The Forgotten Man

But finally they are too many.

Their steel finds him.

His body parts.

Starkey is his witness.

His tear-filled eyes.

His glance toward the princess.

His undying love.

His inevitable death.

PART FOUR. His Inevitable Death

37

The morning broke clean and bright, filling the glass peak of my A-frame with an amber glow. I opened the doors to my deck, hoping for a breeze. The scent of the garlic and tomatoes Lucy and I cooked were still sweet. I liked it, even when I realized Lucy had not told me where she was staying. If I didn't know, I couldn't call. Maybe that was best.

I scrambled three eggs, drank the Community coffee, then got ready for Diaz and Pardy. I jotted a list of the people I interviewed in Anson and San Diego, then made copies of the newspaper clips and articles about the Rei

She said, "So, World's Greatest, have you solved the case yet?"

"I have something that might help. Did you get a hit on the BOLO?"

"C'mon, nothing is ever that easy."

"I need to talk about something with you and Pardy. I have a digital picture of Rei

She interrupted me.

"What does that mean, blurry? Can you read the digits?"

"You can't read it, but we might He able to have it enhanced. It's a pretty good picture, but it doesn't come free-"

She interrupted me again.

"Waitaminute. Is anyone else in the picture?"

"One of Golden's outcall girls."

"Where was it taken? Can you recognize the location?"

She was looking for other witnesses.

"It's not like that, Diaz. It was taken outside the Home Away Suites three nights before his murder."

She fell silent, so I plowed ahead.

"Listen, that's what we have to talk about. Golden's operation isn't just outcall. He's ru

"Bring it around and let's see what you have."

"They need the pass. Is Pardy going to go for it?"

"Pardy will go with whatever I say."

I picked up Golden's computer from the hall closet, then let myself out through the kitchen. When I opened the kitchen door, an unsealed manila envelope was propped against the door. I looked inside, then tipped out a thin stack of faxed pages. The cover page was addressed to Sgt. D. Gittamon regarding David Rei

I knew Starkey must have dropped it off earlier that morning, and probably hadn't left a note or knocked because she was pissed off about di

"Starkey, it's me. Listen, I want to apologize about last night. I didn't know Lucy was in town and I guess I was abrupt with you. It was rude. I got the stuff you left. I'll read it now, and talk to you later."

I hung up, but I didn't feel any better.

David Rei

Two reports were attached to the cover. The first was the arresting officers' report. It was hand-typed, and only a page and a half.

Submitted by:

Ofc. Carl Belnap, #8681

Ofc. Gregory Silias, #11611

Arrest of David Rei

Chrg: Penal Code 16-7218a

Offers on routine patrol were dispatched to 1627 Adams, a residence, at 1640 hours on 9/12. Complainant (Mrs. Francine Wi

Mrs. Wi

Mrs. Sarkin stated she witnessed the confrontation from her house, but could not hear the threat. She stated she later spoke with Mrs. Wi

Mrs. Wi

During these statements from Mrs. Wi

Ofcs. proceeded on foot to the Rei

It was ascertained that no adult was present, both by David Rei

David Rei

Mrs. Wi

David Rei

Rei

(signed)

Ofc. Carl Belnap, #8681

a/o/9/12/68

I put the first report aside. The second report was written by a Juvenile Division detective named Gil Ferrier. It opened with two pages describing Ferrier's investigation, then concluded with his summary and recommendation-

David appeared calm, but appropriately concerned regarding his situation. He expressed regret regarding his outburst toward Mrs. Wi