“Well, yes.”
“Did the bullet impact anywhere near you?”
“Yeah. Sort of.”
Joe sighed like a weary schoolteacher. “Then tell me about it.”
I couldn’t blow off my husband like I blew off some of my coworkers. I started with a very weak “It was nothing.”
“C’mon, Lindsay. Someone shooting at you is a big deal.”
“It could have been a coincidence.”
“Or it could have been a warning.”
“A warning about what? I’m nowhere on my homicide cases. No one knew we’d be in the Tenderloin. It’s just too far-fetched.”
Joe said, “Don’t tell me it’s just part of the job.”
“I know the public thinks that. No cop views being shot at as a regular part of the job. I’m taking it seriously.” I had raised my voice without meaning to. “I’m not sure what else you want me to do. There were no witnesses who saw anyone with a gun. The bullet impacted three feet above our heads. I don’t have time to canvass the area and look for security footage.”
Joe took a moment. He was treating this more like an interview with a suspect than a conversation with his wife. “Is there any chance that Alain Creasy could’ve been the target?”
“I considered that, but really, why would someone target him eight thousand miles from home?”
Joe nodded solemnly. “I guess that makes sense. But ignoring the whole incident isn’t a good idea.” He let out his breath, clearly unsatisfied. Finally, he said, “I’ll settle for a little more care and concern about your surroundings. Just for me and my sanity.”
I gave him a smile. “For you, anything.”
CHAPTER66
CINDY THOMAS WASsitting in a booth under the glaring lights of a diner a block off the Embarcadero. Gina Scrittori lounged on the brown vinyl seat across from her. At the moment, Gina was fending off the second guy who’d stopped to flirt with her. This guy, in a Porsche jacket with Ray-Ban sunglasses on top of his head, looked like a player. He oozed casual coolness. She never actually told either of the men to leave her alone, but both of the men got the message quickly.
As this man strutted away, Gina looked at Cindy and said, “It never ends, does it?”
“You mean guys hitting on women? No, it doesn’t.” Cindy managed her tone, with some effort. She was still pissed off at the way Gina had scared away the only witness that had seemed to recognize Nicole Snaff in the photo.
They’d spent the last few hours scouring the pier and surrounding areas hoping to find the girl again. They’d shown Nicole’s photo to dozens of other locals. But no one else had expressed any hint of recognition.
Cindy pulled out the list of suspects Eric Snaff had given her. It was an aspect of her investigation that she hadn’t really taken seriously. Until now. Cindy hesitated to show the list to Gina. She was the only person other than Eric who might recognize any of these names, but Cindy was starting to question how much she wanted Gina involved in the rest of the investigation.
A guy dressed in a nice suit walked by and gave Gina a smile and a nod. Gina actually looked interested in this one. But he kept walking to the front door. Cindy got Gina’s attention by clearing her throat. She handed over the crumpled sheet of paper Eric had written several names on.
“Do you recognize anyone on this list?” she asked Gina.
“Are these the people Eric thinks might be involved in his daughter’s disappearance?”
Cindy sidestepped the question. “Do you know any of them?”
Gina studied the list carefully for a moment, then looked up and said, “I know all of them. San Julio isn’t San Francisco. Everyone knows everyone.”
“Does anyone stand out to you?”
“This guy, Jason Cortlandt, used to work at the youth center. He’s harmless. He’s also salty with Eric Snaff.”
“Why’s that?”
“He thinks Eric got him fired from the facility. Jason had kind of a loud exit. It was uncomfortable but also a little entertaining.” She looked up and smiled at Cindy. “Know what I mean?”
