L. A. Confidential

Mayor Norris Poulson doesn't know why. But he does offer a fitting eulogy. "Very simply, these two men symbolized the fulfillment of a vision-Los Angeles as a place of enchantment and high-quality everyday life. More than anyone else, Raymond Dieterling and Preston Exley personified the grand and good dreams that have built this city."

PART FIVE. After You've Gone

CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT

Ed in his dress blue uniform.

Parker smiled, pi

Applause, flashbulbs. Ed shook Parker's hand, checked the crowd. Politicos, Thad Green, Dudley Smith. Ly

More applause, a handshake line. Mayor Poulson, Gallaudet, Dudley.

"Lad, you have performed so grandly. I look forward to serving under you."

"Thank you, Captain. I'm sure we'll have a grand time together."

Dudley winked.

The City Council filed by; Parker led the crowd to refreshments. Ly

Ed walked over. Ly

She'd aged the past month-beautiful to handsome. "When?"

"Right now, before I back down."

"Open your purse."

"What?"

"Just do it."

Ly

"How much?"

"Enough to buy Arizona. Where's White?"

"At the car."

"I'll walk you."

They skirted the party, took side stairs down. Ly

Bud White. Braces on his legs, his head shaved and sutured. No splints on his hands-they looked strong. A wired-up mouth that made him look goofy.

Ly

White grabbed his hands, squeezed until they both winced. Ed said, "Thanks for the push."

A smile, a laugh-Bud forced them through wires. Ed touched his face. "You were my redemption."

Party noise upstairs-Dudley Smith laughing. Ly

"Was I ever in the ru

"Some men get the world, some men get ex-hookers and a trip to Arizona. You're in with the former, but my God I don't envy you the blood on your conscience."

Ed kissed her cheek. Ly

Ed touched his side, palms half the man's size. The car moved-Ed ran with it, hands against hands. A turn into traffic, a goodbye toot on the horn.

Gold stars. Alone with his dead.

James Ellroy