Page 55 of Angel

He screws up his eyes as if in thought. “Yeah, red car, blue paint underneath. He has a bumper sticker saying, I believe in Jesus.”

He tosses his eyes.

“I’ve seen the car cruising down the road when the girls are out. He picks them up and no prizes for guessing why.”

“Is he always disguised as an angel?”

“Sure is. Those girls can’t get in that car quick enough. They usually regret it though. Word is he likes it rough, if you hear what I’m saying.”

“When did you last see him?”

I ask, a plan forming as he speaks.

“Not since that night. It appears he can’t take the heat, and the place has been crawling with cops ever since. Buddy is pissed. It’s bad for trade. I mean, the place has been empty ever since. Nobody is earning any money, and the girls are turning tricks downtown to pay the bills.”

“Anything else?”

He shakes his head. “If I think of anything, I’ll call Angel.”

It’s well known on the street that the Angels pay well for information and there is a number they call anonymously. The number is Angel, and it goes through one of my inboxes set up for the occasion. It’s been a great resource for us, and I am hopeful Jack will have more information to help us locate the imposter.

I drop a couple of hundred into his hand. “Thanks, man. We’ll wait to hear from you.”

He nods vigorously. “I’ll ask around and keep watching. We’ll find him for you, Angel. You have my word on that.”

We leave, not willing to stay here for a moment longer than necessary, and as we join Zac in the yard outside, he thrusts a few printouts at me.

“The car, the guy on two occasions, and the image of the woman he beat up that night. Her name is Sally, according to Buddy, and we will find her on Hollywood Boulevard most nights outside the Dolby Theater.”

“Looks like we’re heading to the theater tonight, guys. Put eyes on it with instructions to detain her on sight.”

Titan nods, already on it, as he dashes out a text to his operatives.

As we reach our bikes and I grip the handlebars, I’m confident it won’t be long before we have the identity and address of the man who is number one on my most wanted list.

CHAPTER 21

SOPHIE

I’ve had better days. To be honest, life was a lot less complicated before I came to Los Angeles and became an actress. As I prepare to wrap up for the day, Brandy calls out, “Hey, don’t forget your flowers.”

“Why don’t you have them?” I smile warmly. “You deserve them more than me, and well–”

“Do you mean that? Wow, I would love them. Thanks Sophie.”

She appears so happy I feel bad that I’m gifting them to her out of revulsion for who sent them. Brandy works way harder and yet earns a pittance compared to me. Perhaps I should treat her more often.

“Are you going anywhere nice tonight?”

Brandy is always so interested in my private life. She can’t get enough of hearing about the places I go and the people I meet.

“I’m, um–”

I take a deep breath, nerves fluttering inside as I remember exactly what I’m doing tonight.

“Well, I’m staying with a friend for a few days.”

“That’s nice.”