Slipping Into Darkness by Maxine Thompson Page B

office.
    â€œCome in,” a voice called out.
    I opened the door into what looked like a typical corporate office. Lester was working on a computer. He swiveled around in his chair.
    â€œHello, my name is Zipporah Saldano. I’m here regarding my brother, Mayhem–I mean, David. I understand he owns this place.”
    Lester, a slightly built man, jumped to his feet and held out his hand. “Yes, how may I help you?”
    â€œHave you seen my brother?”
    â€œNo. I was looking for him earlier today. Generally he comes through on the weekend.”
    â€œWhen did you last talk to him?”
    â€œI talked to him Monday or Tuesday. We were going over the books. Why? Is everything all right?”
    â€œYes. He’s fine.” I decided not to alarm him. I got the vibe that he didn’t have anything to do with Mayhem’s kidnapping and he didn’t know anything. “If you hear from him, have him contact me.”
    Lester gave me his business card, and I left.

Chapter Fourteen
    After I left the massage parlor, I felt downhearted and discouraged. I really hadn’t learned anything there, other than it could easily be a modern brothel, a house of pornography, and it was scheduled to close at 2:00 A.M. I could tell how each room was closed that this was a private dance between the client and the female masseuses.
    I had to get out of L.A. and it was almost two in the morning. Time was running out. My plane was scheduled to leave in the early afternoon. Since 9/11, you had to be at LAX at least two hours early. And I still needed to go by the office and then get home and pack. Even though G-Man didn’t admit to knowing that my brother had been kidnapped, I felt he was hiding something. He was acting innocent, but inside, I felt he had motive to sell Mayhem out. I wouldn’t put anything past him, now that he was acting like Big Willie.
    As I was trying to get to my car, so I could drive to my office in Santa Monica and get home to pack, I thought I heard footsteps. I sensed someone was following me, but I wasn’t sure. I stopped walking. The sound stopped. I eased my piece out my slingshot and let it drop down to my side.
    Whenever I stopped walking, the sound would stop. I looked around me and for the first time noticed that the street was dark. The streetlight was at the far end of the street. Why had I parked so far away? I wondered. Then I remembered. I had parked down the street because the parking lot had been full when I arrived.
    I decided to pretend I was unaware of anyone following me. Step. Step. Step. Stop. I swallowed a lump in my throat. Once again the shushing sound stopped. A susurrus sound in the tree branches whooshed overhead. I could smell alcohol in the air. Whoever it was following me had been drinking.
    I clicked my car door opener, and that’s when my stalker attacked. Whoever he or she was jumped me and attacked from behind. Even though I thought I was prepared, my assailant still caught me by surprise. I dropped my gun in the tussle.
    Whoever it was seemed to be as tall as me because I was able to fling him off, and toss him over my shoulder. I did a long-legged kick from tae kwon do. I grabbed the person, who turned out to be a man, and cold cocked him in a barrage of punches. I picked up my gun and pulled it on him. In a swift move, I disarmed him of his gun. In the dark, I could tell it was a Latino guy.
    â€œStop, stop!” He held up both hands in surrender and locked his body into a fetal position.
    â€œWhat do you want? Who sent you to kill me?” I demanded.
    â€œI wasn’t going to kill you. I was just supposed to shake you up. Scare you off.”
    â€œI’m going to ask one more time. Who sent you? Otherwise I’ll put this bullet right between your eyes.” I cocked my gun and held it between his eyes.
    â€œI’m one of Bonzo’s boys. He heard you been asking about him. He just wanted me to shake you