The Wedding Guest

Chapter 45

Milo lead-footed it to Westwood Village, drove around the corner from the Strathmore complex, and then drove an additional half block and parked. Once out of the car, he hitched his trousers, patted his holster, then patted a jacket pocket swelling just above the Glock.

I said, “Second gun?”

He said, “Once a Boy Scout, always prepared. I don’t need to give you the drill, do I?”

“Hang back, stay safe, don’t get in the way.”

“Bet you were always a good student.” Leaning into the breeze, he began walking.

Another prolonged push on the doorbell to Building B.

Darius Cutter said, “If this is some sort of—”

“It’s Lieutenant Sturgis again, Mr. Cutter. We need to talk.”

“You’re kidding — hold on.”

Cutter was at the door within seconds. Once it opened, Milo charged in, covering the lobby and stepping into Cutter’s office.

Cutter turned to me. “He looks pissed. What’s going on?”

“He’ll fill you in.”

“Great.”

By the time we got to the office, Milo had positioned his bulk to the left of Cutter’s desk, blocking access to the desk chair.

“Sit, Mr. Cutter.”

Cutter stared. “It’s kind of blocked?”

Milo stepped back, allowing Cutter just enough room to pass. When Cutter sat, he moved in closer.

Cutter looked up at him. “You’re making me feel like I did something.”

“God forbid.” Wolf-teeth. “You’re going to do something now: Tell me which unit is Thurston Nobach’s.”

“He’s involved? Oh, God.”

“Which unit?”

Cutter gulped. “He’s the boss’s son.”

Milo got taller.

Cutter said, “He doesn’t really live here, he just keeps a place for management. Not that he manages anything.”

Milo leaned in, inches from Cutter’s face, big hands flat on the desk, as if bracing for a leap. Cutter had tried to personalize the room. Blotter, iPad, a couple of framed photos. Milo lifted one of the frames. Cutter and an older woman. “Your mom? Looks like a nice lady. What unit?”

“This building,” said Cutter. “Top floor. B-four-twenty-five. At the back.”

“Is Nobach here now?”

“I haven’t seen him.”

“Since when?”

“Um... I guess yesterday? Around... I guess five p.m.?”

“Coming in or out?”

“Out.”

“Any idea where he was going?”

Cutter shook his head. “He just wheeled his bike out of the elevator.”

“He has a bike.”

“Nice one.”

“What color?”

“Silver. He left dirt tracks in the lobby. Like I’d complain.”

“What way did he turn once he got outside?”

“Right.”

“East.”

“Um, yeah.”

“When did you go off-shift?”

“Seven, I had stuff to do. Setting up—”

“He could’ve returned without your noticing.”

Cutter nodded. “You can’t tell me what—”

“What I can tell you is you’re going to walk out of the building with us. Two other detectives will meet us and you’re going to give them the key to B-four-twenty-five.”

“This is some kind of a raid? You don’t need a warrant?”

“Everyone asks that, too much TV,” said Milo, clapping Cutter’s shoulder. Cutter shuddered. “In fact, give me the key right now.”

“All I have is a master, sir.”

“Does it work for all three buildings?”

“Yes.”

“Even better.”

Cutter fished a jangling ring out of a desk drawer, removed a stainless-steel key, and handed it over. “You’re sure this is okay?”

“Better than okay. Let’s go, Mr. Cutter. Take a walk into the Village and get yourself a latte and don’t return until I tell you.”

“I’m on the job,” said Cutter.

“Your job right now is staying safe and being discreet. That means no calls to anyone.” Flicking the photo frame. “Even Mom. You seem like a good person. Don’t get yourself involved.”

“Oh, God,” said Cutter.

Milo walked to the door, texting. Cutter sat there for a second, then followed him out.

Reed and Bogomil met us outside the glass door.

Milo said, “This is Mr. Cutter. He manages the building and has furnished us a master key, which will get you access to Unit B-four-twenty-five. As well as to C-four-eighteen, where you-know-who lives.”

Cutter said, “Who?”

Milo winked. “Mr. Cutter has been super cooperative and now he’s going to get himself a latte.”

Bogomil said, “Enjoy, sir.”

Cutter said, “Actually, I’m a tea drinker.”

Milo waited until Cutter was out of earshot. “No idea if Nobach is here, try his place first. Wait until the hallway’s clear then knock, wait, knock, give him a chance. No response, go in armed but subtly — no big announcement. He’s not there, try Amanda’s, same deal. Once you’ve covered both places, call me.”

“Got it,” said Reed.

Bogomil nodded.

Milo said, “Stay safe.”

Bogomil said, “I always try. Life is good.”