The Body Market: A Leine Basso Thriller by D.V. Berkom

Author:D.V. Berkom [Berkom, D.V.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Duct Tape Press
Published: 2015-01-08T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

LEINE DROVE WEST along Sunset to North Beverly Drive and then onto Laurel Way. Downshifting with each hairpin turn, she searched the addresses for the Bennetts’ home. According to the map on her phone the modern, three-story residence sat nestled among all the other massive mansions in the canyon, near the top of the ridge. Three more corners revealed the address she was looking for—copper numbers set in stone just above street level.

She turned left and drove through the open gate past the security camera, and climbed the drive. The house came into view at the top—angles of concrete and glass, huge gray and white Super Legos with massive windows, surrounded by a permeably paved drive and eco-friendly landscaping. An enormous round sculpture of polished onyx with a metal rod spiked through the center rested in a serene pond. Water flowed along the rod, collected at its base and then disappeared.

Leine parked her car and got out. The driveway continued under the house to below-grade parking. The open garage door revealed a glimpse of a red 1961 Ferrari—a 250 GT California Spyder, if she wasn’t mistaken. She made her way along the walkway to the glass-enclosed entrance and pressed the doorbell.

With a solemn expression Teuta Vercuni walked toward her through an interior set of glass doors. The housekeeper opened the door and stood aside to let Leine in.

“Thank you, Teuta,” Leine said as she entered. Teuta nodded and closed the door after her.

“I have broken heart that Mrs. Bennett does not allow for you to continue with your business,” she said in a low voice.

Teuta led her through the entry and into a spacious living room filled with a veritable museum of Danish Modern pieces atop white marble tile. Bright swatches of Rothko-esque artwork dotted the walls, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the San Fernando Valley on the other.

The housekeeper’s mouth pulled down at the corners. “My poor Eliseka,” she murmured.

“That’s why I’m here, Teuta. I want to understand why Mrs. Bennett chose to call off our investigation.”

“She say only need police. In my country, police are no good,” she said, spitting the words. She glanced at Leine’s left arm, frowning. “Are you injured?”

“I’m fine.” Leine was wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt. I must have been favoring it, she thought.

“Leine Basso.” Dick Bennett came toward them, his voice reaching across the space, magnified by the room’s angles. The skin sagged under his eyes, and his normally tan complexion was pallid, adding at least ten years to his appearance. His usual, over-the-top energy had transformed into a more thoughtful demeanor.

“Mr. Bennett,” Leine said, extending her hand. He grasped it firmly.

“Horrible what happened to Josh,” he said, glancing at Teuta before he turned his attention back to Leine. “I want to thank you for risking your life to find our daughter.”

“It’s part of the job, Mr. Bennett.” Leine scanned the room for Elise’s mother. “I’d like to talk to you and Mrs.

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