Free Rock Star Down (The Psychic Registry) by William Leslie

not going to happen."
    Silverman wasn't
giving up, "At least negotiate. We're offering great exposure for your
business, plus compensation for your appearance. Let's say scale times five for
you, and scale plus ten for your associates here."
    Natalie nodded in
agreement as if it was indeed a good deal.
    Archer was shaking her
head, incensed at having been set-up by her fellow detectives.
    Laurel appeared
interested, but she held her tongue and looked to Nathan's lead.
    "I'm sure that's
a very generous offer, but I must decline," Nathan told them. "Now,
if you'll excuse us, we need to speak with Mister Franklin's widow about his
murder."
    Silverman didn't like
being put off, but he knew to ease up, though perhaps not to back down
entirely. "Natalie, why don't you show the detectives into the piano room
while I go fetch the shyster and have a quick chat with Jaqui," Silverman
said.
    Archer held up her
palm to halt him, "It would be in your best interests if she comes to
speak with us shortly. Because if Jaqui should have a change of heart and
decide not to talk to Mister Miller, here— Well, that might look like
obstruction of justice on your part, Mister Silverman."
    Silverman appeared
cowed, but was turning bitter.
    Laurel jumped in, "On
the other hand. Should she continue to cooperate, I might see fit to
appear in your program."
    Silverman frowned, but
he took a closer glance at Laurel and clearly appreciated her looks. "And
just who are you?"
    "My name's Laurel
Comfort. I'm an investigator representing the City Attorney, David Fletcher."
    Silverman took a
moment to consider it. "Natalie, get Miss Comfort a release form."
    Nathan suppressed a
smile. Yeah, Fletcher knew how to pick ‘em.
     
    The piano room was aptly named, as an
ebony baby grand was at the heart of the space. Without the piano it was merely
a sitting room, although it was a nice, cozy room to be sure. Laurel sat with
Natalie on the couch and filled out the assorted paperwork for her reality
debut. Meanwhile, Archer was occupied with studying their surroundings as it
was her first visit to the home.
    Nathan moved close to
Archer and spoke to her privately, "I know you'll want to be in the interview.
But I think it's going to be a full house, so I'd prefer to lead the
questioning while you run interference with the entourage."
    "Sounds fine,
Miller. I'm not the primary on this case and damn if I'm doing the work for
those jackasses after they queered things with Silverman," Archer scowled.
Then she softened, "But I reserve the right to follow-up once you're
through with her."
    "Afraid I might
miss something?" he grinned.
    "Nope, just
afraid you won't tell me everything. You operate in a bubble, Miller," she
replied. "And not that I mind, but where are Jacobs and Ramirez? And the
Lieutenant? They're the blessed leads on this case and they don't show up for an
interview with their main suspect? Tell me, Nathan, why aren't they here?"
    "Internal Affairs
had a file on Jacobs back when he was a junior grade, but nothing stuck. Maybe
he avoids me because he's dirty, maybe he just doesn't like the rat squad, even
former members. Sergeant Ramirez is a devout Catholic who kisses his rosary and
recites a Hail Mary at the mere mention of my name. He thinks I'm a witch
doctor," Nathan said.
    "And the Lieutenant?"
    "He's a
politician now. And he isn't in Fletcher's camp."
    "So he belongs to
the Mayor?"
    Nathan gave a nod.
Just because he didn't care about the politics didn't mean that he wasn't
keeping track of the players.
    "Okay, thanks for
the clarification. I know you fancy yourself above it all, but remember that me
and Laurel have to keep working with these people, alright?" Archer said.
    "I don't betray
my people, Archer. I'm not going to leave you twisting," he replied.
    "And Laurel?"
    As if on cue, Laurel
called to them from the couch, her face beaming. In a false whisper she said "I'm
getting almost a thousand dollars!"
    Nathan smiled and said
to Archer, "I