Smilow pushed the telephone across his desk, nearer to Hammond.
Hammond checked the number on the LED. “I’ll use my cell, thanks.”
Excusing himself, he stepped out of the office and moved into the hall, which offered a modicum of privacy. “Loretta, what’s up?”
“We ended on a sour note last night.”
“What do you mean?”
“You were so disappointed when you left.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“But I did. I wanted to do something for you, so I went over to county records this morning and caught Harvey buying a honey bun out of a vending machine.”
“I’ve only got a minute, Loretta.”
“I’m getting there. I asked him if anyone else had leaned on him for information related to the Pettijohn case.”
“Specifically Alex Ladd?”
“No, I just laid it out there to see if he would bite.”
“And?”
“He broke a cold sweat. I could practically hear his knees knocking.”
“Who approached him for information?”
“The little nerd wouldn’t say.”
“Loretta—”
“I tried everything, Hammond. Believe me. Threats of exposure, torture, physical harm. I wheedled, dealed, cajoled. I offered him unlimited booze, drugs, sex with the professional of his choice. Nothing worked. Whoever approached him, scared him. Speechless. He’s not talking.”
“Okay, thanks.” Hearing motion behind him, he glanced over his shoulder. Frank Perkins was ushering Alex around the corner.
“Anything else you want me to do?” Loretta asked.
“Not for now. Thanks. Got to go.”
He clicked off and turned just as Perkins and Alex reached the door to Smilow’s office. When the solicitor saw Hammond, his eyes widened. “What happened to you?”
“I got mugged.”
“Jeez. Looks like more than the average mugging.”
“I’ll be all right.” He dropped his gaze to Alex. “I was well taken care of.”
They had no longer than a millisecond of eye engagement. Hammond tried to telegraph a warning, but her lawyer nudged her forward into the office. “Well, what now, Detective?”
“We’ve got a recording we want your client to hear.”
“A recording of what?”
“Of an interrogation we conducted early this morning with a man in our own jail. Believe me, his statements are relevant to the Pettijohn case.”
Perkins held out the only chair for Alex. The others took up standing positions around the small room. Smilow offered to have a chair brought in for Hammond, but he declined. As Alex sat down, she managed a covert inquisitive glance at him, but he had no way of preparing her for what was in store.