“You can’t,” Gus said. “My car didn’t do anything wrong.”

“It didn’t?” Coules said. “I thought it solved the Oliver Mason murder case and then withheld the identity of the real killer until it could be used to embarrass the entire Santa Barbara DA’s office.”

“My car would never do that,” Gus said.

“Be that as it may,” Lassiter said, “it was parked in a tow-away zone. You left us no choice but to tow it away.”

“Oh, there were other choices,” Coules said. “Personally I favor arresting you both for reckless endangerment. If there was a fire in this courthouse, that car could have been blocking the exits.”

“But it wasn’t!”

“I’d be willing to let a jury make that decision,” Coules said.

Lassiter stepped between them and handed Gus a ticket. “The police felt it was sufficient to write you up for a violation. You can collect your car once you’ve paid the ticket and the towing fee.”

“Better do it fast, though,” Coules said. “Hate to see them crush it for scrap by mistake.”

“Shawn, do something!”

“If we can’t get to a crime scene, how are we going to solve your cases for you, Bert?” Shawn said.

“I meant do something useful,” Gus whispered furiously. “Like apologize.”

“Oh, that,” Shawn said. “Sorry, Bert. I assumed you were capable of prosecuting the right person. I won’t make the same mistake next time.”

Gus groaned. “Please, if you have to punish someone, punish Shawn. The Echo didn’t do anything.”

“Tell it to the boys at the impound lot,” Coules said. “But you’d better start walking if you want to make it before they close. It’s about eight miles from here.”

“Walking?”

“You don’t have a car. And I wouldn’t even think about trying to hitch your way over there.” Coules gave Lassiter a significant look.

Lassiter sighed apologetically. “California Vehicle Code section 21949-21971, article 21957 specifically forbids soliciting a ride from the driver of any vehicle. And while I probably shouldn’t give away department secrets, I believe that all patrol cars have been ordered to step up enforcement of that particular provision today.”