Ballistic Kiss (Sandman Slim 11)

“The Pussycat Theatre?”

“That’s the place. I only went a couple of times, but he and Samantha loved it and would get into all sorts of trouble. That was another reason we knew that Samantha came from money. Whatever trouble they got into, she could always get them out of it. It was only when Chris tried to break things off with her that things went haywire.”

“He lost his meal ticket.”

“That was part of it. The stealing got completely out of hand. The little rat could get in anywhere and would leave with anything he could carry. The wretch made off with some of my jewelry. Say, if you find any emerald earrings during your investigation, let me know. I’ll make it worth your while.”

I think, Who cares?, but I say, “Sure, but let’s get back to Samantha. She didn’t live in Little Cairo, did she?”

“Yes. I think she might have. Chris was always giving her stupid little cat carvings.”

“Bast?”

“You’ll have to ask Chris that.”

“Do you remember what Samantha looked like?”

“Oh hell. Let me think. Pretty. Brunette. A tiny thing. Always smiling, like she was in on a joke that only she knew. What else . . . ?”

Thivierge seems lost in thought for a moment, then throws up her hands.

“This is silly. I have photos from back then. There was always someone taking shots at the parties. Polaroids mostly. No one wanted to take negatives to the corner drugstore, if you know what I mean. I’m sure I have shots of Chris and Samantha.”

“Can you show them to me?”

She gives me a funny look.

“Now you just sound like an old pervert. Are you sure you’re a detective?”

“I’m trying to solve a murder the cops forgot about forty years ago. Isn’t that good enough?”

“All right. Come down off the cross. I tell you what. You keep an eye out for my earrings and I’ll find some photos for you.”

“It’s a deal.”

Thivierge slumps back in her seat.

“I think it’s about time for you to go. I’m getting tired.”

“Just one more thing. Have you ever heard of the Zero Lodge?”

She puts a hand over her face and shakes her head.

“Those cretins. Yes. Chris ran with that crowd. Samantha too. You know, for all of Chris’s excesses, she was the real wild one.”

“Do you remember anything else?”

Thivierge turns away. “You need to go now. All this talk about the old days is bringing back memories I’d rather not dwell on.”

“I understand,” I say, trying to sound sympathetic. “But you’ll still go through your albums?”

“I told you I would,” she says angrily. “If I find anything, I’ll send you a copy. Leave your address with Maggie on the way out. And that’s a hint about where you should be headed right now.”

I wonder if Flicker was able to buy me more time.

“Sure. But I’d appreciate it if you could do it fast. I’m kind of on a deadline.”

She laughs again, and this time it’s the brittle one.