Hollywood Underworld_A Hollywood Alphabet Series Thriller

by M. Z. Kelly

  “He thought the NSA developed techniques to trace phones, even when the phone is off and the battery is removed. Do you know if anyone looked into that regarding the calls Caine made to me?”

  “Can’t say for sure. All I know is they said the calls were from burners, untraceable. I can give our cybercrimes people a call and ask them to follow up. Who did you say this guy is you talked to?”

  I hesitated. “Just someone who I know that helped out on a prior case.” When he didn’t respond, I wasn’t sure he believed me, so I changed the subject. “How are you feeling?”

  “On the mend. I think it’s going to take me a few days to get my strength back.”

  What he said concerned me. It wasn’t like Joe to express any form of weakness. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah. Looking forward to your visit down the road. I’ll call you if I get anything worthwhile back from our tech people.” After a bit of idle chit chat, I had the impression that he had something else on his mind because he rather abruptly ended the call.

  Our conversation replayed in my mind as I drove to the station with Bernie an hour later. I decided that maybe Joe’s gunshot wound had taken more out of him than I thought. Then something else occurred to me: was there another reason Joe was retiring? That thought led me down a trail of other possibilities, everything from him having other health issues to being involved in another relationship that he hadn’t told me about. It even crossed my mind that he and Eva Valdez might have rekindled their feelings for one another.

  I did my best to put all that out of my mind as Bernie and I walked into the stationhouse. After saying hello and fielding a few questions about my work with the feds, I took a seat at my workstation and exchanged greetings with Olivia and Leo.

  After updating them on the federal case, I said, “No Al today?”

  “He said something about going to court, and I don’t think it’s on a criminal case,” Olivia said.

  “I can confirm that,” Leo said. “He and his wife are going through a divorce.”

  “Maybe that explains his attitude lately,” I said.

  Olivia chuckled. “If you ask me, his attitude is a permanent fixture.”

  “That bad?”

  “Bad enough.”

  We went on for a couple minutes, discussing Al’s disposition, Leo adding his opinion that the divorce proceedings weren’t solely responsible for his attitude. We then discussed the cases they’d been working, including the shooting on Hollywood Boulevard.

  “It was a gang hit,” Olivia said. “We have one in custody, Danny Franklin.”

  “Familiar name,” I said, remembering Franklin’s ties to a local street gang.

  “A guy named Rafael Damon was also at the scene. He has a warrant pending. It’s pretty much a matter of wrapping things up.”

  “And the McVey and Spence cases?”

  “Let’s meet in my office,” Lieutenant Byrd said, before they could answer. He looked at me and Bernie. “Welcome back to the trenches.”

  My big dog was panting, as I told the lieutenant, “I think someone’s happy to be back on duty.”

  He eyeballed Bernie. “Yeah, I’m glad you’re both bath. We need all the help we can get.”

  After we gathered in Byrd’s office, I got an update on their shooting case, along with a couple other cases Olivia and Leo had been helping with. I asked the lieutenant about the McVey and Spence investigations.

  “Captain Van Ness would like some closure, but...” He looked at Olivia and Leo. “...I’m assuming there’s nothing new.”

  Olivia answered. “We’ve put a call into Mogul Studios, asking to speak with Robert Zemaris. He called back, but I was tied up, and we haven’t connected.”

  I mentioned the missing persons case my friends were working. “The girl’s name is Laura Keene. She went missing after an acting class about a week ago and may have had some contact with Mogul Studios. From what I’ve been told, Zemaris may have had a thing for her.”

  “What happened with that other guy...?” Byrd checked his notes. “Dennison, the casting guy. Wasn’t he supposedly harassing Gina Spence?”

  Leo answered. “That’s what Zemaris’s HR director said, but we haven’t had a call back from her about him.”

  “It’s possible she was covering for Zemaris by implicating Dennison,” I said. I looked at the lieutenant. “I think it would be worth going by the studios and talking to both Zemaris and Dennison, and maybe doing some follow-up on the missing girl.”

  Byrd looked at Olivia. “What’s the status of the warrant on Rafael Damon?”

  “It should come through today. If it does, we can go by and serve it after we leave the studio.”

  “Make it happen.” The lieutenant looked at me. “I’ll give you a window on McVey and Spence, but it’s a small window that’s closing soon if nothing breaks.”

  Since Olivia and I had Bernie, Leo took his own car, following us to Mogul Studios. As Olivia drove us, I mentioned Gina Spence’s husband. “Anything new with Garth and the money trail on the funds he withdrew from the bank to pay off his debts?”

  “Al still has his money on Mr. Handsome, but one of Garth’s friends confirmed the money went to pay back a loan for some gambling debts. Apparently, Garth has a problem in that regard. There’s also something noteworthy that came through on John McVey’s ex, Stephanie. Apparently, John owned an apartment building that he inherited when his parents died. It’s over in the marina, worth several million. It was stipulated in the will that if John died, Stephanie inherited it.”

  I felt Bernie’s hot breath on my neck, a sign he needed air. I reached back and cracked the rear window. “I’m surprised McVey put his ex in the will.”

  “Leo had some down time and followed up with her. She said she and John agreed that he wouldn’t have to pay her alimony, providing they shared the proceeds from the sale of the apartment building. She said they were planning to put it up for sale in the spring.”

  “What were Leo’s thoughts about Stephanie?”

  “Same as ours. He didn’t get any negative vibes off her, but we all know that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”

  I sighed. “There’s more loose ends, or maybe dead ends, in this case than a maze at Halloween.”

  “Don’t forget, there’s also the Sorin Chemicals issue.”

  “Geeze, you’re right. Anything new on that?”

  Olivia shook her head. “Jenny and Molly are still doing research, so I guess we keep all our cards in play.” She glanced at me, as we stopped for a red light. “So, how are things with you and Joe?”

  I’d told her about him being injured. “I made a promise to visit him in Phoenix after he recovers and when things settle down, so they’re good, except...”

  The light changed, and we moved ahead, as Olivia said, “What is it?”

  “I called Joe before work this morning. Maybe it was my imagination, but he seemed different. I don’t know exactly what it was, but our conversation felt...” I looked at her. “I guess ‘distant’ is the word I’m looking for.”

  She nodded. “I’ve had my share of those ‘distant’ conversations.” She glanced at me. “Maybe he just wasn’t feeling well or had something on his mind.”

  “You’re probably right.” I tried to put Joe out of my mind. “How are things with you?”

  “Single and looking, in case you hear of anyone.”

  I smiled. “I’m attending a JPS run next week, if you want to tag along.”

  “JPS?”

  I chuckled. “Believe it or not, it stands for Just Plain Stupid. Natalie and Mo said it has something to do with running through a mud obstacle course for charity and finding a guy. Not that I’m looking.”

  She laughed. “I’ll let you know if I’m feeling that desperate.”

  After arriving at Mogul Studios, we met up with Leo and checked in with the receptionist. After a ten-minute wait, we were escorted to Jack Dennison’s office.

  As we took seats
, and Bernie settled at my feet, Leo commented on the photos of Dennison with several actors, including some A-list stars.

  “I’ve been around long enough to get lucky and work with some good people,” Dennison said. He smiled. “With a few exceptions along the way.”

  The casting director was around forty, with a full head of brown hair, fading to gray at the temples. He was handsome, and I couldn’t help but think about the stories in the news about sexual harassment being rampant in the studios.

  Olivia wasted no time getting to the point of our meeting. “Tell us about your relationship with Gina Spence.”

  Dennison’s smile faded like ice cream in August. “She was an attractive woman, and, I’ll admit, I made a play for her. She said she was married and made it clear she wasn’t interested.”

  “From what we were told, you touched her inappropriately and suggested that if she wanted a part in a film she needed to have sex with you.”

  His features became pinched. “Who said that?”

  “Donna Williams.”

  “I have no idea who that is.”

  “She’s the HR director for this studio. She and Mr. Zemaris met with us while you were away and gave us the details about Spence’s complaint.”

  Dennison’s gaze moved off, and he shook his head. “I didn’t want to say anything.”

  “About what happened with Ms. Spence?” Leo asked.

  The casting director focused on Leo. “No. About Robert and...” He exhaled. “...what goes on here.”

  “Maybe you need to clarify exactly what you mean,” I said.

  The casting director brushed a hand through his thick hair. “Sometimes liberties are taken at the studio. That’s all I’m going to say.”

  I shook my head. “Not good enough. You’ve been implicated by the owner of this studio and the HR director of sexually harassing our victim. That makes you a suspect in her murder. I suggest you start talking.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  I put on my best bad cop face. “No, but I am waiting, and we’re not going to wait much longer.”

  Dennison took his time answering. When he finally spoke, there was a change in his attitude. “Can we keep this conversation just between us?”

  “For now.”

  He sighed. “Robert had a thing for Spence. From what I heard, he even went by her house a couple times. It’s not unusual.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Let’s just say he uses his position to make or break people in this business. Those who like working, including me, keep our mouths shut about what happens.”

  I glanced at Olivia and Leo. “So, you’re telling us that Mr. Zemaris makes it a common practice to sexually harass actresses who work for his studio?”

  I got a nod, but nothing else.

  “How many?”

  “What?”

  “How man actresses have you seen harassed?”

  His voice was low, just above a whisper. “Dozens.”

  “What about a young girl named Laura Keene? Do you remember her being at the studios? Or around Mr. Zemaris?”

  “She doesn’t sound familiar.”

  “Do you think Zemaris could have harmed Gina Spence when she turned down his advances?” Olivia asked.

  “I doubt it. From what I know, if Robert doesn’t get what he wants, he kills careers, not people.”

  We spent the better part of an hour with Dennison. He painted a picture of intimidation and harassment, most of it instigated by Zemaris, but there were others at the studio who also used their positions to their advantage. We were told that the famous director was away on business and wouldn’t be back for several days.

  When we were at our cars, I asked Olivia and Leo for their thoughts.

  “It sounds like Zemaris is your total scumbag director,” Olivia said. “But that doesn’t necessarily make him a killer.”

  Leo agreed. “We need to lean on him hard when he gets back in town, but, given his history and position, he’ll likely have an attorney present. I doubt that we’ll get much.”

  Olivia’s phone was ringing as I said, “Maybe we should talk to some of the actresses who have worked for him. We might not make him for murder, but I’m willing to bet there are other crimes he’s good for, maybe even rape.”

  “It’s from Jenny Durst,” Olivia said as she answered the call.

  Leo and I waited, listening to Olivia’s side of the conversation. Before she ended the call, we could tell it was serious.

  “It seems our case just went from the back burner to the front,” Olivia said. “We have a third murder, same MO as the others.”

  “Don’t make us wait for it,” Leo said.

  “Garth Spence.”

  FIFTY-SEVEN

  “Single shot, close range,” Leo told us after examining Garth Spence’s body. “No shell casing. Looks like nothing in the way of trace. There’s no sign of forced entry.”

  Olivia and I had let Leo do the preliminary examination of the crime scene. Our latest victim had been found in his living room by a cleaning lady, as we were finishing up at Mogul Studios. We had gathered in the front yard of the Spences’ modest home. A couple of uniformed officers had talked to the neighbors, but no one said they’d heard anything.

  “Maybe we’ll catch a break when the SID teams arrive and process the scene,” I said.

  “Yeah, and maybe I’ll win the lottery tonight,” Olivia said. She must have seen my surprised look. “Sorry, I guess Al’s rubbing off on me.”

  Bernie was sniffing around the yard as I said, “We’ve got to be missing something.”

  “As in?”

  “There has to be a connection between our three victims that we’re missing. Somebody came back and finished what they started by killing Garth.”

  Olivia looked at her phone and told Leo, “That warrant on Rafael Damon just came through.”

  Leo looked at me. “Olivia and I can go serve the warrant, if you want to work the scene here and update us later.”

  I agreed to the arrangements, and they left. I spent the next hour going over the crime scene, but not getting anything more than Leo did. I’d taken a walk up the street with Bernie to clear my head while SID processed the scene, when I saw Brie Henner arriving.

  I went over to her and said, “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”

  She pulled a couple bags from the trunk of her car. “I guess this is what you call job security of the worst kind.”

  I took a couple of minutes to give her what few details we had. “There has to be a connection between John McVey and both Gina and Garth Spence that we haven’t put together yet.”

  “Other than the fact that John and Gina were involved?” I nodded, and she went on. “Doesn’t McVey have an ex-wife who’s in the picture?”

  “Yes, and she stood to inherit with her ex-husband’s death, so there’s a potential motive there, but it doesn’t explain Garth’s murder.”

  “I’m no homicide detective, but maybe that leaves you with finding out what was in Garth’s past that got him killed.”

  “We know he had a gambling habit, and had recently paid off his debts, but maybe there’s more to that story than we know.” I saw that the lieutenant had arrived and told Brie I would catch up with her later.

  I waited while Byrd took a phone call, then updated him on the latest developments, before adding, “There’s something we’re missing about how Garth fits into the picture.”

  His gaze moved over to the Spences’ house. “Van Ness just called. Since we’ve got three killings that are linked, he wants this to be our priority.”

  “I’m glad everything is back in play.”

  The lieutenant’s blue eyes held on me. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to you this morning. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay after everything that went down in Washington.”

  I rubbed my neck, already feeling the stress of the day. “I’m as well as can be expected under the circumstances.”

>   “Any word on your sister?”

  “Nothing.”

  He lowered his voice. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, and you didn’t hear this from me, but the scuttlebutt is that Bronson wants you gone.”

  “Gone?”

  A nod. “And, just so you know, I’m not talking about a transfer.”

  “He wants me to quit? Why?”

  “It’s just speculation on my part, but I think what happened with Harlee Ryland dying, and now this Caine guy taking over for her, it’s dredged up something from the past.”

  “Something that has to do with my adoptive father?”

  “Maybe. I can’t say for sure.” Byrd’s gaze moved off for a moment, came back. “I just wanted you to be aware of what’s going on. I also want you to know that I’m on your side.”

  I realized my emotions were surfacing as I said. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

  The lieutenant waved hello to the SID supervisor, excused himself, then went over to chat with him. I took Bernie back up the street, my thoughts consumed by what Byrd had told me. The more I considered what the lieutenant had said, the more resolute I became about what I had to do. I made a commitment to myself never to quit my job unless it was under my own terms. I would also find out what the connection was between my father and Chief Bronson, no matter what it took.

  FIFTY-EIGHT

  Lisa Allen’s eyes fluttered open. The little girl had been asleep. The medications that helped control the pain from the cancer that riddled her emaciated body made her drift in and out of consciousness.

  As she opened her eyes, the sun filtered through the venetian blinds, carving white panels into the blue-gray hospital carpeting and climbing halfway up the wall. The room was full of the familiar sounds of the ventilator, the beeping of the electronic monitors. There were also the usual noises of the nurses in the hallway outside her room. The little girl suddenly flinched, making Caine aware that she knew he was in the room.

  “Morning, Miss Muffet,” Nathan Caine wheezed.

  The terrorist was in northern Colorado, not far from where he’d left Lindsay. He was here to tie up loose ends. Anyone who might remotely tie him to the events in Washington had to die. The girl wasn’t a threat, but she, along with her father, were on his hit list. He could take no chances.