More Twisted

position.
    “I don’t have time for breakfast,” he grumbled.
    “My mother always said breakfast is—”
    “—the most important meal of the day. So you’ve told me. Like, a hundred times.”
    She went silent. Then rose and walked into the living room with her coffee and phone.
    “Baby, I didn’t mean . . .”
    York sighed. Like walking on eggshells sometimes . . . . He retreated to the bedroom. He was fishing for aspirin in the medicine cabinet when the phone rang.
    “For you” was his wife’s cool announcement.
    It was Detective Bill Lampert. “Trotter’s back in town. Let’s go say hi. We’ll pick you up in twenty minutes.”

    “Yes, can I help you?”
    “Raymond Trotter?”
    “That’s right.”
    Standing in front of Trotter Landscaping and Nursery, a rambling complex of low buildings, greenhouses and potting sheds, Bill Lampert and Juan Alvarado looked over the middle-aged man. Lampert noted that he was in very good shape: slim, with broad shoulders. His brown hair, flecked with gray, was cut short. His square-jawed face shaved perfectly, blue jogging outfit immaculate. Confident eyes. The detective wondered if they revealed surprise as he glanced at their shields and maybe a bit more surprise at the sight of Stephen York, standing behind them. Trotter set down the large cactus he was holding.
    “Sir, we understand you were seeking some personal information about Mr. York here.”
    “Who?”
    Good delivery, Lampert reflected. He nodded behind him. “The gentleman there.”
    Trotter frowned. “You’re mistaken, I’m afraid. I don’t know him.”
    “You’re sure?”
    “Yes.”
    “Do you know a man named Hector Diaz? Mexican, thirty-five, stocky. He used to work day labor for you.”
    “I’ve hired hundreds of day people. I don’t know half their names. Is this an immigration issue? My people are supposed to check documentation.”
    “No, sir, it’s not. This Diaz claimed you asked him about Mr. York’s security.”
    “What?” Then Trotter squinted knowingly. “How’d this all come up. By any chance, was Diaz arrested for something?”
    “That’s right.”
    “So he made up something about a former employer to get a shorter sentence. Doesn’t that happen?”
    Lampert and his partner shared a look. Whatever else, this Trotter wasn’t stupid. “Sometimes, sure.”
    “Well, I didn’t do what Diaz said I did.” The piercing eyes turned to York.
    Alvarado took over. “Were you in the Scottsdale Health and Racquet Club yesterday?”
    “The . . . oh, the fancy one? No, that’s not how I spend my money. Besides, I was in Tucson.”
    “Before you left for Tucson.”
    “No. I have no idea what you’re getting at but I don’t know this York. I don’t have any interest in his alarm systems.”
    Lampert felt Alvarado touch his shoulder. The young detective was pointing at a pile of wooden boards, about the same width and thickness of the shims.
    “You mind if we take a couple of those with us?”
    “You go right ahead . . . soon as you show me a search warrant.”
    “We’d appreciate your cooperation.”
    “I’d appreciate a warrant.”
    “Are you worried about what we might find?” Alvarado chimed in.
    “I’m not at all worried. It’s just that we’ve got this thing in America called the Constitution.” He grinned. “What makes our country great. I play by the rules. I guess you should too.”
    York sighed loudly. Trotter looked him over coolly.
    Alvarado said, “If you have nothing to hide then there’ll be no problem.”
    “If you have probable cause there’ll be no problem getting a search warrant.”
    “So you’re telling us you have no intent to endanger Mr. York in any way.”
    Trotter laughed. “That’s ridiculous.” Then his face grew icy. “This is pretty serious, what you’re suggesting. You start spreading rumors like this, it could get embarrassing. For me . . . and for you. I hope you realize that.”
    “Assault and breaking and entering are very serious crimes,” Alvarado said.
    Trotter picked up the plant. It was impressive, its wild spikes dangerous. “If there’s nothing else . . .”
    “No, there’s nothing else. Thanks for your time.” Lampertnodded to his partner and he and York started back to the cars.
    When they were in the parking lot Lampert said, “He’s up to something.”
    York nodded. “I know what you mean—that look he gave me. It was like he was saying, I’m going to get you. I