But Kendra’s prediction about his response had been uncannily accurate. She changed the subject. “Anything more on the news about Gelber’s murder?”
“Yes, Helmer was found dead in his car on Mulholland Drive with his wrists cut.”
Eve inhaled sharply. “Another death.”
“A dagger was found on the seat beside him, and you can bet it will be the one used on Gelber.”
“So the police are going to close the case?”
“Not yet. But it’s heading that way. Everything has been handed to them on a silver platter.”
Clever. So clever. She didn’t want to dwell right now on the timing and efficiency involved in Gelber’s murder.
“Has Newell managed to do anything with Gelber’s disc?”
“It’s gradually coming together. At least some of the pieces.”
She jumped to her feet. At last, something positive in this dark scenario. “I’ll shower and be right there.”
* * *
IT WAS ABOUT TIME, Stella thought with annoyance, as she heard the knock on the door. She had been there for hours with nothing to do but look at Pierce and stare at that dumb TV set.
She jumped to her feet and moved toward the door. “I called you over three hours ago. I don’t like being kept waiting.” She threw open the door. “I did your dirty work for you, didn’t I? I deserve a little consideration.”
“Be quiet.” Nelda Avery came into the room and slammed the door. “You deserve what I choose to give you. And what are you doing opening that door to anyone who knocks, dressed in that slut’s outfit? Didn’t it occur to you that you’d attract attention and be remembered?”
“That’s not supposed to matter. You promised to get rid of the body. Did you take care of the check-in records?”
“No, do you think I’d handle that myself? It will disappear from the computer banks by noon, and the credit-card check-in will be gone as soon as opportunity presents itself. Drogan arranged to have one of his cohorts pretend to be a motel cleaner and remove Pierce in one of the laundry baskets.”
“It sounds risky.”
“It’s efficient. I don’t take chances.”
“Don’t you? Then why contact me to get rid of Pierce? Why not Drogan?”
“Drogan has his hands full right now. I’ve been keeping him very busy. I couldn’t wait. Everything I’ve worked for is beginning to fall apart. Pierce was bungling the entire situation. I had to make sure that no one was left to talk.” Her lips twisted. “According to my reports on you, I thought you might be willing and able to take care of Pierce.” She moved across the room to stand before Harry Pierce. “He looks … distressed.”
“What did you expect?” Stella raised her brows. “That’s what happens when you die like he did. Did you expect him to be happy?”
“I wasn’t complaining, merely commenting. Pierce gave me a good many headaches over the years and a positive migraine lately.” She glanced coldly at Stella. “And I don’t give a damn if it was a painful death. I just had to make sure you’d done what I told you to do. Every report I had on you indicated that you were something of a wild card. I’m pleasantly surprised. It appears that you’re more intelligent than anyone gave you credit.”
“It was probably a man who gave you your report,” Stella said. “You should fire him. Men always think with their dicks and can’t see beyond tits and asses.” She smiled. “But you know that, don’t you, Nelda? You’ve used men all your life. We’re a lot alike.”
“I didn’t give you permission to call me Nelda.” Her tone was icy. “And we’re nothing alike. All you have to do is look in the mirror to realize how wrong you are.”
“Of course, I’m young, and you’re old.” She gazed at her critically. “Though you look pretty good, considering. You must have had work done. It doesn’t surprise me. You know that sex is a weapon.”
“That just shows you how different we are,” Nelda said with contempt. “You start off with sex, but you learn other ways of control.”
“Maybe when you lose the edge. Sex is easier.”
Nelda looked away from her. “Did you establish an alibi?”
“Of course, there’s a young male nurse I’ve been sleeping with for the past two weeks. He’ll do anything I ask him to do.”
“Until you drop him.”
Stella shook her head. “That would be dangerous. I figured that I’d let you take care of him when I’m ready to get rid of him. I know you’ll be willing to tie up that little