considered. “You have a driver?”

“Of course I have a driver.”

“I need the make and model of the vehicle, the color, the plates.”

“What for?”

“To arrange for a police escort once you’re through the tunnel. Get me the data on the car. Now.”

“Good God, who is this kid?” But the screen shifted as Charro scooted forward and talked to her driver.

With the information, Eve pulled strings, hard and fast.

It would save some time. Not a lot, she admitted, but every minute counted.

She needed that face. She needed that name.

“Charro, you still there?”

“Eyes wide, mouth agape.”

“I’m going to send you a list of shops. Flag any you don’t use. I think that’ll be fewer than the ones you do.”

“I can do that.”

“Flag them, send it back. Make it quick.”

Eve clicked up, pushed up and paced.

Close, so close, she knew it. But maybe not close enough if he tried to take another life tonight.

Another girl on her board? Like Jenna, Arlie, Kiki.

Like Quilla.

And all she could do? Wait. Wait for that name, that face. She’d pushed all the angles she could, and now had to wait for someone else to bring her an answer.

Charro worked fast, and as Eve expected, only two shops rated flags.

She sat down to try the next when her ’link signaled.

Special Agent Teasdale.

“Dallas.”

“Lieutenant, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you.”