Kiss of Death by P.D. Martin Read Free Book Online Page B

and I’d like to check out a Goth club and the two guys who were done for trespassing, Riley and Davidson.”
    Sloan lets out a sigh. “Busy day. I’ve also got a load of paperwork I need to start on. Credit card and bank account information for Sherry, plus I’ll put a request in for phone records.”
    â€œI hear you.” Sloan’s not the only one with paperwork. I still haven’t read the file and I’m keen to get more info on Anton Ward and the L.A. vampire scene.
    â€œMaybe we should split up. You can do the FBI-profiler thing, and I can look after the LAPD’s interests.” There’s a hint of frustration in her voice, but that ties in with theoccasional vibe I’m getting off Sloan—like maybe she’s regretting calling the FBI to her turf.
    The problem is I want to be there when she questions the ex-boyfriend and the best friend. They’ll give me a good insight into Sherry, and victimology is always my starting point.
    â€œLet’s see how we go. The best friend is around the corner, so we could visit her first, then the ex, and after that I’ll get caught up on the file and you can log your paperwork,” I suggest.
    â€œSounds like a plan.” Sloan fastens her seat belt.
    I pull into the traffic and head for Desiree’s address. I don’t mind if we don’t get time for Riley and Davidson today, because I’d like to soak up the atmosphere at one of the Goth clubs—that would be a better introduction to the scene than interviewing two members in their homes.
    â€œI’m actually considering going to one of the clubs tonight…dressed up.” I need to look like one of them, otherwise I’ll be too conspicuous.
    â€œReally?” Sloan gives me a sideways glance. “You’re thorough.”
    â€œIf After Dark is involved, I need to get an insight into the culture.”
    She shrugs. “I’ll definitely pass on that one. Besides, I’m guessing the Goth scene doesn’t have too many men or women in their fifties.”
    I laugh. “How old are Riley and Davidson?”
    â€œRiley’s twenty-two and Davidson’s twenty.”
    I wince. “Maybe I’m too old.”
    â€œWard’s in his thirties.” Sloan takes out her mobile phone. “I’m just going to check in with the officer who took the missing persons call this morning.” She dials a number and after a few minutes on hold she’s redirected to his mobile—he’s off duty. She places her phone on the center console between us.
    â€œIs this Detective Saporo?” Sloan asks.
    â€œYup.”
    â€œIt’s Detective Sloan calling from Homicide. I believe you took a missing persons report on Sherry Taylor this morning.”
    â€œThat’s right.” A heartbeat of silence while recognition hits…he’s getting a call from a homicide detective. “Oh, shit. You’re friggin’ joking .”
    â€œSherry Taylor’s body was found in Temescal Gateway Park this morning.”
    â€œDammit.” Saporo draws the word out forcefully. “I thought…I mean she’s twenty and lived with her parents. Shit! She told me her daughter wouldn’t just stay out all night.”
    â€œNo one would have handled the call any differently given the circumstances. In fact, you read the situation well to even issue the APB.” Sloan moves on quickly. “Where’s the missing persons report at now?”
    â€œI presume it’s in the Missing Persons Unit’s queue.” He swallows loudly.
    â€œOkay, thanks. I’ll let them know. You followed procedure, it’s just this was the one in a thousand.”

Three
    Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
    L ike Sherry Taylor, Desiree Jones lives with affluent parents in Brentwood. The house is significantly smaller, but in a much more ornate, almost Tuscan-villa style with wrought-iron window fittings and bright ceramic