“Alex, just do a quick in-and-out on this one. I'd really appreciate it. We'll have you backwith your family for dinner. A late dinner, anyway Just check out the murder scene forme. I want to hear your take on what happened. I took the liberty - they're waiting foryou to get there.”

I finished the call and cast a look at Jamilla. “Well, the good news is, I don't have to flyanywhere. It's something in L.A. The actress Antonia Schifman was murdered today”

She pushed up next to me in bed. “Oh, that's terrible, Alex. I liked her movies. Shealways seemed nice. That's really a shame. Well, at least I'll get to dish with Nana andthe kids while you're out of earshot.”

“I'll meet you all back here for dinner. Might be a little late.”

“My flight's not until eleven, Alex. But I have to be on the late flight out.” I kissed her,just a little sheepishly, ashamed that I'd givenin to Burns. But what choice did I have?

“Go make California safe - safer,” she said. “I'll keep aneye on Mickey and Donald to make sure they don't gopostal.”

What a thought.

chapter 1 0

THE STORYTELLER DROVE right by the Schifman murdeiscene, right by the crime scene. He knew he shouldn't havcome out here again, but he couldn't help himself. In a wayhe thought this might even be a good idea. So he stopped hicar and got out to look around.

What an incredible rush it turned out to be. He knew th house, knew the ritzyneighborhood in Beverly Hills reall) well - Miller Place. Suddenly, he almost couldn'tcatch hi breath, and he loved the feeling of danger, of “anything car happen now!” And itdefInitely could. He was the Storyteller after all.