Page 42 of Wild Idol

“I’ll check bank records, phone calls, social media messages, and keep an eye out for anything suspicious,” Isabella said.

“If these are the same bank robbers, they broke from their normal disguises. But it’s understandable in this situation.”

“If you ask me, it’s stupid to maintain the same MO. It connects all the crimes. If they were smart, they’d change it up every time.”

“Fortunately, not everybody’s smart,” I replied.

Some people were just too proud. Their egos too big. They liked the notoriety and the recognition. I figured the bank robbers liked the attention. They had painted themselves as modern-day Robin Hoods, although it was all bullshit. Despite what they had said, they didn’t give much back to the community. After the first bank robbery, they hadhanded out roughly $50,000 to residents in Jamaica Village. In subsequent heists, I don’t think they distributed near that amount. But it would be a good idea to keep an eye on Jamaica Village in case there was a sudden influx of diamonds into the community.

JD and I headed back to theAvventuraand called it a night.

We set out early the next morning to find Darius Zimmerman. Deezy’s career had launched when his songBona Fide Hustlerwent viral. It had kids all over the socials mimicking Deezy’s quirky dance moves to the beat.

His recent success had allowed him to move into the Nautilus. It was a luxury high rise with all the amenities.

JD pulled to the valet. We hopped out, and Jack told the kid to keep the car close by. I flashed my badge at the glass double doors, and the concierge buzzed us in.

The cute brunette greeted us with a smile. “Good morning, gentlemen. What can I do for you?”

“Here to see Darius Zimmerman,” I said.

She told me the unit number. “Would you like me to ring his unit?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

We continued across the opulent lobby to the elevators and vaulted up to the 6th floor. We ambled down the hall to unit #609, and I rang the video doorbell a few times.

This was quite an early call for Darius.

After enough persistence, his voice crackled through the speaker. “What the fuck do you want?”

I flashed my badge to the lens. “We’re hoping you can help us with a case.”

“You got a warrant?”

“We just need to ask you a few questions.”

“Get fucked!”

The line crackled with static as he disconnected.

“He’s a friendly guy,” JD muttered.

I rang the bell again.

“What part ofget fuckeddid you not understand?”

“Look, I get it. It’s early in the morning. You don’t want to talk to cops. I don’t blame you. Honestly, it’s the smart thing to do. But it’s also making me suspicious. And when I get suspicious, I start digging deeper. If you’re willing to answer a few simple questions, we’ll get out of your hair. No big deal.”

I tried to make it sound as benign as possible.

Darius hesitated for a moment. “What’s this about?”

“It’s easier if we just talk about it face-to-face.”

“If you got something to say to me, say it now.”

I figured if I started asking about Haley Reid right away, he’d clam up. “Were you at the Pearl Room two nights ago for a record release party?”