Page 134 of Cold, Cold Bones

“We’re not here concerning your immigration status.”

“Then please spare me any small talk and get to the purpose of your visit.”

“I found you through Yolanda atMis Joyas.”

“So you said.”

“Sadly, the owner of the locket I showed you was killed in a hit-and-run two days ago. I work for the medical examiner. We have not yet confirmed the young woman’s identity.”

As I spoke, Gato’s attitude transformed from aloof to dismayed. His face sagged and his shoulders curled in on themselves.

“I am so sorry,” I said. “If you’re willing to view another photo, we could use your help.”

Gato nodded, face now pale as the fireplace brick.

I opened a facial close-up and held out my phone. He took the device and studied the screen.

“Dios mío.” Softly. “It is Andrea-Louisa.”

“Andrea-Louisa?” I prompted.

“Andrea-Louisa Soto. She came to America from Chile to improve her English. She’s been in this country less than a year.”

“Where was she studying?”

“CLI. Charlotte Language Institute. It’s a private school on South Boulevard. Andrea-Louisa’s father is a surgeon in Santiago, quite wealthy. He didn’t want his daughter to come here. He felt it was unsafe. She insisted. He finally relented and agreed to support her.”

“Where was Andrea-Louisa living?”

“An apartment in South End. I’m not sure the name. One of those complexes with a ridiculous one-word appellation.”

“May we have contact information for Dr. Soto?”

Gato got up and strode through the arch. Returned shortly and read us an address from his phone.

“Thank you, sir. Until the ID is official, it’s probably best to say nothing to Dr. Soto. The ME may contact him for a DNA sample.”

Ryan and I rose to leave.

As we passed into the hall, a random question popped into my mind.

“Has anyone else questioned you about Andrea-Louisa?”

“No.”

I said nothing.

At the door, Gato turned, gave us a doleful look. “It appears my cousin was right. America was not safe for Andrea-Louisa.”

We stopped for chicken at the Roasting Company. I chose dilled lima beans and cheese grits for my sides. Ryan went for a double order of garlic mashed potatoes.

We’d just begun eating when Ryan asked, “Why did you ask Gato if he’d already been questioned?”

I’d wondered the same. “I found the necklace online, then the jewelry store. Yolanda had a record of Gato’s purchase. Gato gave the locket to a young woman fitting the victim’s description. It was all so easy. Why hadn’t someone already done that? Why hadn’t Slidell?”

“Because he’s CCU?”

“Detective Henry?”