L. A. Confidential

Fisk rapped on the door. "Sir, I brought Lux and Geisler back."

"And?"

"Geisler gave me a prepared statement."

"Read it."

Fisk pulled Out a sheet. "'Pertaining to my relationship with Pierce Morehouse Patchett, I, Terence Lux, M.D., do offer the following notarized statement. To wit: my relationship with Pierce Patchett is professional: i.e., I have performed extensive plastic surgery on a number of male and female acquaintances of his, perfecting already existing resemblances to exact resemblances of several notable actors and actresses. Unsubstantiated rumors hold that Patchett employs these young people for purposes of prostitution, but I have no conclusive evidence that this is true. Duly sworn,' et cetera."

Ed said, "Not good enough. Duane, you take Yorkin and Rita Hayworth across the street and book them. Aiding and Abetting, and leave the arrest dates blank. Allow them one phone call each, then go down to Long Beach and seize 8819 Linden. That's a Fleur-de-Lis drop, and I'm sure Patchett's cleaned it out, but do it anyway. If you find the place virgin, bust it up and leave the door open."

Fisk swallowed. "Uh, sir? Bust it up? And no booking date on our suspects?"

"«Bust it up. Make a statement. And don't question my orders»."

Fisk said, "Uh, yes, sir." Ed closed the door, buzzed Kleckner. "Don, send Dr. Lux and Mr. Geisler in."

"Yes, sir," loud on the intercom. Whispered: "They're pissed, Captain. Thought you should know."

Ed opened the door. Geisler and Lux walked up-brusque.

No handshakes. Geisler said, "Franidy, that lunch didn't begin to cover the hourly rate I'm going to have to charge Dr. Lux. I think it's reprehensible that he came here voluntarily and was kept waiting so long."

Ed smiled. "I apologize. I accept the formal statement you offered and I have no real questions for Dr. Lux. I have just one favor to ask and a large one to grant in return. And send me your bill, Mr. Geisler. You know I can afford it."

"I know your father can. Continue, please. You're holding my interest so far."

Ed to Lux. "Doctor, I know who you know and you know who I know. And I know you deal in legal morphine cures. Help me with something and I'll pledge my friendship."

Lux cleaned his nails with a scalpel. "The «Daily News» says you're obsolescent."

"They're mistaken. Pierce Patchett and heroin, Doctor. I'll settle for rumors and I won't ask for your sources."

Geisler and Lux went into a huddle-a step out the door, whispers. Lux broke it off. "I've heard Pierce is co

Semipro, pro-his new lines all spelled HEROIN. Ed called Bob Gallaudet, left a message with his secretary: Nite Owl maybe breaking-call me. A picture on his desk hooked him: Inez and his father at Arrowhead. He called Ly

"Hello?"

"Ly

"God, hello."

"You didn't go to Patchett, did you?"

"Did you think I would? Were you setting me up to?"

Ed laid the picture face down. "I want you to get out of L.A. for a week or so. I have a place at Lake Arrowhead, you can stay there. Leave this afternoon."

"Is Pierce…"

"I'll tell you later."

"Will you come up?"

Ed checked the Vince

"He came and went, and I don't know where he is. Is he all right?"

"Yes. No, shit, I don't know. Meet me at Fernando's on the lake. It's right by my place. Say six?"

"I'll be there."

"I figured you'd take some convincing."

"I've already convinced myself of lots of things. Leaving town just makes it easier."

"«Why», Ly

"The party was over, I guess. Do you think keeping your mouth shut's a heroic act?"

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

Bud woke up at the Victory. Dusk out the window-he'd slept through half a night and a day. He rubbed his eyes; Spade Cooley locked right back on him. He smelled cigarette smoke, saw Dudley sitting by the door.

"Bad dreams, lad? You were thrashing a bit."

Nightmare: Inez trashed by the press, his fault-what he did to nail Exley.

"Lad, in repose you reminded me of my daughters. And you know I care for you no less."

He'd sweated the sheets through. "What's with the job? What's next?"

"Next you listen. I've long been involved in containing hard crime so that myself and a few colleagues might someday enjoy a profit dispensation, and that day will soon be arriving. As a colleague, you will share handsomely. Grand means will be in our hands, lad. Imagine the means to keep the nigger filth sedated and extrapolate from there. One obstreperous Italian you've dealt with in the past is involved, and I think you can be particularly useful in keeping him in line."

Bud stretched, cracked his knuckles. "I meant the reopening. Talk straight, okay?"

"Edmund Je

Live wires buzzing. "You knew about us. I should've known."

"There is precious little I don't know, and nothing I would not do for you. Coward Exley has touched the only two women you've loved, lad. Think of grand ways to hurt him."

CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR

They made love straight off- Ed knew they'd have to talk if they didn't, Ly

Ly