Free Shock Treatment by Greg Cox Page B

you might be able to help us.”
    â€œOf course.” Yun was a short, potbellied man with a receding hairline, far less dramatic in appearance than his flamboyant employer. Wearing a plainwhite business shirt and a tie, he reminded Ray of his financial advisor. Worry lines creased a round, pink face with a weak chin. “You can expect our full cooperation.” He dabbed at his brow with a linen handkerchief. “I’m still in shock over this whole thing. Poor Ms. Segura! I don’t understand this at all.”
    â€œWere you here when it happened?” Vartann asked.
    Yun shook his head. “No, thank goodness. I arrived a little after eight, to find the whole place in turmoil. The ambulance had already taken Ms. Segura away.”
    He guided them into his office, which was notably smaller than Madame Alexandra’s. A cheap IKEA desk appeared meticulously tidy and well-organized. A framed photo of a white Persian cat rested atop the desk, next to a computer. An old-fashioned rolodex supplemented his hard drive. A small fridge hummed in the corner. “Can I offer either of you gentlemen a Snapple?” he asked. “It’s my only vice.”
    â€œNo, thank you,” Ray said. There was only one extra seat in the office, so he remained standing while Vartann sat down across from Yun. A door closed in the adjacent room as Madame Alexandra sequestered herself. Ray wondered how Sara was faring in the Cleopatra Room. Had all the snakes been apprehended yet?
    Yun positioned himself in front of his keyboard. “Very well. How can I help you?”
    â€œWe’re going to need contact information for both Heather Gilroy and Chip LaReue,” Vartannsaid. “As well as a complete inventory of all the snakes you’ve purchased from Mr. LaReue.”
    â€œNo problem.” Yun flipped through his rolodex and produced two cards, which he handed over to the detective. Then he tapped away at his keyboard, calling up the inventory data. “I hope Heather isn’t in too much trouble. She’s a sweet girl, really. I’m sure she just panicked. I really can’t blame her. It must have been a frightful experience.”
    Snakebites tended to frighten people, Ray admitted. He still wished Heather had not run. “What’s she like?”
    â€œNice girl,” Yun insisted. “Saving up for college, I believe. Wants to be a physical therapist. A bit young and inexperienced, but she seemed to be fitting in. And she was comfortable handling the snakes, which was a definite plus. Believe me, it wasn’t easy finding staffers who were willing to work with those creatures.” He shuddered. “Understandably.”
    Ray noted his reaction. “Not fond of snakes?”
    â€œMore of a cat person myself,” Yun confessed. He turned the framed photo on his desk around to face his visitors. He smiled weakly. “As you can probably tell.”
    Ray admired the photo, which depicted a plump white feline scowling into the camera. A sparkling rhinestone collar adorned the cat’s neck. Large amber eyes glared balefully. The cat clearly did not like having her picture taken.
    â€œA beautiful animal,” Ray said. “Persian?”
    Yun nodded. “My beloved Fala.” He placed a hand over his heart. “Alas, she passed away a few weeks ago.”
    â€œI’m sorry for your loss,” Ray said automatically. By now, the standard-issue condolence came readily to his lips. “So you don’t actually handle the snakes yourself?”
    â€œThankfully, that’s not part of my job description.” Yun gestured around his office. Folders and ledgers were arranged neatly on the shelves. An inbox was overflowing. “I serve in a more administrative capacity. My job is to keep everything running smoothly, so that Madame can focus on maintaining the proper therapeutic atmosphere.”
    â€œI understand,” Ray said. “Behind