She Cradled the Smoking Gun: Ch 13

Stone wonders how Joel Burman’s face would look … in a mug shot.

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Stone called Joel Burman and said he wanted to meet right away. Burman was on Ventura Boulevard just west of Laurel Canyon meeting with an investment manager who handled the financial portfolios of the stars.

Stone told him the name of a diner. A booth near the front was empty and Stone chose the seat facing the door.

“What’s up, Detective?” asked Burman, entering and sliding into the booth.

“You stopped by the Kaye residence. Care to tell me why?”

“Lisa told you?”

“Yes, she did.”

Burman huffed. “I was offering her a good investment, the same one Paul was considering.”

“She felt unnerved.”

“I admit that I can come on strong. It’s a good trait in closing deals, but not always a way to handle people who don’t like you.”

“Especially if their spouse is dead. You felt comfortable just showing up?”

“They’re not strangers. Or, considering everything, I should say Lisa’s not. I connected Paul with some big clients earlier in his career. He was grateful and told me to stop in whenever I was in the neighborhood.”

“How often would you drop in on the Kayes?”

“Less and less often as the years went by, Detective. But I would, once in a while. Had coffee, chatted.”

“You texted Paul that night after he left the premiere?”

“Yeah. I hoped he’d reconsider, and I wanted him to know I wasn’t mad at him.”

“Your texts didn’t say anything about not being mad.”

“I wasn’t.” Burman narrowed his eyes. “Are you suspecting me?”

“I’m just doing my job, Mr. Burman.”

“How about a ‘yes’ or ‘no?’”

“I’m not being evasive, Mr. Burman, but in my line of work an answer I gave you today one way or the other could change tomorrow.” Stone kept a poker face. “And I’m looking for leads, just like you are. Have any to give me?”

“Believe me, Detective. I would if I could.” He looked at his phone. “If you don’t mind, I’ve got another meeting. More potential investors.”

Stone wanted to tell him not to bother Lisa Kaye again, but knew that might provide leads. He had that sinking feeling of having hit a wall that was suddenly pulled across his path with no idea of how to maneuver around it.

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