Page 37 of Wild Sentinel

"I wouldn't do that,” I said with a smile. “I'm just trying to find out who killed her.”

"It wasn't me. I can assure you of that, if that's what you're getting at. I was at home that night with my wife. You can talk to her and verify that if you'd like.” He leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone. "You've got a promising career in this town. Why would you want to screw that up?"

"Frankly, I can take it or leave it. Makes no difference to me.”

Irving smiled. "That makes you dangerous.”

"I guess it does."

"I'm just saying it's a small town. There are only so many bridges you can burn.” He paused, surveying me. With a slight grin, he said, “I like you. I think you’ve got promise. But think twice about upsetting the apple cart. Everything is interconnected. Vivian is gone, God rest her soul. Nothing's going to bring her back.”

"Would you consider Vivian a friend?"

"I held Vivian in high regard. With her talent, I made some great pictures and a lot of money." Irving thought for a moment. "Yes. She was a friend."

"So, you and I both have a vested interest in getting to the truth.”

"What's your vested interest in Vivian?”

"Let's just say I'm a truth seeker.”

Irving laughed again, then said to the starlet, "This guy. A truth seeker.”

She flashed an uncomfortable smile.

"The West Beverly PD wrapped it up quickly and put a nice bow on it,” I said. “I've been around long enough to know when something is getting covered up.”

Irving looked around, then said to the blonde. "You should go powder your nose."

She took the cue to excuse herself and use the restroom.

When she was gone, Irving said, "If I wanted somebody dead, I'd make a phone call, and it would get done. But I don't need to kill anybody in this town. I can just freeze them out. Now Vivian was a tough cookie, but I enjoyed having her across the table from me. I liked the challenge. I don't know who killed her. But as sure as we’re sitting here, it wasn't random. I'll give you that.”

"What have you heard?”

"I haven't heard anything. But my guess is she got dirt on the wrong person, and somebody got nervous. You find out who that is, you'll find your killer. But like I said, you could step on a lot of toes and piss off a lot of people in the process.” He paused. “You need to understand the lengths to which people will go to protect their careers. It doesn't matter whether they are an agent, a studio head, a movie star, a director, or a hopeful. There is a hunger and an insecurity among people in this town. Most of them would kill their mother for fame. I’ve seen it all.”

"I'm sure you have."

"Good luck in your investigation. I hope you sort it out. I really do. And when you're done, if you haven't burned too many bridges, you and Flynn should come talk to me about a project. Call my office. I'll get you in any time. You got balls. I respect that."

I dug into my pocket and gave him a card. "Thanks for your time. Sorry for the interruption."

“No problem."

Irving reminded me of an old Mafia boss, only with more power.

Scarlett and JD tried not to make it obvious, but they watched the whole interaction. The concern in Scarlett's eyes was evident. I decided not to go back to the table, and I'm sure Scarlett appreciated that.

I tracked down Kai and displayed my badge. "I need a quick word with you."

23

“I’m kind of in the middle of something," Kai said with nervous eyes. "I’ve got tables."

"This will just take a minute,” I said. "When was the last time you spoke to Vivian Steele?"

His face tightened, and he swallowed hard. "I don't remember."