17
Homicide’s secretary, Elizabeth, made a breathless call to Rebecca’s desk to tell her a “Mr. Fontaine” was waiting for her in reception. When Rebecca went to meet Pierre, she found Elizabeth was gawking at him as if she’d been dumbstruck with love.
“Thank you,” Rebecca said to her. The secretary made no response. “Pierre, let’s go to my desk.”
Inspectors Calderon and Benson were in the bureau, and both suddenly grew quiet as Rebecca entered with the hotelier. Pierre sat in the guest chair at her desk, but looked decided uncomfortable.
“What is it?” Rebecca asked.
He looked around. “Maybe … not here,” he whispered.
“Let’s go to an interview room.” She made a face at the eaves-droppers as she led Pierre into a dingy green room with a single table and a one-way mirror. They sat facin
