True Detectives

CHAPTER 48

During the ride back to L.A. the brothers ate tomatoes and listened to music and didn't talk much.

Well before the transition to the 405 South, Moe said, “If you don't mind, stay on the 101 and take Laurel.”

Aaron said, “Making a detour to Swallowsong?”

“Drop me at Liz's. She lives on Fuller near Melrose.”

“No prob.”

Midway down the canyon: “Moses, we did okay.”

“It worked out.”

“This was beyond whodunit,” said Aaron.

Moe said, “Way beyond… Mom called yesterday night. I assume she called you, too.”

“Oh, yeah.”

Moe allowed himself a smile. “Kosher sausages are so yesterday. Welcome to organic, grass-fed bison. Ever have that?”

“Nope. She bought half an animal.”

“Buffalo Mom.”

Aaron said, “An eight-thousand-dollar barbecue grill. You believe that?”

Moe thought: Actually, sounds like something you'd like. Oh, yeah, you never cook. “Can you see her wearing one of those aprons, breathing in all that smoke?”

Aaron laughed. “Not easily… I thought I'd go. Make her feel good.”

Moe said, “No sense not going.”

“See you there, then.”

“Yeah.”

Aaron glanced at his brother. Moe was back to his serious self.

He could live with that. The two of them existed in a seismic world. Too much movement could crack the surface.

At Sunset, Moe said, “I appreciate it. Going out of your way and dropping me off.”

“Who says it's out of my way?”

“It's not?”

“Who knows?” said Aaron, smiling. “Another big-time whodunit.”

“Either way, thanks,” said Moe. “Bro.”

Moments later, Aaron watched as a beautiful black woman came out of her condo and greeted his brother with the warmest smile he'd ever seen. Cries of delight, big hug, a lingering kiss that would have embarrassed Moe if Aaron had stuck around to see all of it.