Chapter Thirty-eight

I opened the door to Ron Van Cleave’s cell and stepped inside. “I need you to verify Paul Henderson’s statement and then you’re free to go.”

“What statement?”

“He told us the names of three of the swim team girls he made out with at the play parties. He said you could confirm them.”

“Why would he say that?”

“Because he was very cooperative and, as a result, he’s already been released from custody. In fact, he’s waiting downstairs for you to join him.”

“You mean he’s free?”

“I do.”

“What are the names he gave you?”

I told him.

He thought for several moments, then said, “Yeah. We both did it with those girls.”

“Thank you, Ron,” I said. “Deputy Sheriff Striar will be along shortly with the release papers for you to sign. I appreciate your help.”

I shook his hand and left.

“The Katzenjammer Kids.”

“Excuse me?” Marsha said.

We were sitting in my office taking a breather. “An old-time comic strip that used to appear in the funny papers. About these two nutty teenaged boys who were constantly getting themselves into trouble. I discovered them at Comic-Con. They made me laugh.”

“You sure are full of surprises, Buddy. I would never have figured you for a Comic-Con guy.”

“Ask my old man. I have a huge comic book collection that he keeps for me at his house. Lately he’s taken to reading them himself. They make him laugh, too.”

“The Katzenjammer Kids?”

“Yeah. I’m glad something makes him laugh these days.”

“Tough sledding?”

I nodded.

“I’m sorry,” Marsha said.

“Henderson and Van Cleave reminded me of them. Only dumber. And way more sinister. They gave up the names of the three sixteen-year-olds. I want to interview each of them.”

“So you’re planning to seek indictments for Henderson and Van Cleave?”

“And everyone else who broke the law.”

“Do you have enough to warrant these indictments?”

“Not yet. But I will.”

“And the killer?”

“I’m getting warmer.”

“Try not to burn yourself,” she snickered.

I was alone when I stepped into the conference room Paul Henderson had been moved to after the temperature in the first room topped out at ninety-four. He looked up at me.

His clothing was drenched and his dark, wavy hair was flattened and stuck to his head.

“Fuck you, dickwad,” Henderson said. “You and your steam room tactics. I want a lawyer.”

“Steam room tactics? Whatever are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m talking about. I’m fucking drenched. Look at me. I want a lawyer.”

“As soon as we officially arrest you.”

“This is all a big turd ball.”

“What is?”

“You busting me like this. Sweating me. You got no right.”

“Thank you so much for sharing your interpretation of the law.”

“Up yours. Truth is everybody at them parties did it with everyone else and they all loved it. Them girls, they couldn’t get enough.”

A sardonic smile appeared in the corners of his mouth. “Maybe you busted me so you could get a shot at them girls yourself.”

Unshackled, Henderson stood. “You know, there ain’t nothing on the planet sweeter than young pussy. Now that you know how available them swim team girls are, how juicy they are, I’ll bet you can’t get to them fast enough.”

I stood and took a step in his direction. Maybe it was the grin. Maybe it was his foul language. Maybe it was that he was soaking wet. But whatever it was, it succeeded in raising my blood pressure. “Permit me a word of advice, will you, Paulie?”

He stopped grinning and stared at me.

“I always say forewarned is forearmed.”

“What in the hell are you talking about?” His question was saturated with annoyance.

“You know what scares the bejesus out of jailed sex-offenders?”

He glared at me and said nothing.

“Just for your information, the inmates of the California state penitentiaries don’t much cotton to sexual deviants. Never have. Never will. They’re not so highly regarded in prison societal circles.

“So, in your best interest, when it comes time for your sentencing, you might want to have a word with your lawyer about the benefits of solitary confinement. See if maybe he or she can arrange it for you. It might just save your ass. Literally...if you get my drift.”

He glared at me with venom in his eyes.

I flashed him a venomous look of my own. “This isn’t going to end well for you, Paulie. I’m going to make certain of it.”