Diana Racine 02 - Goddess of the Moon

realized. After a moment , the throbbing in her head receded and allowed Compton’s words to filter through.
    “I don’t entertain many guests, but I’m a big fan of yours, Ms. Racine. Unfortunately, I missed this year’s performance . I saw your show last year and was quite impressed. A ll that hoopla recently with that serial killer ― my goodness, amazing. I admire that kind of fortitude, especially in a tiny package as yourself .”
    Diana forced a smile and a thank you even though she found his remark condescending, as if tiny packages were too insignificant to pack a punch. Common sense prevailed over the urge to comment. No point incurring his wrath before getting what she came for. S o far the only read ing she’d received had been her own.
    Compton directed his two visitors to a sofa in his office, and he took a nearby chair. “I think it’s a shame you’re giving up the entertainment business. Not many like you around.”
    “We all have to retire sometime.”
    “Not me. I’ll die behind my desk. Can’t help it. There’s too much going on, and I’m having way too much fun.”
    He crossed his leg and relaxed his shoulders, gestures of nonchalance , but Diana detected the movements were calculated. Silas Compton was about at ease as a c oiled rattler, ready to strike.
    “Now, what can I do for you?” he said. “You mentioned you had some more questions about my house in Audubon Park, Lieutenant. I don’t know what I can add to what I told Agent Stallings, but I’d be happy to go over it again.” Then a change in attitude confirmed that Compton was no fool. “ I’m curious , Ms. Racine, did you accept my invitation just to see if you could get a reading on me? Maybe tell if I was lying or not ? ”
    Diana raised an eyebrow. “I get sensations about people through psychic readings, Mr. Compton. I’m not a mind reader, and I certainly couldn’t tell if you’re lying. I’m sorry if you think I came here as a tool of the police department, but you extended the invitation to me. I was honored you asked me to accompany Lieutenant Lucier, pleased that you wanted to meet me.” Diana tilted up her chin. “Now I feel unwelcome.”
    Compton’s face reddened, and he bowed his head to his visitors. “I sincerely apologize to both of you. I’m embarrassed. The world has turned me into a cynic.” He focused on Diana. “Let me be clear. I did want to meet you. Very much. Reading anything else into your acceptance is ungracious of me. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
    “Of course . ” Di ana decid ed to return the compliment . “Who wouldn’t crave the opportunity to meet one of the world’s most famous men? As I said, I’m honored.”
    Compton smiled, but everyone in the room knew the game being played.
    “Now,” he said, “if apologies are accepted, down to business. N o one understands that better than I. Ask your questions, Lieutenant. ”
    “Ridley Deems, Mr. Compton,” Lucier said.
    Compton sat up straight, squared his shoulders , but his eyes rarely left Diana. Hard and intense and penetrating. His words said one thing, but she sensed his objective was something else.
    “I didn’t know him, other than by the name Ridley Deems . I assumed my rental agency did the necessary checks on the man. I didn’t know he had any connection to the Sunrise Mission.”
    “How could someone like that afford to rent a house at, what was the rental fee?”
    Compton, a smile twitching his lips, answered without hesitation. “Three thousand dollars a month.” He turned to Lucier. “I have no idea, but he paid the agency six months in advance, plus the same amount in a security deposit. I’m a businessman, Lieutenant. That was good enough for me. Wouldn’t it be for you?”
    “Yes, sir, it would.”
    “I recognized his name when I read the article in the paper. Other than losing a tenant, I had no feelings about it one way or the other. I was glad the article didn’t mention the alleged goings-on in the house. It’d make rent ing it again hard er .” Compton shrugged. “Like I said, I’m a businessman. Even if I’d noticed him at the mission, I’d never have made the connection, because I never saw the man who rented the house.”
    “I see,” Lucier said. “Who else had access to the house?”
    “The agency, of course, Fernando Reyes, and myself. We found the situation disconcerting. Imagine, satanic symbols in one of my properties. As soon as we get the all-clear from the