Chapter 51

I have Philip take me by a convenience store so I can wash my hands and grab some mints. I don't need to run off my client with Manabertos breath. The address is on the west side of town, so we head in that direction. Philip hasn't said anything more about his work for Moon and I haven't asked additional questions. I have a lot of guilt over Harry Dandridge. Philip adds another perspective, which helps.

The house we're looking for is in an upper-class neighborhood in an orange tree grove. All the houses have orange trees and all the houses are Navajo white with red tiled roofs. They aren't as close together as most communities, thus the upper-class appearance and feel.

"You're staying in the car," I tell Philip.

"No can do," he replies. "Tell your client I'm your sidekick."

"Why? Because the little woman needs a big man to take care of business?"

He gives a loud, "Ha," before telling me, "One of the best cops I ever worked with was a woman. She had an uncanny knack for ferreting o