Free Hollywood Murder by M. Z. Kelly

threatened to kill him if he ever disclosed he was his father.
    “It sounds like your typical Hollywood family,” Oz said, smiling.
    “I’ve seen worse,” I said, thinking about my own dysfunctional family.
    The lieutenant was quiet for a moment, apparently processing what I’d said. Leo took the opportunity to say, “We’ve both heard the rumors about the secret society for years, Ozzie. I don’t know much about the group, but I did a little research on Malone. He’s worth a small fortune and appears to have his hand in a lot of television and movie productions. He’s also friends with several high profile directors and A-listers.”
    “My friends have also done some research on him,” I added. “They think he’s a player who’s been involved with lots of women over the years, some of whom have gone away under suspicious circumstances.”
    Oz released a heavy breath after taking everything in. “The talk about the Revelation goes back over three decades. I think the department even looked into the group at one time, but nothing much came of it.” The lieutenant looked at me. “I need to take this up the chain to Dembowski. In the meantime, given what you’ve found out, I need you to stand down.” He smiled. “You also need to be sure that your friends don’t go poking at a hornet’s nest.”
    I chuckled. “I’ve already talked to them, but I’ll make a point of doing so again.”
    Oz nodded. “I don’t know how much truth there is to what you’ve found out, but we all need to be careful. If this secret society does exist, I have a feeling it’s both powerful and dangerous.”
    ***
    Leo called Vince Marsh’s cell phone and left a couple of messages that weren’t returned before our workday ended. We made plans to try and talk to him late in the morning after our meeting with Shelia Woods. Before leaving the station, I called my brother and he agreed to work me into his schedule.
    Leo and I were about to leave for the day when we got a call from the front desk, telling us that Karen Dodd, Allison’s sister, was in the lobby asking to see us. We met with her a few minutes later, made introductions, and took her into an interview room.
    After settling in at a table across from us, Dodd explained why she was there. “When I heard what happened, I just felt like I had to come. Even though I’m her stepsister and I haven’t seen her in a couple of years, it just seemed like the right thing to do.”
    Karen Dodd was probably in her early thirties. She was attractive, with shoulder length brown hair, and a sweet, innocent face. I had a photograph of her sister that her mother had given us and saw the resemblance. The only feature she appeared to have in common with her father was her powdery-blue eyes.
    “We appreciate you talking to us,” I told her. “Is there anything you can tell us about what you think might have happened to Allison and her children?”
    She shook her head. “It’s so…awful. I heard about what happened to their housekeeper.” She released a breath and pushed a hand through her hair. “I can’t imagine anyone taking them.” She brushed away a tear. “I also can’t image what they’re going through.”
    “How was your sister’s relationship with her husband?” Leo asked. “Were they having any problems that you know about?”
    “I can’t really say. I do know there were some problems a few years ago, but I think they worked things out.”
    Leo played the clueless card. “Problems, as in…”
    Dodd sighed and didn’t look at us. “I think Vince had some problems adjusting to married life.”
    “He cheated on Allison?” I asked.
    She met my eyes. “Maybe. Allison didn’t come out and say it, but it’s possible. I guess they eventually got past it.”
    “What about Allison? You told us that you and your sister haven’t been close in recent years, but what’s your impression of her?”
    Dodd took a moment, at the same time pushing a strand of hair