In Death 03 - Immortal in Death

other licensed horticulture experts. I do have something just as lovely -- "
    "You have records of those sales? Can you get me a list of names? You're on the net for world delivery, aren't you?"
    "Naturally, but -- "
    "I need to know everyone who ordered Immortals during the past two years."
    When Mark sent him a baffled look, Roarke ran his tongue around his teeth. "My fiancee is an avid gardener."
    "Yes, I see. It may take a few moments to access. You want everyone."
    "Everyone who placed an order to the Eden Colony for Immortals during the last two years. You can start with the States."
    "If you'll just wait then, I'll see what I can do."
    "I like the arbor idea," Eve announced, springing up when Mark left them. "Don't you?"
    Roarke rose, put his hands on her shoulders. "Why don't you let me handle the floral arrangements? I'll surprise you."
    "I'll owe you one."
    "Indeed you will. You can start paying me back by remembering we're attending Leonardo's showing on Friday."
    "I knew that."
    "And by remembering to access your three weeks' leave for our honeymoon."
    "I thought we said two."
    "We did. Now you owe me one. Would you like to tell me why you have this sudden fascination with a flower from the Eden Colony? Or do I just assume that you found your unknown."
    "It's the nectar. It does a lot to tie the three homicides together. If I can just get a break."
    "I hope this is what you're looking for." Mark came back in with a sheet of paper. "It wasn't as difficult as I'd feared. There haven't been many orders for Immortals. Most importers are satisfied with simulations. There are a few problems with the actual specimen."
    "Thank you." Eve took the page, skimmed down the list. "Gotcha," she murmured then whirled to Roarke. "I have to go. Buy lots of flowers, boatloads of flowers. Don't forget the petunias." She charged out, pulling her communicator. "Peabody."
    "But -- but the bouquet. The bridal bouquet." Confused, Mark turned to Roarke. "She hasn't chosen."
    Roarke watched her fly out. "I know what she likes," he said. "Often better than she does."

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
    "Nice to have you back, Mr. Redford."
    "This is becoming an unfortunate habit, Lieutenant." Redford took his seat at the interview table. "I'm expected in New Los Angeles in a few hours. I trust you won't inconvenience me long."
    "I believe in backing up my data. Wouldn't want anything or anyone to slip through the cracks."
    She glanced toward the corner where Peabody stood, looking her officious best in full uniform. On the other side of the glass, Eve knew, Whitney and the prosecutor watched every move. She nailed it down here, or very likely, she'd be nailed herself.
    She took her seat, nodded to the hologram of Redford's chosen counsel. Obviously, neither Redford nor his attorney believed the situation was serious enough to warrant an in-the-flesh representation. "Counselor, you have the transcript of your client's statements?"
    "I do." The pinstriped, tough-eyed image folded his manicured hands. "My client has cooperated fully with you and your department, Lieutenant. We agree to this interview only to finalize the matter."
    You agreed to it because you don't have a choice, she thought, but kept her face bland. "Your cooperation is noted, Mr. Redford. You have stated that you were acquainted with Pandora, that you had a casual and intimate relationship."
    "That's correct."
    "Were you also involved in any business dealings with her?"
    "I produced two direct-to-home screen videos in which Pandora played a part. Another was under consideration."
    "Were these projects successful?"
    "Moderately."
    "And outside of these projects, did you have any other business dealings with the deceased?"
    "None." A faint smile touched his mouth. "Other than a small speculative investment."
    "A small speculative investment?"
    "She claimed to have been laying groundwork for her own fashion and beauty line. Of course, she needed backers and I was intrigued enough to invest."
    "You gave her money?"
    "Yes, over the course of the last year and a half, I invested just over three hundred thousand."
    Found a way to cover your ass, Eve noted, and leaned back in her chair. "What's the status of this fashion and beauty line you claim the deceased was implementing?"
    "It has no status, Lieutenant." He lifted his hands, let them fall. "I was duped. It wasn't until after her death that I discovered there was no line, no other backers, no product."
    "I see. You're a successful