In Death 07 - Holiday in Death

covered with warts. That's the problem with droids. I hope we can make this fast," she added, clicking her way toward the back. "Simon doesn't like us to leave our posts except on scheduled breaks."
    "He's not going to be a problem." Eve stepped into the treatment room and wished it didn't remind her of an autopsy suite. "When did you last talk to Simon?"
    "Yesterday." Since she was there, Yvette picked up a massage mitt, slipped it on, and engaged. It hummed low as she ran it over her neck and shoulders. "He had a breast plumper at four, finished up at six. If you need him, he'll be here any minute. Fact is, he was supposed to open up. Day before Christmas we're swamped with appointments."
    "I wouldn't expect him today."
    Yvette blinked and the massage mitt stuttered as her hand jerked. "Is something wrong with Simon? Did he have an accident?"
    "Something's wrong with Simon, but no, he didn't have an accident. He attacked Piper Hoffman last night."
    "Attacked? Simon?" Yvette bubbled out a laugh. "You're out of orbit big time, Lieutenant."
    "He's killed four people, raped and murdered four people, and nearly did the same to Piper last night. He's gone under. Where would he go?"
    "You're wrong." Yvette's hand shook as she ripped off the mitt. "You have to be wrong. Simon's gentle and sweet. He couldn't hurt anyone."
    "How long have you known him?"
    "I -- A couple of years, ever since he took over the salon. You have to be wrong." Yvette held up her hands, then pressed them to her cheeks. "Piper? You said Piper was attacked? How badly is she hurt? Where is she?"
    "She's in a coma, in the hospital. Simon was interrupted before he'd finished with her, and he ran. He's been back to his apartment, but he's not there now. Where would he go?"
    "I don't know. I can't believe this. You're sure?"
    Eve kept her eyes level and cool. "I'm sure."
    "But he adored Piper. He was her consultant, hers and Rudy's. He did all their work. He called them the Angel Twins."
    "Who else is he close to? Who does he talk to about his personal life? His mother?"
    "His mother? She died last year. He was devastated. She had an accident and she died."
    "He told you she had an accident?"
    "Yes, she fainted or something, in the bathtub. Drowned. It was awful. They were really close."
    "He talked to you about her?"
    "Yeah, we worked together, put in a lot of hours here. We're friends." Her eyes filled. "I can't believe what you're telling me."
    "You'd better believe it, for your own safety. Where would he go, Yvette? If he's scared, if he can't go home. If he needs somewhere to hide."
    "I don't know. His life was here. The salon, especially after he lost his mother. I don't think he has any other family. His father died when he was a kid. He didn't call me. I swear he didn't."
    "If he does, I want you to contact me immediately. Don't play games with him. Don't meet him alone. Don't open the door if he comes to your place. I need to get into his locker, and interview the rest of the staff."
    "Okay. I'll fix it. He hasn't been acting weird or anything." Yvette dashed a tear from her lashes as she rose. "He was all pumped up about Christmas. He's a real softie, you know. And last year, losing his mother put a cloud over the holidays for him."
    "Yeah, well, he's making up for it this time around." Eve stepped into the staff room, and glanced briefly at a beefy consultant gulping down a mint-green nutri-drink.
    "He's changed the combo," Yvette murmured. "He's got it blocked. I can't open this without his new code."
    "Who's in charge around here with him gone?"
    Yvette blew out a breath. "That would be me."
    Eve drew her weapon, tilted her head. "This'll open it, but you have to give me assent for forced entry."
    Yvette simply closed her eyes. "Go ahead."
    "On record, Peabody?"
    "Yes, sir."
    Eve adjusted the setting, aimed, and fired at the lock. The gun gave a muffled blast, sparked. Then metal sheered away and crashed to the floor.
    "Jesus, Yvette, what the hell?"
    "It's cop business, Stevie." She waved a hand at the gaping consultant. "You got a nine thirty buffer. Go on and set up for it."
    "Simon's going to be pissed," he said with a shake of his head as he left the room.
    Stepping to the side so Peabody could get the right angle on record, Eve tapped a finger on the pull. "Shit." She winced and sucked her fingertip. "Too hot."
    "Try this." Peabody handed her a neatly folded handkerchief from her pocket. Their eyes met briefly.
    "Thanks." Using the