Chapter 23
“I’m kind of in the middle of something," Kai said with nervous eyes. "I’ve got tables."
"This will just take a minute,” I said. "When was the last time you spoke to Vivian Steele?"
His face tightened, and he swallowed hard. "I don't remember."
"Was it the time you stormed into her office and made threats?"
He frowned and looked around. "I really need to get back to my tables," he said before starting away.
"Do you have an alibi for the night she was murdered?"
Kai stopped and turned back to me. "Why would I need an alibi?"
"Well, after the death threats—the text messages, phone calls, showing up at her office—I'd say you’re a prime suspect."
Kai’s jaw clenched tight. "I was working that night. Here. Ask anybody. I didn't kill her. But if you ask me, she got what she deserved.”
I gave him an incredulous look. "Just because she wouldn't take you on as a client?"
"How many people’s careers has she destroyed? It's not fair. But mark my words, I'm going to be a star despite what she said."
That was the end of the discussion. He stormed away and approached one of his tables.
I found the manager, waved my badge, and asked him to verify Kai’s whereabouts on the night in question. After looking back through the records, he told me Kai was working. At least that was one person I could scratch off my list.
I stepped outside and waited for JD and Scarlett to finish up.
The valets were busy jockeying cars for celebrities and wannabes.
A guy approached and handed me a flyer. “Have you seen this girl?”
I looked at the color photocopy—an image of a gorgeous, smiling brunette in her early 20s.
She had bright blue eyes, full lips, and classic features.
In bold black font below the picture, the word missing stood out.
The paragraph that followed detailed that Molly Dean was last seen at a bar on Sunset.
The Horizon Lounge. At the bottom, a phone number to call.
According to the flyer, Molly had been missing for six weeks.
I frowned and shook my head. “I’m sorry, buddy. I haven’t seen her. But I’ll keep an eye out.”
“She’s my sister. She came out here to be a star.”
It was a common story.
He moved on, handing out flyers to anyone who would take one.
Scarlett and Jack emerged from the restaurant. JD had boxed up some items for me since I didn't get a chance to eat. I was much appreciative.
With concern in her eyes, Scarlett asked, "How did it go with Irving?"
I smiled. "I think I made a new friend.”
She lifted an intrigued eyebrow. "That's interesting.”
I told her he wanted to do business with Flynn and me after this was all over. I took it with a grain of salt, and so did she.
"So what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?" she asked.
"Well, if you don't mind, we’ll take the car and run down a few more leads," JD said.
"Well, I know if you wreck the car, you're good for it.”
JD chuckled. "When have I ever wrecked one of your vehicles?”
"I’ve seen what happens to your cars."
Jack frowned.
We said our goodbyes to Scarlett, then hopped into the Ferrari and headed over to Dramatic Artists Agency. It was one of the top agencies in Hollywood.
We pulled up to the luxurious office building in Century City.
The valet hustled to get Jack's door. He gave Jack a ticket, and JD slipped a few bills into his palm.
We stepped inside the opulent lobby. Sunlight filled the atrium.
I showed my badge to the receptionist. "We're here to see Rachel Langford.”
"Do you have an appointment?"
"This is official police business."
She cringed. "Can I tell her what this is in reference to?”
"Vivian Steele."
She swallowed. "Hang on just a minute.”
She picked up the phone and dialed an extension. Rachel answered a moment later, her voice crackling through the speaker. It was too quiet to hear what Rachel said.
"There are two deputies here to see you regarding Vivian Steele,” the receptionist said. “What should I tell them?"
She listened intently for a moment.
Rachel replied.
“Okay, I'll tell them."
I gave it 50-50 she would talk to us.
“I’m sorry, but Rachel’s unavailable at the moment.”
It was a long shot, but I said, “Tell her it’s Tyson Wild.”
The receptionist held her ground. “I said she was unavailable.”
“Just tell her.”
With a huff, she dialed the extension again. “I’m sorry to bother you again, Mrs. Langford, but he says his name is Tyson Wild.”
After a beat, Rachel replied to her.
“Okay. Very well.” She ended the call and looked at me with a tight face. "Mrs. Langford will see you. You can take that elevator right there up to the 9th floor. Just tell Tonya that Rachel is expecting you.”
I smiled and thanked her.
JD and I strolled across the lobby to the elevator, pressed the call button, then stepped aboard when the door slid open.
It zipped us up to nine. We stepped off and entered another posh reception area with comfy couches, a minibar, and a flatscreen display.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of Century City.
Tonya greeted us with a smile. "You must be the deputies?"
I nodded and made introductions.
Tonya was a cute blonde. Probably an aspiring actress who got the job in an agency, thinking it might lead to something. But everyone would just see her as a desk clerk. A dead-end for an aspiring acting career.
"There's water, soda, and coffee, if you’d like anything to drink. Help yourself. Rachel should be with you shortly.”
A moment later, an assistant stepped into the lounge and escorted us back to Rachel's office. It was a big corner suite that had a view of the high-rises and the Hollywood Hills beyond.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Rachel said, standing to shake hands. “Tyson Wild, huh?”
“In the flesh,” I said with a smile.
“Are you seeking new representation?” she asked in a hopeful tone.
Rachel was a good-looking woman—long chocolate hair, elegant features, tawny eyes, a trim figure. Good looking, but tough. She was a power player.
“I’m happy where I am at the moment.”
“At least let me shoot my shot,” she said, offering us a seat.
We obliged.
“How’s Joel treating you?”
“Excellent.”
"Did he put you up to this?”
“Up to what?”
“The Vivian thing.”
"We’re just investigating her death.”
"The West Beverly PD wrapped that up. I don't see the point in investigating any further. You're out of state, aren't you?”
I ignored the question. "It's my understanding there was bad blood between you and Vivian."
"She poached one of my top clients. How was I supposed to feel about her?”
“I bet you were pretty pissed off.”
“I wasn’t happy. But I got my revenge.”
“How so?”