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Da
“Yes, and I don’t appreciate bureaucratic faux pas. Come in.”
Gordean stood aside; Da
Da
Gordean smiled and held the envelope down at his side. “Then let me initiate you regarding my relationship with your Department, Mr.—”
“It’s Deputy Upshaw.”
“Mr. Upshaw, I cooperate fully with the Sheriff’s Department, in exchange for certain courtesies, chief among them your contacting me by telephone when you require information. Do you understand?”
Da
“As long as you’re here, tell me how I can assist you. I’ve never been questioned on a triple homicide before, and frankly I’m curious.”
Da
Gordean’s reaction was more frost. “I’ve never heard of a Martin Goines. I brokered introductions for George Wiltsie throughout the years, and I think George mentioned Duane Lindenaur to me.”
Da
Gordean smoothed his tuxedo lapels. “I know Hartshorn, but I don’t recall actually meeting Lindenaur. And I throw a lot of parties. When was this alleged one?”
“In ‘40 or ‘41.”
“That’s a long time ago. You’re staring at me very acutely, Mr. Upshaw. Is there a reason for that?”
Da
“And you find that dismaying?”
“No.”
“Curious?”
“Yes.”
“Am I an actual suspect in these killings?”
“No, you don’t fit my description of the killer.”
“Do you require alibis for me to further assert my i
Da
Not a second’s hesitation. “I was here, hosting well-attended parties. If you require verification, please have Lieutenant Matthews do it for you—we’re old friends.”
Da
Gordean walked to a liquor cabinet, filled two glasses and returned with them. Da
“George Wiltsie was a masculine image that a number of men found enticing. I paid him to attend my parties, dress well and act civilized. He made liaisons here, and I received fees from those men. I imagine that Duane Lindenaur was his lover. That’s all I know about George Wiltsie.”
Da
“I don’t recall.”
“You what?”
“I host parties, guests come and meet the young men I provide, money is discreetly sent to me. Many of my clients are married men with families, and keeping a blank memory is an extra service I provide them.”
The glass was shaking in Da
Gordean sipped brandy. “No, but I expect you to accept that answer as all you are going to get.”
“I want to see the books for your service, and I want to see a client list.”
“No. I write nothing down. It might be considered pandering, you see.”
“Then name names.”
“No, and don’t ask again.”
Da
“Mr. Upshaw, we’ve reached an impasse. So let me suggest a compromise. You said that I don’t fit your killer’s description. Very well, describe your killer to me, and I will try to recall if George Wiltsie went with a man like that. If he did, I will forward the information to Lieutenant Matthews, and he can do with it what he likes. Will that satisfy you?”
Da
Gordean smiled—very slightly. “I won’t tell Lieutenant Matthews you said that, nor will I tell Al Dietrich the next time I send him and Sheriff Biscailuz passes to play golf at my club. And I have good friends with both the LAPD and the Bureau. Another drink, Mr. Upshaw?”
Da
Da
No fear; a thoughtful scrunching up of the forehead. Gordean said, “I recall a tall, dark-haired man from the Mexican Consulate going with George, but he was fiftyish during the war. I remember several rather rotund men finding George attractive, and I know that he went regularly with a very tall man with red hair. Does that help you?”
“No. What about men in general of that description? Are there any who frequent your parties or regularly use your service?”
Another thoughtful look. Gordean said, “It’s the impressive head of hair that tears it. The only tall, middle-aged men I deal with are quite balding. I’m sorry.”
Da
“Just that they were living together.”
“Did you know that Lindenaur attempted to extort money from Charles Hartshorn?”
“No.”
“Have you heard of either Wiltsie or Lindenaur pulling other extortion deals?”
“No, I have not.”
“What about blackmail in general? Men like your clients are certainly susceptible to it.”
Felix Gordean laughed. “My clients come to my parties and use my service because I insulate them from things like that.”
Da
“Charles was never lucky—in love or politics. He’s also not a killer. Question him if you don’t believe me, but be courteous, Charles has a low threshold for abuse and he has much legal power.”
Gordean was holding out the glass of brandy; Da