A series of balconies rimmed the second fooL Some of them looked down onto thedriveway where a black limo was cordoned off with yellow crime-scene tape.

This was where Antonia Schifman and Bruno Capaletti had died.

The area around the limo was blocked off in a wide circle, with only one way in and out.

Two more LAPD officers took names as people came and went. Techs in white bunnysuits were going over the car with a handheld USB microscope and evidence vacuums. Afew others were snapping Polaroids as well as regular photographs.

Another whole squad was already fanned out, taking exemplars from the surroundingarea. It was all fairly impressive, as well as depressing. The best forensic policedepartment in the world is supposed to be Tokyo's. Domestically, though, Los Angelesand New York were the only departments that could rival the FBI's resources.

“We're in luck, I guess,” Page said. “Looks like the ME's just finishing up.” He pointedtoward the medical examiner, a heavyset, gray-haired woman standing next to the limoand speaking into a handheld recorder.

That meant the bodies hadn't been removed. I was surprised, but it was good news forme. The less disturbed the crime scene, the more information I could get for Burns. Andthe president. And his wife. I supposed that was why the bodies hadn't been moved: Thedead were waiting on me.

I turned back to Page. "Tell whoever's in charge from the LAPD not to move anythingyet. I want to get a clean look.

“And try to clear some of these people out of here. Necessary personnel only Fibers,printing, but that's it. Everyone else is on break.”